CFP®-certified financial advisors working with LGBTQIA clients in Columbia, MD

Freddie Watson is a financial advisor with Lincoln Investment based in Rockville, MD, holding Series 63 and Series 65 designations and 45 years of industry experience. He has been affiliated with Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc. since 1989. Outside of advising, he serves as president of Watson Family Farms LLC, a farming business. Lincoln Investment serves individuals, charitable organizations, businesses, and employer-sponsored retirement plans, with a focus on educators and 403(b)/457(b) participants. The firm offers a range of financial planning and investment management services, employing both strategic and tactical approaches through in-house and third-party strategies.

Max Hoffman is a financial advisor at Fidelity with Series 66 registration and one year of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Equitable Advisors and various non-financial organizations. Strategic Advisers LLC, a Fidelity Investments company, offers investment management and advisory services to retail and institutional clients, including discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management. The firm employs a systematic investment approach utilizing fundamental research, quantitative analysis, and algorithmic portfolio construction across mutual funds, ETFs, and ETPs.

Eric Wells is a financial advisor with Cambridge Investment Research Advisors in Columbia, MD, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and two years of industry experience. He has concurrently worked at T. Rowe Price and within the federal government since 2010. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors is a large SEC-registered firm serving a diverse client base including individuals, retirement plans, charitable organizations, and trusts. The firm offers financial planning, investment management, and retirement advisory services through a network of independent professionals using a range of portfolio management and model-based strategies.

Jeffrey Grodsky is a financial advisor with Cetera holding the CFP® designation and Series 63 and 65 licenses, bringing 17 years of industry experience. He has worked with firms including Avantax Investment Services and Carmichael & Associates Inc. Outside of his advisory role, he is involved with Palumbo Financial & Tax Services LLC, providing tax preparation and accounting services integrated with financial planning. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered firm serving individual, corporate, charitable, and institutional clients through a large nationwide network of independent advisors. The firm offers a multi-manager platform with diverse portfolio management and financial planning services, supporting discretion levels ranging from automated allocations to custom strategies.

Eric Armentrout is a financial advisor with Empower Advisory Group in Columbia, MD, holding Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and seven years of industry experience. He previously worked at T Rowe Price and Equitable Advisors. Empower Advisory Group provides financial planning and investment management primarily to employer-sponsored retirement plan sponsors and their participants, utilizing an integrated model tied to Empower’s recordkeeping and administrative platforms. The firm emphasizes long-term portfolio returns, annual rebalancing, and clients’ savings rates in its financial planning approach.

John Baggett is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with 10 years of industry experience. He has worked at Edward Jones since 2018 and previously held roles at JPMorgan Chase Bank and JPMorgan Securities LLC. Outside of his advisory work, he rents a room in his secondary residence to a friend. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients. The firm offers a range of advisory programs and investment solutions, supported by a large nationwide network of advisors and branch offices.

Raymond Conboy is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has been serving clients since 1998, beginning his career at Prudential Securities before joining Banc of America Investments in 2003, where he continues to provide financial advisory services. Raymond works with wealthy families, business owners, businesses, and non-profit organizations, assisting them in recognizing, understanding, and realizing their priorities and goals. His expertise encompasses areas such as divorce transition planning, services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits, investment consulting for defined contribution and benefit plans, LGBT wealth planning, liquidity management, philanthropic planning, socially responsible and ESG investing, and tax minimization. Raymond aims to preserve and grow his clients' assets leveraging the broad financial capabilities of Merrill alongside the banking services of Bank of America. Raymond earned an Associate's Degree from Galway Mayo Institute of Technology and holds professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). Originally from Ireland, he moved to the United States in his early twenties. Outside of work, Raymond engages in hiking, triathlons, open water swimming, music, refereeing soccer, and spending time with his family. He also volunteers with organizations in his community, reflecting his commitment to community involvement.

At Empowering Finance we know that you are bold, ambitious, and a total badass. That's why you need a financial plan that allows you to pursue your passions and live your most authentic and powerful life. The problem is a buttoned-up approach to financial planning isn't going to meet your needs. You're worried that your dreams and aspirations will get lost in a cookie-cutter system. We believe you deserve a financial planner who listens to your unique dreams and helps you build a plan to get there. We understand that you want someone who will treat your money as we do our own. Which is why we combine our experience, authenticity, financial knowledge to connect with you and enable you to pursue your passions. Here's how we do it 1) We are a fiduciary: We are legally bound to put your interests ahead of our own 2) Diversity and authenticity matter to us: We are a woman-owned business, LGBTQIA+ friendly, and welcoming to anyone and everyone who needs an ally and friend with financial savvy. 3) Our services are fee-only: We keep things simple: no surprises charges or hidden fees So, Let's Chat. So you can stop worrying you won't reach your dreams and instead work with a passion-driven firm focused on achieving your life's dreams. Read Empowering Finances's blog here: https://empoweringfinance.com/blog/

