Dr. Mary Bell Carlson is a seasoned financial speaker, podcaster and storyteller. Her work spans government, academia, and private industry – from the Pentagon to Capitol Hill to communities across the country – helping individuals and professionals improve financial well-being. Mary is the founder and president of the Financial Behavior Keynote Group, where she represents a roster of a dream team of speakers who bridge research and real-world application in financial behavior. A dynamic blend of educator, strategist, and connector, Mary brings deep experience from academia, government, and private industry. Her passion is helping purpose-driven professionals take the stage and inspire change – locally and globally.
Behavioral finance is a term many advisors recognize, but few know how to integrate it into daily practice. In this engaging and practical session, Dr. Carlson demystifies the science behind financial behavior and shows you how to apply its principles in any advisory setting, whether you’re a solo practitioner or part of a large firm. You’ll discover how small, strategic changes can lead to lasting, positive outcomes for your clients. By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with actionable tools to enhance client communication, improve decision-making, and embed behavioral finance into the core of your business.
Money is one of the most powerful – and misunderstood – forces in our relationships. In this engaging keynote, Dr. Mary Bell Carlson explores why money conversations so often create stress, conflict, and distance, and how they can become a source of clarity and connection instead. Through real-world insights and practical tools, audiences learn how money beliefs are formed, how they show up in relationships, and how to communicate more effectively to build trust, alignment, and financial well-being together.
Money is more than numbers; it’s memory, identity, and meaning. In this interactive workshop, Dr. Mary Bell Carlson guides participants through a thoughtful exploration of their money story across past, present, and future. Through guided reflection and journaling, attendees gain insight into the money messages they’ve carried, how money shows up today, and how to shape a more purposeful, values-aligned next chapter.
“Mary is particularly skilled in fostering and facilitating dynamic discussions on difficult topics and bringing her audience to a consensus. Her speaking strategies are successful and of great benefit to her audiences.”
