Our Philosophy
Life is Complex. Let's Simplify!
Life is complex. Finances are complex.
Let's make them simpler!
We work with you to develop strategies and actionable steps to balance the tugs of your life, finances, and goals toward a plan that helps you feel educated on your needed steps, empowered to take those steps, and at peace that you are moving towards a future you design.
We strive to offer you at least 2 options:
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the "Mathematically Correct" answer.
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the solution which should help you sleep at night!
We educate you on the meaning and ramifications of all options.
We empower you to take the recommended steps in achieving your goals.
We walk with you in working toward your goals.
Meet the Team
Financial Advisor
J. Michael Priester, CFP®, EA
Michael didn't start in finance but came to the industry after 15 years in education at various levels. His passion for helping get individuals and families from point A to point B led him to begin the transition to financial planning in 2017.
Director of the Homefront
Briana Priester
Briana began her career in music education and music therapy, running Studio B: Music for Living. Since the birth of our daughter, she's been the pillar of our homefront activities.
Our Awesome Support Staff
The Interns
We get by with a little help from our friends!
Birdie (6) likes to maintain overall control of the situation.
Goose (1.5) is our little bubby, always happy to hang out and do the doings.
Twins Loomi and Xerxes (9) are the ferocious guard kitties. Beware the snuggles!
How We Work Together
Discover Our Services
Tax-Integrated Financial Planning
But for taxes, there'd almost be no need for financial planning. Our pairing of experience in broad-based financial planning and specific credentials in tax preparation offer our clients unique opportunities to maximize their current situation and future plans.
We meet at your convenience
We know that getting to our Penn Laird office may not always the most convenient option. That's why we're happy to host meetings in Harrisonburg, Winchester, via a web conference, or at a location convenient to you!
Core Services
For Individuals and Families:
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Multi-aspect, comprehensive financial planning
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Single-issue or limited scope planning
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Asset and wealth management
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Collaborative Divorce Financial Neutral consultation
For Businesses and Business Owners:
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Business and Personal financial plan integration
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Qualified and Non-qualified retirement plan establishment and maintenance
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Transition and Succession planning
For Individuals with Special Needs:
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Asset location and allocation
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Distribution planning
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Benefits coordination planning
So, what is a CFP® and an EA?
A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional has met key requirements:
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Having a strong educational background
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Having at least 2 years industry experience
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Passing a rigorous exam on financial planning principles and practice
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Maintaining the highest competency, ethical, and fiduciary standards, as set out by the CFP® Board of Standards
Fiduciary: One who ALWAYS places their clients' interests ahead of their own and who ALWAYS acts in their clients' utmost best interest.
An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a tax professional granted the highest credential offered by the IRS:
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Having passed a comprehensive 3-part exam on Individual and Business tax returns
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Earned unlimited practice rights to represent Individuals and Businesses before the IRS
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Continues to stay abreast of tax law changes and developments through Professional Continuing Education
While CPAs are required to have comprehensive knowledge accounting practices and tax preparation, EAs' training focuses specifically on tax planning and preparation.
