Sarah Stoddard-Ballard, CFP®

Associate Financial Planner

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Chicago

I believe financial planning is about far more than numbers. At its best, it is a tool for intentionally designing a life that reflects values, supports goals, and gives the confidence and freedom to focus on what matters most. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, I am especially passionate about the human side of financial planning. I enjoy helping clients navigate life’s transitions with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Whether someone is changing careers, growing their family, preparing for retirement, experiencing the loss of a loved one, or simply asking, “What’s next?”, I believe financial planning should provide both practical guidance and peace of mind.

My approach blends thoughtful financial strategy with meaningful conversations about values-based goals. I enjoy asking questions that help clients clarify their values, envision the future they want, and build a financial plan that supports that vision. My goal is for every client to feel empowered, organized, and confident in the decisions they make, both today and for years to come in their financial lives.

Before joining The Planning Center, I built a career helping organizations and individuals navigate complex transitions and opportunities. My work has included supporting major government contract negotiations, leading large-scale business initiatives during corporate restructuring, and assisting California wildfire victims in sharing their stories and working through compensation processes. Across each experience, it was reaffirmed to me that meaningful outcomes begin with understanding people, listening closely to their stories, and helping them move forward with intention and confidence.

Outside of work, I have been fortunate to live abroad in France, Albania, and Croatia, teach English in Uganda, and participate in humanitarian service projects. These experiences reinforced my belief that every person has a unique story worth understanding. Ultimately, I believe the best financial plans are rooted in life plans and built by understanding the unique stories behind the numbers.

Credentials

Certifications: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®)

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Global Supply Chain Management with a healthcare emphasis and a minor in Creative Writing, Brigham Young University

What inspires me: 

Helping people intentionally create lives they genuinely love. I believe financial planning has the power to provide greater freedom, confidence, and peace of mind when it is grounded in a person’s values and aligned with the future they envision.

My life’s biggest milestone:

What I am most proud of is maintaining a lifelong commitment to learning and personal growth. I believe the most meaningful milestones are built through small, consistent choices to grow, stay curious, invest in others, and become a little better each day.

In my spare time:

Outside of work, you’ll find me traveling, reading, and staying active. I enjoy exploring and experiencing new cultures, languages, the arts, and the stories that connect us.

Favorite destination:

Paris. Though London, Kuala Lumpur, and Lugala each hold a special place in my heart.

People I look up to:

Michelle Obama, Melinda French Gates, Brené Brown, and Brianna Wiest 

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We’d like to meet you!

Schedule a free 15 minute conversation and we’ll spend a few minutes getting to know each other so we can learn if what you are seeking and what we provide are a good fit for each other. If it seems like a fit, we’ll talk about next steps. If we’re not, we’ll help you find the right group for your needs.

We’d like to meet you!

Schedule a free 15 minute conversation and we’ll spend a few minutes getting to know each other so we can learn if what you are seeking and what we provide are a good fit for each other. If it seems like a fit, we’ll talk about next steps. If we’re not, we’ll help you find the right group for your needs.