Having grown up in a Nebraska farming community, I left the Midwest in the early 80s for my first job as assistant to a U.S. House Representative in Washington, D.C., followed by a position for the U.S. Senate Finance Committee. Upon entering the financial industry I worked for Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers), then spent three years in the corporate accounting world utilizing my Certified Public Accountant and Personal Financial Specialist credentials. Positions with Acacia and American Express Financial Advisors (now Ameriprise) followed, before starting Bernhardt Wealth Management in 1994.

It is important for me to be able to look in the mirror at the end of the day and feel good about what I did for those I serve. So rather than be restricted by a large company’s cookie cutter methodology, I established my own firm where I could create customized plans that are far more appropriate for individual clients. I removed the conflicts of interest that were prevalent elsewhere, and created a business whose first priority is to serve the client by putting their interests before the interests of any company.

While fulfilling work is important, the greatest rewards come from living a well-rounded life. For that reason, I strive to relieve my clients of their financial anxieties, so that they can pursue their dreams.

“Life” is what gets me out of bed each morning. I have always loved life and am fortunate that I love what I do in this life—serving my employees, clients, and a network of professionals in the Washington, DC area. My gratitude has only increased since I walked 618 miles for 35 days on the Camino de Santiago, one of the most wonderful trails on earth. As an amateur photographer I’ve had the privilege of capturing the serene beauty that surrounds me as I hike. But I also enjoy the excitement of college sports, especially the Nebraska Huskers football team!

Education

• B.S., University of Virginia, Commerce
• CERTIFED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional
• Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®)

Affiliations/Memberships

• Board Member, University of Virginia Cornerstone Society
• National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
• Financial Planning Association
• Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants
• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Northern Virginia Estate Planning Council

Media Resource

• Book Author, Profiles in Success: Inspiration from Executive Leaders in the Washington D.C. Area
• MSN Money
• CNN Money
• Kiplinger
• The New York Times
• Today’s Chiropractic
• Lifestyle magazine
• Executive Leaders Radio