Business Details
16 Years
experience
Your Trusted Financial Partner for Life's Transitions
We are a fee-only Registered Investment Advisor committed to providing comprehensive financial planning and investment management services tailored to the unique needs of professionals in the Washington D.C. area and beyond. Our firm was founded in 2010 by Ara Abrahamian and Matt Brock, who recognized the need for transparent, fiduciary-driven financial advice that prioritizes client interests over commissions. With over two decades of combined experience in the financial services industry, we have developed a client-centric approach that integrates all aspects of personal finance, including retirement planning, tax strategies, investment management, and employee benefits optimization.Our team of certified professionals employs an ensemble model, combining the expertise of multiple advisors to create dynamic, adaptable financial plans that evolve with our clients' changing life circumstances. We leverage advanced technology to provide real-time financial visibility and maintain accountability through structured processes that ensure ongoing support and guidance. Our commitment to transparency extends to our fee structure, eliminating conflicts of interest while maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity and ethical responsibility.
Services
Financial Planning
Retirement Planning
Tax Strategies
Investment Management
Wealth Management
Employee Benefits Analysis
Estate Planning
Risk Management
College Funding Strategies
Federal Employee Planning
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of combined experience in financial services
- Our ensemble approach combines multiple advisors' expertise for comprehensive solutions
- We operate as a fiduciary with transparent, fee-only compensation
- We integrate tax planning with financial strategies for holistic solutions
- Our adaptable financial plans evolve with clients' changing life circumstances
Associations and certifications
- Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)
Services
Financial Planning
Our comprehensive financial planning service creates personalized roadmaps for clients' financial futures. We analyze current financial situations, establish clear goals, and develop actionable strategies that address cash flow management, debt reduction, and long-term wealth accumulation. The process incorporates tax-efficient strategies and adapts to life changes, ensuring clients maintain financial direction throughout their careers and into retirement.
Retirement Planning
This specialized service focuses on preparing clients for successful retirement transitions. We evaluate retirement readiness through detailed analysis of savings, income sources, and lifestyle goals. Our advisors develop customized withdrawal strategies, Social Security optimization plans, and sustainable income frameworks that ensure financial security throughout retirement years while maintaining flexibility for changing circumstances.
Investment Management
Our investment management service provides tailored portfolio construction and ongoing asset allocation strategies. We implement evidence-based investment approaches aligned with clients' risk tolerance and financial objectives. The service includes regular portfolio reviews, tax-efficient rebalancing, and performance monitoring to ensure investments remain aligned with evolving financial plans and market conditions.
Tax Strategies
This integrated tax strategy service identifies opportunities to minimize tax liabilities across all financial planning areas. We develop coordinated approaches for tax-efficient withdrawals, charitable giving, and investment decisions. The service works in conjunction with clients' CPAs to ensure comprehensive tax optimization that supports overall wealth management objectives while maintaining compliance with current tax regulations.
Federal Employee Planning
Specifically designed for federal employees, this service addresses unique benefits and retirement systems. We provide specialized analysis of FERS pensions, Thrift Savings Plan optimization, and retirement eligibility calculations. The service includes transition planning for federal workers approaching retirement and strategies to maximize government-provided benefits while coordinating with personal financial goals.
People
Ara Abrahamian
Chief Investment Officer/Senior Advisor
With over 20 years in financial services, Ara co-founded Divergent Planning in 2010. He specializes in investment strategy and portfolio management, holding the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation. Ara focuses on creating evidence-based investment solutions while maintaining fiduciary responsibility to clients.
Matt Brock
Managing Partner/Senior Advisor
Co-founder Matt Brock brings two decades of financial advisory experience to Divergent Planning. As a Certified Financial Planner, he specializes in comprehensive financial planning and retirement strategy development. Matt leads client relationship management while ensuring adherence to the firm's fiduciary standards and transparent fee structure.
Karly HollanD
Lead Advisor
As Lead Advisor, Karly HollanD provides personalized financial guidance to clients. A Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Tax Strategist, she specializes in integrating tax-efficient strategies with comprehensive financial planning. Karly focuses on helping clients navigate career transitions and develop sustainable retirement income solutions.
Joshua Stromberg
Lead Advisor
Certified Financial Planner Joshua Stromberg offers expertise in investment strategy and retirement planning. He works closely with clients to develop adaptable financial plans that evolve with changing life circumstances. Josh specializes in helping professionals balance current financial needs with long-term wealth accumulation goals.
Cynthia Gennaro
Operations Manager
Cynthia Gennaro oversees firm operations and client service processes. With extensive experience in financial services administration, she ensures efficient implementation of client plans and maintains the technological infrastructure that supports the firm's remote advisory capabilities and real-time financial visibility tools.
Questions
What types of clients do you typically work with?
We specialize in serving mid-career professionals, federal employees, and retirees in the Washington D.C. area and nationwide. Most clients have $500,000+ investable assets, though we consider exceptions for high-potential clients.
How does your fee-only structure benefit clients?
Our fee-only model eliminates conflicts of interest by ensuring we're compensated solely by client fees, not commissions. This structure guarantees unbiased advice focused entirely on your financial best interests.
What differentiates your financial planning approach?
We use an ensemble model combining multiple advisors' expertise while maintaining personalized service. Our plans adapt to life changes and integrate all financial aspects, including investments, taxes, retirement, and employee benefits.
Do you work with remote clients?
Yes, we serve clients nationwide through virtual meetings. Nearly all our clients (99%) prefer remote consultations using secure digital tools that provide real-time access to their financial information and planning documents.
What qualifications do your advisors hold?
Our team includes Certified Financial Planners (CFP), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselors (CRPC), and specialists with Chartered Tax Strategist (CTS) designations. All advisors adhere to strict fiduciary standards.
How do you handle investment management?
We create customized portfolios based on individual risk tolerance and goals. Our evidence-based approach emphasizes tax efficiency, diversification, and regular rebalancing. We provide ongoing monitoring and transparent reporting to track progress toward financial objectives.
Reviews (1)
Isabelle MdH
Jan 02, 2019
Report
Ara and Matt are amazing. Their honesty and dedication are a refreshing change from other financial institutions and players. We've had Ara as our financial planner for over a decade now. We highly recommend Divergent Planning!
