Our Story

Our founders started Divergent Planning because they wanted to offer more accountability to clients than the big, national firms offered. Both Ara and Matt started their financial services careers in 2003 and came together in 2010 to open Divergent Planning with a commitment to transparency in financial planning and investment management fees.

That commitment led us to take it a step further, and in 2017, our financial advisory firm became a fee-only, fiduciary Registered Investment Advisor—we aren’t paid commissions, and our advice always puts clients’ best interests first. Located in Bethesda, MD, we have implemented the technology and processes to meet clients in person or virtually, with nearly half of our clients choosing to work with us remotely.

Why Divergent Planning

We diverge from both large, multi-national companies and many independent advisors. Here, your financial plan won’t be solely focused on your investment portfolio (though that is a crucial component) but will incorporate all areas of your money. We offer:

Adaptable financial planning:

Your financial plan is an ever-changing, ongoing project that adjusts to the transitions of your life.

Ensemble approach:

You work with a lead advisor while receiving the benefit of all team members’ expertise.

Transparency:

Our technology can provide you a real-time picture of your finances whenever and wherever you want it.

Accountability:

We have developed processes so that you have the comfort of knowing that your next meeting and action items are always on the calendar.

Tax planning:

We will draw on our in-house expertise to integrate tax strategies with your financial plan and will work with your CPA as well.

Planning for the
long term:

We stay current on changes to laws and trends that affect clients and have structured our firm to be here for the long term.

Ready to get started?

Get in touch with us for a complimentary consultation call.
We’ll discuss your goals and concerns and how we may be able to help.