Daniel P. Johnson, CFP®

Real Financial Planning for High-Stress Physicians

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Forward Thinking Wealth Management Daniel P. Johnson, CFP®
Akron, OH

Serving Clients Nationwide

Real Financial Planning for High-Stress Physicians

25 Certified Advisor Reviews™
5 out of 5 Stars
Jump to Reviews

Areas of Focus

  • Direct/Personal Indexing
  • Financial Life Planning
  • Investment Management
  • Retirement Planning
  • Tax-Smart Accumulation Planning

About Daniel P. Johnson, CFP®

Hi there! I'm Dan Johnson, CFP® and I'm the Founder and President of Forward Thinking Wealth Management.

I run an independent fiduciary, fee-only, values-based financial planning and investment management firm. My firm is based in Akron, OH, but I work virtually with clients from all over the country.

I created Forward Thinking Wealth Management from scratch after realizing I wanted to operate under a flat-fee structure where I charge a select group of clients based on my knowledge and experience.

We emphasize financial planning to help guide our clients maximize their resources and live meaningful and purposeful lives.

A few nuggets about me:

🏠 I grew up in the house my grandfather built and my mom was raised in.

🎓 After finishing up grad school at Ohio State, I moved to Michigan. I think OSU beat Michigan twice in the 11 years I lived there. It was rough being an alum then.

💡 I spent over a decade in local government management. This is probably why I charge a flat fee based on knowledge and experience, not on what I can sell you.

👩‍🏫 My wife is a nursing professor and our two sons are in college.

👂 My Superpower: I listen. And I am good at it!

🥾 On weekends you can often find me on a local hiking trail around Akron. The Chuckery Trail is my favorite.

🎸 I love seeing live bands in smaller venues. My favorite band is Nine Inch Nails although the artist I most enjoy seeing live is Frank Turner.

🍕 Luigi’s Pizza is overrated. Come at me!

🧭 I like to stay active and try new things. Next on the list is learning to kiteboard.

👨‍💼 On the professional side, I've been a Certified Financial Planner since 2012, a member of the Fee Only Network since 2017, a member of the Financial Planning Association since 2020, and both the XY Planning Network and NAPFA since 2021.

Professional Designations

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®
  • Enrolled Agent (EA)

Affiliations

  • CFP Board
  • Fee Only Network
  • Financial Planning Association
  • Flat Fee Advisors
  • National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
  • XY Planning Network

Primary Location

1700 W. Market Street Suite 192, Akron, OH 44313

Video

Meeting Options

  • Video Conference
  • In-Person
  • Phone

Compensation Methods

  • Fee Only
  • Flat Fee

What to expect in the first meeting

Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above to schedule a free introductory call. 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 Forward Thinking Wealth Management

We Understand That Doctors' Intense Careers Burn Them Out Before They Retire

✅ We provide real financial planning to help a select number of high-stress physicians make the shift to better career-life balance.

✅ The majority of our clients are healthcare professionals, primarily physicians, and we understand the unique financial challenges they face.

✅ Founder and advisor Daniel P. Johnson is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with additional training in life planning to help doctors reconfigure their lives.

Make the Shift to a More Fulfilling Life

Physicians burned out by the constant stress of their careers often wonder why they've worked so hard if they can't enjoy their wealth. At Forward Thinking Wealth Management, we provide real financial planning to help a select number of doctors reconfigure their finances so they start enjoying their vision of an ideal life now.

We are an independent Registered Investment Advisor based in Akron, OH, helping high-stress doctors regardless of location to enjoy life while their health, wealth, and time are at a peak. Our clients have already won the career game; now it's time to reconfigure their life for a better balance.

Education

The Ohio State University, MPA, Fiscal Policy and Urban Administration | Kent State University, BA, Political Science

Hobbies and Interests

  • Exercising
  • Family
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Music
  • Reading

Who We Serve

  • Baby Boomers
  • Gen X
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • Physicians

Wealthtender® is a trusted, independent financial directory and educational resource governed by our strict Editorial Policy, Integrity Standards, and Terms of Use. While we receive compensation from featured professionals (a natural conflict of interest), we always operate with integrity and transparency to earn your trust. Wealthtender is not a client of these providers. Testimonials may not be representative of other clients’ experiences and do not guarantee future performance or success.

