
Kathleen Duffy, CFP® ChFC® AIFA® PPC®
Partner and Senior Financial Advisor
Kathy embraces the statement, "Freedom of Choice. Freedom of Mind." and this concept exemplifies her relationship with clients. Based on her previous experience, she discovered that clients didn't often enjoy personal financial freedom because some in the industry were unduly influenced by their own interests. Clients rely on Kathy because she creates a culture that places clients first. Her client-centric focus and strategic experience are key factors in client's success.
Kathy excels at creating strategies that are unique, achievable and measurable. By creating an environment where clients feel empowered to make financial decisions, clients are well-educated about their current financial situation so they understand their options and can monitor their progress in meeting their unique goals.
Kathy graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Her professional designations include:
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional or a CFP®
Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®)
Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst™ (AIFA®)
Professional Plan Consultant® (PPC®)
Fiduciary care with no bias. No conflicts. Our client's best interest is our only interest.
We help you envision and focus on your desired outcomes.
We educate you on options available to you, review the pros and cons and assist you in choosing the optimal direction.
We provide an honest assessment...always with a pathway forward.
We help you avoid the wrong decisions often which have implications long into the future.
Other than providing understanding, past decisions or regrets have no place in our process. We are about here forward.
We avoid financial speak knowing that most people want communication that is clear, understandable and relatable.
We represent your interests to intermediaries including custodians, brokers, banks, insurance companies, mortgage brokers, lenders, and 401k providers. We put our expertise, experience and knowledge to work on your behalf to make sure your interests are guarded and protected in each of these areas.
Financial planning and strategies should be fun and rewarding. A sense of humor matters!




- Retirees and pre-retirees looking to create sustainable income, optimize Social Security and Medicare decisions, and enjoy retirement with confidence.
- Professionals and executives Managing equity compensation, variable income, or complex benefit plans — often while balancing family goals and career growth.
- Business owners and entrepreneurs seeking integrated planning for personal and business finances, succession strategies, and long-term wealth preservation.
- Individuals facing life transitions from career changes and relocations to loss of a spouse or inheritance planning, we provide steady guidance through life’s pivots.
No matter your financial journey, our McLean, VA team is dedicated to understanding your needs, crafting personalized strategies, and guiding you toward lasting financial success.
Questions? Want to learn more? Call us at 703.752.6000 or email us at KDuffy@apellawealth.com.