Mary Deshong-Kinkelaar CFP®, the founding principal of Kinkelaar & Associates, has over twenty years of business management experience. She began her professional career in commercial real estate and later worked for closely held businesses and entrepreneurial ventures to establish operations and employee benefit programs.
While working as a Director of Human Resources, Mary recognized that there was a tremendous need to make Fee-Only financial planning accessible to people of all income levels, not just the affluent.
“I saw employees not taking full advantage of their benefits and missing out on great opportunities. Usually, it wasn’t because they lacked an understanding of the benefits; but, rather, they were uncertain if they were making the right personal decisions. The uncertainty created fear, and the fear resulted in a lack of action. It’s the day-to-day financial decisions – or lack thereof – that impact your long-term life goals.” » MDK
As a professional financial planner, Mary guides her clients through the often-confusing maze of financial information. She helps them to define and achieve their financial goals while honoring their individual needs and values.
“I look at financial planning as a tool that can help you achieve your personal dreams, and with financial knowledge you can learn how to operate that tool. However, we are continuously bombarded with so-called financial information. Unfortunately, much of the information that people rely on to make financial decisions is not meant to teach you how to improve your financial life. It’s designed to sell financial products. Because of this, I strive to educate my clients so they are able to make informed personal decisions.” »MDK
By working as a financial coach, educator, and advisor, Mary adds the professional insight and balance that many people are missing.
A Registered Investment Advisor Representative in the State of Illinois, Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Sciences. Her credentials and activities include:
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional
Senior Professional in Human Resources, SPHR® designation
Member of the Garrett Planning Network
Member of the Financial Planning Association
Member of the Society for Human Resource Management
Board of Directors, Garrett Financial Education Alliance (GFEA)
Schedule an introductory phone call with Mary. Give her a call today at 800-716-0674 or send her an message online.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.