Deborah Triplett

Magnify

“I always wanted to be a career woman when I was young,” says Mary, who keeps busy as CEO of The Staton Institute and CEO/Chief Compliance Officer for Staton Financial Advisors. She’s also a financial columnist for Military.com, co-author of Worry-Free Family Finances, and writes a free email newsletter, “Wisdom on Wealth.” But the secret to her success isn’t a special money tree in her backyard: it’s that she works hard, she’s optimistic, and she likes to think big—and her career has been anything but traditional.

After pursuing her MBA in her 20s, Mary  “took an 18-year break” when she found out she was expecting her first child. Determined, she went back to school at 47, completed her degree, and loves helping everyday Americans learn how to better manage their money. “It’s all about empowerment,” she says. “Just think: this is your life, and it’s as great as you want to make it.”