I help our clients use their money as a tool to help them live the life they want, rather than the one they are "supposed to." After experiencing a disappointing but unfortunately common experience with a financial advisor as a client, I became a writer and speaker on personal finance. Coming from the perspective of an educator, consumer advocate, and sometimes outspoken critic of the financial advice industry, I recognized that many people DO need personalized financial advice. Why I Joined Abundo I believe Abundo's low-cost, Advice-Only model is the future of financial planning, and I want to be an integral part of it. Planning Specialties FI/RE (Financial Independence / Retire Early) Life Transitions (traditional, early, semi or mini retirement, career changes & sabbaticals) Favorite Piece of Financial Advice The amount of money you need to be financially independent is determined by the lifestyle you desire. Determine what you value, then how to spend your money and time to achieve that lifestyle. Professional Designations, Awards, and Accomplishments CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) Candidate for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) Certification Series 65 license Author, "Choose FI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence" Author, "Can I Retire Yet?" - Plutus Award for Best Retirement Blog 2022 & 2019 Speaker, Bogleheads Conference (2022) Speaker, AICPA/CIMA Engage conference (2023) Recent Blog Post Breaking Up (With Your Old Advisor) Isn't Hard to Do Fun Facts About Me My family is trying to get to the highest point of all 50 states. We are currently at 31!