Christina Mangino

My name is Christina Mangino and I was born and raised in Las Vegas. I’m a Financial Planner and Family Relational Advisor. I love helping families work better together through healthy communication so they can successfully transition their wealth to the next generation. Many people are surprised that I was a nationally competitive inline speed skater in high school.

To describe God as generous is a massive understatement. God gave his only son! The Bible says, “He who did not spare his own son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32) On top of giving us Jesus, God gives us forgiveness, grace, countless blessings, and the breathtaking beauty of his creation all around us. 

I first discovered a joy for giving when I was in a leadership class post-college. We were each challenged to raise $2,500 for a charity in just seven days. I was truly amazed at what forty passionate people could do in just one week. We inspired ourselves, plus so many others who were touched by our shared mission. 

As a Financial Planner I have witnessed the dangerous effect wealth can have on our relationships with the ones we love the most. Money is intimately intertwined with our own values, beliefs, and emotions. I experienced this with my own family as we managed our family, business, and money together. The most important thing I've learned is if we sacrifice our relationships for riches, both end up empty.

In the early years, my business was an emotional rollercoaster. At times, the stress of it negatively impacted my health. I also realized I was tying my happiness to my financial goals. Once I achieved my financial goals I thought, Is this it? Jesus used this experience early on to teach me that success and riches may bring temporary pleasure, but true and lasting joy can only be found in God. Treasuring Jesus gave me an internal peace and happiness, no amount of success could ever bring.

When I was 25, I wish I knew that generosity brings freedom and joy. Jesus said, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) When we give, we truly receive so much more in return! I now wholeheartedly believe what Proverbs 11:25 says: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

One important part of my regular routine is going for walks outside—especially in nature. Walks are my special time with God in his creation. They allow me to be present, think, listen, pray and reflect.

Each year I set a giving goal and then allocate my giving around what’s most important to me. l also leave part of my giving allocation for spontaneous giving throughout the year.

My giving decisions start with three questions:

1) Is my heart aligned with the cause?

2) What impact on others will my gift make?

3) Are the leaders passionate about the mission of their organization?

These questions help connect my heart and mind to the purpose of my gift and connect me to the organization beyond money.

My journey with my own family resulted in my purpose: to show families how to intentionally grow their riches and relationships together. When we protect and preserve our most precious asset—our relationships—then we can successfully transition our values, leadership, and wealth to future generations.

The three words I would like to be remembered by are “Heart of Generosity.”