Mary Margolis

CFP®, CPA/PFS, CDFA®, CeFT®

Personal Information

Skill

I began as a CPA at Price Waterhouse. Dealing with the past was interesting, but I discovered that my passion was to make a difference in the future.  So, when financial planning for individuals began to emerge as a profession, I saw it as a way to build on my analytic and problem-solving skills to help families make good long-term financial decisions to improve their lives.

I was widowed at 33.  I learned first-hand the pain of losing my soul mate and financial partner.  Under the weight of varied emotions, I found it difficult to make good and consistent decisions. I was directionless and struggled to find purpose and to reimagine what is possible.  That is why I am so passionate about working with clients who are preparing for, and transitioning through, major life changes.

Making a difference is how I define success.  Life transitions require imaginative thinking. Whether anticipated or sudden, change is difficult, often in unexpected ways.  Change requires a conscious mind-shift in order to take back control and forge your desired path.  Each family’s situation is unique and deserves a customized and well thought-out approach to make the best decisions—not reactive, inconsistent or robo-generated decisions.

Education & Certifications

  • Duquesne University, BS Business Admin.
  • Bowen Family Systems Theory post-graduate study
  • Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
  • CFP® Certified Financial Planner
  • CPA/PFS Certified Public Accountant, Personal Financial Specialist
  • CDFA® Certified Divorce Financial Analyst
  • CeFT® Certified Financial Transitionalist

I love learning.  Change is constant and my quest to learn enables me to better serve my clients.  That is why I have pursued post-graduate study in Bowen Theory and certifications such as: CFP®, which has become the most respected standard for planners; PFS, which is the first sub-specialty of the CPA designation and establishes best practices for the technical side of planning; CDFA®, which supports clients and their attorneys with the money side of divorce; and CeFT®, which focuses on the personal side of financial transitions.

Community Service

I currently serve as a facilitator at Bo’s Place, a bereavement center offering grief support.

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