We are your closest confidant, and your “keeper of secrets.”
Everyone needs a trusted advisor. A smart, and professional individual with whom you can confide….
The Freckled Strawberry, Inc., founded by Carly Meyer Bentley, has one mission: to empower women to rise, lead, and achieve financial independence as Trailblazers, Career Professionals, and Moms-On-a-Mission to Champion for their families. Carly, a corporate pro turned entrepreneur and devoted wife and mother, has managed over $1 billion in assets in private equity, mergers & acquisitions, venture capital, and a few other financial instruments. Now she’s putting that expertise to work for women everywhere. Through her deep curiosity about what influences women in career selection and their relationship with money, she authored a white paper with The Economist, which inspired her trademarked TFS® Methodology. With The Freckled Strawberry’s proven TFS® Methodology and guidance, people report elevated financial acumen, confidence, and higher net worth within the first year of implementation.
We are the silent partner for trail-blazers, lady bastions, and high-performers.
Through her curated supportive network, practical tools, and guidance, she translates complex financial strategies into clear, actionable steps. Her blend of high-level expertise and real-world perspective makes her fun, credible, and deeply relatable. The Freckled Strawberry helps women gain confidence, grow their careers, and take control of their money. Enjoy her refreshing conversations that lead to powerful results.
**Stay tuned for her upcoming Podcasts series, where lighthearted stories and relatable, fun-loving characters captivate readers who speak to our everyday life.
About Carly
Growing up in a small agricultural farm town in the Midwest provided a solid footing of American tradition steeped in our amendment rights and free enterprise for hardworking individuals. After college, Carly, the visionary behind The Freckled Strawberry, boasts a distinguished and illustrious professional background, with over two decades of experience in senior executive positions in finance. Throughout her career, Carly has been a trusted advisor and overseer of assets worth more than $1 billion, catering to businesses, institutions, and family assets.
Her clients hold her in high esteem, valuing her discretion and reliability, particularly with lady bastions, high performers, and trailblazers, as she empathizes with those she serves.
While traversing the winding paths of finance, Carly noticed a significant gap in financial conversations with women. She took it upon herself to conduct extensive research in 2021 that culminated into a whitepaper with The Economist that explored a woman’s relationship with career selection and money. This research served as the stepping stone for her innovative Freckled Strawberry Methodology™, a trademarked process designed to empower women and provide them with financial independence.
Carly's "can-do" attitude and passion for empowering women have brought forth a thriving and welcoming organization. She has become a catalyst for countless women, making financial independence a reality for many. In today's world, women are increasingly taking ownership of their space, be it in personal opportunities, career advancement. entrepreneurship, or family matters. They occupy more positions of power than ever before, generating their income, creating wealth, and refining their relationship with financial matters and decision-making. Carly is proud to collaborate with these women and be a part of their financial journey.
From Our Clients
Carly's wealth of knowledge, strategic guidance and unwavering support have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth… I wholeheartedly recommend Carly as a mentor to anyone seeking guidance in their entrepreneurial journey, as the impact so far on my life and business is immeasurable! THANK YOU!!
Megan S.
Working with Carly at The Freckled Strawberry has been a rewarding journey of learning how to be an active participant in financial planning. She helped me see that chasing money through different jobs and passively hoping that my investments are set in the most beneficial way was not maximizing my financial potential. Working with Carly, I now understand how to take the right steps toward creating generational wealth for my daughter and making sure that wealth is protected for her future, which gives me great peace of mind.
Lori D.
I am so grateful to have found Carly and The Freckled Strawberry. I feel more confident in managing my money and have had so many "light bulb" moments from talking to Carly. I have also learned many new things about money and financials that I had never considered. I recommend working with The Freckled Strawberry to any woman even thinking about their money - which is all of us.
Erica G.
