Holly Gillian Kindel, Managing Partner, CFP ®, CLU ®, FBS ®, CPCC ®

How I Like to Work With People
One of the primary reasons people seek a wealth advisor to partner with is that they are faced with one of life’s many transitions. Whether it’s a recent career success or unexpected detour, impending retirement or an inheritance, most advisors come to your transition thinking that it’s something to be expedited, meaning we’ll help you white-knuckle through this disagreeable but necessary time.
I disagree.
My 25 years of experience have shown me that folks who experience their transitions, people who look to learn from what life presents are the folks who will enhance their ability to live life to the fullest. Each time you successfully navigate a major life transition you restock your tool box and expand your capacity to master change.
I enjoy helping folks successfully navigate their money journey at whatever life stage they’re in. Whether it’s grappling with sudden financial events like an inheritance, unexpected bonus, stock options grant or creating money boundaries with business partners, family members or friends I’m committed to help you create sustainable practices that support your values.
I work best with those who grow through learning, whether that’s serving as a thinking partner with creative entrepreneurs, helping women overcome limiting money stories or constructing a financial independence plan for those who long for a life of their own. My 25 years of financial services industry experience ensures that all the details will be covered and my lifelong pursuit of personal growth demands that the plan is tailored to suit your needs.
Areas of Focus
- Creative Entrepreneurs
- People Navigating Life’s Transitions (Retirement, Inheritance and Sudden Money events)
- Financial Empowerment/Literacy
- Emotional and Spiritual Dimensions of Money
Why I Became a Financial Planner
If on my college graduation day my fairy godmother had told me that my future was in finance I would have dismissed her in an instant. But, if she had said that I would be a lifelong teacher, we’d have been in complete agreement.
I became financially literate out of necessity. At age 25 I had my first and most shocking experience of “money silence” when a poorly communicated estate plan thrust me and my family into emotional turmoil and forced me to learn about the logistics of money. My grandmother’s death was a financial flashpoint that catapulted me into the world of finance.
My life experience has instilled in me both empathy and compassion for whatever your money challenges are. I’ve experienced family financial trauma and I haven’t forgotten being one of the only women in my first financial planning class, feeling too ashamed to ask a “stupid” question.
I also know that we can all learn new skills if we’re willing to systematically apply our existing talents under the guidance of a caring professional. I’ve worked with hundreds of people to develop financial practices that work for them, tailored to their needs and temperament.
One of the great joys of working with a variety of people is discovering creative ways to can enhance and empower our lives through harnessing the energy of money. I know that the “right way” to do finances is to establish practices that work for you and we’ll keep trying until we determine what serves and sticks.
“Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.”
- Eleanor Roosevelt
I am an Active Member of These Professional Organizations
Education
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Graduate Certificate in Financial Psychology and Behavioral Finance, Creighton University Heider, College of Business, 2017
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MA in Cinema Studies, San Francisco State University, 1997
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BA in Philosophy with Humanities Honors, Scripps College, 1989
Accreditations
- Certified Financial Behavior Specialist™ (FBS®), Financial Psychology Institute, 2017
- Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, The Coaches Training Institute, 2007
- Chartered Life Underwriter, American College, 2006
- CFP ® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP Board of Standards, 2003
Brief Employment History
- Total of 25 years in financial services serving high net worth clients and providing pro bono
services to the working poor. Prior to that I worked for the American Civil Liberties Union of
Northern California.
Social Media
Awards
- Outstanding Adjunct Financial Planning Faculty Member of the Finance and Economics
Department at Golden Gate University – 2007 - Volunteer of the Year, Earned Asset Resources Network, 2005
Media Mentions
- Newlyweds Merging Finances: https://www.creditloan.com/blog/newlyweds-merging-finances/
- Fannie Mae is Making It Easier to Spend Half Your Income on Debt:
https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/networth/article/Fannie-Mae-making-... - Financial Coaching is a Thing: https://medium.com/@SageMoney/financial-coaching-is-a-thing-2ae9d8244a46
- Solving Family Money Fights: https://www.consumerreports.org/personal-finance/solving-family-money-fi...
- Financial Tips for Women in Business: http://foundersguide.com/here-are-top-12-finance-tips-for-women-in-busin...
- How Your Childhood Affects Your Financial Life: https://www.yourmentalwealth.com/nerd-wallet-how-your-childhood-affects-...
- Oh To Be Young and Naïve: http://www.budgetinginthefunstuff.com/oh-to-be-young-naive/
- How Well Are You Managing Your Biggest Asset: http://annlogue.com/guest-post-how-well-are-you-managing-your-biggest-as...
- Planners and Coaches: A Natural Fit?: https://www.psychologyofmoney.com/press/journal-of-financial-planning-05...
- The Dreaded “T” Word: https://kahlerfinancial.com/financial-awakenings/weekly-column/the-dread...
- Beyond Investment Advice:
http://www.wealthplanningmanagement.com/files/Jake%20Engle%20quoted%20Ma... - Planners and Coaches a Natural Fit? http://www.fpam.org.my/fpam/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/v7n3.pdf
Physical Address
648 Chenery St
San Francisco CA 94131
And
301 California Drive
Ste. 9
Burlingame, CA 94010