By LOIS KINDLE
Bonnie Peacock has had lots of experience handling money and the responsibilities that go along with it. So it seemed only fitting when she decided to leave the corporate world last December to open her own business and opted to provide personal financial services as a daily money manager for individuals and families. Her focus is on seniors and people with disabilities who find it increasingly difficult to handle their financial affairs.
“I reached a crossroads in my career and decided rather than seek higher positions within banking, I’d go out on my own as an entrepreneur,” she said.
Peacock aptly named her new business Money Mates.
Like other individuals and businesses who are members of the American Association of Daily Money Managers, Peacock offers bill paying, checking account reconciliation, the preparation and making of bank deposits, organization of tax documents and much more. She’ll even negotiate with creditors and organize your financial papers and systems and make referrals to legal, tax and/or investment professionals and community resources, as needed.
She has been background checked by the AADMM and follows its strict code of ethics. She is one of the association’s 42 daily money managers in Florida, 560 nationwide and the only one in south Hillsborough County.
Peacock also offers a mobile notary service for all sorts of documents, charges $10 for the stamp and will travel anywhere in Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Sun City Center and Wimauma at no additional charge. Call 813-509-1750.
After providing a free, initial consultation to determine a client’s needs and whether or not she’s the right person to help, Peacock essentially works as needed to work with a client, a family member or caregiver. She charges an hourly rate and offers customizable plans.
“I want to help seniors and people with disabilities in my community by offering them a professional service they can trust to provide them and their families with the peace of mind in knowing there is someone else who truly cares about and is looking out for their financial well-being,” Peacock said. “I consider myself another member of a client’s care team, someone who gives them a way to maintain their freedom.”
The South Shore resident worked for TD Bank for 12 years, working her way to management in 2017. In December 2021 she was named branch manager for the new TD Bank store in Ruskin/Sun City Center.
“I saw first-hand in working with clients in our senior community how differing financial scenarios affected their lives,” Peacock said. “These included people who were victims of fraud and scams, those who were no longer able to effectively manage their finances, widows or widowers who never handled their own finances and others.”
More about the owner
Prior to banking, Peacock worked in the automotive industry from 2001 to 2010, specializing in finance and bookkeeping. Prior to that, she was employed in the restaurant business for 10 years.
LOIS KINDLE PHOTO
Former bank manager Bonnie Peacock started a new business, Money Mates, to help seniors and people with disabilities who find it increasingly difficult to handle their financial affairs.
Originally from Cape Cod, Mass., she grew up in bed and breakfasts. She now lives in Wimauma with her life partner, Tony Rudawski, a construction project manager; her 13-year-old son, Camden; dog, Scrappy; and cat, Mushi.
Peacock is the ambassador committee chairwoman of the South Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce, board member of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce; secretary of the board for the Mary & Martha House and treasurer of the Rotary Club of Sun City Center.
“I like to lead and enjoy being involved in the community,” she said. “There are so many fascinating people here who want to do good, and I’m proud to be one of them.”
To contact her, call 813-509-1750, email moneymatesfl@outlook.com or visit Money Mates, LLC on Facebook.
