Amy King, CFP®
Fee-Only Financial Advice for Military Veterans and Federal Civilians
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Serving Clients Nationwide
Fee-Only Financial Advice for Military Veterans and Federal Civilians
Areas of Focus
- Capital Gains
- Cash Flow
- Education Distribution Planning
- Education Funding
- Education Needs and Funding Analysis
- Employee Benefits
- Estate Planning
- Investment Management
- Retirement Planning
- Social Security
- Taxes
About Amy King, CFP®
Hi! I’m Amy King, Founder of Instar Financial Planning, LLC. I’m a mom to two very busy teens, a retired Army officer, and a fee-only financial planner dedicated to serving military Service Members, Veterans and Federal employees.My journey to becoming a financial planner began in 1997 when I encountered a senior officer at Fort Sam Houston, TX who shared details of his own (lucrative) financial situation and how he was able to build wealth. He talked about mutual funds and dollar cost averaging and other personal finance concepts I didn’t fully understand as a twenty something.
I went to the bookstore that evening to read up on investment and personal finance basics and so began my lifelong dedication to better understanding all aspects of personal finance.
Fast forward 19 years to 2016 when I reported to what I had decided would be my final Army assignment. I began the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ course work culminating in 2017 when I passed the CFP® exam. I spent the next 2 years very purposefully preparing myself and my family for transition from the Army.
I chose to begin my career as a financial planner at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. I was part of a team of six financial advisors and three client associates serving over 400 households. I left Merrill to launch Instar Financial Planning. Although leaving my teammates and my clients was difficult, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to serve more military and Federal employee families as a fee-only financial planner.
When I’m not working with clients, you can find me on the sideline of a turf field watching my son play lacrosse or hanging with my favorite daughter (she reminds me that I only have one daughter). When my kids are busy doing their own thing, I fill my personal time traveling or corralling 2 crazy dogs . When I need some down time, I STILL enjoy reading personal finance books!
Professional Designations
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®
- Chartered Federal Employee Benefits Consultant (ChFEBC)
- Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC)
- Enrolled Agent (EA)
- Military Qualified Financial Planner (MQFP)
Affiliations
-
Financial Planning Association
- Military Financial Advisors Association
- National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA)
- National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
- XY Planning Network
- Military Financial Advisors Association
Primary Location
Fallston, MD, 21047
Video
Meeting Options
- Video Conference
- Phone
Compensation Methods
- Fee Only
- Flat Fee
- Hourly Rate
- One-time Financial Plan
- Subscription
What to expect in the first meeting
Click the 'Let's Connect' button above to schedule a free consultation. We'll get to know each other and I'll listen to understand your unique circumstances so we can determine the best way to proceed. I look forward to speaking with you.Offers Investment Management
Yes
About Instar Financial Planning, LLC
Instar Financial Planning is built specifically to serve families who are a lot like mine. We had one spouse serving on active duty while the other was a Federal employee. We have busy kids. We’ve PCSed. We’ve puzzled over how to most effectively coordinate Federal civilian and military benefits. We did most of it on our own because we couldn’t find an affordable financial planner with all of the right expertise.I launched Instar Financial Planning because you shouldn’t have to go it alone (unless you really want to and even then you should have access to affordable advice on your terms!).
What Are You Hoping to Achieve?
Whether you're seeking long-term financial security with comprehensive planning, or need help with a specific short-term goal, we can help! Explore your options below and schedule a free consultation to discuss your vision!
✔️ Comprehensive Financial Planning
Map out your financial future, progress toward your financial goals, and take control of financial complexity in your life with an experienced financial planner partner who understands your unique needs.
✔️ Short-Term Financial Planning
Ready for a financial check up? Get a second opinion on your existing plan, tackle a major life decision, and gain confidence in your financial decisions.
Why "Instar Financial Planning"
Chaos theory, also known as the "butterfly effect", suggests that small changes in the conditions of a complex system can lead to big changes in outcomes. The "butterfly effect" metaphor indicates that something as subtle as the flap of a butterfly's wings can lead to major weather changes around the globe.
The monarch butterfly goes through five stages of growth. The growth stages are called "instars". Each instar stage is a period of transition and transformation.
Throughout our lives we go through many stages of growth, transition, and transformation. As we navigate life's stages, our financial landscape evolves, often becoming more complex. The decisions we make, whether big or small, shape our financial future.
At Instar Financial Planning, we're dedicated to assisting you through pivotal life transitions, including job changes, military-to-civilian transition, retirement preparation, and life after your career(s). Our mission is to guide you in planning and preparing for the financial decisions that lie ahead, with the goal of transforming your future into the ideal life you desire.
Let's Plan Today to Transform Tomorrow.
Education
Penn State University, Master's Degree | Slippery Rock University, Bachelor's Degree
Hobbies and Interests
- Family
- Reading
- Volunteering
SEC Lookup
View DisclosureWho We Serve
- Baby Boomers
- Corporate Executives
- Dual Income Family
- Gen X
- Government Employees
- Military
- Veterans
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