Paul Bennett, Ph.D., MSF, CFP®

We help you navigate the many choices you may face on your financial journey.

Connect Cancel

Wealthtender Community Connect helps people discover the best financial advisors for their individual needs through their favorite blogs and podcasts.

Click Here to Learn More
Contact Me
DecisionMap Wealth Management Paul Bennett, Ph.D., MSF, CFP®
Great Falls, VA

Serving Clients Nationwide

We help you navigate the many choices you may face on your financial journey.

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

Areas of Focus

  • Estate Planning
  • Financial Life Planning
  • Insurance
  • Investment Management
  • Retirement Planning
  • Taxes

About Paul Bennett, Ph.D., MSF, CFP®

A native Washingtonian, Paul Bennett has over three decades of wealth management experience. Prior to co-founding DecisionMap Wealth Management with Mark Weber, he worked as a vice president for Goldman Sachs and was a managing director for United Capital Financial Advisors. He was also the founder of Bennett Financial Corporation and Private Wealth Advisers as well as co-founder of c5 Wealth Management.

Paul specializes in providing wealth management advice to executives, entrepreneurs, professionals and retirees. Paul’s unique approach involves demystifying complicated financial jargon and simplifying concepts, a skill refined through years of helping clients make confident decisions. His doctoral work, which delved deep into investor behavior and utilized methods to enhance the investing experience, provides a unique perspective in the industry.

Paul is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional (CFP®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) and Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA). He holds a postdoctoral Master of Science in applied analytics from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in economics from SMC University. Paul also holds a Master of Science in finance from Indiana University Kelley School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida.

Paul is a published author of books and articles on investments, personal finance and economics. His most recent book is entitled, "The Money Navigator: The Essential Guide to Living Your Ideal Financial Life." He also has served as a subject matter expert for the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, contributing to the development of examination questions for the CFP® certification examination.

Paul was previously a member of the board of directors of the Rotary Foundation of Great Falls, Virginia, and served on the board of trustees for Capital Hospice as well as the finance and planning giving advisory committees.

In his free time, Paul enjoys playing pickleball, traveling and spending time with his family, reading nonfiction and playing an occasional round of golf.

Professional Designations

  • Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA)
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®
  • Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)

Affiliations

  • CFP Board

Primary Location

746 Walker Road, Suite 16, Great Falls, VA 22066

Additional Locations

📍 3350 Riverwood Parkway, Suite 1900, Atlanta, GA 30339

Meeting Options

  • Video Conference
  • In-Person
  • Phone

Compensation Methods

  • Fee Based
  • Percentage of Assets Managed

What to expect in the first meeting

When you’re ready to start planning for your financial future, we’re ready to talk! We can start with a handshake or a video call. Click the 'Book Intro Call' button and complete the brief form to request a meeting. We look forward to speaking with you.

Offers Investment Management

Yes

About DecisionMap Wealth Management

At DecisionMap Wealth Management, we know that most decisions have an impact on your financial health, and having a trusted partner to help you navigate those decisions can provide a great degree of confidence. By understanding your unique situation, we provide you with key insights to clarify the various opportunities available with the objective of guiding you toward the life you have always imagined.

Every Decision Matters

We work with clients to give their wealth a clear direction on the wide-open map of retirement. As fiduciaries, we offer comprehensive advice and guidance to align important financial decisions with desired lifestyles. It’s the power of choosing your own path and following your passions.

Our DecisionMap process enables you to express your values, beliefs and goals, while working to understand the trade-offs associated with your financial priorities.

Are You a Participatory Delegator?

If you're a successful professional, time is your most valuable asset. You choose to delegate to others in order to focus your time on your most important tasks. You keep a pulse on things and participate as needed, but you put the trust and faith in your team to execute.

Managing your wealth should be no different. At DecisionMap Wealth Management, we add the most value to those who prefer to delegate their wealth management needs, but have a strong desire to participate in the process. Together, we make informed decisions about your wealth, based on your goals and the life you want to live.

For over 25 years, we've worked closely with successful professionals to map out, execute, and navigate their financial visions, while they actively participate in the DecisionMap process.

From executives, entrepreneurs and business owners, to professors and public-sector employees, to medical and legal professionals, our expertise is in saving you time, understanding your unique needs, and being your partner every step of the way.

Education

Paul holds a postdoctoral Master of Science in applied analytics from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in economics from SMC University. Paul also holds a Master of Science in finance from Indiana University Kelley School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida.

