Mike Kelly, CFP®
Founder | Principal Advisor
The Firm
I founded Kelly Financial Planning, LLC in 2017. The firm is a proud member of the Garrett Planning Network, Inc., an organization of professional, fee-only financial advisors. Founded by nationally recognized CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Sheryl Garrett, network members are dedicated to providing independent, objective financial planning services and competent, professional advice to people from all walks of life on a fee-only, as-needed basis.
Background Story
During my corporate career, I worked as a senior executive for Macy’s, Inc. for 10 years. Prior to joining Macy’s, I spent 16 years working for Michelin, Inc. where I served in operations, human resources, project management, financial and sales-related roles. I also managed the employee benefits department and a credit union at one of Michelin’s manufacturing facilities.
Throughout my time in corporate America and as a life and executive coach, I realized people needed competent and objective financial coaching and advice — and was brought to the industry as a result. I saw that many of my colleagues and coaching clients were unclear about basic financial concepts and principles, and they were stressed about having enough money for today and tomorrow. They were often uncomfortable managing cash flow and had no idea of how to maximize employee benefits. I created Kelly Financial Planning to help fill this void and to educate and help the masses achieve financial freedom and peace of mind.
Education & Designations
I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. I earned the right to use the CFP® mark of distinction after fulfilling the CFP Board’s specific experience requirements, successfully completing the CFP® education requirement and passing the rigorous 6-hour certification exam. This exam requires comprehensive knowledge of investments, taxes, insurance, employee benefits, retirement planning and estate planning. To maintain certification, CFP® practitioners are required to satisfy ongoing education and ethics requirements.
I am a Certified Professional Coach. Becoming a Certified Professional Coach involves completing the Center for Coaching Certification’s training and education requirements. It also involves a coaching practicum where you experience hands-on coaching: you coach, are coached, and observe coaching. This is followed by another practicum; there is a case study that creates a review of the coaching relationship. CPC’s are required to complete ongoing continuing education requirements.
I am also a Registered Life Planner® (RLP®), which is formal recognition, by the Kinder Institute of Life Planning, of expertise in a structured interview process and the relationship-based listening skills that help clients uncover their most meaningful and fulfilling aspirations so financial planning can most efficiently support the lives they long to live. To earn the right to use the designation, recipients must complete a two-day course on The Seven Stages of Money Maturity® and a four-to-five day advanced training on EVOKE® Life Planning, followed by a six‐month mentorship and case study program. RLP® professionals are required to complete ongoing continuing education requirements.
I passed the Series 65 exam, the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The exam focuses on topic areas that are important for providing investment advice. These areas include topics such as economics, retirement planning, portfolio management strategies and fiduciary obligations.
As a fee-only financial planner featured on the Fee-Only Network and a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), I am dedicated to providing unbiased and professional financial guidance.
Prior to opening Kelly Financial Planning, I received my B.S. in Business Administration from Mars Hill University, where I am Past Chairman and Trustee Emeritus of the Board of Trustees. I also received an M.A. in Business Administration from Webster University.
Outside of the Office
I serve as a board member for Warsaw Federal Savings and Loan. I am also a member of the board of directors of the Warren County Foundation and ChangingGears. I have been a Rotarian since 1998 and was honored to serve as the Rotary International District Governor for Southwest Ohio during the 2016 –2017 Rotary year. During that time, the District consisted of 52 Rotary Clubs in Southwest Ohio with 3,000 members.
In addition to Kelly Financial Planning, I own a consulting company, Right Path Enterprises, LLC, with my wife Melinda. We are native South Carolinians who currently live in the Cincinnati, OH area.
When I’m not working with clients, I enjoy reading, traveling, exercising, investing and playing golf.
