About Compass Financial
Guiding families toward financial confidence since 2010. Fee-only, fiduciary, always.
Our Story
Compass Financial Planning was founded in 2010 with a simple belief: financial advice should serve the client, not the advisor. After witnessing too many families receive conflicted advice driven by commissions, our founder Margaret Chen left a successful career at Vanguard to build something different.
As a fee-only, fiduciary firm, we are legally and ethically bound to put your interests first. We don't sell products, earn commissions, or accept referral fees. Our only revenue comes from the transparent fees we charge for our planning services.
Today, Compass serves over 12,000 clients nationwide with comprehensive financial planning that covers every dimension of your financial life — from retirement projections and tax strategy to college savings and estate planning.
Our Journey
Founded as a fee-only RIA in Portland, Oregon
Reached $100M in assets under guidance
Expanded to virtual planning nationwide
Named Top 50 Fee-Only Firm by Financial Planning Magazine
Launched digital planning platform
Surpassed $2B in assets under guidance, 12,000+ clients
Leadership Team
Margaret Chen, CFP®
Founder & CEO
20+ years in financial planning. Former VP at Vanguard. Stanford MBA.
David Rodriguez, CFA
Chief Investment Officer
Portfolio management specialist. 15 years institutional experience. CFA charterholder.
Sarah Williams, CFP®
Director of Planning
Specializes in retirement and tax planning. Former IRS enrolled agent.
James Park, JD
Estate Planning Lead
Attorney specializing in estate and trust planning. Georgetown Law graduate.
Lisa Thompson, CFP®
College Planning Specialist
Expert in 529 strategies and financial aid optimization. Mother of three.
Michael Foster, CPA
Tax Strategy Director
Certified Public Accountant with expertise in tax-efficient investing.