I Learn From My Clients Every Day

My financial advising career began in 2002. I was quickly humbled during my very first meeting, when my client broke down in tears because of a forced early retirement resulting from Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War. I remember not sleeping that night as I thought about the immense responsibility I now had as his financial advisor, and how my critical role could have life-changing financial implications for his family. Ever since that day, I have come to work committed to coaching my clients through all of the complex pieces of their financial lives and helping them achieve the confidence and clarity that comes with financial wellness. Using a holistic, goals-based approach to financial planning, I teach my clients that financial wellness is beyond product. It stems from instilling good habits and behaviors, increasing savings, and opening their awareness of their unique relationship with money.

Stowe Vermont Financial Planning

For many years I worked for "big name" financial institutions, such as Merrill Lynch and TIAA CREF. Then one day I thought back to my first client and decided to become a true advocate for my clients in a fiduciary relationship. So, I went out on my own and then helped develop the concept of Personal CFO at One Day In July. Instead of seeing each client relationship as a profit quest, I now view each one as an opportunity to deliver value, easing the financial stress that so many people carry.

Education: The First Step in Financial Wellness

Many advisors only focus their efforts on the "what." What product can the client buy? What strategy should I form around the products? Not many advisors, however, answer the "how," "when" and "why" questions. How are taxes paid? When should I start planning for retirement? Why choose this option over the other options? This is the education side of planning - the missing link in our field - and this is what I enjoy the most. I teach clients to become better stewards of their own money.

Divorce Financial Planning in Stowe VT

Working as a Stowe VT Financial Planner and a Certified Divorce Coach® I’ve seen many people struggle getting their arms around finances. The theme is consistent, whether I am in Stowe, VT, Frederick, MD, or some other city. Some struggle with making proper adjustments, and forming proper habits. Others struggle with the realties around managing money, which was once their ex-spouse’s role. Here are a few important things to keep in mind.

Part 1: Transition and Cash-Flow
Part 2: Taking Inventory and the Real Cost of Living
Part 3: Liability, Legal Documents, and Beneficiaries

Stowe, Vermont

I was ready for an exciting change, so I sold my financial planning practice in Maryland and moved with my family to beautiful Stowe, Vermont. I love the area, both for its spectacular natural beauty and for its accessibility to so many amazing outdoor activities. My two younger sons are in the Stowe school system, and my older son is pursuing his passion for cars at the Green Mountain Technology Career Center. I enjoy hiking, skiing, road cycling, writing poetry, and reading when I am not trekking my boys to sporting events.

Meeting Locations

My registered office is in Burlington, Vermont. I live in Stowe and can meet in either town. In addition, I have meetings in Frederick, MD, where I lived for many years.