Jasmine Ball is a financial planner, entrepreneur, dog mom, and community volunteer living in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Originally from northern California, Jasmine moved to Tulsa after a shift in her career meant she could work anywhere — especially somewhere she could afford to buy a home and enjoy the fruits of her labor too. From the 918, she’s helping people find financial independence in one of the most wallet-friendly cities in the country. In this Q&A with Live in Oklahoma, Jasmine explains why moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma was a financially sound decision.
Thanks for joining us, Jasmine. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m the founder of Bamboo Financial Partners, a financial planning firm I launched here in Tulsa after spending over a decade in the industry. I live in Tulsa, where I raise my 17-year-old niece as her legal guardian and care for my rescue pup, Smokey. I’m also engaged to my fiancé, JP, who practices civil litigation at a Tulsa-based law firm. We met playing volleyball at Pearl Beach and are getting married this May.
Life here is full, grounded, and vibrant. It’s rooted in purpose and community. Between running a business, planning a wedding, and staying active in the community, there’s never a dull moment — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
You’re a born-and-raised California native. How did you end up moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma? Why did you ultimately decide to make the jump?
Like a lot of people, the pandemic made me reevaluate what I wanted my life to look like. My work had shifted to being completely virtual, and I realized I didn’t need to stay in California for my career. I heard about Tulsa Remote, a program that pays remote workers to move to Tulsa, and decided to take a leap. What was supposed to be a short-term move turned into a life-changing decision. It’s been the best unexpected detour of my life.
What opportunities has living in Oklahoma provided you?
Oklahoma gave me the space and support to start my own business. Bamboo Financial Partners is now going into its fourth year, and I’m proud of what we’ve built. I’ve also been able to purchase two homes — something that felt out of reach in California — and be more present for my family. Since I moved, my mom, dad, sister, niece, cousin, and her family have all relocated here too. I found my fiancé here, built a real community, and have formed deeper, more lasting relationships in these four years than I ever did back home.
I’m also proud to be the first Black female Certified Financial Planner in the state of Oklahoma. Starting my business here felt like an ode to Black Wall Street and being part of the uplift and continuation of the Greenwood legacy — that sense of resilience and purpose runs deep in everything I do.
You could go anywhere. Why has it made sense to stay put in Oklahoma?
Because Oklahoma feels like home. I’ve built a life here, professionally, personally, and relationally. I have a business I love, a partner I adore, and a community that lifts me up. JP, my fiancé, was born and raised in the Tulsa metro area and went to The University of Tulsa College of Law. We’re both very active in our community and planning our wedding for this May. I get to volunteer with incredible organizations like CASA, Lindsey House, Tulsa Dream Center, and Tulsa Boys’ Home. These are roots I didn’t expect to plant, but they run deep.
What has been the most unexpected part of moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma?
How quickly it felt like home. I thought I’d be here for a year, maybe two. But the people, the pace, the opportunities all just made sense. I didn’t expect to fall in love with a place so different from where I grew up, but here we are.
How would you describe the people of Oklahoma to someone who has never been here?
Genuine, welcoming, and community-minded. People look out for each other here. There’s a warmth that doesn’t feel performative. It’s just how people operate. It’s the kind of place where folks show up for you even if they just met you.
People often talk about how affordable Oklahoma is. With your background in financial planning, would you say moving to Oklahoma was a financially wise decision?
Absolutely. Oklahoma allows you to build wealth and stability without being financially stretched every month. I was able to buy two properties here as a single woman in my 20s and 30s, something that would’ve been nearly impossible where I was before. Lower cost of living means more room to save, invest, and actually enjoy your life.
What kinds of things do you do in your free time in Oklahoma?
I usually spend my free time supporting local businesses and enjoying all the ways Tulsa brings people together. I love volleyball nights at Pearl Beach with OSSO Sports, walking Smokey through the Gathering Place, and catching up on reading or grabbing a drink at Fulton Street Books & Coffee. You’ll often find me at Inheritance Juicery, brunching around Cherry Street, or joining a community event that makes this city feel so connected.
What misconceptions do you think people tend to have about living in Oklahoma? What’s the reality, in your opinion?
People think Oklahoma is all tumbleweeds and tractors, but it’s so much more dynamic than that. There’s creativity, culture, diversity, and heart here. The communities are tight-knit, the opportunities are growing, and the lifestyle is one that actually supports your well-being.
Any last words to convince someone Oklahoma is a great place to live?
Come visit. You might be surprised by how quickly it feels like home. You can build a full, rich life here without losing yourself in hustle culture. The people, the pace, and the possibilities make it a place worth putting down roots.
Sometimes the best things in life are the ones you didn’t plan. Moving to Oklahoma was never part of my original roadmap, but it became the setting for the most meaningful chapters of my life. I’m grateful every day that I said yes to something different.
