In a world full of constant distractions, the people who choose to make time for us stand out — and for Charlie Horonzy, founder of Focused Up Financial, that simple act has become one of the clearest measures of trust. Across his career, Charlie has experienced both the steady confidence that comes from a generous mentor who always shows up, and the frustration that emerges when communication breaks down and leadership disappears. Those two contrasts shaped his entire understanding of trust, not just in financial planning, but in parenting, teamwork, and everyday relationships.

In this episode, Charlie reflects on why mentorship mattered so deeply early in his career, how availability builds confidence for clients and colleagues, and what he learned from an experience where shifting expectations and unclear communication caused trust to fall apart.

What You’ll Learn:

• How simple availability can become a powerful trust-building habit.
• Why presence matters more than ever in a distraction-heavy world.
• How inconsistent communication erodes trust even without malicious intent.
• What leaders often overlook when hiring, mentoring, or promising career progression.
• How Charlie uses early lessons (good and bad) to shape the way he serves clients and raises his kids.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “What's really neat about this in this day and age is people who can make the time for you. I view it as it's even more important because there's so many other distractions—whether it's work, family, whatever it is—away from time.” - Charlie Horonzy
• "You can't really trust someone if they're telling you one thing and then they're doing another. You gotta be true to your word.” - harlie HoronzyC
• “Every day, children are watching and they're looking for us to be leaders. And through that, they're gonna have the biggest trust in us, especially when they're young. And we can either develop that trust… or we can start to break that trust.” - Charlie Horonzy

Resources:

• Focused Up Financial, LLC
• Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams

About Charlie Horonzy:

Charlie Horonzy is a fee-only financial advisor, CPA, and Certified Financial Planner™ who founded Focused Up Financial to help individuals and families align smart planning with meaningful life goals. With a background in public accounting and a passion for integrating tax strategy into long-term financial decisions, Charlie now supports clients in building clarity and confidence around their finances. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring Chicagoland with his wife and three children, biking the Salt Creek trail, and volunteering in his community.

Connect with Charlie:

Website: Focused Up Financial

LinkedIn: Charlie Horonzy, CFP®, CPA

Facebook: Focused Up Financial

YouTube: Focused Up Financial

Connect with Anne:

LinkedIn: Anne Claessen

Connect With Us

If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Rise and Fall of Trust wherever you get your podcasts. And if you’re thinking about launching a podcast that builds trust and drives results,