Amy Barnes

Beyond the numbers, my work is about stewardship. I’ll be here for the moments that change everything. With Bernstein's experts alongside me, we’ll simplify decisions and create a plan that manages what you’ve built and evolves with your life. My time with the Seattle Seahawks organization left me with a simple standard that still guides how I show up: “Always Compete.” For me, that means treating a client’s goals like they’re my own—preparing relentlessly, getting the details right, anticipating issues early and following through until the job is done. I joined Bernstein because I wanted to serve clients from a place where excellence is the baseline and where the work is as human as it is analytical. I’m wired to ask, “Is this the optimal move?” Bernstein’s depth of thinking, team-based approach and commitment to long-term relationships aligned with how I naturally serve—consistently thoughtful, tenacious, and deeply client‑centric. I’m also drawn to roles where you’re trusted to represent something bigger than yourself, whether it’s community-facing work with the Seahawks or now as an advisor. That responsibility keeps me grounded; it’s about earning trust, protecting what clients have built and helping them make confident decisions at the moments that matter most. Some of my earliest perspective on resilience and resourcefulness came from my family’s roots in the Philippines. Growing up, I heard stories of making do with very little, even hand‑pumping water from a ground well in my parents’ village just to cook or bathe. That upbringing didn’t just teach gratitude, it also emphasized responsibility. It shaped my values early: don’t take opportunities for granted, do what you say you’ll do, and use success to take care of people. Having built a company myself, I understand the pressure experienced by entrepreneurs, who are constantly weighing risks, trade-offs and responsibilities. That background helps me empathize with business owners, executives and families who balance opportunity with complexity. And I know how freeing it is to move forward with clarity from a set of optimal decisions, especially for founders, athletes and entertainers contemplating a “second act.”

After spending 15 years in corporate finance as a CPA I felt the desire for a more fulfilling career path. I made the switch to personal financial planning in 2014, earned the CFP marks, and spent 9 years at an Advice-Only firm providing hourly, project-based advice. I launched Alta Via Financial Planning with the intent to have deeper relationships with fewer clients, and provide a more collaborative, ongoing service model where I can more effectively set clients up for success in achieving their financial goals by serving as their trusted partner. I strive to meet clients where they are at, with no judgment, in order to provide a comfortable and trusted environment. I often find that the “Less is More” approach to both life and financial planning helps clients to destress and simplify their financial lives so that they can focus on what is most important, like getting outside with their families. I also understand and promote the importance of experiencing your ideal life today rather than waiting until financial independence (aka retirement). The advice-only pricing model does not compensate me based on how much you have, and therefore I do not have an asset minimum. I only require that you be a nice human. As a fiduciary I will never sell products, and will always make recommendations that are solely in your best interest. I provide comprehensive financial planning and cover areas such as retirement, investing, college savings, insurance needs, cash flow, equity compensation and tax planning.

Welcome, and thank you for your interest! My name is Tim Melia, and my hourly, fiduciary advice-only firm is Embolden Financial Planning LLC. Embolden Financial Planning LLC helps people at every stage of life. From young professionals getting started to families balancing competing priorities to retirees navigating their “go-go” years. Whether you’re new to money topics and looking for practical guidance or a DIY investor seeking a second opinion, you’ll receive transparent, hourly, advice-only financial planning designed to bring clarity and confidence to your financial decisions. Embolden Financial Planning LLC is based in Seattle and serves clients virtually across Washington, Oregon, California, and nationwide. I would be happy to meet with you for a free introduction meeting where you can share your goals for financial planning, learn how Embolden Financial Planning LLC can help, and ask any questions you may have. To schedule, please visit https://www.emboldenfp.com/scheduleintromeeting

Kevin Estes, CFP®, MBA is the Founder and Financial Planner of Scaled Finance, LLC. He helps tech professionals and their families live their best lives. His definition of family is broad! Your family is whoever matters most to you. His specialties include equity compensation, financial independence, real estate, and education. Kevin works with a wide age range of clients. Kevin is located near T-Mobile’s Bellevue, WA headquarters. Scaled Finance operates virtually, allowing him to serve clients nationwide.

My clients are primarily Gen X and Gen Y working professionals and pre-retirees. Many work in tech as well as in other industries. Many also work in the public sector and not-for-profit sector . My clients seek working with a Fee-Only CFP® who provides financial planning and investment expertise, affording them the ability to steward their financial resources towards their goals. They value the peace of mind that comes from working with a Fee-Only Financial Planner and, as a result, feel empowered to see through on their goals and dreams.

As a STEM professional, you likely prefer to manage your own finances — but you want to be sure you’re on the right track. When you partner with Synergos, you gain access to ongoing financial planning, expert guidance, and education tailored to help you make informed decisions and align your resources with your aspirations. As for me, I’ve always enjoyed working with people, numbers, and technology — and financial planning allows me to bring all three together. For the past 18 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, technologists, and researchers align their finances with the lives they want to lead. Drawing on a diverse background in finance — and a deep interest in systems and strategy — I specialize in simplifying complexity, creating clarity, and delivering personalized, actionable advice. Whether it’s optimizing portfolios, navigating equity compensation, or building long-term planning frameworks, my goal is always the same: to empower you to make confident, informed decisions that support your version of success. Let’s do that together. ***What We Do*** • Comprehensive Financial Planning • Retirement Savings Strategies • Roth 401(K) and IRA Conversion Strategies • Investment Management Advice / Portfolio Framework • ISO, NSO, RS/RSU Tax Planning • Cash Flow Management • College Education Planning • Risk Management Strategies • Estate Planning Strategies ***How We Work Together*** • Intuitive onboarding process designed to guide you through the planning process at your pace • Advice to optimize your finances and provide you with a roadmap to achieving your aspirations • Access to collaborative planning tools giving you real-time financial snapshots • Flat monthly fees for financial planning and tax planning ***Qualifications*** • CFP® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ Practitioner • AAMS® Accredited Asset Management Specialist℠ • APMA® Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor℠ • Series 66 – Uniform Combined State LawEducation • Master of Science, Finance, Golden Gate University • Bachelor of Arts, Economics and International Relations, University of California, Davis