Susan Ritter stands at the forefront of financial empowerment, pioneering a movement that equips women with the tools to achieve lasting wealth and independence. As the founder of Women’s Wealthy Ways and the S.A.F.E. Lifestyle Investment Academy, she leverages over 30 years of experience in financial education, technology, and strategic wealth-building. Susan’s programs are more than just financial courses—they are pathways to financial security, guiding women to make confident, value-aligned investment decisions in today’s dynamic world.
A Foundation in Curiosity and Learning
Susan Ritter’s journey into the world of finance didn’t begin with spreadsheets or stock portfolios—it began with an insatiable curiosity and a knack for problem-solving. She first stepped into academia pursuing studies in Business Administration and Management at the University of Calgary, and then transitioned to a focus on technology, earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from DeVry Institute of Technology. Her early education combined the analytical rigor of computer science with a practical grounding in business, giving her a unique perspective that would later define her career.
“I find most people only invest their time as a way to make an impact—limiting what they can accomplish,” Susan often says, reflecting on how her early insights on time, value, and growth shaped her thinking on wealth and personal legacy. This belief would ultimately drive her to create programs that help people understand and leverage the power of financial growth.
Early Career and the Dawn of Leadership
Susan’s professional journey began in the demanding field of project management, where she quickly excelled. Her most notable role was as a Senior Project Manager at Progress Energy, where she led a multi-utility consortium team to support AP-1000 New Nuclear Plant construction projects. Coordinating with partners like Westinghouse and Duke Energy, Susan’s ability to navigate high-stakes environments, balance diverse stakeholder priorities, and drive results distinguished her as a natural leader.
Her experience in this role taught her the importance of vision, collaboration, and structure—skills she continues to apply in her financial education work. In her own words, “Creating a vision for the outcome, assessing where we started, and establishing a plan to get us from where we were to where we wanted to be—these are the same steps I use today to help women establish a path to their own vision of financial freedom.”
Becoming an Architect of Financial Freedom
After more than two decades in project management, Susan’s career took a pivotal turn as she transitioned from overseeing complex technology projects to teaching the principles of financial independence. Her shift to the financial education sector was fueled by a profound realization: financial literacy, especially among women, was often limited by fear, misinformation, and an overwhelming sense that investing was “too risky” or “too complex.” Determined to change this narrative, Susan founded Women’s Wealthy Ways and the S.A.F.E. Lifestyle Investment Academy, pioneering a hands-on approach to self-directed investing.
The academy has become a beacon for women seeking financial independence, offering a three-tiered program designed to meet participants wherever they are in their investment journey. Each tier is crafted to empower women with actionable insights, from the fundamentals of wealth-building to the art of portfolio diversification and asset management. Her approach is clear-eyed and practical: “The world is in disruption, technology is impacting everything we do… yet most of us haven’t been given the tools to make informed financial decisions,” she explains. This acknowledgment of the complexities and uncertainties of the modern world shapes her mission to equip clients with the confidence and knowledge to navigate today’s financial landscape.
Guiding Women with Heart and Strategy
Susan’s clients don’t just receive information; they gain a mentor who’s deeply invested in their success. Her innovative, empathy-driven approach has been transformational, as reflected in the praise of those she has mentored. “Susan surpassed all my expectations as a coach and mentor,” shares Jacqueline Webb-Archibald, an International School Founder and consultant. “Her involvement with Genius U at the highest levels and her keen interest in making education relevant for all learners created an initial bond… and her high-value guidance has made an immediate positive contribution to my vocation and goals.”
Other clients echo this sentiment, describing Susan as a “wealth of knowledge” and a “safe pair of hands.” Jonathan Adjei, a colleague and industry leader, attests to her breadth of knowledge across technical and financial domains: “Susan brings enthusiasm and insight into every conversation. It was a pleasure to see her forge the next step in her journey, and it’s exciting to see her share her knowledge so generously in her latest endeavor.” These accolades are more than words; they reflect a career dedicated to lifting others, creating lasting value, and redefining what it means to invest in one’s future.
Building a Legacy of Empowerment and Community
One of the cornerstones of Susan’s work is her belief in community. She has created a space where women not only learn to invest but also find a network of like-minded individuals. Through initiatives like her weekly Women’s Wealthy Ways open-mic call, Susan fosters an environment of shared goals and mutual support. “Investing alongside others? It’s fascinating, fun, and fruitful,” she says, capturing the essence of her community-based approach to financial education.
Her commitment to social impact extends beyond her clients, as she partners with the Buy1Give1 charity to support global financial literacy and entrepreneurship. This partnership is a testament to her belief that financial empowerment can—and should—have a ripple effect, benefiting communities around the world.
Expertise Rooted in Experience and Vision
With a rich background that spans across technology, project management, and financial education, Susan brings a rare combination of analytical skill and emotional intelligence to her work. She has honed her expertise in diverse investment strategies, from conservative wealth preservation in precious metals to speculative growth opportunities in the stock market and beyond. Her programs teach clients not only how to build wealth but also how to do so in alignment with their values and long-term vision.
Susan’s distinctive approach, which she describes as “a model of financial stewardship,” is designed to be passed down through generations. “The lessons you learn will be a model of financial stewardship to pass to your children,” she explains, underscoring her focus on generational wealth.
A Vision for the Future
Today, Susan continues to guide and mentor individuals across the globe, bringing the same dedication and passion to each interaction. Her clients range from first-time investors to seasoned professionals seeking a fresh approach to wealth management. Her work remains rooted in a simple yet powerful mission: to help people make money work smarter, so they can focus on what matters most in life. “When you discover how to invest your money, you can spend your time doing more of what you love,” she says.
In an age of increasing complexity and change, Susan Ritter offers a guiding light to those looking for financial freedom and peace of mind. As she continues to shape the future of financial empowerment, Susan’s legacy grows with every person she helps, every strategy she shares, and every life she transforms.
The Nectar of Wisdom from Susan Ritter’s Journey
- Financial Literacy is Fun and Interactive: Learning about money doesn’t have to be boring—real-life experiences and engaging tools can make it exciting and relevant.
- Your Future, Your Control: Financial literacy is the key to shaping your own financial future, no matter where you start.
- Everyone Can Do This: You don’t need to be a math whiz—confidence with money comes from hands-on learning and understanding how everyday decisions affect your financial well-being.
- Vision-Driven, Not Fear-Driven: Focus on what you want your life to look like, and let financial education help you achieve that vision. It’s about building your dream future.
- Outdated Advice Won’t Work for You: Traditional methods don’t fit today’s fast-paced world—connecting financial education to current events helps us stay empowered in any situation.
Editorial Note
Susan Ritter’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of financial knowledge and community. As a pioneer in self-directed investing, particularly for women, Susan brings decades of experience and a deeply personal touch to her work. Her philosophy blends practical wealth-building strategies with a commitment to empowering individuals to live purpose-driven, financially independent lives. Through Women’s Wealthy Ways, she doesn’t just teach investing—she builds a legacy of wisdom, resilience, and impact that extends beyond financial gains, leaving a lasting imprint on those she mentors.
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