Areas of Focus
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Education Funding
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Equity Compensation Options
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Financial Life Planning
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Retirement Planning
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Taxes
About Me
Hi, I'm Michelle Underwood Gass. I have always had a passion for helping people and resolving complex issues. My diverse experiences working in different areas of finance – accounting, tax, family office environment, hedge funds and ultimately becoming an entrepreneur – make me uniquely qualified to serve your needs.
My professional career started with three years in public accounting at Arthur Andersen, where I learned firsthand the positive impact of strategic tax planning on wealth accumulation. I transitioned into investment management at a Dallas-based family office before venturing into non-traditional investment strategies and founding Paradigm, where we successfully managed hedge funds for over two decades. I received a Masters of Accountancy with a concentration in Taxation and a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Accounting from the University of Tennessee. I am a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Registered Life Planner (RLP®).
When I'm not helping others plan for their future, I'm enjoying time with family and friends. My favorite activities include walking, bridge, savoring good food and wine and traveling anywhere and everywhere...connecting with others along the way while I explore local cultures.
Professional Designations
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CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
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Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
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Registered Life Planner (RLP)
Affiliations
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100 Women in Finance
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American Institute of CPAs
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Fee Only Network
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Financial Planning Association
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Kinder Institute of Life Planning
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National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
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XY Planning Network
Primary Location
8111 Preston Road, Suite 575 Dallas, Texas 75225
Additional Locations
📍 310 West Dickson, Suite 220 Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
Meeting Options
- Video Conference
- In-Person
- Phone
Compensation Methods
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Fee Only
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Flat Fee
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Percentage of Assets Managed
What to expect in the first meeting
Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above to schedule a free 15-minute call with Monica, our director of operations so we can learn if your situation matches our expertise. If so, we'll schedule a complimentary 60-min call with Michelle to discuss what is top of mind, your desired future state and what it looks like to work with us. We look forward to speaking with you.
Offers Investment Management
Yes
About our Firm
At Paradigm, we value objectivity, integrity and transparency. We provide fee-only financial planning focused on guidance and support. Our advisors don’t collect commissions on any investments we recommend, allowing us to offer truly objective advice.
Our Typical Clients are:
➡️ Dual-career household families in their 30's or 40's earning $250,000 or more
➡️ Parents with school-age children preparing for the cost of higher education while simultaneously ensuring retirement is on track.
➡️ Established executives at the officer or director level position who need help navigating additional employer benefits such as stock options, deferred compensation, etc.
Wherever you are now - considering retirement savings strategies, evaluating private school for your children, purchasing a second home, saving for college, or supporting your elderly parents - we’re here to provide guidance.
Building a firm financial foundation to pursue your ideal life and achieve confidence in your future is paramount. You can trust us to care for your financial health, navigate dynamic changes in financial markets, optimize your tax strategy, and help avoid costly mistakes before they snowball.
Education
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Masters of Accountancy/Concentration Tax | Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Accounting | Southern Methodist University Certificate, Financial Planning
Hobbies and Interests
- Family
- Traveling
- Walking
- Wine
Who We Serve
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Baby Boomers
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Corporate Executives
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Couples
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Dual Income Family
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Gen X
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Gen Y / Millennials
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Parents
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Young Families