Danika Waddell
CFP®, RLP®, CSLP®
Xena Financial Planning
Financial Planner
Danika Waddell
CFP®, RLP®, CSLP®
Xena Financial Planning
Financial Planner
Being in control of your finances is empowering. Let's get to work. - Danika Waddell, CFP®, RLP®, CSLP®
Fee-Only financial planner located in Seattle, WA, virtually serving clients locally and across the country

Danika Waddell is a Seattle, WA fee-only financial planner. Xena Financial Planning provides comprehensive financial planning, investment management and hourly advice to help women who are in the tech industry and/or receive equity compensation, typically in the early to mid-career stages. As a fee-only, fiduciary, and independent financial advisor, Danika Waddell is never paid a commission of any kind, and has a legal obligation to provide unbiased and trustworthy financial advice.
Danika Waddell is featured VIRTUALLY EVERYWHERE. Visit the collection of articles and podcasts that feature Danika and Xena here.
Learn more about Danika Waddell, Founder and Lead Planner, at the Xena Financial Planning website
My focus is on women (and their partners) in the early to middle stages of their careers. Specifically, I absolutely love helping clients who receive equity compensation as part of their income. It’s extremely common in the tech world and while there are plenty of brilliant people working in tech, many of them do not have the time or inclination to manage the influx of stock.
What I love about financial planning is the relationships and the process. I’m not overly focused on investment performance, nor do I plan to deliver a massive financial plan which might be better used as a doorstop. In my view, financial planning is a highly dynamic process, with many moving pieces that are constantly in flux. At Xena FP, I work with my clients on an ongoing basis, to help them navigate whatever life delivers. I strive to both educate and empower clients as we develop a collaborative relationship.
While originally from Western New York, I’ve lived in Seattle for 20 years. Along with my husband, our chaotic household includes our two daughters plus two cats and a puppy. We’re huge travelers and are happiest when we’re planning our next overseas adventure. In 2019, we had a grand European vacation which included 6 countries in 16 days, even driving to Spain for lunch one afternoon. Current trips are on hiatus, but we also love being in the mountains (skiing, running) and throwing a frisbee.
Danika Waddell is a Member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors

The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) is a leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors - highly trained professionals who are committed to working in the best interests of those they serve.
NAPFA members live by three important values:
- To be the beacon for independent, objective financial advice for individuals and families.
- To be the champion of financial services delivered in the public interest.
- To be the standard bearer for the emerging profession of financial planning.
Xena Financial Planning is a fiduciary, which basically means I put your best interests first. I am a fee-only advisor and never sell products or receive commissions. I always operate with the utmost integrity and work hard to earn your trust.
I focus on women who are in the tech industry, receive equity compensation or are small business owners, typically in the early to mid-career stages. You’ve got a lot on your plate already, and my goal is to help you make sense of it all. We work together to navigate all that life is throwing at you, from managing your company benefits to making sure you have the right amount of insurance coverage.
Fee-Only, Fiduciary, Independent: Three Important Criteria to Consider When Choosing a Financial Advisor.
Specialties
- Comprehensive Financial Planning
- Retirement Income Planning
- Investment Management
- College Education Planning
- Tax Planning
- Equity Compensation
Ideal Clients
- Growing Families
- Sudden Money Situations
- Novice Investors
Working Together
- Virtual Meetings
- Clearly Defined Fees
- No Product Sales
- Complimentary Initial Consultation
Professional Designations & Affiliations
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Danika Waddell is a NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisor
The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) is a leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors—highly trained professionals who are committed to working in the best interests of those they serve.
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Danika Waddell is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional - Click for Verification
CFP® professionals are held to strict ethical standards to ensure financial planning recommendations are in your best interest. What’s more, a CFP® professional must acquire several years of experience related to delivering financial planning services to clients and pass the comprehensive CFP® Certification Exam before they can use the CFP® designation.
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Danika Waddell is a Certified Student Loan Professional (CSLP®)
Financial Advisors having earned the Certified Student Loan Professional designation (CSLP®) understand the complexities of the student loan repayment options and have the advanced knowledge required provide to high quality student loan repayment planning advice within the scope of a holistic financial plan.
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Danika Waddell is a Member of the XY Planning Network
The XY Planning Network is the leading organization of fee-only financial advisors who are focused on working with Generation X and Generation Y clients. Our mission is to connect consumers with best-in-class financial advisors who specialize in working with clients just like you.
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Danika Waddell is a member of The Financial Planning Association® (FPA®)
FPA® is the largest membership organization for CFP® professionals in the U.S. and supports high standards of professional competence, ethical conduct, and clear, complete disclosure when serving clients.
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Danika Waddell Named to Investopedia 100 Top Financial Advisors of 2022
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Danika Waddell is Quoted in MarketWatch: "Too scared to check your 401(k) as Dow tumbles below 30,000?"
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Danika Waddell is Quoted in the NAPFA Advisor Magazine: "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion"
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Danika Waddell is Quoted in Financial Planning Magazine: "Why it’s tough to pick a financial advisor — and how to do it right"
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Danika Waddell is a Member of The Western Washington Financial Advisors Network, a group of independent, fee-only financial advisors who are passionate about helping our clients reach their goals
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Danika Waddell is a Guest on the 52 Pearls Weekly Money Wisdom Podcast: "Preparing an Employee for a Company IPO with Danika Waddell"
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Danika Waddell is Quoted in InvestmentNews: "Former LPL adviser’s alleged discrimination highlights company culture issues"
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Danika Waddell is a Guest on the Next Gen Planners Podcast: "Launching a Virtual Business with Danika Waddell"
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Danika Waddell Contributes to the Financial Planning Association Next Gen Planner: "My Career Path: Featuring Danika B. Waddell"
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Danika Waddell is Quoted in the New York Times: "Make Your First Home Your Last: The Case for Not Moving Up"
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Danika Waddell Serves as the Academic Outreach Co-Chair on the West Region Board of Directors for NAPFA
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Danika Waddell is Quoted in the Wall Street Journal: "A Young Librarian Hopes to Become a Full-Time Writer"
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Danika Waddell is Quoted on RIA Intel: "Advisors Called for Condemnation of Racism. Here’s What Industry Organizations Said."
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Danika Waddell is Quoted in the Wall Street Journal: "The Biggest Ways People Waste Money"
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Danika Waddell Contributes a Response to Kitces.com: "What Do You Say When You Witness Sexual Harassment At A Financial Advisor Conference?"
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Danika Waddell is Quoted in US News and World Report: "The Best Podcasts for Financial Advisors"
Contact Danika Waddell
Office Locations:
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By Appointment
Seattle, WA 98107