Matthew Duhaime

I joined Real Life Planning to mentor a new generation of real estate investors. We help real estate investors take practical steps to build financial freedom, create multiple sources of income, and make working for someone else optional. At Real Life Planning, we speak both real estate and financial planning. Whether you're adding to your properties, contemplating a 1031 exchange, listing your place on Airbnb, getting started as a landlord, or looking to buy a home overseas, we'll help you create a realistic plan for your financial life goals. As you build your investment property portfolio, we will help you plan to optimize taxes and diversify risks, manage total cash flow, and prepare for new opportunities. Our clients are - Rental property investors looking for a comprehensive financial plan - Professionals considering a real estate side hustle to create an additional source of income - People with inherited rental property - Homeowners maximizing opportunities for income - Americans looking to buy property overseas - Expats buying homes in the U.S. We're a Fee-Only fiduciary firm, so we work for you, not for Wall Street. That's why our fees are inclusive and transparent. My husband, Brian, and I live in Orlando, FL with our two young boys. I grew up watching my parents balance a W2 job, with steady income, a commission role, and managing a portfolio of real estate that included single family homes, multi-unit properties and an apartment complex. From that, I absorbed a mindset that there was more than one way to provide for yourself. That you could manage yourself and your time and that the idea of having multiple streams of income is a feasible strategy. A year after graduating from college, I purchased my first home, lived in one room and rented out another one of the rooms. From there the journey to create multiple sources of income began. Now, as the parents of 2 young boys, my husband, Brian, and I are trying to demonstrate the same entrepreneurial spirit to our boys as we manage our rental property and our peer-to-peer car sharing business. We are enjoying the journey and our experiences flow over into my work with clients as their financial coach and business coach. I have worked 17 years in the financial services industry. Real Life Planning works with clients virtually from anywhere. Interested in the real (estate) life? Book a discovery call today.

Welcome! I'm Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, a real estate investor, financial planner, and real estate business coach. I founded Real Life Planning to mentor a new generation of real estate investors. We help real estate investors take practical steps to build financial freedom, create multiple sources of income, and make working for someone else optional. At Real Life Planning, we speak both real estate and financial planning. Whether you're adding to your properties, contemplating a 1031 exchange, listing your place on Airbnb, getting started as a landlord, or looking to buy a home overseas, we'll help you create a realistic plan for your financial life goals. As you build your investment property portfolio, we will help you plan to optimize taxes and diversify risks, manage total cash flow, and prepare for new opportunities. Our clients are - Rental property investors looking for a comprehensive financial plan - Professionals considering a real estate side hustle to create an additional source of income - People with inherited rental property - Homeowners maximizing opportunities for income - Americans looking to buy property overseas - Expats buying homes in the U.S. We're a Fee-Only fiduciary firm, so we work for you, not for Wall Street. That's why our fees are inclusive and transparent. My husband Steve and I have three kids and live in central NJ, in the NYC metro area. We are both first-generation real estate investors with small multifamily properties, single-family homes, and a small apartment complex. We invest out of state and use a property manager. A financial advisor since 1997, I founded Real Life Planning and co-founded the Real Estate Financial Coach Course, Real Estate For Generations, and the You Unlimited coaching program. Real Life Planning works with clients virtually from anywhere and in-person in the NYC area. Interested in the real (estate) life? Book a discovery call today.

Scott Cox is a Senior Financial Advisor based in Princeton, NJ, and serves as the business manager for the Barry Team at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He joined the Barry Team in 2008, bringing with him a decade of experience from Merrill’s Retirement Services group. Scott’s expertise includes servicing 401(k), pension, and stock option plans, providing a focused perspective on retirement and equity compensation strategies. Scott holds a Bachelor's degree and an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University, where he graduated cum laude. He holds the professional designations of Certified Equity Professional (CEP) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Fluent in English and Spanish, Scott works with a variety of clients, including senior corporate executives, founders, business owners, and entrepreneurs across the United States. Residing in Whitehouse Station, NJ, Scott lives with his wife, Rishita, and their two daughters, Jiyana and Anaya. Outside of his professional role, he enjoys exercising, traveling, learning about different cultures, and is a fan of the New York Giants, Rangers, and Yankees.

Tara Pardo is a Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments, bringing three decades of experience in the financial services industry. She began her career at Goldman Sachs, where she served as Vice President of Equity Sales from 1992 to 2018. Following that, she was a Senior Relationship Manager at Lord Abbett from 2018 to 2022 before joining Fidelity in 2023. Throughout her career, Tara has focused on helping clients with wealth planning and financial strategies. She emphasizes collaborating with clients to create, implement, and monitor plans that align with their individual goals. Her work at Fidelity leverages the firm's resources to assist clients in making informed decisions for their financial futures.

Catherine Coleman is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She holds the designation of Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and has earned a Bachelor's Degree from Montclair State University. Catherine focuses on assisting women and families in managing their financial affairs by simplifying complex financial matters and handling detailed aspects of financial management. Her approach is centered on providing clients with reliable support and fostering informed, empowered decision-making. Catherine aims to build trusted relationships that allow clients to feel confident and alleviate the day-to-day burdens of financial management.

Damon Matzek is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He brings nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, focusing on helping successful individuals pursue their financial goals through personalized strategies. Damon emphasizes understanding his clients' needs and aspirations to develop tailored plans that aim to alleviate financial burdens and give clients back valuable time. Before entering financial services, Damon began his career in the Food and Hospitality Industry, where he gained experience working with diverse teams to deliver exceptional customer service. This background informs his approach to client relationships and service. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Columbia University and has earned professional designations including Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Outside of his professional life, Damon is an avid runner and spends time on the road pursuing this interest.