Comprehensive Financial Planning: Your Pathway to Success
Our Approach: Building Bridges to Your Financial Goals
At Pathways Financial Planning, our philosophy revolves around holistic financial planning designed to empower our clients to achieve both their short- and long-term goals. We understand that each individual’s financial journey is unique, which is why we take the time to craft personalized and thoughtful plans tailored to your specific needs.
We offer a range of services, including hourly planning, divorce planning, and ongoing planning, ensuring that you have the guidance you need at every stage of your financial journey. Based in Portsmouth, NH, we offer both in-person and virtual services, making it easy for clients to get expert guidance no matter where they are—providing flexibility and convenience without sacrificing quality.
As fee-only fiduciaries and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals, we prioritize your best interests above all else. We believe in building a bridge to your financial aspirations, fostering transparency and integrity so you can trust that our recommendations are designed solely to benefit you. Let us help you navigate the pathways of your financial future with confidence and clarity.
What Sets Us Apart
Fee-Only vs. Fee-Based
We operate on a fee-only basis, meaning our compensation comes solely from the fees you pay for our services, with no commissions or hidden costs. In contrast, fee-based advisors may earn commissions from selling financial products, which can create conflicts of interest.
A conflict of interest occurs when an advisor has a financial incentive to recommend certain products or services that may not align with your best interests. For example, a fee-based advisor might recommend a specific investment fund or insurance product that pays them a higher commission, even if it’s not the best option for you. This can lead to decisions driven by personal gain rather than your financial well-being, potentially compromising your financial goals.
By being fee-only, we prioritize your financial well-being and ensure our recommendations are solely in your best interest. You can trust that our guidance is unbiased and transparent, allowing you to focus on achieving your financial aspirations without concerns about ulterior motives.
Fiduciary Standard
As fiduciaries, we are legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interests at all times. This fiduciary standard means we put your needs first, ensuring our advice aligns with your financial goals and circumstances. You can have peace of mind knowing that our commitment to your success is unwavering and that we prioritize your financial security above all else.
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
As CFP® professionals, we have undergone rigorous training and education, passed comprehensive exams, and adhere to strict ethical standards set forth by the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Board. This designation signifies our expertise in a wide range of financial topics, including retirement planning, tax strategies, estate planning, and more. By working with a CFP®, you benefit from a high level of professionalism, knowledge, and a comprehensive approach to your financial planning needs.
By choosing Pathways, you are partnering with a team dedicated to empowering you on your financial journey with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®
Divorce is not just an emotional transition—it’s a major financial turning point. As Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) professionals, we specialize in helping clients navigate the complex financial aspects of divorce with clarity and confidence. This designation signifies a specialization in divorce-related financial issues, including asset division, tax implications, cash flow planning, and long-term financial projections.
At Pathways, we provide expert guidance to help you make informed decisions that support your financial well-being both during and after divorce. Whether you’re negotiating a settlement, evaluating the long-term impact of asset division, or planning for your financial future post-divorce, we offer the strategic insight you need to move forward with confidence.
By working with a CDFA®, you gain a financial strategist who ensures you fully understand the implications of your decisions, helping you achieve a fair and equitable financial outcome.
Meet Your Financial Planner
Kristen Vernace, CFP®, CDFA®
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
CERTIFIED DIVORCE FINANCIAL ANALYST®
As a dedicated financial planner, Kristen is passionate about empowering her clients to align their spending with their values and achieve their financial aspirations. With extensive expertise in budgeting, educational funding, retirement planning, and crafting tailored lifestyle goals through strategic planning, she has honed her skills over many years to provide exceptional guidance. Two of her favorite specialties are creating innovative financial strategies for individuals pursuing early retirement and offering compassionate, tailored guidance for clients navigating the complexities of divorce.
Kristen’s journey into personal finance began in 2012 when she and her husband prioritized paying off their student loans. Through this experience, she discovered the transformative power of budgeting and cash flow management. After successfully reaching her own financial goals, Kristen transitioned to coaching others, initially helping clients create plans to eliminate credit card debt and save for retirement. Her passion for empowering others with financial knowledge led her to pursue financial planning full-time, earning her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and expanding her expertise across a wide range of financial topics. In 2024, Kristen became a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® after recognizing the critical need for guidance during such a pivotal life transition.
Before founding Pathways Financial Planning, Kristen gained valuable experience working at a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) in New Hampshire, where she honed her skills in personalized financial planning and client relationship management. Her decade of experience teaching middle school English in San Francisco and Maine fostered her passion for education, which she now brings to her role as a financial planner. Kristen is committed to empowering her clients through thoughtful guidance and education, ensuring they feel confident and informed as they navigate their financial journeys.
Originally from Philadelphia, Kristen has lived in Kittery, Maine with her husband for over a decade. She enjoys reading classic novels, playing beach volleyball, and (with varying success) learning to golf. She is committed to not only helping her clients achieve their short and long-term financial goals but also enjoying life’s journey along the way.