Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Ockenden.
Hi Nikki, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I didn’t grow up talking about retirement plans or investment strategies. I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in a household shaped by divorce and financial insecurity. Money was often a source of stress, not stability. I learned early what it feels like when finances are uncertain—and how deeply that uncertainty can affect every decision a family makes.
That upbringing stayed with me.
I was always drawn to numbers and problem-solving, but more than that, I was drawn to understanding why people struggle financially and how those struggles can be avoided. I studied Biochemistry at the University of Minnesota, initially believing my future might be in science. Over time, I realized my true calling was helping people create clarity, confidence, and peace of mind around money—especially when it comes to long-term planning.
More than fourteen years ago, I entered the financial services industry with a strong sense of purpose. Early in my career, I saw far too many hardworking individuals and families blindsided in retirement. They had done what they were told to do, yet still found themselves unprepared. Those moments felt personal. I knew what it was like to live without a financial safety net, and I made it my mission to help others avoid that reality.
Today, I’m an Investment Advisor specializing in retirement planning. My work focuses on helping clients protect and grow their wealth while preparing intentionally for every stage of life. Education and empowerment are central to everything I do, which led me to earn the Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) designation through the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants. I believe informed decisions are powerful decisions—and my role is to guide families with clarity and care.
As my practice grew, I opened and operated ThriveRight Financial, a holistic retirement planning firm rooted in education, strategy, and long-term client relationships. During that time, I also built and successfully led Precise Financial Solutions in Florida, where I expanded my reach and impact through a client-centered, holistic approach to financial planning. Both firms were driven by the same core philosophy: helping families and business owners align their financial decisions with their values and long-term goals.
Helping clients navigate retirement, protect what they’ve built, and move forward with confidence has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my career.
Today, through ThriveRight Financial, I guide families through the retirement journey, helping them prepare not just financially, but emotionally and strategically for the next phase of life. My approach is comprehensive, personalized, and rooted in the belief that retirement should be lived with confidence—not uncertainty.
Outside of work, I’m a mother to four incredible children—Mimi, Raya, Niaya, and Isaac—and now a proud grandmother. I love traveling, biking, hiking, and embracing life’s adventures with my family. These experiences continually reinforce my belief that financial planning isn’t just about numbers; it’s about freedom, security, and creating lasting memories.
My journey—from a childhood marked by financial uncertainty to building firms centered on helping others achieve stability and independence—shapes how I serve every client. I don’t just help families plan for retirement; I help them prepare for a life well lived.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The struggles along the way were very real, and many of them were deeply personal. Growing up with financial insecurity after my parents’ divorce gave me an early understanding of instability—but I didn’t realize how much that experience would resurface later in my own life.
I went through divorce myself and became a single mother while building my career. Balancing the responsibility of raising children on my own with the demands of the financial services industry was one of the hardest seasons of my life. There were moments when time, energy, and resources all felt stretched thin. I was navigating motherhood, personal loss, and professional growth all at once—without a safety net.
Breaking into and advancing within a male-dominated industry also came with challenges. I often had to work harder to be heard, to be taken seriously, and to earn trust. Early on, I didn’t have the luxury of making mistakes—I had people depending on me. That pressure was heavy, but it also sharpened my focus and strengthened my resolve.
There were setbacks, moments of doubt, and times when the path forward wasn’t clear. But those struggles shaped how I lead today. They taught me empathy, resilience, and the importance of planning ahead—not just financially, but personally and emotionally as well.
Being a single mother while building and later opening my own holistic retirement planning firm forced me to become incredibly intentional with my time, my decisions, and my values. I learned how to persevere, adapt, and keep moving forward even when the journey felt uncertain.
Looking back, those struggles didn’t slow me down—they defined me. They’re the reason I’m so passionate about guiding families through retirement with clarity and confidence. I understand firsthand how life can change unexpectedly, and that understanding allows me to meet clients where they are, with compassion and real-world perspective.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At ThriveRight Financial, our brand is built on one word: trust. We understand that people are trusting us with their life’s work, and that responsibility shapes everything we do. ThriveRight Financial was built to guide families through one of the most important transitions of their lives—retirement—with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
We are a holistic retirement planning firm that focuses on the five cornerstones of retirement planning: retirement income, investments, taxes, estate planning, and insurance. Rather than treating these areas as separate conversations, we bring them together into one coordinated strategy designed to protect what our clients have built and support the life they want to live.
We specialize in retirement-focused planning for individuals and families who want more than a one-size-fits-all financial plan. Our approach is educational, personalized, and values-driven. We take the time to understand each client’s story, then design strategies that help them make informed decisions with confidence—not fear.
What truly sets ThriveRight Financial apart is our holistic and human approach. We don’t lead with products—we lead with understanding. Clients aren’t rushed or talked at; they’re listened to, educated, and empowered. Many come to us feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, and what I’m most proud of is seeing them leave feeling confident, prepared, and at peace with their plan.
What I want your readers to know is this: ThriveRight Financial exists to help families prepare, protect, and prosper. Retirement shouldn’t be something people fear—it should be something they’re ready to enjoy. Our mission is to make sure the financial side of that journey feels clear, intentional, and built on trust.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I do see myself as a risk taker—but I strongly believe in calculated risk. To me, risk isn’t about jumping blindly; it’s about doing the work, understanding the landscape, and then having the courage to move forward.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was opening ThriveRight Financial in The Woodlands, a highly competitive market and a traditionally male-dominated industry. Starting a holistic retirement planning firm in that environment required confidence, preparation, and a willingness to stand apart—but it was a risk I believed in deeply.
My approach to risk, both personally and professionally, is rooted in strategy. When risks are well thought out, aligned with your values, and backed by education and planning, the rewards can be significant. That philosophy has shaped my career and the way I guide clients—risk doesn’t have to be feared, but it does need to be respected.
I believe smart, intentional risks are often the catalyst for the biggest growth. When taken thoughtfully, they don’t just open doors—they change trajectories.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thriveright.com/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/thriverightfinancialgroup
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-ockenden-thriveright
