Melody Brady, MBA, CFP®
Your IPO is coming. Does your tax strategy know that?
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Serving Clients Nationwide
Your IPO is coming. Does your tax strategy know that?
Areas of Focus
- Capital Gains
- Employee Stock Options
- Equity Compensation Options
- Estate Planning
- Exit Planning
- High Net Worth
- Retirement Planning
- Roth Conversion Strategies
- Tax-Smart Accumulation Planning
- Women & Wealth
About Melody Brady, MBA, CFP®
Hi, I'm Melody Brady, Wealth CFO at Forefront Wealth Partners, and the person tech professionals call when equity comp gets complicated.If you're at a pre-IPO company, you're probably sitting on paper wealth that could change your life or get crushed by taxes if you don't have a strategy before the liquidity event. Most financial advisors don't understand the difference between an ISO and an NSO, let alone how to build a multi-year tax plan around a vesting cliff. I do.
I didn’t grow up talking about investments at the dinner table. As a first-generation American, I saw firsthand how financial knowledge (or the lack of it) can shape someone’s life. A pivotal moment came in college when a classmate casually shared her parents' money advice, something I hadn’t received but wished I had. That moment sparked my passion for financial planning, and I’ve spent my career making sure others don’t have to navigate those questions alone.
I’ve worked with professionals, business owners, and families who want to make smart money moves without feeling overwhelmed. My approach is simple: I take the complexity out of financial planning so my clients can focus on what truly matters, whether that’s growing their business, spending time with family, or planning for a fulfilling retirement.
Joining Forefront was a natural next step for me. It’s a firm built on real relationships, where clients aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet; they’re part of the family. And when you work with me, that’s exactly how I want you to feel: supported, informed, and empowered to make the best financial decisions for your future.
➕ LEARN MORE ABOUT ME
If you had an extra hour to yourself in the morning, how would you spend it?
I’d enjoy a quiet cup of coffee (before the kids wake up!), take a walk, and reflect on what’s ahead for the day.
What’s the most likely place people could find you on a Saturday night?
If the weather is nice, we're all outside enjoying our backyard and most likely grilling with a fire pit going or out on a rare date night with my husband.
Which would you pick: Living on the beach or living near the mountains?
Mountains. There’s something about the fresh air, the quiet, and the endless views that feels grounding.
Imagine being approached by a genie who offers you three wishes. What might those wishes be?
Health and happiness for my family, financial security for future generations, and the ability to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
If you had the ability to travel back in time, what’s something you would tell your 18-year-old self?
Trust yourself, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and the right people will show up when you need them. Also, start investing sooner!
Professional Designations
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Affiliations
- The AGC
Primary Location
240 S State Street, Westerville, OH
Meeting Options
- Video Conference
- In-Person
- Phone
Compensation Methods
- Fee Based
- Flat Fee
- One-time Financial Plan
- Percentage of Assets Managed
- Pro Bono
What to expect in the first meeting
Most of my clients come in with equity-comp questions and leave with a comprehensive financial strategy. Here's how that first conversation usually goes: ✅ Talk about what’s on your mind – Whether you have a specific concern or just want to explore if financial planning is right for you, this is a no-pressure conversation.✅ Get to know each other – I’ll share a bit about my approach to financial planning, and you can decide if working together feels like a good fit.
✅ Outline your next steps – If we both agree there’s value in continuing the conversation, I’ll explain what that looks like and how we can move forward.
This is a chance for us to connect and see if I can help you simplify your financial life and build a strategy that supports your biggest goals.
Offers Investment Management
Yes
Offers Tax Preparation
Yes
About Forefront Wealth Partners
Forefront Wealth Partners works with tech professionals, corporate executives, and business owners who have built real wealth and need a real plan. We specialize in equity compensation, tax-efficient wealth building, and the kind of financial planning that actually keeps pace with your career. If you're navigating RSUs, ISOs, or a liquidity event, you're in the right place.Education
California State University, Northridge, Bachelor of Science - BS, Finance, General | South University, MBA, Finance
Hobbies and Interests
- Animal Rescue
- Camping
- Church
- Cooking
- Eating Out
- Entertaining
- Exercising
- Family
- Grilling
- Hiking
- Movies
- Music
- Reading
- Relaxing
- Shopping
- Television
- Theater
- Traveling
- Volunteering
- Walking
- Wine
- Working Out
- Yoga
SEC Lookup
View DisclosureWho We Serve
- Blended Family
- Business Owners
- Christians
- College Graduates
- Corporate Executives
- Couples
- Divorce
- Dual Income Family
- Entrepreneurs
- Families
- Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE)
- Foreign-Born Individuals
- Gen X
- Gen Y / Millennials
- Government Employees
- Healthcare Professionals
- Newly Engaged / Newlywed
- Nonprofit Employees
- Parents
- Physicians
- Remote Workers
- Sales Professionals
- Single Women
- Technology Professionals
- Travel Lovers
- Veterans
- Widow
- Women in Transition
- Women Professionals
- Women’s Finance
- Young Families
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