First Things First is a platform that empowers individuals to implement basic practices towards creating a healthy financial lifestyle that leads to positive net worth and creating generational wealth.
First Things First is a platform that empowers individuals to implement basic practices towards creating a healthy financial lifestyle that leads to positive net worth and creating generational wealth.
First Things First is a platform that empowers individuals to implement basic practices towards creating a healthy financial lifestyle that leads to positive net worth and creating generational wealth.
About us
Welcome to First Things First
At First Things First, we believe financial success begins with a holistic approach that empowers individuals with the tools and knowledge to shift their mindset, achieve financial stability, and build a healthy financial lifestyle, fostering generational wealth.
Our CEO
Our CEO
Stacey Verneé Walston is an entrepreneur by trade, Community Relationship Manager by occupation, and Financial & Business Coach by passion. With over 20 years of experience working in and supporting the Indianapolis entrepreneurship ecosystem, she is an advocate and thought leader with a niche for developing innovative programs, resources and opportunities for the everyday consumer and small business owners.
Her unique journey has provided the knowledge, skills and mindset to meet individuals where they are and assist them with accomplishing their personal financial and business goals. She has been a catalyst for bridging gaps and breaking barriers that meet the needs of those underserved and underrepresented in Central Indiana and surrounding counties.
First Things First is a platform that empowers individuals to implement basic practices toward creating a healthy financial lifestyle that leads to positive net worth and creating generational wealth.
Stacey Verneé Walston is an entrepreneur by trade, Community Relationship Manager by occupation, and Financial & Business Coach by passion. With over 20 years of experience working in and supporting the Indianapolis entrepreneurship ecosystem, she is an advocate and thought leader with a niche for developing innovative programs, resources and opportunities for the everyday consumer and small business owners.
Her unique journey has provided the knowledge, skills and mindset to meet individuals where they are and assist them with accomplishing their personal financial and business goals. She has been a catalyst for bridging gaps and breaking barriers that meet the needs of those underserved and underrepresented in Central Indiana and
surrounding counties.
First Things First is a platform that empowers individuals to implement basic practices toward creating a healthy financial lifestyle that leads to positive net worth and creating generational wealth.
Stacey Verneé Walston is an entrepreneur by trade, Community Relationship Manager by occupation, and Financial & Business Coach by passion. With over 20 years of experience working in and supporting the Indianapolis entrepreneurship ecosystem, she is an advocate and thought leader with a niche for developing innovative programs, resources and opportunities for the everyday consumer and small business owners.
Her unique journey has provided the knowledge, skills and mindset to meet individuals where they are and assist them with accomplishing their personal financial and business goals. She has been a catalyst for bridging gaps and breaking barriers that meet the needs of those underserved and underrepresented in Central Indiana and surrounding counties.
First Things First is a platform that empowers individuals to implement basic practices toward creating a healthy financial lifestyle that leads to positive net worth and creating generational wealth.
- Financial Review: Evaluate your income, expenses, and overall financial health with financial ratios.
- Spending Plan (Budget): Create a customized plan tailored to your current income.
- Cash Flow Management: Provide strategies to improve spending habits and management of money.
- Housing: Renting & understanding lease agreements, first time homebuying, mortgage assistance and strategies to avoid foreclosure.
- Student loans: Review repayment plans, explain deferment or forbearance, and loan forgiveness guidance.
- Investing: When to consider investing and investment tools
- Small Business: Separating it from personal finances and managing
- Housing: Renting & understanding lease agreements, first time homebuying, mortgage assistance and strategies to avoid foreclosure.
- Student loans: Review repayment plans, explain deferment or forbearance, and loan forgiveness guidance.
- Investing: When to consider investing and investment tools
- Small Business: Separating it from personal finances and managing
- Financial Review: Evaluate your income, expenses, and overall financial health with financial ratios.
- Spending Plan (Budget): Create a customized plan tailored to your current income.
- Cash Flow Management: Provide strategies to improve spending habits and management of money.
- Credit Report Review: Assist with understanding your credit report, analyze for errors, and areas of improvement.
- Credit Score Improvement: Provide tips to raise your score. Such as utilization and addressing the effect of late payments.
- Dispute Support: Guide you through disputing inaccuracies in your credit report and how to properly communicate with credit bureaus.
- Housing: Renting & understanding lease agreements, first time homebuying, mortgage assistance and strategies to avoid foreclosure.
- Student loans: Review repayment plans, explain deferment or forbearance, and loan forgiveness guidance.
- Investing: When to consider investing and investment tools
- Small Business: Separating it from personal finances and managing
- Debt Analysis: Review all debts such as installments, credit cards, revolving debts, and other obligations.
- Debt Reduction Strategies: Offer advice on prioritizing debts and repayment techniques.
- Debt Management Plans (DMPs): Negotiate with creditors to reduce interest rates, waive fees, and consolidate payments. Arrange a single payment to distribute to creditors.
- Bankruptcy Education: Advice on when to seek a bankruptcy attorney and provide the required credit counseling session before filing.
- Credit Report Review: Assist with understanding your credit report, analyze for errors, and areas of improvement.
- Credit Score Improvement: Provide tips to raise your score. Such as utilization and addressing the effect of late payments.
- Dispute Support: Guide you through disputing inaccuracies in your credit report and how to properly communicate with credit bureaus.
- Credit Report Review: Assist with understanding your credit report, analyze for errors, and areas of improvement.
- Credit Score Improvement: Provide tips to raise your score. Such as utilization and addressing the effect of late payments.
- Dispute Support: Guide you through disputing inaccuracies in your credit report and how to properly communicate with credit bureaus.
- Debt Analysis: Review all debts such as installments, credit cards, revolving debts, and other obligations.
- Debt Reduction Strategies: Offer advice on prioritizing debts and repayment techniques.
- Debt Management Plans (DMPs): Negotiate with creditors to reduce interest rates, waive fees, and consolidate payments. Arrange a single payment to distribute to creditors.
- Bankruptcy Education: Advice on when to seek a bankruptcy attorney and provide the required credit counseling session before filing.
Anyone looking to improve their financial situation can benefit from financial coaching. Whether you’re dealing with debt, struggling to save, building credit, or preparing for a major financial milestone, First Things First is here to guide you.
We start with a discovery call to understand your financial goals and challenges. From there, we develop a personalized plan tailored to your needs. Through regular coaching sessions, we provide guidance, accountability, and education to help you make informed financial decisions.
Our holistic approach focuses not just on numbers but also on the habits, mindset, and values that shape your financial behavior. We believe true financial stability comes from aligning your financial choices with your life goals and creating sustainable practices for long-term success.
Yes! We support small business owners through tailored coaching programs, including credit education, funding strategies, and tools to build both personal and business credit.
No, financial coaching focuses on education, strategy, and behavior change to improve your financial situation. Financial advising typically involves managing investments and providing investment-specific advice. Our goal is to empower you to take control of your finances with confidence.