Carlie Ransom, CFP®, AIF®

I'm Carlie, and I'm not your dad's financial advisor—because retirement has changed. As your guide to modern financial planning, I help Gen X professionals create clarity in their finances without sacrificing what matters most.

THE CHALLENGE YOU'RE FACING

You've built an impressive career and achieved financial stability, but the technical aspects of financial planning remain daunting. You're wondering: How can I minimize taxes? When and how should I retire? Are my investments optimized? Whether you're balancing family responsibilities, supporting your community, or prioritizing passions, finding time to master these complex financial questions is challenging.

MY APPROACH: EDUCATION WITHOUT JUDGMENT

As a former single science teacher living in Seattle, I learned finance out of necessity. I understand what it's like to navigate complex financial concepts when your paycheck doesn't leave room for mistakes. This experience shapes how I work with clients today—translating financial jargon into clear, actionable strategies that make sense for your unique situation.

A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON RETIREMENT

My path to founding Equal Path Investments wasn't traditional. I've been fortunate to work with Seattle's brightest minds, including Nobel laureate Dr. Leland Hartwell, our local hero who transitioned from leading the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to becoming a sustainability educator at the age of 69. His example fundamentally changed my view of what retirement could be.

I've also learned that Gen X professionals (including myself!) don't necessarily follow conventional retirement paths—many want to design meaningful lives now, not just plan for some distant future. Whether it's creating space for sabbaticals, pursuing passion projects, building flexibility into their careers, or planning phased transitions, my clients seek financial strategies that enhance their lives today while building security for tomorrow. This philosophy informs everything we do at Equal Path Investments.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional and Accredited Investment Fiduciary®, I combine technical expertise with a fresh perspective:

• Innovative retirement concepts: From sabbaticals to phased retirement to encore careers
• Values-aligned planning: Building a financial strategy around what matters most to you, with optional SRI/ESG investment approaches
• Transparent flat-fee planning and tax preparation: No hidden costs or conflicts of interest
• Pragmatic optimism: Creating financial security while embracing life's possibilities today

WHO WE SERVE

While my experience includes working with physicians nationwide, I now specialize in guiding Gen X professionals through their unique retirement journey. I work with clients who are navigating their peak earning years while balancing successful careers with personal priorities—whether that's family, community involvement, or simply pursuing passions. My expertise is particularly valuable for professionals with household incomes of $150,000-$600,000 who need technical expertise and clarity around retirement planning, tax optimization, and financial decision-making without the outdated approaches of traditional advisors.

READY FOR A DIFFERENT FINANCIAL CONVERSATION?

If you're tired of outdated, one-size-fits-all retirement advice and ready for a financial strategy that amplifies both your purpose and potential, let's connect. Together, we'll create a path that brings clarity to your finances and aligns with what matters most to you.

Proudly based in Tacoma, WA, serving clients nationally.