Write a Review


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5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 25, 2026
My husband and I have been working with Dan Johnson through his consulting business Forward Thinking Wealth Management for 4 or 5 years. Dan has helped us to be intentional and strategic about all aspects of our financial planning: taxes, estate considerations, insurance and investments. At the beginning of our engagement, he took us through a process to clarify our personal goals and objectives, which was enormously helpful in establishing a foundation for subsequent conversations and decisions. I always come away from conversations with Dan feeling better informed and more capable of making wise financial decisions. Our partnership with Dan has contributed greatly to my peace of mind and sense of security about the future.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 25, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Linda Wilkins
Linda Wilkins

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 18, 2026
Excellent advisor. He's thorough and personable. He has given us valuable and actionable input over the years. The guidance is individualized and situation specific, which has served us well
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 18, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Pavan Jhaveri
Pavan Jhaveri

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 17, 2026
A good physician friend had recommend Dan to us after we expressed concerns around the “nest egg” we had built and been navigating on our own since the beginning of our careers. We became concerned with “all things related to taxes” during retirement and needed guidance on how to properly manage our portfolios. Dan built a detailed retirement income plan that clearly shows where our income will come from, how much we can safely spend, and how our plan holds up under different market conditions. What really impressed us was the stress testing — he walked us through what would happen in a downturn, during higher inflation, and over a long retirement. That level of preparation gave us real peace of mind. Most importantly, Dan takes the time to explain everything. There is no such thing as a “dumb question” with Dan. We feel informed, not overwhelmed, and confident about the road ahead.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 17, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Maureen Fearon
Maureen Fearon

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 17, 2026
Dan has done a great job understanding our needs and wants and has developed a great plan to not only grow our wealth but help us plan for our future.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 17, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Paul Grandinetti
Paul Grandinetti

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 17, 2026
Hiring FTWM was my first genuinely good financial decision. My financial literacy has improved dramatically since I started working with Dan because he empowers me to take control of my finances and long-term planning rather than remain a passive observer. Dan helps me set clear personal financial goals and tailors his advice to meet those goals instead of offering generic recommendations. Most importantly, he cares about his clients' long-term success. I highly recommend FTWM to anyone seeking an advisor for comprehensive financial planning.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 17, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Michael Katz
Michael Katz

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 17, 2026
When my wife mentioned she wanted us to work with a financial advisor, I was very skeptical and had reservations. Didn't feel comfortable wanting to expose our financial assets to someone I didn't know or trust. My wife was given Dan's information from a very reliable source. Several years later, I look forward to our meetings. Dan has done a great job of helping my wife and I prepare for our next stage in life. I would recommend Dan and his Forward Thinking Wealth Management team to anyone looking for support of their financial wealth.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 17, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Brian Barringer
Brian Barringer

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 16, 2026
Dan treats us as individuals, and has truly gotten to know us. He has helped us across many facets of financial planning… and has saved us money, and provided advice, beyond our expectations. The financial “model” we use is truly helpful. We have put in the work - together with Dan’s team - and are fully satisfied with our results.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 16, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Gregg Whiteman
Gregg Whiteman

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 13, 2024
Dan provides a thoughtful agenda for each meeting but also welcomes any questions we raise about our financial plan. Dan has been very intentional about getting to know us and our goals and objectives. As a result, we get a very individualized level of care and advice. We are in a great place financially and emotionally thanks to Dan's support.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 13, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for James Wilkins
James Wilkins

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 13, 2024
Dan provides a thoughtful agenda for each meeting but also welcomes any questions we raise about our financial plan. Dan has been very intentional about getting to know us and our goals and objectives. As a result, we get a very individualized level of care and advice. We are in a great place financially and emotionally thanks to Dan's support.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 13, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for James Wilkins
James Wilkins

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jul 8, 2024
Professional and personable help in helping us to navigate retirement planning and our income streams. We really appreciate Dan and like working with him. We feel he is really helpful and so glad we are working with him Had put this together but forgot where I stored the draft. Similar to above with a few more details. Dan is always very responsive. He spends a significant amount of time making sure he understands our needs and what we want to accomplish with our resources in our retirement. He listens to our ideas and gives us great professional guidance. We are very confident that we have a very good plan that we are comfortable with and that it will meet our needs. We also very much appreciate Dan's ability to connect with us personally. He gracefully works with us as our plans change, while keeping our overall goals in mind. We don't feel like just another account in a big firm.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jul 8, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Mark DB
Mark DB

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jul 8, 2024
Professional and personable help in helping us to navigate retirement planning and our income streams. We really appreciate Dan and like working with him. We feel he is really helpful and so glad we are working with him Had put this together but forgot where I stored the draft. Similar to above with a few more details. Dan is always very responsive. He spends a significant amount of time making sure he understands our needs and what we want to accomplish with our resources in our retirement. He listens to our ideas and gives us great professional guidance. We are very confident that we have a very good plan that we are comfortable with and that it will meet our needs. We also very much appreciate Dan's ability to connect with us personally. He gracefully works with us as our plans change, while keeping our overall goals in mind. We don't feel like just another account in a big firm.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jul 8, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Mark DB
Mark DB

