MELISSA REAKTENWALT
Alexandria,VA
Summary
Financial planning and wealth management expert with nearly 20 years of experience advising individuals, business owners, and organizations. Accomplished professional writer with over 1,000 published articles for leading financial outlets including Investopedia, CityWire, iGrad, and APRFinder. Nationally recognized speaker and facilitator on financial education, with engagements at premier conferences including the Federally Employed Women's National Training Program, National Urban League annual conference, and The Forward Women’s Leadership Forum. Combines deep subject matter expertise with proven editorial skills to translate complex financial concepts into clear, engaging, and actionable content.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Founder & CEO
EViE Financial
01.2018 - Current
- Lead a women-owned, education-first financial planning and wealth management firm serving individuals, families, and business owners nationwide.
- Develop comprehensive financial plans, manage investment portfolios, and provide strategic business consulting for thousands of clients.
- Design and implement revenue streams from diverse sources, including managing client assets, providing fee-based consulting and advice, and facilitation.
- Design and deliver financial literacy workshops, presentations, and educational materials for public and private audiences.
- Scale firm to be a nationally recognized brand, with growth of 130% since 2023.
Partner & Co-Founder
Highlander Financial Group
01.2012 - 12.2018
- Built and managed a client base of individuals, families, and small businesses.
- Provided retirement planning, investment management, and financial education.
- Trained and developed a team of advisors and staff to deliver high-quality client service.
Financial Advisor & Trainer
Financial Advantage Associates
01.2009 - 12.2012
- Provided personalized financial planning solutions to a diverse client base.
- Trained new advisors in financial planning principles, client relationship management, and compliance practices.
Financial Advisor
Navy Federal Brokerage Services
01.2007 - 12.2009
- Delivered financial planning and investment strategies to military members and their families.
Education
MBA - Finance & Marketing
Strayer University
01.2014
BBA - Finance
Strayer University
01.2011
Skills
- Wealth Management
- Retirement Planning
- Business Owner Strategies
- Investments
- Financial Education
- Client Communication
- Strategic Planning
- Financial Content Creation
- SEO Writing
- Thought Leadership
- Ghostwriting
- Educational Resource Development
- Editorial Strategy
- Marketing
- Revenue development
Websites
Core Competencies
Wealth Management, Retirement Planning, Business Owner Strategies, Investments, Financial Education, Client Communication, Strategic Planning, Financial Content Creation, SEO Writing, Thought Leadership, Ghostwriting, Educational Resource Development, Editorial Strategy
Designations Licenses
- Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC)
- Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF)
- FINRA Series 7 License
- FINRA Series 66 License
Speaking Engagements
- National Federally Employed Women's Training Program, Chicago, IL, Presenter
- National Urban League, Panelist, Dollars and Sense
- The Forward Women’s Leadership Forum, Presenter, Business Owner Finances
Selected Publications
- Contributing Writer, CityWire, 2025-01-01, Present, Thought leadership pieces on advisor growth, practice management, and industry trends.
- Staff Writer, Investopedia, 2014-01-01, 2016-01-01, 300+ articles on investing, personal finance, and retirement planning, reaching millions of readers.
- Contributing Writer, iGrad, 2012-01-01, 2018-01-01, Financial literacy content for students and early-career professionals.
- Staff Writer, APRFinder, 2016-01-01, 2019-01-01, SEO-driven articles on credit, lending, and personal finance strategies.
- Additional publications in Kiplinger, GoBankingRates, and other industry outlets.
Personal Information
Title: Financial Expert & Professional Writer
Certification
Chartered Socially Responsible Investment Counselor (CSRIC)
Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF)
Series 66
Series 7
Timeline
Founder & CEO
EViE Financial
01.2018 - Current
Partner & Co-Founder
Highlander Financial Group
01.2012 - 12.2018
Financial Advisor & Trainer
Financial Advantage Associates
01.2009 - 12.2012
Financial Advisor
Navy Federal Brokerage Services
01.2007 - 12.2009
BBA - Finance
Strayer University
MBA - Finance & Marketing
Strayer University
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