Meet Carlton Hill

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlton Hill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlton, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, it wasn’t a glamorous leap. I didn’t wake up one day dreaming of being an entrepreneur. I spent 20 years in banking, working my way from teller to vice president, and genuinely loved helping thousands of clients navigate their financial lives. The team leadership, the coaching, the mentorship, the problem-solving for both my team members and clients alike; that was what I was passionate about.

When the company I worked for was acquired and I was laid off, and that was the wake-up call. After two decades of building a career I believed in, I realized I had spent years helping others grow while having nothing of my own to fall back on. That moment forced me to reflect on what I really wanted my legacy to be.

The experience taught me something valuable: I didn’t want to just make a living, I wanted to continue to make a difference in people’s lives, but on my own terms. I kept seeing this gap where everyday people felt overwhelmed or intimidated by their finances, often because the industry speaks in jargon or makes people feel ashamed for not knowing more.

I understood that I had a unique opportunity to bridge that gap. With my banking background, I could break down complex financial concepts in ways that actually make sense to people, without the intimidation factor. So I built my business around that mission, helping people gain confidence and control over their financial lives. It’s not about getting rich quick; it’s about empowering others to build the financial foundation they deserve.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career definitely didn’t follow some grand master plan. In fact, I started college as a pre-med major, as all of my family was in the medical field in one form or another. I started as a bank teller in college just trying to earn some extra money, and ended up building a 20+ year career in financial services. I worked my way up through every level, from teller to Financial Services Officer to Branch Manager to Vice President &Regional Manager, leading teams and serving clients from all walks of life through major life moments like planning for their child’s education, to buying their first home or preparing for retirement.

What I’m most proud of isn’t the titles, it’s the people. It was truly the best part of my job. The clients I helped build financial stability when they thought it wasn’t possible. The team members I mentored who grew into strong leaders themselves. Helping people build genuine confidence with money has always been the heart of everything I do.

But, let’s be real, the path wasn’t smooth. After two decades with the company, my company’s acquisition brought organizational changes, and my position was eliminated. That was the shock that forced me to completely reimagine my future. Entrepreneurship had never been on my radar, but suddenly it became a path that made sense.

Starting over meant learning everything from scratch, digital marketing (I had never posted anything on social media in my life), brand building, finding my authentic voice, shifting from corporate structure to being responsible for absolutely everything. That mindset shift was very intense, but it also ignited something in me because the problem I had always worked to help solve hadn’t changed: people still desperately needed practical help with money, and I knew I had the tools and real-world experience to provide it.

What sets me apart is exactly that — genuine, hands-on experience. I’ve worked with clients at every income level, and seen firsthand what actually works versus what sounds good in theory. I don’t use fancy financial jargon or overwhelming theory. Instead, I translate complex concepts into plain language that empowers people to take real action.

That’s the foundation of Modern Money Matters. My business focuses on creating practical tools and teaching strategies that help everyday people finally feel in control of their finances, without the shame or confusion that too often comes with money conversations. I’m not here to impress anyone with complicated charts and formulas. I’m here to help people build a financial strategy that actually fit their real life, one practical step at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for a full week, we’d definitely be eating and drinking our way through the best of San Diego — no question about that.

First stop would be one of the great speakeasies downtown. I got really into craft cocktails during the pandemic, so anytime I find a place that puts real care into their drinks, I’m all in. We’d post up somewhere with good vibes and exceptional cocktails. A place that makes a proper Old Fashioned but also surprises you with something seasonal and creative.

For food, we’re hitting both ends of the spectrum. One night we’re going upscale. Maybe somewhere in La Jolla with ocean views for fresh seafood and great wine, the whole elevated experience. But we’re also tracking down the best hole-in-the-wall taco shop because San Diego has some of the most incredible Mexican food you’ll find anywhere. Nothing fancy, just pure flavor.

If it’s baseball season, we’re absolutely catching a Padres game at Petco Park. It’s honestly one of the best stadiums in the country, with great food and atmosphere. Even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, it’s just a perfect San Diego experience.

During the day, we’d explore different beach communities. Maybe walk around Balboa Park, check out local shops in Little Italy, or just soak up that Southern California sun. And if there’s good live music happening anywhere, that’s always a must. Doesn’t matter if it’s someone famous or a local band; just good vibes, great sound, and a crowd that’s into it.

Really, the whole week would be about great conversation, incredible food, and those experiences that make you slow down and actually enjoy the moment. That’s what San Diego does best

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This one’s easy, but also not, because there’s no way I could narrow it down to just one person or influence.

Throughout my 20-year banking career, I was incredibly fortunate to work under leaders who didn’t just manage, they mentored. They saw potential in me before I saw it in myself, opened doors I didn’t even know existed, and taught me lessons that still guide me today: how to lead with integrity, navigate complex situations, and truly put service at the center of everything you do.

But honestly, some of my most profound teachers were my clients. Over two decades, I helped people at every financial level, and I learned something powerful from my wealthiest clients, not because they had more money, but because of how they thought about money. They had systems. They planned decades ahead. They treated money as a tool to build freedom, create opportunities, and leave legacies, not just for themselves, but for their families and communities. Watching that mindset up close completely transformed the way I share information on how to think about money.

So my shoutout goes to every mentor who believed in me when I was still figuring it out, and to every client who unknowingly became my teacher. They shaped not just my career, but my entire philosophy about what it means to help people build lives they’re truly proud of. Without them, I wouldn’t be here, and I definitely wouldn’t have the perspective that drives my business today.

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