About Todd Keffury
Todd Keffury
I built Cadenza Financial Planning on a foundation of curiosity, creativity and collaboration. I wanted to work with folks to lift back the veil of a process that’s mystified for so many. Most of all, I wanted to create a place where I could forge relationships that help clients progress toward successful financial and retirement outcomes.
Most of us didn’t get an education on financial planning growing up, and this education has unfortunately been left up to the financial services industry, an institution primarily concerned with extracting value and selling its products. I wanted to create a firm that was agnostic when it came to much of the conventional wisdom and misrepresentations in the financial media and industry.
I cut my teeth at three different firms, prior to starting Cadenza, and took from each a great deal of knowledge and experience. While investments are certainly one of the pillars of financial planning, I found that most successful outcomes are the result of comprehensive planning, of which investments are only one part.
I’ve always held myself to very high standards, borne out of attaining a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. These institutions demand exceptionality from their attendees, and I’ve strived to carry forward that trend through my professional careers in marketing, writing, music, and financial planning.
I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, and the Las Vegas valley is my current home. When I’m not helping clients, I enjoy cooking, writing, and making music.
Education
- M.A., University of Pennsylvania
- B.A., University of California, Berkeley
Professional Certifications
- CRPC, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor
- EA, IRS Enrolled Agent
What is an Enrolled Agent?
The Enrolled Agent designation is the highest tax professional credential recognized by the IRS. The EA, like CPAs and tax attorneys, can handle all types of tax matters and can represent clients before the IRS. However, whereas CPAs are only registered by state, the EA can represent clients anywhere in the U.S.
Additionally, the CPA commonly specializes in accounting, whereas EAs focus entirely on tax issues, allowing for a much more relevant application to the financial planning process.
Why all the music stuff?
Frankly, we hate the dollar signs, handshakes, bar graphs, and other generic stock photo wealth signifiers. At the end of the day, we believe financial planning should be a means to an end…and that is allowing for the things you enjoy in life and the ability to pursue them. For us, when we’re not helping clients, we’re in the recording studio or the kitchen.
But more broadly, our hobby captures the attention and empathy we have toward those in creative fields. Our passion for music comes through in our attention to form, detail, and outside thinking. Couple that with broad-based financial planning experience, tax expertise, and an evangelical mistrust of stale conventional wisdom, and Cadenza Financial Planning is well-positioned to address the unique challenges our clients face.
Who We Serve
Freelancers & Contractors
Twenty years of freelance experience allow us specialized insight into the unique obstacles faced by hired guns.
Small Businesses
The trials of small business ownership allow you little time to focus on the financial goals of your business and yourself. The perfect partner for Cadenza.
Transitioners
Often, the best time to review your financial roadmap is when moving between jobs or careers.
Marketers and Creatives
Our industry experience means we understand your challenges and goals and can help you navigate toward efficiency and success.
30-Minute No-Cost Consultation
If you’re not sure where to start, let’s get to know each other risk-free.