I provide comprehensive fee-only financial planning for families and individuals of all backgrounds. I specialize in families trying to save for college, retirement, and still pay the bills. I help clients identify, set, and achieve life goals by setting respective financial goals. Then, we create a plan prioritizing those action items that will put the client in the best position to achieve them. I coach clients through this process as needed, providing guidance and accountability on an ongoing basis. Note also that I am required to uphold a fiduciary standard of service, which means I act in the best interest of my clients, even if it is contrary to my own interests.

529 Expert is the premier resource for college savings stakeholders seeking a better command of the 529 marketplace. Ongoing duties include industry consulting, public and professional speaking engagements, and press support.

As a subject matter expert on college savings, writes consumer-oriented investment pieces. Topics covered include basic and mid-knowledge levels for consumers, such as, “How To Protect Your College Savings During A Divorce” and “7 College Savings Plans For Socially-Conscious Investors.” Also thought-leadership articles on how current or pending legislation and political changes impact investors such as, “Your 529 Plan May Not Follow New Tax Law.”

As a fiduciary, provided fee-based financial planning to families and individuals representing a diverse background of careers and personal situations. Each relationship included a comprehensive assessment of their respective situation, including current financial state, future goals, and strategies to achieve them. Further, provided ongoing guidance and accountability to implement recommendations, such as debt management, protection planning, college savings, and wealth management solutions depending on the client's needs.

Responsible for the promotion of college savings with both the public and product providers. Acted as spokesperson for the 529 industry to ensure the continued growth and adoption of this critical investment vehicle. Instituted ongoing support and development of Savingforcollege.com, including site tools, publications, 529 product analysis, performance rankings, and other supporting content and media.

In addition to the National Accounts Manager role, this Director of Advisor Distribution was further responsible for overseeing the Advisor Sales Team and driving marketing campaign functions for the proprietary advisor-sold 529 savings plans of ACS.Responsible for the oversight and development of the online advisor portal, 529QuickView.com. Conducted numerous training sessions both in-person and via WebEx with wirehouse relationship and operations personnel.Internal consultant for advisor-distribution related matters, including supporting business-to-business partners such as The Hartford and American Century, distribution partners such as Blackrock and the Bank of North Dakota, and other advisor-related ad-hoc items.

Relationship manager for over 350 broker-dealer firms and RIAs, primarily responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with key firms and their sales desks. This included negotiating dealer selling agreements for UII products and supporting & promoting UII products with those dealers. In addition, was responsible for investment oversight on the UII Investment Committee, relationships with multiple investment managers, authored internal research for marketing literature, and supporting other roles internally such as business development as needed.

As a Research Analyst, specialized in the 529 savings program product line. Collected primary data by program from providers for tracking assets under management and number of accounts by program. Primary author of several subscription-based products, including a quarterly quantitative and qualitative update covering analysis and guidance on 529 marketplace conditions as well as forecasting. Also included performing ad-hoc projects such as business line reviews and benchmarking for 529 market leaders. *Invited panel member and speaker to several 529 industry conferences.*Provided guidance on the 529 marketplace to members of the press. Has been quoted in multiple publications including the Wall Street Journal, Businessweek, Reuters, Investment News, and Ignites, among others.*Supported multiple additional product lines for FRC, including the quarterly mutual fund Market Analyst, Variable Annuity Market Analyst, monthly Monitor, and individual client requests.

Performed due diligence, along with a team of five analysts, on the Ayco List of Mutual Funds:Created quantitative screens using Morningstar and Value Line databases both in-program and in custom Excel modelsMaintained a database of updated information and news on the funds covered as well as Bullpen fundsContacted fund management and representatives for updates regarding holdings, outlook, and fund performancePrepared and collaborated on investment reports for distribution to clients on topics such as how to invest in gold, mutual fund fees, Exchange-Traded Funds, 529 Plans, portfolio construction, and investment style guidance (value vs. growth)Provided internal support, analysis and assessment regarding investments for Account Managers & Financial Analysts such as running Black-Scholes calculations for client options, mutual fund analysis for client 401(k)s, and investment opinions