Founded November 2013 by Valerie Mawdsley, Smart Money Management-VA provides an outlet to assist individuals with the challenges they face managing their personal daily finances. As a seasoned financial services professional, Valerie has an innate talent and strength for organization and financial management. She advises individuals and families on their daily financial issues, creating and managing budgets and remaining fiscally responsible.
Valerie spent 27 years in the Foreign Service of the Department of State, serving in Rome, Italy, Port Louis, Mauritius and Kampala, Uganda. She served 10 years in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania where she started a family. She subsequently moved with her family to work in the U.S. embassies in Mauritius, Cyprus, Mexico and Kenya before retiring. As a Financial Management Specialist, Valerie managed budgets, disbursing and cashiering services at various embassies overseas as well as previously serving the organizational needs of each Chief of Mission whom she directly served. Upon retirement, Valerie specialized in business development and account management for several financial organizations. Her portfolio centered on federal government clients. She also lived temporarily in New York City working for a private financial compliance firm on Park Avenue. Valerie returned to Virginia in 2008 to work in the financial industry helping clients organize, manage, and audit accounts.
Valerie is married with two grown children. She enjoys sailing and tennis as leisure pursuits. As a volunteer she has worked with Inova Fairfax Hospital, Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. Currently she is the volunteer Treasurer for the non-profit Fairfax ReLeaf, and serves on the board of her Homeowner’s Association. For the 2013 tax season, Valerie volunteered and prepared federal and state tax returns for AARP seniors and low-income individuals. Valerie is a member of the American Association of Daily Money Managers (AADMM) and a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA).
Valerie carries specialized professional liability insurance.