"Aligning money towards a life that lets you do what you want, when you want, with who you want, where you want, for as long as you want, has incredible return."
"Aligning money towards a life that lets you do what you want, when you want, with who you want, where you want, for as long as you want, has incredible return."
Have you had your head down, saving diligently for the future but not really knowing exactly what it looks like or what you were saving for? Do you want to be more intentional about accumulating for and living your best life before and into retirement?
If you’re in your late 40’s to early 50’s, let’s establish your plan to get to the next chapter.
Some questions you may have:
You’re in your late 50’s to 60’s.
We can help answer the following:
Angela & Dan
Invest inheritance, fund their kid’s college education, leave a legacy to their kids and retire in their early 60’s.
Angela and Dan inherited cash from Angela’s mother. Their main focus was to put their idle cash “to work”. As we worked together, it became clear that the most pressing item they needed to address was to care for their two school age children, by providing them a college education and a legacy. They were short on their education funding and had no estate planning documents. They both had hectic schedules and needed to get a handle on their finances and how to align their goals with their money.
Our Strategy for Angela and Dan:
We partnered with them to provide the support and guidance they needed to feel confident to move forward on a clear path to their goals!
Monique & Martin
Tax optimization strategy for exercising stock options, fund purchase of 2nd home, pay down primary mortgage and retirement options.
Monique and Martin are financial do-it-yourselfers. Monique left her consulting job to work for a tech start-up company which shows significant potential for growth and Martin works part-time for the government. Monique was awarded employer stock compensation, Incentive stock options (ISOs) and Non-Qualified stock options (NQSOs), that vest annually. They contribute extensively to their children’s 529 plans to fund undergraduate and graduate degrees as they value higher education. They want to make sure they have enough for retirement at 80% of their current income. They don’t want to give up control over their assets but know they need guidance with asset allocation and navigating the tax consequences of the stock compensation. They also dream of having a vacation home as a family gathering place; space for the family to gather as they grow.
The Plan Outcomes provided Monique and Martin the following:
We collaborated with Monique and Martin to fit together all of the moving puzzle pieces of their life. They now have a cohesive approach to move forward to achieve their goals.
Catherine
Maintain a comfortable retirement lifestyle, gift to grandchildren and favorite charities, develop tax optimized stock diversification strategy.
Catherine enjoys her work. She is a marketing executive and her current income allows her to live a comfortable lifestyle. She has extensive employer incentive compensation, e.g. restricted stock, with a very low cost basis. Her portfolio is heavily weighted in her employer's stock. She has investment accounts, rollover IRAs from previous employer’s and an ESPP. She wants to scale back in the next few years but she’s not sure she will have adequate income to do that and still maintain her lifestyle. She wants to give money to her grandchildren for education funding and leave a legacy to some charities she’s passionate about. She’s unclear how a long-term care event or medical expenses will impact her savings during retirement.
The Plan Outcomes allowed Catherine to:
We helped take the pressure off Catherine to feel as though working was her choice and not a requirement in order to maintain a comfortable retirement lifestyle.
We look beyond this year's tax return to help you make informed decisions that support your long-term financial goals.
We develop retirement income strategies designed to help you spend confidently today while protecting your financial future.
We bring the moving pieces of your financial life together into one cohesive plan so every decision supports your long-term goals.
We help ensure your financial plan supports the life you want to live—not simply the size of your portfolio.
Our advice is paid for directly by our clients—not through commissions or product providers. As a fee-only fiduciary, we're committed to acting in your best interest.
You'll always know how we're compensated and what you're paying for.
CPA • Master's in Taxation
CFP® • RICP® • CPA/PFS
Helping clients make confident financial decisions for over 3 decades
Featured in InvestmentNews, Money, Investopedia & U.S. News
joanne@birchstreetadvisors.com
I will work to help you live the life you’d relive. I know firsthand that it isn't easy going alone on the journey to define and work toward financial goals. I graduated from college in debt. I had to finance my undergraduate and master’s degrees. I worked throughout college, took out loans and applied for grants. Once I graduated and started earning real money, I knew I needed to “save for retirement” but had gotten conflicting money messages growing up about saving vs. spending. How was I going to juggle paying off student loan debt, save for retirement and a first home purchase? In addition, from my experience, I knew someday I wanted to give my children the gift of an education. I had to figure out how to pay for college, fund my retirement, fund my kid’s education and possibly help my aging parents on my own. This is what drew me to financial planning.
joanne@birchstreetadvisors.com
I started my career in the tax arena and quickly found my passion for financial planning by preparing complex planning engagements for executive tax clients while working at KPMG, a Big 4 accounting firm. I left KPMG to join a start-up tax boutique CPA and the law firm where I delved deeper into comprehensive planning by adding estate planning engagements. After having my second child, I started a sister tax firm focused on tax consulting and compliance for individuals, estates and trusts. The practice grew as my children grew. Throughout my career, I have combined tax and financial planning. Tax-focused financial planning allows me to provide an in-depth assessment and analysis of retirement and estate planning scenarios for pre-retirees and retirees since these decisions are heavily tax-driven. Through Birch Street Financial Advisors, I work with you to define and work toward financial goals, while providing you a holistic approach to providing financial security and live the life you’d relive.
