About Me
Based in Gainesville, Florida, we serve clients throughout the United States seeking advice on a step by step basis.
Our clients often come to us with important concerns on their mind.
“How do I not outlive my money?”
“How do I know if I'm on track?”
“It feels as though my financial life has been put together piecemeal.”
“I thought I was getting a relationship with a financial professional, but all I got was a transaction.”
“I’m going through a tough life transition and keep getting stuck.”
“I’m not sure my financial professional really understands my goals – or what I’m all about.”
"I'm really confused about how my taxes will change in retirement."
These are important concerns, worthy of serious answers. With over 30 years in financial services, as well as an M.B.A., a Masters in Economics and a Certified Financial Planner™ certification, Holly Donaldson built a practice of providing sophisticated planning spelled out in simple language.
Holly has been a featured speaker and trainer in diverse venues, from university classrooms to national conferences. Quoted in the Wall St. Journal, The Penny Hoarder column, InvestmentNews, Financial Advisor, Money, and More magazines, as well as Marotta on Money, Centsai.com, CNBC.com, and Headspace.com, her area of interest is the psychology of money and its effects on personal and professional relationships.
Her book, The Mindful Money Mentality: How to Find Balance in Your Financial Future," was called “..a great addition to an advisor’s shelf, as well as a hugely valuable book for clients who are at a personal and financial crossroads” by NAPFA Advisor magazine.
Her free monthly e-letter, “The View from the Porch,” has received Constant Contact's All Star award for reader retention and engagement in multiple years since 2012.
Holly spent 21 years in banking where she served as a Senior Vice President in Private Wealth Management. During her banking career, she was nominated by a client as a "Banker You'll Love" and featured in Inc. magazine.
Why I Became an Advisor
Growing up, I loved putting quarters and JFK half-dollars into my piggy bank. Whenever I asked my parents for something that they thought I should pay for, they would say, “Holly, if you want that, you know you can always break your piggy bank.” I hated that thought. Each time I thought about “breaking the bank” to buy something I wanted, I weighed it against what would happen to my piggy bank.
Although I didn’t realize it at the time, I was learning a powerful lesson about the value of choice. I was choosing my piggy bank over my latest spur-of-the-moment desire. I still wanted the latest toy the TV commercials put in front of me. But I wanted my piggy bank more.
Over time, my awareness of money evolved into an interest in economics: Piggy banks on a grand scale. I learned about the difference it made in individual lives when people chose wisely. And after many years of working with clients at a major commercial bank, I discovered my passion and ability to help people put all the important pieces of their financial lives on the table.
The value of choice is very important to me and to my clients. For me, choosing to be a Certified Financial Planner™ is how I commit to making a difference in my clients' lives.