At Silicon Beach Financial, we believe in the transformative power of your wealth. We’re more than just a financial guide—we’re your dedicated partner in realizing ambitious dreams and shaping the future. Our mission is to support visionary entrepreneurs and innovators who are driven to make a significant impact on the world. Our approach is deeply rooted in collaboration and partnership. We start by understanding your unique vision and then craft a comprehensive financial plan that aligns with your goals. Whether it’s managing investments to secure both short-term needs and long-term opportunities, or navigating the complexities of tax planning to maximize your wealth, we’re here to ensure you’re always ahead of the curve. We’re passionate about empowering individuals who are not only driven by financial success but also by a desire to create meaningful change. Our values—organization, accountability, objectivity, proactivity, education, and partnership—define how we work with you. We bring order to your financial life, help you make informed decisions, and anticipate life’s transitions with proactive strategies. Founded by Christopher Stroup, a recognized LGBTQ+ leader in financial planning, Silicon Beach Financial was created specifically for those who dare to dream big and make a difference. If you’re ready to transform your financial future and leave a lasting impact, let’s partner to turn your vision into reality. With us, your wealth isn’t just about accumulation; it’s about making a difference in the world.

Discover The Freedom Of Financial Clarity with Orchard Financial Group! At Orchard Financial, we empower you financially in a judgment-free zone, providing practical guidance in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Ideal for individuals and families who appreciate clear, straightforward advice in a relaxed setting where you're safe and valued. Are We the Right Fit for You? We're experts in supporting queer individuals and families with specialized knowledge in LGBTQ+ financial areas such as estate planning, family planning, and gender-affirming care costs. We also serve non-queer families looking for a personalized and non-judgmental approach to financial planning. Facing unique challenges or seeking direct financial guidance? Contact us to see how we can assist you. How Can We Work Together? The Total Package: Designed for those with substantial assets, this service offers thorough financial planning and investment management. Benefit from clear, actionable advice and a dynamic, evolving roadmap. Regular check-ins help us focus on growing your wealth with steadfast support. Makin' Money Moves: Ideal for clients needing a one-time, comprehensive financial plan. We begin with a detailed strategy session and support you in implementing it. Over three months, we'll develop a customized financial strategy with a clear action plan and success roadmap. Project Work: With our tailored project-based services, you can target specific financial goals. Whether you're making a significant purchase or optimizing savings, we provide personal, actionable strategies tailored to meet your needs. Orchard Financial Group is a proud woman-owned, queer-owned, and Certified LGBTBE® business. As a fee-only fiduciary and independent advisor, we commit to unbiased, trustworthy advice without any commission. Together, let's balance your finances with your dreams.

Sarah Currier Barrella is a CFP® professional with 26 years of experience in financial advisory services. She currently works at Santander Securities LLC and Santander Bank, NA, having previously held positions at TD Bank and Citizens Securities, Inc. Barrella is based in Boston, MA. Santander Securities LLC serves a broad retail client base with approximately $3.14 billion in regulatory assets under management across 10,800 client relationships. The firm offers investment advisory services, portfolio management through wrap-fee programs, and financial planning, operating both as a registered investment adviser and a FINRA-registered broker-dealer.

Elanna Gould is a CFP® professional with six years of experience, currently advising at Cambridge Investment Research Advisors in Cleveland, OH. Her background includes roles at PepsiCo and The Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Center, as well as academic experience at The Ohio State University. She is also an independent insurance agent for various companies. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors serves a broad client base, including individuals, retirement plans, and charitable organizations, offering financial planning, investment management, and retirement advisory services through a network of independent professionals. The firm provides a range of portfolio management options, proprietary and third-party strategies, and various custody platforms tailored to client objectives.

Ethan Siekkinen is a CFP® and holds a Series 65 license with Plante Moran Financial Advisors. He has one year of industry experience and previously worked at J Wilson Wealth Management. Outside of financial advising, he has experience in the lawn care business with Rizzo Lawn Care. Plante Moran Financial Advisors serves a diverse client base including individuals, institutions, trusts, estates, and charitable organizations. The firm provides investment advisory, financial planning, and estate-planning services, utilizing a range of investment strategies and managing both discretionary and non-discretionary assets.

Jace Hart is a CFP® with nine years of industry experience and currently serves as a financial advisor at Rockwall Wealth Management. His prior experience includes roles at Leo Wealth, LPL Financial, and Fidelity Brokerage Services. Rockwall Wealth Management provides portfolio management, financial planning, and consulting services to individuals, trusts, plans, charitable organizations, and businesses. The firm emphasizes diversified, low-cost ETF model portfolios with a focus on tax efficiency, liquidity, and systematic macro tilts, offering both traditional and advanced investment strategies tailored to client objectives.

Jeffrey Macdonald is a CFP® and ChFC® with 17 years of industry experience. He has been with Investment Management & Planning LLC since 2010 and is also affiliated with LPL Financial LLC. Investment Management & Planning LLC provides fee-based investment advisory and comprehensive financial planning primarily for individual and high-net-worth clients, offering portfolio management on both discretionary and non-discretionary bases. The firm emphasizes ongoing account supervision and individualized asset allocation, often utilizing LPL-sponsored platforms and model portfolios.