Maria Koedel, CFP®

Financial Advisor

Why did you choose financial planning as your profession?

Growing up without a solid foundation in financial management made me realize the importance of clear and supportive advice. This experience motivated me to build on the knowledge I once lacked and use it to help others feel more confident and secure in their financial decisions. This is what led me to enter the financial planning profession.

At the heart of my work is a genuine desire to guide my clients in achieving their goals—whether that involves planning for retirement, navigating life transitions, or simply gaining clarity about their financial situation.

What do you think are the most important steps people can take to improve their financial well-being?

Steven Covey said it best in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: "Begin with the end in mind." This is the starting point I always emphasize with my clients—focusing on their financial goals.

What are you planning for? Whether it's retirement, education, or legacy planning, having a clear vision is vital. Once you have clarity about your destination, the next step is to assess your current financial position. Consider some foundational questions: What are my monthly expenses? What assets do I hold? What are my liabilities? How are my investments allocated?

After gaining a clear understanding of where you are and where you want to go, collaborating with a financial professional can provide structure and ongoing guidance. This will help answer essential questions like, "Am I doing enough to reach my goals?" and "Am I taking the right steps to achieve my goals?"

What are you a fan of?

Music plays a significant role in my life outside of financial planning. I enjoy discovering new artists, often through playlists curated by the SJ Group, and I regularly attend live music events and theater performances. My two favorite theater productions that I have seen are Hamilton and The Phantom of the Opera. I would love to take my passion for music a step further by learning to play the guitar.

Professional Designations & Credentials

Education

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.
checkbox(Required)