I have my CFP® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CPA/PFS designations. I am the founder of Joanne Burke CPA PLLC, tax compliance and consulting firm and Birch Street Financial Advisors, an RIA firm. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting with a Specialization in Taxation from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia. I am a member of the NoVA Society of Women CPAs, VA Society of CPAs –Northern Chapter, AICPA - Tax and Financial Planning sections, XY Planning Network and NAPFA. I am also affiliated with Garrett Investment Advisors.
I am married to Tom and we have two lovely daughters, Emily and Olivia. As a family, we value fitness and are avid Crossfitters. We have a Boston Terrier rescue dog named Macie who tirelessly plays fetch. I’ve served as Treasurer of the National Woman’s Party, a 501(c)(3) integral in passing the 19th Amendment – the woman’s right to vote and as co-chair of the Town of Vienna Conservation and Sustainability Commission for over 12 years. I’m passionate about promoting equal rights and living sustainably. I enjoy traveling with my family to visit friends around the globe, native gardening and mindfulness meditation to relax and unwind.
Financial clarity begins with understanding what matters most. My path into financial planning developed through a growing interest in personal finance during my twenties, when I began to see how thoughtful financial decisions can shape not just outcomes, but the way we live our lives. That realization—combined with a desire to help others gain that same sense of clarity and confidence—ultimately led me to join Birch Street Financial Advisors.
I believe that financial clarity begins with understanding what matters most. My path into financial planning developed through a growing interest in personal finance during my twenties, when I began to see how thoughtful financial decisions can shape not just outcomes, but the way we live our lives. That realization—combined with a desire to help others gain that same sense of clarity and confidence—ultimately led me to join Birch Street Financial Advisors.
I started my career in the tax arena and quickly found my passion for financial planning by preparing complex planning engagements for executive tax clients while working at KPMG, a Big 4 accounting firm. I left KPMG to join a start-up tax boutique CPA and the law firm where I delved deeper into comprehensive planning by adding estate planning engagements. After having my second child, I started a sister tax firm focused on tax consulting and compliance for individuals, estates and trusts. The practice grew as my children grew. Throughout my career, I have combined tax and financial planning. Tax-focused financial planning allows me to provide an in-depth assessment and analysis of retirement and estate planning scenarios for pre-retirees and retirees since these decisions are heavily tax-driven. Through Birch Street Financial Advisors, I work with you to define and work toward financial goals, while providing you a holistic approach to providing financial security and live the life you’d relive.
Growing up, I had a unique perspective on this profession watching my mom build her career in tax-focused financial planning and the impact it had on the clients she served. I’ve seen firsthand how integrating tax strategy with long-term planning can create meaningful opportunities for individuals and families. Today, I am proud to be part of continuing that work—helping clients align their financial resources with their values and supporting them through important life transitions with care and intention.
At Birch Street, I work alongside our team to support clients in defining their goals and making thoughtful, informed decisions. Whether someone is navigating a transition or preparing for retirement, I am committed to helping simplify complexity and provide a steady, supportive planning experience.
I graduated from Virginia Tech in 2019 with dual bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Studies and Economics. This combination allows me to approach financial planning with both analytical rigor and a long-term perspective—balancing technical insight with an appreciation for sustainability and lasting impact. My prior professional experience further strengthened my project management and client relationship skills, which I draw on in my work with clients today.
To deepen my expertise, I am currently completing coursework through the University of Virginia’s Certified Financial Planning program and working toward obtaining my Enrolled Agent designation through the IRS. I plan to sit for the CFP® exam as I continue building my career in the profession.
I live in Falls Church with my fiancé, Joe, and our Husky, Max. Outside of work, I enjoy coaching part-time at Ballston CrossFit, working on home projects, and spending time in the garden. Staying active and engaged—both physically and mentally—is an important part of how I show up for my work and for the clients we serve.
Meaningful work is often found in the details—how things are organized, communicated, and carried through behind the scenes. My path into this role has been shaped by a passion for supporting others, creating structure, and helping things run smoothly so that the focus can remain on what matters most.
I believe that meaningful work is often found in the details—how things are organized, communicated, and carried through behind the scenes. My path into this role has been shaped by a passion for supporting others, creating structure, and helping things run smoothly so that the focus can remain on what matters most.
At Birch Street Financial Advisors, I support the team as an Advisor Support Specialist, helping to streamline operations, enhance communication, and create a more seamless experience for our clients. I enjoy bringing organization and intention to the planning process, ensuring that each step feels thoughtful, coordinated, and aligned with the level of care our clients expect.