I couldn't be more grateful to be in partnership with Carly as I commence my journey to develop my own business. Not only does she have the background and time-tested wisdom regarding financial foresight and business building, she consistently shows up with an open heart, embracing me non-judgmentally with full support…Just as I work to empower individuals in my own way, Carly's words and tools are empowering for all women to shine our light for others!
Christan
Working with Carly has accelerated my self-esteem, confidence, and growth as a small business owner of 14 years. Her expertise in the finance world has helped me understand sides of my business that I had neglected. Her support makes me feel like the weight is off my shoulders… Every day I count my blessings for The Freckled Strawberry! Oh, so sweet! Thank you!
Christen
Working with The Freckled Strawberry has given me access to a network of professional women that could each individually give the term 'renaissance man' a run for its money. Each member of the team has demonstrated extreme care and dedication to both the mission of the organization as well as the relationships we've built… Both Carly and The Freckled Strawberry have enlightened me to the importance of communal support and passing forward timeless wisdom. I will forever be grateful for the roots that they have instilled in me for the remainder of my career.
Robyn
I used to joke with my work friends about my retirement plan being driving around in an old VW bus and selling wine… Fast forward to today and here I am selling wine from Ivy, my VW bus… Carly and I converted my business plan into proper financial documents. Carly was reassuring and understanding. I loved our phone calls. She would show up on the calls always fresh and energetic with a warmth akin to an old trustworthy friend; one who you can share your deepest, darkest secrets with no fear of judgment… We touched on many things I never thought I would overcome and some I didn't even realize I should. I was and remain very impressed with the amount of work we accomplished, but mostly in the confidence she instilled in me regarding my product and pricing metrics.
Sharon
I am 30, and have to admit that I have never been financially independent … I have a career and want to take some of that power back… I advance my financial independence on every single call with Carly. I am now in control of my money and I feel amazing! At the end of every conversation, I feel energized and empowered… I grew up in a world of 'don't worry about' finances. While I'm grateful, I never learned about how to manage my money…I'm a woman with a career who WANTS to worry. I want to get a paycheck and be confident that I am making decisions for myself now and also for myself 30 years down the road.
Andrea
The Freckled Strawberry hosted a Women’s Financial Retreat last May. I was thankful to attend. The small group of women from all walks of life created a very welcoming, personal experience. My expectations to understand my total financial picture were met. My fears and lack of confidence were eased.
Colleen
Since working with Carly, I've felt empowered about my financial situation. She helped illuminate the dark and aided me in understanding how crucial knowledge is for making informed decisions and advancing personal financial growth.
Dr. Martinez (Ph.D.)
Wow! This far exceeded my expectations… The personal letter almost brought me to tears. Thank you so much for this! …Carly heard me and addressed my concerns with a tailored response designed for me.
Monique
It is so refreshing to open up about conversations that are rarely talked about…It was great to spend the morning with funny, successful career driven moms and women like yourselves!
Ann A.
The CCEDC and The Freckled Strawberry have been such an amazing support system for my business. I truly believe I would not be where I am without the support…THANK YOU for believing in me and Sensory FIT.
Megan
I just added up my numbers. I made the most I have ever made…There's no reason why I can’t double that this year! I am a week or so away from becoming monetized on YouTube. Thanks for all of your help, support, and encouragement! I now believe in me more than ever!
She-nonymous
HOLY SMOKES! I cannot believe this, but I just completed my year-end numbers and OMG, I quadrupled my revenues since working with you! I'm completely shocked. I haven't stopped crying tears of joy. What a relief. My gratitude is through the roof. Thank you so much.
She-nonymous
Thank you for encouraging me to continue to dream about possible paths forward for me. Whenever I talk with you, I feel less 'stuck' and more inspired about where I could ultimately land. You help me step back and rethink the day-to-day stressors and remind me that the vision I am striving to reach for my career, life, and family can be reachable!
She-nonymous
As member of the CCEDC kindly said, "Thank you for sharing your insights on the psychological and emotional dynamics of money… You've opened my eyes – not only to the behavior of others, but to my own.