Derek Miller
How I’m expanding what’s possible with money As someone new to finance, investing, and wealth management, I’ve become a dedicated student at Abacus. I’m learning the best ways to align my lifestyle with strategies that will make a bigger impact on my financial future. Actions like opening a high-yield savings account, contributing to my 401(k), […]
Lalaine Collantes
How I’m expanding what’s possible with money I put money aside to help out a variety of charities. Some of my favorites are Shriner’s Children’s Hospital and St. Jude. I also try to help struggling family members and friends where I can. I really enjoy working with Abacus clients. I try my best to make […]
Jacqui Worstell, CFP®
My Story The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting a soft glow on the polished marble floors of the bank. I stood beside my mother, barely tall enough to see over the wooden counter, my eyes wide with curiosity. I watched intently as my mom handed her paycheck to the teller. That white slip of paper […]
Jessica Garcia
How I’m expanding what’s possible with money Saving for retirement and travel (hopefully a honeymoon in the near future), supporting small businesses, and expanding my knowledge at Abacus to improve and take control of my own finances. Outside of work, my passions include Hiking and exploring nature, cooking and trying out new recipes, traveling, binge […]
Chris Vallejo, CFP®, EA
My Story I walked up to what looked like a stone castle for my first guitar lesson with a new student. The long driveway led to a heavy steel front door that towered over me. As I got close, Greg stepped out of a side entrance and led me through a large patio. He was […]
Rasheed Ahmed, CFP®
My Story I had finally arrived in India. I stepped off the plane and took my first few steps in an entirely new country. I was 18, and it was the first time I was traveling solo. I was thrilled at the prospect of following my own plan. Having eagerly saved up for this trip […]
Chrysantha Cosby
My Story “You are my love, my life, and my everything.” My parents told me this every night before bed for as long as I can remember. In Tagalog, my mom would say, “Isusuko na naming ang lahat, kahit na kailangan naming gumapang para ibigay sa iyo.” We will give up everything, even if we […]
Walter Yu
My Story I’ve always considered myself a numbers guy. And that’s why the first job I took was as a day trader. I sat behind a barricade of screens, hammered away at the keyboard, and made money – most of the time. My focus was on my performance: being smart enough, being quick enough, and […]
Melissa Hertz
My Story I stood atop the podium: first place All-Around! For years, gymnastics was my home away from home. I practiced four hours a day, six days a week. Bars, beam, floor, vault. My life revolved around balancing on a 4-inch piece of wood. My parents thought gymnastics was a waste of time but for […]
Lael Robinson
My Story When I was thirteen, my parents had a friend who lost her husband. She had been a housewife for 25 years, and her husband had always taken care of the finances. I remember overhearing my parents talk about how helpless she felt. She didn’t know how much money was in the bank, whether […]
Jorge Paganín, CPA
My Story Coming soon… How I’m expanding what’s possible with money Saving for retirement, enjoying life a little more, making sure my children have a good education. Outside of work, my passions include I enjoy volunteering and am heavily involved with the local youth soccer association.
Emily Benedetto, CFP®
My Story It all started with a robbery. I had left my keys to the safe in the top drawer. For weeks, I’d meant to move them but never got around to it. In a panic, I called my boss. He was a busy doctor visiting newborns at the hospital, but he picked up. “What’s […]
