About Heartworth
We’re dedicated to giving first-generation wealth builders and underserved communities the financial guidance they deserve—because everyone should have access to resources and education, regardless of where they start.
We offer personalized advice and education to help you reach your goals, and most importantly, create lasting generational change for your family.
We know how intimidating it can feel to ask for financial advice, especially when you’re worried about being judged or feeling behind. That’s why we take a compassionate, judgment-free approach, meeting you where you are.
We listen carefully, we respect your story, and we understand that your background and culture shape how you approach finances.
We believe that true financial empowerment starts with understanding and trust, and we’re here to help you build that trust—both in yourself and your financial future.
Mai S. Yang, CFP®
Founder & Financial PlannerI
know firsthand what it means to be a first-generation wealth builder. My parents came to the U.S. as Hmong refugees from Laos, bringing with them little more than the hope of a better life. Growing up, I witnessed their tireless effort to provide my siblings and me with opportunities they never had. But when it came to managing money, they lacked the financial knowledge and resources others often rely on. Beyond the trauma of displacement, they faced the added challenge of navigating an unfamiliar financial system.
That’s why I founded Heartworth Financial—to help those facing similar barriers to financial planning, just like my parents. After over a decade of working with young professionals, particularly physicians, I knew I wanted to turn my focus to a cause that was deeply personal. I was determined to use the expertise I’d gained as a financial advisor to support others who are facing the same challenges my family experienced. Most importantly, I wanted to provide guidance that’s informed by my own understanding of the cultural complexities and unique obstacles that first-gen wealth builders and underserved communities encounter.
My goal is to help transform financial futures, moving from first-gen to generational. When financial planning is accessible, it empowers individuals to make informed decisions, invest in their futures, and create opportunities for the generations that follow.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me in Golden Valley with my husband, Chue, and our very opinionated Samoyed, Nova. We love to spend time at the dog park, where I try my best to keep up with Nova, and she pretends to ignore me. I’m also a pickleball enthusiast—well, I’m a 3.0 player, which means I’m good enough to make it competitive but not so good that I intimidate anyone. I also love traveling and I’m always hunting down the best local restaurants.
Recognition
2021 Honoree
Client Success Stories
At Heartworth Financial, we know that every financial journey is unique. To help you get a sense of how we personalize our
approach for each client, here are three examples of real stories from clients who’ve worked with us to overcome challenges, set goals, and achieve lasting financial success.
MeetMaya
Building Security on Her Own Terms
Maya (39) is a physician in the early stages of buying into a private practice. She’s proud of what she’s accomplished, and for good reason, she is the first in her family to earn a high income and carve out this kind of career path. While she’s confident in her work, the financial side of things felt overwhelming at times. She knew she needed someone she could trust to help her learn, take action, and build lasting confidence.
Outside of medicine, Maya is all about living fully. She enjoys traveling with friends, discovering new restaurants, and navigating life with her partner. As someone who values her independence, she also wanted a financial plan that felt aligned with who she is and where she’s headed.
What Brought Her to Financial Planning
When we first connected, Maya was considering buying into her private practice, a big decision with lots of unknowns. At the same time, she wanted to better understand how to manage her income, invest wisely, and build a strong foundation for the future. She had questions about budgeting, taxes, and how to talk about money with her partner, especially as thoughts of marriage and prenups started to surface.
What We’ve Worked on Together
- Building Financial Confidence: Maya leaned on me not just for answers, but for education. We walked through core financial concepts, how accounts work, where her money was going, and how to make decisions moving forward.
- Strategic Saving & Investing: We built an investment strategy that includes retirement accounts and a brokerage account, giving her a solid foundation with room to grow as her goals evolve.
- Practice Buy-In Analysis: We reviewed the buy-in offer in detail, modeled the long-term financial impact, and helped Maya decide on a path that aligned with her vision and comfort level.
- Lifestyle Planning: We created space in her plan for joy, making sure travel, dining out, and quality time with friends were built in, alongside savings and investing.
- Relationship Planning: With marriage possibly on the horizon, we explored how a prenup could protect her future. We talked through what’s typically included and how to approach the topic in a thoughtful way.
The Impact
Maya came in unsure of how to manage her money, but she was clear on one thing: she wanted to do it right. Together, we built her knowledge and confidence, helping her move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling in control.
She’s made huge progress, from deciding whether to buy into her practice to investing for her future, all while living a full and joyful life today. More than anything, Maya now sees herself as someone who can make smart financial decisions. And that shift has been the most powerful part of the journey.
MeetJulie & Peter
Building a Life Together
Julie (30) is a therapist who recently launched her own private practice. Peter (32) is a project manager in manufacturing. They’re newly married, recently bought their first home, and are in that exciting and sometimes overwhelming phase of building a life together.
