WHAT I DO: I help Locum Tenens physicians and advanced practice providers gain clarity about their finances, identify opportunities and pitfalls, and stay on track with a trusted accountability partner. WHY IT MATTERS: Three recurring concerns stand out in my conversations with Active Duty Military and Civilian physicians and advanced practice providers: Skill Atrophy – Concerns about staying clinically sharp and staying competitive due to limited patient volume or exposure to diverse clinical settings. Financial Catch-Up – After years of training, many feel the pressure to fast-track savings and build long-term financial security. Time Flexibility – A deep desire for greater control over one’s schedule to prioritize family, entrepreneurship, or personal goals. These pressures often lead physicians to pursue Locum Tenens work—part-time or full-time—for its higher earning potential and flexible structure. But with that flexibility comes greater financial complexity, making a clear strategy and support system more important than ever. HOW I DO IT: Together, we assess your strengths and gaps across the six pillars of financial planning: Cash Flow Management, Risk Management, Estate Planning, Tax Strategy, Retirement Planning, and Investment Management. Then, we develop action items over 3 months to strengthen your financial foundation. Clients are empowered to self implement recommendations or collaborate with us for efficiency and accountability. NEXT STEPS: Ready to take control of your financial future? Connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out directly at arnie@achievablewealthfp.com—I’d love to learn more about your goals and how I can help. MORE ABOUT ME: I rediscovered my love for running three years ago thanks to one of my sons, starting with local 5Ks around the San Francisco Bay Area. Since then, I’ve become especially fond of the half-marathon distance, with races like the Oakland and San Francisco Half under my belt. Marathon training is next on the horizon, and I’m looking forward to the challenge. I also love exploring new places—favorites so far include Ilocos Sur (Philippines), Tokyo, Seoul, Busan, Barcelona, Lisbon, and London.

Wyatt Knippen is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in goals-based wealth management, customized investment strategies, and dedicated client service. He works closely with the Negrete & Associates team to develop tailored approaches that align with the unique circumstances and objectives of each client. Wyatt serves as a key client contact, focusing on building long-term relationships and remaining attentive to clients' evolving priorities, while leveraging the resources of Bank of America’s Retirement and Benefit Plan Services Group. Before joining Merrill Lynch in 2017, Wyatt spent 13 years as an insurance broker, gaining experience in client relations and financial planning. His areas of expertise include divorce transition planning, defined benefit and contribution plan services, employee financial health, managing new wealth, and personal retirement planning. He holds professional designations such as CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). Wyatt earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from California State University-Sonoma and an MBA from Saint Mary’s College of California. Raised in Napa Valley, he enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, gardening, and hunting. In his personal time, Wyatt cultivates his garden, tending to fruit trees, tomatoes, and melons.

Kristoffer Conrad Pingul is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He works directly with clients to define their financial goals and develop portfolio strategies tailored to their individual needs. His approach includes ongoing advice and portfolio adjustments to align with clients' changing situations. His expertise encompasses employee benefits planning, retirement income, legacy planning, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, and both individual and corporate investment strategies. He holds the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation and is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Kristoffer earned a High School Diploma from Davis Senior High School, an Associate's Degree from Solano Community College, attended San Francisco State University without degree completion, and completed an Accredited Certificate Program at The American College of Financial Services. Kristoffer speaks Tagalog and English and is affiliated with the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ). His personal interests include billiards, bowling, golfing, reading, spending time with family, tennis, traveling, volleyball, watching movies, and woodworking.

Katherine Engel is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She specializes in family wealth management strategies, personal retirement planning, and both individual and corporate investment strategies. Katherine works closely with clients to develop personalized financial plans that align with their goals, drawing on the investment insights of Merrill and the banking services of Bank of America. She earned her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP) certification in 2022 and holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Katherine holds a Bachelor's Degree from Fordham University and a Master's Degree from the University of Sydney. Her professional affiliations include memberships in 100 Women Who Care and Soroptimists International. Katherine is actively involved in community organizations such as the Community Resources for Children Development Committee, Leadership Napa Valley Class 35, Napa United Soccer Coach, and the Napa Valley Support Services Committee. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys cooking, football, reading, running, scuba diving, soccer, softball, spending time with her family, traveling, and watching movies.