Erica Hinrichs, CRPC®
Financial Advisor
Erica grew up watching her mother build a financial practice on trust, expertise, and conviction. When her mother sold that practice in 2007, Erica chose to carry the work forward on her own.
Who do you typically work with?
Successful women, widows, couples, families and professionals navigating real-life transitions. Many of my clients are in their peak earning years, building toward independence, or preparing for retirement. A lot of them are balancing career growth and family responsibilities at the same time. What they share is a desire for clarity without feeling overwhelmed. That’s exactly where I focus.
You entered the industry right before the 2008 financial crisis. What did that period teach you?
Everything. I had just committed to this career on my own, and within a year I was sitting with clients through one of the most frightening market environments in decades. That experience taught me that financial planning is as much emotional stewardship as it is asset management. Fear is real. Uncertainty changes how people make decisions. My job during that period was to help people stay focused on what mattered, not on the headlines. I carry that lesson into every client conversation today.
You often describe yourself as a first call for life's most important moments. What does that mean?
It means the relationship goes beyond portfolio reviews. When something significant happens, a job change, a divorce, a loss, an inheritance, I want to be the person my clients reach for first. That only happens when someone genuinely trusts you and knows you understand their full picture. Building that kind of relationship takes time and consistency. It’s something I work toward intentionally with every client.
You bring a counseling mindset to financial planning. How does that show up in practice?
I don’t just tell clients what we’re doing. I make sure they understand why it matters. There’s a difference between following a plan and owning one. When people understand the reasoning behind their strategy, they make better decisions under pressure and feel more confident in their direction. That’s especially true during periods of transition, loss, or uncertainty, when clarity matters most and people are most vulnerable to making reactive choices.
This work is personal for you. Your mother was a financial advisor. How did that shape you?
She built her career with conviction in an industry that wasn’t exactly welcoming to women. Watching her lead that way gave me a sense of purpose I didn’t have to search for. My father was a frame carpenter, so I also grew up with a deep respect for hard work and for the many different ways people define success. Those two influences together shaped how I approach every client relationship: with both rigor and genuine empathy.
Life outside the office
Erica lives in Colorado with her husband, Josh, and their twins, Casen and Amelia. Each September, her family hosts a toy drive benefiting Children’s Hospital Anschutz in honor of her daughter, Avery, supporting the Child Life team that cared for their family. She stays active playing recreational volleyball and co-ed softball, spends time on the lake, camps in the summer, and unwinds with competitive darts at home. She loves concerts, travel, and experiences that keep her curious and connected.
Your family hosts a toy drive every September. Can you talk more about that? It’s one of the most meaningful things we do as a family. We host it every September in honor of our daughter, Avery. The Child Life team at Children’s Hospital Anschutz was there for our family during an incredibly difficult time, and this is how we give back. It keeps us grounded in what matters and reminds us why community and service aren’t just values we talk about. They’re things we show up for.
You play volleyball, softball, and darts. How does that connect to the work you do? For me, it’s less about competition and more about balance and connection. Staying active gives me a mental reset, keeps me engaged socially, and helps me stay grounded. That carries over into my work where I’m able to show up with a clear head, be present with clients, and take a thoughtful, steady approach to their financial decisions.