Hobbies and Interests

  • Family
  • Golf
  • Pickleball
  • Reading
  • Traveling

Who We Serve

  • Attorneys
  • Baby Boomers
  • Business Owners
  • Corporate Executives
  • Dual Income Family
  • Educators
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Gen X
  • Government Employees
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • Intergenerational Families
  • Living in Retirement
  • 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


By clicking submit, you acknowledge this review is based on your own experience and reflects your genuine opinion. You also agree to our review policy, privacy policy, and terms and conditions, and give this financial advisor permission to publicly display your review on their website.

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 30, 2026
										My wife and I have relied on DecisionMap since its inception and Paul Bennett for many years prior. Paul and his colleagues have provided tremendous assistance in obtaining and sustaining our financial goals. We are now in retirement and could not be happier, or financially safer in their hands.									
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 30, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Drew Carroll
Drew Carroll

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 30, 2026
										There have been few consumer services we've used in recent times that have delivered the consistent high levels of expertise, personalization, and dependability that DecisionMap has provided us. Their financial planning and strategies have preserved our retirement assets in the worst of financial times, and increased them beyond expectations in the best of times. They not only provide good financial advice, but their accessibility, patience, and perseverance have also provided us a good (and much needed) financial education. We highly recommend DecisionMap to anyone in the market for financial wealth management services.									
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 30, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Bill Alan
Bill Alan

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 29, 2026
										I cannot say enough good things about Paul Bennett and Decision Map Wealth Management. Paul has guided two generations of my family through turbulent financial times. Paul also has become a trusted family friend who was there to help during my Mother’s last illness and complicated estate settlement. I am a person of fairly modest means, but Paul has used his expertise to maximize my resources.Because of Paul I can look forward to a successful retirement that includes caring for a sibling with special needs.With immense gratitude,Elizabeth R. Milner, Annandale, VA									
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 29, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Liz Milner
Liz Milner

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 28, 2026
										Not a better firm in the country. Very knowledable and expertise in the field of investments. So glad I found them. Friendly and they go out of their way to make it happen.									
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 28, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Barry Buschow
Barry Buschow

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 28, 2026
										I have had the benefit of Paul Bennett's personalized financial planning, council, and execution over several decades now, continuing most recently with DecisionMap Wealth Management. I appreciate the tailored advice, rooted in solid research, risk adjusted for my situation, preferences and goals. I highly recommend DecisionMap if you want an excellent partner for your financial planning.									
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 28, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Dean May
Dean May

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 28, 2026
										Paul has been a trusted advisor to me for decades. Over the years, as one of his inaugural clients, Paul has always listened to my goals and continued to keep me focused. And when markets get turbulent, he is always there with a calming, logical explanation. Paul has an amazing ability to translate what can be complex financial strategies and lingo into easy-to- understand language. No question or request goes unanswered. Paul and DecisionMap are top notch!									
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 28, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Tracy Giannuzzi
Tracy Giannuzzi

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 28, 2026
										Personalized and Professional financial planning and management is their strength with client friendly listening and execution. You get all the benefits of a smaller and caring firm instead of catchall investment approaches.									
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 28, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Subramaniam Kumar
Subramaniam Kumar

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 28, 2026
										I have only positive things to say. They are conscientious and responsive to questions when I call. And proactive staying in touch.									
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 28, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for JoAnne Lindenberger
JoAnne Lindenberger

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 28, 2026
										I can't say enough about DecisionMap; the peace of mind, from handling tuition planning and payments, to long term retirement planning, is worth its weight in gold. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.									
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 28, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Phillip Pearl
Phillip Pearl

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 28, 2026
										My husband and I have been working with Paul Bennet and his group for years, and we intend to stay with them in the years to come. Paul has been a great advisor. He and his staff are responsive and smart. They’ve invested out money well, providing healthy returns on stable investments. And, they’re always accessible when I need them.I would recommend Paul and his group wholeheartedly to anybody looking for solid financial advice. My husband and I have accumulated a nice nest egg, but we’re not super wealthy. We want to keep what we have and grow it responsibly so that we can live comfortably for the rest of our lives. Paul Bennet and the folks at Decision Map are the people I want handling my finances in these turbulent time.									
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 28, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Jane Twomey
Jane Twomey

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 28, 2026
										Over 20 years of working with Paul and his team….excellent support and all my financial goals met…highly recommend for all levels of investment advice.									
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 28, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for RIck KIrkland
RIck KIrkland

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Apr 26, 2026
										I used to pick my own stocks, but decided a couple of years ago to get under full management. I find Decision Map to be extremely responsive, intelligent in their approach, trustworthy, and reliable. I know that my portfolio, now fully diversified, is safe and in good hands. I have only good things to say about them.									
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Apr 26, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for MARTIN SMITH
MARTIN SMITH