TJ van Gerven, CFP®

Helping high-earning professionals in their 30s and 40s align money with meaning

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Memento Financial Planning TJ van Gerven, CFP®
Boston, MA

Serving Clients Nationwide

Helping high-earning professionals in their 30s and 40s align money with meaning

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

Areas of Focus

  • Employee Stock Options
  • Equity Compensation Options
  • Retiring Early (F.I.R.E)
  • Tax-Smart Accumulation Planning
  • Tax-Smart Distribution Planning

About TJ van Gerven, CFP®

Theodore Joseph (T.J.) is the founder of Memento Financial Planning, a fee-only firm helping high-earning professionals in their 30s and 40s align money with meaning. He works virtually with clients nationwide, helping them navigate equity compensation, invest excess cash, and plan for financial flexibility.

After graduating from Virginia Tech, T.J. has spent his career in financial planning. Through his firm and podcast, Do More With Your Money, he combines deep technical planning with life-centered guidance so clients can clarify what truly matters—and design a plan to support it.

Outside of work, T.J. enjoys golfing, exploring Martha’s Vineyard, and spending time with family and friends.

Professional Designations

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®

Affiliations

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

Primary Location

70 E India Row, Boston, MA 02110, USA

Video

Meeting Options

  • Video Conference

Compensation Methods

  • Fee Only
  • Flat Fee
  • Subscription

What to expect in the first meeting

The first meeting is a 30-minute conversation to see if we’re a mutual fit. If we agree to move forward, I offer a free “Memento Snapshot,” where I review your tax return, equity compensation, and overall finances before our next session. That second meeting is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and a clear path forward.

Offers Investment Management

Yes

About Memento Financial Planning

At Memento Financial Planning, we help high-earning professionals in their 30s and 40s use money as a tool for freedom, not just accumulation.

We specialize in guiding dual-income households—often navigating equity compensation, cash flow complexity, and competing priorities—toward a work-optional life. Our planning process blends deep technical expertise with life-centered guidance to help you align money with meaning.

The name Memento is a reminder: money is impermanent and time is finite. That’s why our work goes beyond spreadsheets. We help you clarify what matters most—and create a practical, tax-efficient strategy to support it.

We’re a fee-only, fiduciary firm working virtually with clients across the U.S., primarily in New York and Massachusetts.

Education

Virginia Tech, Economics, Actuarial Science

Languages

  • English

Hobbies and Interests

  • Exercising
  • Family
  • Golf
  • Pickleball
  • Reading
  • Relaxing
  • Running
  • Traveling
  • Working Out
  • Writing
  • Yoga

FINRA Lookup

View Disclosure

Who We Serve

  • Attorneys
  • Corporate Executives
  • Couples
  • Crypto Investors
  • Dual Income Family
  • Engineers
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE)
  • Gen X
  • Gen Y / Millennials
  • Gen Z
  • Individuals
  • Investors
  • Parents
  • Physicians
  • Sales Professionals
  • Scientists
  • Technology Professionals
  • Young Families

To make Wealthtender free for readers, we earn a nominal monthly fee from financial advisors and firms in exchange for marketing services (including being featured on this profile page), subject to terms of use. This compensation creates a natural conflict of interest when we favor their promotion over others. Wealthtender is not a client of these advisors or firms. 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™
Jul 23, 2025
Thoughtfully guided me through all the nuances of the early years of retirement--so many details that I was unaware of. Could not have succeeded without the professional coaching of TJ. I now have confidence in my financial future. Highly recommend.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jul 23, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Vicki Jacobson
Vicki Jacobson

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jul 24, 2022
MWB/TJ is a wealth of financial advice and I feel extremely lucky to have them on my team! No matter what stage of your life you are in, working with Modern Wealth Builders to create a financial plan will be worth its weight in gold.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jul 24, 2022
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Parker Hayes
Parker Hayes

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 19, 2022
MWB is quite simply the best financial planning advice for modern investors. TJ knows his stuff, has access to fantastic online tools, and is even familiar with F.I.R.E and other modern money/lifestyle movements. I highly recommend his firm.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 19, 2022
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Matt Durgavich
Matt Durgavich

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 5, 2021
I highly recommend working with TJ - his experience and sound advice make him a great advisor for young professionals, whether they're looking to achieve financial independence or just get more intentional about managing their finances.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 5, 2021
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for B P
B P

