My name is Karen Melo Ticas, CFP®. She/her (what's this?)
I'm the founder and owner of Planning for Good® — a virtual, fee-based financial planning firm built on the belief that great advice should be accessible and personalized.
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, I'm held to the fiduciary standard — meaning I'm legally and ethically required to put your interests first, always. Our team serves a diverse population, and my practice specializes in retirement planning for busy professionals and the LGBTQ+ community.
I discovered my passion for financial planning in college, while working for a large mutual fund company. Piecing together long-term strategies requires creativity, organization, and forward thinking — it was right up my alley. More than that, it was a career that allowed me to actively make a positive impact on people's lives, while affording me the independence and flexibility I value in my own.
With nearly 20 years in the industry, I made the commitment to earn my CFP® designation early in my career because I wanted to offer clients a truly holistic approach to financial planning — with the broad training and ethical accountability that comes with one of our profession's most respected credentials.
I studied at Bentley University while working toward my CFP® designation, and I hold a bachelor's degree in Finance with a minor in Economics from the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth. I'm proud to have been the first in my family to graduate from college.
I grew up bilingual, and went on to teach myself enough Spanish that I now have an actively multilingual household — something I'm genuinely proud of.
Looking for my contact details? They're all in one place here: www.planningforgood.co/contact-karen
Education & Designations
I love to learn — and I believe that continuing education is one of the most important things I can do to serve my clients well. Here's a look at my background:
CFP® — CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
I hold the CFP® designation, issued by the CFP Board — one of the most rigorous and widely recognized credentials in personal financial planning. Earning it required completing graduate-level coursework, passing a comprehensive 10-hour exam covering all areas of the financial planning process, and accumulating thousands of hours of professional experience. I'm required to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain the designation, and I've agreed to abide by the CFP Board's Code of Ethics, which holds me to the fiduciary standard.
Retirement Income Planning — The American College of Financial Services
I have completed the Retirement Income Certified Professional program through The American College of Financial Services. This program deepened my expertise in retirement income strategies, helping me better serve clients as they approach and navigate their retirement years.
Wealth Management — The American College of Financial Services
I have also completed the Wealth Management Certified Professional program through The American College of Financial Services. The curriculum provided an in-depth refresher on financial planning fundamentals — a lot has changed in the 20 years since I first studied for my CFP® — with an additional focus on building personalized investment portfolios that work in synergy with a client's overall financial plan.
Financial Planning for Unmarried Couples
I have specialized training in financial planning for unmarried couples — a need that's common among LGBTQ+ individuals and blended families, and increasingly among seniors as well.
Academic Background
Bachelor of Science in Finance, Minor in Economics — University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
CFP® coursework completed at Bentley University
When I'm not working with clients and building my practice, I enjoy traveling with my family. Find me on Facebook if you want to know about our recent adventures!
