Katy Cook

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.

In my mid-20s, I was making big financial decisions – rolling over a 401(k) after leaving a corporate job, deferring student loans before joining the Peace Corps, and figuring out how to invest while living abroad. Each challenge pushed me to learn more, and I realized I genuinely enjoyed making sense of money. But as my husband and I navigated major milestones – marriage, home buying, career shifts – we had a hard time finding financial advice that was clear, practical, and truly in our best interest. That’s when I knew: financial planning shouldn’t feel like guesswork. I became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ to help professionals in their 30s and 40s gain clarity and confidence in their financial decisions. I founded Kirwin Financial because there simply weren’t enough fee-only planners serving people who are growing their families, careers, and wealth. Today, I help couples align their money with their life goals – whether it’s buying a home, preparing for a new baby, or planning for financial independence. I offer unbiased, fee-only financial planning, meaning I work in your best interest – no commissions, no product sales, just expert guidance tailored to your life. A comprehensive plan typically costs $3,375, with billing based solely on the time spent at a rate of $275 per hour. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Let’s build a financial plan that fits your life, your goals, and your future. Get started here: https://calendly.com/kirwinfinancial/15min

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

Onward Financial Advising LLC is a fee-only, fiduciary financial advising firm dedicated to helping individuals and families build wealth and achieve financial security. Onward believes that financial advising is for everyone and that everyone can benefit from expert financial advice, regardless of how many investable assets they have. With this belief, the mission of Onward Financial Advising is to empower clients to improve their financial futures by creating personalized plans that build wealth. Key Services: • Comprehensive Financial Planning • Ongoing Financial Advice • Investment Management • Retirement Planning • Tax Strategies and Planning • RSU Planning and Employer Retirement Plans To accomplish this mission Onward specializes in creating personalized financial plans that address the unique needs of mid-career professionals, first-generation wealth creators, and families. The founder, Brian Blakeman, brings over 15 years of combined experience in aerospace engineering and financial services to create a unique blend of technical expertise and personal financial advice. Onward Financial Advising understands the complexities of financial decision-making, especially when it comes to managing restricted stock units (RSUs), employer retirement plans, and crafting efficient tax strategies. As a fiduciary, Onward is committed to acting in your best interest, offering clear, transparent advice without conflicts of interest.

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.