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 6, 2024
Dan Johnson is knowledgeable ,very conscientious and really makes the effort to understand my financial concerns.He makes financial planning a process not just a quick look.I have been with Dan for 8 years and he continues to come up with great new ideas and information.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 6, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Robert Wolf
Robert Wolf

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 6, 2024
Dan Johnson is knowledgeable ,very conscientious and really makes the effort to understand my financial concerns.He makes financial planning a process not just a quick look.I have been with Dan for 8 years and he continues to come up with great new ideas and information.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 6, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Robert Wolf
Robert Wolf

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 5, 2024
Our experience with Dan has been nothing but exceptional! He is extremely knowledgeable and has always looked out for our best interest. He is not pushy at all and is truly just an advisor. Being a fee only financial advisor, we know that he will not steer us into products that may benefit him financially. He has developed a great long term road map with us and we are truly pleased with our experience with him. Highly recommend!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 5, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Ashok Jacob
Ashok Jacob

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 5, 2024
I met Dan in a networking group and was super impressed by his professionalism. When my wife and I were searching for someone new to help guide us through our cobbled finances for retirement I knew Dan was the guy to help us. He is knowledgeable and approachable. We ask a lot of questions and get answers that help us make the best decisions for our future. Highly recommend and well worth your time to see what he has to offer you.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 5, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Dave Bissler
Dave Bissler

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 5, 2024
I met Dan in a networking group and was super impressed by his professionalism. When my wife and I were searching for someone new to help guide us through our cobbled finances for retirement I knew Dan was the guy to help us. He is knowledgeable and approachable. We ask a lot of questions and get answers that help us make the best decisions for our future. Highly recommend and well worth your time to see what he has to offer you.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 5, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Dave Bissler
Dave Bissler

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 5, 2024
Our experience with Dan has been nothing but exceptional! He is extremely knowledgeable and has always looked out for our best interest. He is not pushy at all and is truly just an advisor. Being a fee only financial advisor, we know that he will not steer us into products that may benefit him financially. He has developed a great long term road map with us and we are truly pleased with our experience with him. Highly recommend!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 5, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Ashok Jacob
Ashok Jacob

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 4, 2024
I enjoy working with Dan. He works with us to develop long term strategies and maximize the benefits of our savings. He is constantly refreshing his skills as well as refreshing the planning tools available for us to use.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 4, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Jim Martin
Jim Martin

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 4, 2024
I enjoy working with Dan. He works with us to develop long term strategies and maximize the benefits of our savings. He is constantly refreshing his skills as well as refreshing the planning tools available for us to use.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 4, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Jim Martin
Jim Martin

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jul 25, 2019
Dan is a fantastic financial planner!! He cares about his clients, and has the capacity that only experienced people have, to make things simple in a complicated matter. He has walked us through the whole process, reviewed every account and even helped us with a budget !! He even sent us a book on wealth management!! Amazing people person and true quality guy!! We are so glad to be working with him!! I recommend him without a doubt !!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jul 25, 2019
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Drdaf7
Drdaf7

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jul 25, 2019
Dan is a fantastic financial planner!! He cares about his clients, and has the capacity that only experienced people have, to make things simple in a complicated matter. He has walked us through the whole process, reviewed every account and even helped us with a budget !! He even sent us a book on wealth management!! Amazing people person and true quality guy!! We are so glad to be working with him!! I recommend him without a doubt !!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jul 25, 2019
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Drdaf7
Drdaf7

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jul 16, 2019
We have had several financial advisers in the past. We were so happy that we found Dan. He is down to earth and very personable and great to work with. He will help you now and in the future. Look no further. If you are looking for someone to help guide you with your finances, Dan is the man.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jul 16, 2019
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for David Rondini
David Rondini

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jul 16, 2019
We have had several financial advisers in the past. We were so happy that we found Dan. He is down to earth and very personable and great to work with. He will help you now and in the future. Look no further. If you are looking for someone to help guide you with your finances, Dan is the man.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jul 16, 2019
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for David Rondini
David Rondini

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jul 15, 2019
Finally! A financial adviser who acts in the best interests of his clients...always! Dan offers fair Flat-Fee financial planning advice tailored to each individual's needs. He is trustworthy and thorough with the experience and advanced certifications to back it up.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: This reviewer has never been a client.
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Greg Z
Greg Z

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jul 15, 2019
Finally! A financial adviser who acts in the best interests of his clients...always! Dan offers fair Flat-Fee financial planning advice tailored to each individual's needs. He is trustworthy and thorough with the experience and advanced certifications to back it up.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: This reviewer has never been a client.
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Greg Z
Greg Z