Meet Maura Madden.
As a feminist financial planner and educator, I work with women who recognize that it is time to get their finances under control – even if they have been putting it off. Whatever your age or situation, it is neither too early nor too late to create a more informed, secure relationship with your money.
Why it can be so difficult
- Financial professionals who speak down to you
- The competitive nature of the investment industry
- Financial shame from family, partners, or comparing yourself to others
There are many systemic issues at play
- Inertia caused by financial overwhelm
- The massive and confusing financial services industry
- Lack of education about money matters
- Lack of time and mental space
Women often face unique challenges
- Longer life expectancy
- The likelihood of being divorced or widowed
- The toxic mixed messages we receive from society about money
- Unpaid caregiving responsibilities detract from lifetime earning
My Journey into Feminist Financial Planning
I began my professional career as a teacher. While I have always been logical and good at math, I never had any interest in finance. After a brief career in education, I realized that teaching was not for me (hats off to all of you who are teachers!). I stumbled into a job at a large investment company.
This was the start of a career in personal finance.
I spent ten years in various areas of personal finance, including investor relations, retirement education, and 401(k) administration. In 2008, I began working for a Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm and learned about financial planning. I was excited to discover that personal finance didn’t have to mean selling people products they don’t need. It did not require an obsession with the stock market. Financial planning can be about helping people to achieve their life goals, and can enable people to feel more confident about their financial life. It was there that I found passion and purpose for my work. This led to my obtaining my CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER designation in 2014.
Credentials
- 20+ Years working in the personal finance industry
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation obtained in 2014
- Certificate in Personal Financial Planning, College of Financial Planning
- BA, English from Binghamton University
- MA, Education from New York University
The “why” behind Maura Madden Financial Planning, LLC
During my 13 years working at multiple RIA firms, I enjoyed planning but became frustrated with the industry. While many financial planners are eager to manage multi-million dollar portfolios, far fewer exist to help those just starting out or who don’t have large accounts. I observed that the people who most need guidance are often those who cannot obtain it.
As someone who did not cut her teeth on finance, I noticed that most advisors find personal finance fascinating. However, in my experience, clients do not share this interest. This was particularly true of my female clients, many of whom had a lot on their plate and find no innate appeal in personal finance. For many, money is a tool to achieve their goals, not an end in itself… and that’s okay.
I want to help people understand how to manage their money, without requiring that they become avid investors or learn every in and out of investing or taxes. I believe it is important to understand what matters to you and pertains to your situation.
Do you find yourself turned off by or uninterested in finances? Do your eyes glaze over when people start talking about the stock market? Do you feel foolish, undereducated, or uncertain when the topic of personal finance arises? I get it because I’ve been there, and through my own experiences, I have discovered that all this can all be learned. You don’t need to know as much as an expert to feel confident with money. That is why I’m here to help.
The first step is to learn more about my services or schedule a time to discuss our compatibility.
Retirement Readiness
Seeking big-picture planning to help you get – and stay – on track for retirement?
One Big Thing
Need help with that one thing that’s weighing on your mind?
Not Sure?
Don’t quite know which is right for you? Let’s discuss it.