Julie brings intention to everything she does, including money. She’s careful, conscientious, and wants to feel secure before spending. Peter, on the other hand, enjoys the experience that comes with spending, he values quality and isn’t afraid to indulge now and then.
What Brought Them to Financial Planning
When we first met, Julie and Peter had just closed on their first home, which they loved but it needed serious updates. At the same time, Julie’s therapy practice was gaining traction, and they wanted to be thoughtful about how to balance investing in the home, supporting the business, and making room for the things that bring them joy like traveling. They were motivated, optimistic, and full of ideas but weren’t sure how to prioritize or where to start.
What We’ve Worked on Together
- Getting Intentional with Business Income: With a more predictable income, we put structure around how and when Julie pays herself, and built in systems to set aside money for taxes, retirement, and a business emergency fund, so she has stability and peace of mind as her practice continues to grow.
- Aligning on Spending Styles: One of the most meaningful parts of our work has been helping Julie and Peter understand each other’s money mindsets. For example, we talked through Peter’s taste for high-end kitchen appliances and Julie’s hesitation to spend on big-ticket items. Rather than labeling one way as right or wrong, we found compromises that worked for both.
- Budgeting for Real Life: Rather than tracking every dollar, we created a values-based spending plan allocating money toward travel, ongoing home updates, and long-term savings, while giving them both some flexibility.
- Retirement Planning & Tax Strategy: We explored different retirement plans for Julie as a business owner and selected one that balances her income level, tax situation, and long-term goals. This also opened up more intentional conversations about how each of them wants to save for the future and how to grow their wealth as a team.
The Impact
Since working together, Julie and Peter have built more than just a financial plan. They’ve built confidence in the life they’re creating together. They feel more grounded, supported, and in sync with one another when it comes to money. With clear systems in place, they’re no longer second-guessing every decision or putting off the things that matter to them.
They’ve made meaningful progress toward their goals, from remodeling their home to enjoying travel, while also laying the foundation for long-term financial stability. Most importantly, they now have a framework that allows them to navigate their differences with more ease, and a shared sense of direction for what comes next.
MeetDaniel & Anna
A Growing Family, A New Start
Daniel (38) is a physician transitioning from his fellowship program to his first attending role. Anna (36) previously worked in education but is now a full-time stay-at-home parent. They have two young children, Olive (5) and Aiden (3), and are expecting their third child.
The family is relocating to the Twin Cities for Daniel’s new job, marking a significant shift toward greater financial stability and a new phase of their lives. Daniel and Anna are naturally cautious with their finances, focusing on stability and long-term security. They prioritize family time and value simple living, preferring to spend time together at home rather than on extravagant vacations or expensive experiences.
What Brought Them to Financial Planning
When we first connected, Daniel was preparing for a big jump in income as he transitioned into a new role, and both he and Anna were excited, but also aware that a lot of important financial decisions were ahead. With a growing family and more stability on the horizon, they wanted to make sure they were setting themselves up for success and not missing anything important along the way.
What We’ve Worked on Together
- Student Loan Strategy: We weighed the pros and cons of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF), considering Daniel’s career path and long-term goals. Together, we developed a strategy to optimize loan forgiveness while keeping his overall financial picture in mind.
- Home Purchase Strategy: We created a budget for buying a home, and looked at doctor mortgage options that allowed them to secure a home with favorable terms.
- Disability & Life Insurance: We prioritized securing disability insurance to protect Daniel’s income. For life insurance, we selected term policies to ensure adequate coverage without overcommitting financially.
- Strategic Investment Planning: We set up a monthly investment plan that aligned with their goals, including retirement savings. Their strong cash flow allowed us to focus on long-term growth, while keeping their assets diversified.
- Education Funding: We discussed their philosophy on paying for their children’s college education and then determined a monthly savings target to meet their goal.
- Family Support: We discussed how to financially support Daniel’s mother and came up with a plan to move her closer.
The Impact
One of the biggest shifts for Daniel and Anna was realizing that yes, they can meet all their goals. The disability insurance premiums are a big expense, the retirement contributions felt like a lot, and the investment accounts were growing fast. At times, it was hard to believe that everything would balance out.
But with a clear plan in place, they’ve been able to see exactly where their money is going and how it’s working for them. They’ve been able to move forward with confidence, purchasing a home, protecting their family, and building a life rooted in intention and stability.
Disclosure:
The case studies presented are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. While they are inspired by real client experiences, names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy. They are not intended as a guarantee of outcomes or a recommendation of any specific strategy. Individual circumstances will vary, and personalized financial planning is tailored to each client’s unique goals, values, and financial situation.