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jul 22, 2021
Can not recommend enough! Having TJ as my financial advisor has made my life so much easier and more productive. Do yourself a favor and set up a meeting. 100% worth it.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jul 22, 2021
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Max Berlow
Max Berlow

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 27, 2021
We have been working with TJ for more than 4 months now. We have learnt a good deal about managing our finances and about the many options available to effectively allocate our money. TJ is very systematic and progresses with our understanding. I appreciate his availability and readiness to answer our very naïve questions. We feel confident after collaborating with him. Highly recommend MWB as we benefited working with him.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 27, 2021
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Ankit Lodaya
Ankit Lodaya

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 17, 2021
My experience with Modern Wealth Builders has been so beneficial. TJ has helped me get organized and is putting forth my financial goals. He is looking out for my best interest and really knows his stuff! He takes the time to walk through getting the tasks done and is very responsive to any questions you have at any time. I highly recommend and would gladly refer him to all of my friends and family.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Kendra Lopes
Kendra Lopes

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 31, 2021
TJ brings a professional and sound process to the table to build a strong financial foundation. A lot of financial decisions depend upon where a person is at in life and their goals...TJ will take the time to get to know you and your goals to ensure the personal aspects get factored into planning. Since my time working with TJ, I feel much more confident about the current state my of financial affairs and my future outlook is quite promising.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for CJ Drozd
CJ Drozd

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Apr 15, 2021
Working with MWB has helped tremendously with my overall financial 'peace of mind' & security. As a relatively new grad/member of the Tech workforce, they were able to give me a solid foundation that I know will last for decades to come - between investment strategies and general guidance, no question I had was 'out of bounds' and they really do cater to the individual before anything else. More than anything, MWB has my best-interest at heart and I feel it more upon each interaction. Could not recommend it any more!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Apr 15, 2021
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Max Walsack
Max Walsack

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Apr 10, 2021
I have been working with modern wealth builders for the last two years now and they have drastically improved both my business and my personal finances. Working with modern wealth builders has helped me organize, simplify and grow my wealth. Overall it has been a trustworthy, professional and knowledgeable company to work with. Highly recommend!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Lamar Moreis
Lamar Moreis

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jan 13, 2021
TJ was recommended to me by a friend, he is very responsive and comprehensive with setting up a investment plan and walking me through it. I don’t know much about financing, but I feel confident and trust that I am in good hands working with him.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Annie Tai
Annie Tai

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 28, 2020
TJ is an excellent catalyst for building (and maintaining) a strong financial foundation. His ability to make a complex topic simple is extremely valuable. TJ's response time is often within minutes of an inquiry. I can be an overzealous person. By working with Modern Wealth Builders (MWB), we can breathe easier knowing that we are in good hands. The tools that MWB provides to the client are impressive - automation and savings strategies, Net Worth tracking and retirement planning. An all in one package. MWB philosophy is simple, be as efficient as possible, and let your money work for you. TJ will introduce many sound ideas and savvy tools to help. Dedicated to lifelong learning, TJ is meticulous when it comes to dissecting industry news and technologies. Thank you for giving us the confidence to make our dream of financial freedom a reality. Highly Recommend.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of May 28, 2020
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Tyler Walker
Tyler Walker

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 14, 2019
I've been a client of TJ's for about a year now. Since working with him I am much more confident in the long term financial goals I have set for myself and my ability to reach them. He is incredibly professional, thorough, and knowledgeable. I recommend him to anyone looking for a financial planner.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Dec 14, 2019
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Mia Tantillo
Mia Tantillo

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 3, 2019
I never pictured myself working with a Financial Planner, especially at this point in my life, but when I started working for a company that provided me with a lot of stock options and benefits I felt in over my head. I reached out to TJ and he walked me through all my options and now helps me take advantage of them in ways that make sense for my current financial/life goals. I don't think I would trust or feel comfortable working with anyone else.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Dec 3, 2019
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Madeleine Penicaud
Madeleine Penicaud

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Nov 21, 2019
   
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Nov 21, 2019
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Kurt Jx
Kurt Jx

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 30, 2019
I highly recommend Modern Wealth Builders to anyone looking for a Financial Advisor. TJ's financial coaching, planning, consulting and education that he offers is excellent and he is great to work with!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 30, 2019
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Nicholas Costello
Nicholas Costello