Kat Merriman, 38

Kat Merriman is not what most people expect when looking for financial advice. Most don’t know that Merriman spent nine years flying intelligence and surveillance missions for the Air Force. But that’s how she breaks the ice.

Merriman says a lot of times people feel pressure when they are talking to a financial professional — but when she tells them she flew airplanes for the military, it makes them less nervous because there is an element of surprise. Also, “many people have served or know someone who has served — so there’s that instant connection,” she says.