I earned my undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University and went on to complete my master’s at Southern Methodist University. This foundation, combined with my professional experience, has shaped a detail-oriented and thoughtful approach to my work.
I live in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where I enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle balanced with quieter moments at home. As a parent to two daughters, much of my time is spent with family. I also enjoy spending time in the garden and caring for our chickens. When I have the chance, I love curling up with a good book and a cup of hot tea.
Taxes can be one of the most significant costs during retirement so our focus is to keep them low. We consider your retirement assets and income to develop a withdrawal strategy so that you have a comfortable income stream and pay less tax.
We focus on the following to provide you an income stream:
Taxes play a crucial role during retirement and surprisingly, you may have a larger tax bill than when you were working. We provide proactive tax planning and analysis calculations to minimize taxes before and during retirement.
We help you minimize your tax liability by providing the following:
We offer tax preparation services through my tax firm Joanne Burke CPA PLLC.
We review your current insurance benefits and help you determine what’s appropriate for your needs. We are not paid any commission on products and act in an advisory capacity. We review and assess the following types of insurance:
Estate planning is critical to ensure your hard earned assets are protected in the event of incapacitation and your legacy is honored. We help you put together a plan to protect beneficiaries, protect young children, reduce taxes, and limit family conflict. Our estate planning services include:
The financial planning process is ongoing. As your life changes, we continue to assess your plan and make modifications to fit your needs.
Assets Under Management < $3MM
| Category | Financial Planning Cost | Assets Under Management | Cost |
| Upfront Onboarding Cost | $1,500 | $0- $1,000,000 | 0.70% |
| $1,000,001 - $2,500,000 | 0.55% | ||
| Ongoing Planning Cost | Minimum $7,200/year
(Based on Complexity*) | ||
| $2,500,001 - $3,000,000 | 0.45% |
The financial planning cost can be paid monthly or quarterly.
*Some factors that increase complexity include, but are not limited to: employer stock compensation, rental property, self-employed business owner, trusts in estate planning, and stock concentration
Assets Under Management > $3MM
| Category | Financial Planning Cost | Assets Under Management | Cost |
| Upfront Onboarding Cost | Included in AUM Cost | $0- $1,000,000 | 0.95% |
| $1,000,001 - $2,500,000 | 0.80% | ||
| Ongoing Planning Cost | $2,500,001 - $5,000,000 | 0.70% | |
| > $5,000,001 | 0.50% | ||
AUM charges will be deducted monthly from your accounts under management.
We don’t try to beat or time the market; we believe the market is largely efficient. We don’t gamble with your money; this is your life’s savings. We make investment decisions on your behalf to build long-term, strategic, diversified portfolios aligned with your risk tolerance and goals that take cost and taxes into consideration.
We also take your current holdings into consideration and incorporate them into the portfolio when appropriate. Investment management services are provided in addition to ongoing financial planning. I meet with clients twice a year to review the plan and determine if the portfolio is meeting the plan goals.
Be diversified across asset classes and asset types.
Document your investment objectives based on your goals and risk profile. Revisit your objectives annually.
Achieve long-term returns within your risk comfort zone so you can sleep at night.
Minimize taxes on your portfolio by tax loss harvesting, minimizing capital gain exposure and selecting appropriate vehicles for different account types.
ESG Investing - Sustainability is important to us so we have impact investing options that allow you to connect your money with your values.
Retain legacy holdings - You don’t have to sell all of your assets to fit our models. We work to retain your legacy holdings as part of your portfolio.
We select low cost vehicles that maximize your investable assets.
Assets Under Management < $3MM
| Category | Financial Planning Cost | Assets Under Management | Cost |
| Upfront Onboarding Cost | $1,500 | $0- $1,000,000 | 0.70% |
| $1,000,001 - $2,500,000 | 0.55% | ||
| Ongoing Planning Cost | Minimum $7,200/year
(Based on Complexity*) | ||
| $2,500,001 - $3,000,000 | 0.45% | ||
The financial planning cost can be paid monthly or quarterly.
*Some factors that increase complexity include, but are not limited to: employer stock compensation, rental property, self-employed business owner, trusts in estate planning, and stock concentration
Assets Under Management > $3MM
| Category | Financial Planning Cost | Assets Under Management | Cost |
| Upfront Onboarding Cost | Included in AUM Cost | $0- $1,000,000 | 0.95% |
| $1,000,001 - $2,500,000 | 0.80% | ||
| Ongoing Planning Cost | $2,500,001 - $5,000,000 | 0.70% | |
| > $5,000,001 | 0.50% | ||
AUM charges will be deducted monthly from your accounts under management.
(You can select your payment terms)
Please note: When paying an ongoing financial planning fee, the AUM fee is reduced by 25 basis points per tier.
If assets under management are in excess of $3MM, financial planning is included in the AUM fee.
* Some factors that increase complexity include, but are not limited to, employer stock compensation, rental property, self-employed business owner, trusts in estate planning, and stock concentration.
