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Jenna Dowell Financial Coach + Floral Designer

From “Looks Successful, Secretly Drowning” to Calm, Confident Finances

June 18, 2021

I'm

The Owner and Founder of Elevations Design Co. & Elevations Financial Coaching. Good coffee and adventures in wild places with my hubby and two dogs fuel my soul.

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jenna

Jenna Dowell is a Certified Master Financial Coach who helps women create a solid plan to build financial independence and confidence.

My Story & Why Elevations Exists

Elevations Financial Coaching is truly a labor of love.

I’m a registered nurse and former executive, who after paying off over a hundred thousand dollars in debt, became a Certified Master Financial Coach and I now provide financial coaching services to women and familes all over the country to help them do the same. Based between Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and Azle, Texas, I’m a mountain girl, dog mama, adventurer, and fellow dreamer, and today I’m going to share my story with you.

So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and allow me to introduce myself.

The Rise

In 2006, I graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Project Management and landed a great job. I earned a solid income, had just gotten married, and bought a brand-new home. Now, from the outside, life looked like it was falling perfectly into place.

Sounds dreamy, right?

The Fall

Cue the record screeching sound.

The reality was, I was carrying $40,000 in student loan debt, I was surrounded by shiny financed appliances, I was driving a brand-new financed vehicle, sitting on gorgeous financed furniture, and juggling balances across multiple credit cards.

I looked successful on the outside with a postcard-perfect, Instagram-worthy lifestyle— right down to the Coach bag (that I’m ashamed to admit didn’t come from the outlet).

Sound familiar?

I think we can all guess where the story goes from there. The economy crashed in 2008 and reality came crashing down around my ears in the form of job loss, divorce, and an unexpected back surgery.

Here We Go Again

I put myself through college again, this time as a registered nurse, racking up another $35,000 in student loan debt, and another 16k in credit card debt. What I had hoped was going to be the solution to my problems, (and it would be- eventually) put me so much further behind. I believed this was my fresh start — but I repeated the same patterns.

I had dug myself into a hole so deep, I truly couldn’t imagine ever getting out.

Keeping up With the Joneses

Without even realizing it, I had been keeping up with the Joneses — I was honestly just doing what everyone else was doing and going through life. I was chasing the so-called American Dream, which, spoiler alert:for many of us, it’s more like an American nightmare.

I was broke. And if I’m being honest, a little broken too.

I was scared, overwhelmed, frustrated, disappointed. I felt like a failure- albeit an educated failure, and I carried a lot of quilt and shame for how far behind I was.

But here’s the truth: money shame has no place here. Beating yourself up has no place here.

We all make money mistakes. At Elevations, we set goals, build a plan, and move forward — confidently and without judgment.

A soft feminine daily planner with gold paperclips and accessories - the perfect setting for creating beautiful routines and inspiring plans

Getting Out of Debt (For Good)

I finally said, never again, and created a calm, systematic, step-by-step financial plan, and slowly, steadily, I began digging my way out.

Was there sacrifice? Absolutely. Was it easy? Not even a little. Was it worth it? One hundred percent.

When I say I understand how overwhelming money can feel, it’s because I’ve been there. I know exactly what it’s like to feel stuck, scared, and unsure if you’ll ever get unstuck.

Today, I’m deeply passionate about helping women and families take control of their finances once and for all; to get out of debt, start saving, dream again, and live intentionally. At Elevations, I don’t just want to help you get unstuck, I want to help you get solidly on a path to becoming wealthy.

I don’t want anyone living scared, stuck, or broke. Around here we live counter-culturally — so that we can truly thrive.

Why I Coach the Way I Do

I am a Ramsey Solutions Master Financial Coach and a Compass Finances Coordinator. But more importantly, I’m someone who has lived this journey.

My coaching philosophy is simple:

  • No shame
  • No guilt
  • No overwhelm

Instead, we focus on clarity, progress, and building a life that actually feels good — yes, even one that includes cute boots and great vacations.

About The Elevations Blog

This space exists to share practical financial wisdom, wellness insights, and a little adventure along the way — because what’s life without something beautiful to look forward to?

You’ll find encouragement, tools, and real-life conversations here. You may even catch glimpses of my four-legged companions and my favorite fellow adventurers.

This is a place of grace, kindness, and honesty. A judgment-free space where all are welcome.

I’ll meet you wherever you are on your journey.

You don’t have to DIY your finances — or your wellness.

Ready to Take the First Step?

You can visit the website to book a complimentary discovery call or schedule a coaching session.

You’ll also find a growing Resource Library on the website — filled with practical, beautifully designed tools to support every season of life. From free financial snapshots and intentional budgeting workbooks to digital systems, weekly planning tools, goal-setting guides, and special planners for big moments (yes, even Christmas and weddings), these resources are here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

I’m cheering you on., and ’m so glad you’re here. I’ve been there. I’ve done it- and I know you can too!

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I'm

The Owner and Founder of Elevations Design Co. & Elevations Financial Coaching. Good coffee and adventures in wild places with my hubby and two dogs fuel my soul.

categories

Financial Coaching

Travel & Adventure

Mountain Life

Mindset & Leadership

popular posts

Christmas gift guide for the mountain girl

Create your Dreamlife

 Learn How to

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How to Make a  Budget (Free Workbook)

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Wedding Inspiration

Mindset shifts that will help you set goals that will actually inspire you and help you move forward intentionally!

jenna

Get instant access to the free Monthly Budget Worksheet and take your first step towards financial clarity