Shannon Fidler, CFP, MBA

08/06/2026

Life doesn't stand still, and your financial plan shouldn't either.

Over the years, priorities naturally change.

- Starting a new career
- Getting married
- Growing your family
- Buying a home
- Planning for retirement
- Caring for aging parents

Each milestone brings new financial considerations.

If it has been a while since your last financial review, click the bookings like in the Featured section on my page to book a phone call or meeting!

Send a message to learn more

07/21/2026

I am incredibly honored to be recognized for the second year in a row as a Five Star Wealth Manager in the Pittsburgh area.

This award is based on 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria associated with providing quality service to clients. This included factors such as client retention, assets under management, and a thorough regulatory and complaint review.

While I am grateful for the recognition, what I am most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Every conversation, every plan, and every milestone is an opportunity to help individuals and families feel more confident about their financial future.

Thank you to my clients, professional partners, and everyone who has been part of this journey. Your trust and support mean more than any award.

Click the link below to see my feature!
https://app.essentialengine.com/Spotlights/157965

07/16/2026

Back to school season is a great reminder that preparing for the future doesn't happen overnight; it happens one step at a time.

For many families, a 529 education savings plan can be a valuable way to save for future education expenses while taking advantage of potential tax benefits. To put the importance of savings into perspective, 18 years from now, the estimated annual cost of tuition at my alma mater, California University of Pennsylvania (PennWest California), is projected to be approximately $103,268. While actual costs will vary, it is a powerful reminder that starting early can make a meaningful difference over time.

A few things to know about 529 plans:
- Earnings grow tax-deferred
- Qualified withdrawals are generally tax-free
- Funds can often be used for more than just traditional four-year colleges, including certain trade schools, apprenticeships, and other qualified education expenses

Every family's goals are different, and the right strategy depends on your unique financial picture. As the school year begins, now is a great time to check in and make sure that your education savings plan is still aligned with your long-term goals.

If you're wondering whether a 529 plan makes sense for your family or you'd like to review your current strategy, I'd be happy to help you explore your options. Use the link below to set up your meeting!

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07/13/2026

New legislation often creates new planning opportunities, but it also raises new questions.

One of the newest developments is the Trump Account program, designed to help families begin investing for a child's future. As a parent myself, this immediately caught my attention because my daughter, Vivian, qualifies for the program, which prompted me to take a closer look at how these accounts may fit into a family's long-term financial strategy.

While many implementation details are still being finalized, understanding the basics can help determine whether this opportunity makes sense for your family.

Some key questions to consider:
✅ Who is eligible?
✅ How are contributions made, and are there annual limits?
✅ What investment options are available?
✅ Are there tax advantages or restrictions?
✅ How does this compare to other savins vehicles, such as a 529 plan or custodial account?
✅ Can these accounts complement an existing education or wealth transfer strategy?

As with most financial planning decisions, the best option depends on your family's goals, timeline, and overall financial picture. Taking the time to understand the details before making decisions can help you make the most of new opportunities as they become available.

If you'd like to discuss whether a Trump Account may be appropriate for your family, I'd be happy to have a conversation. Schedule a time with me using the link below. 👇

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06/30/2026

I recently attended our quarterly Women's Study Group hosted by my colleague and friend, Johanna McBride. Strong women don't just lead; they lift one another up.

Thank you, Casey Nelson, from Delaware Life Insurance and Nate Scharff from Allianz for sponsoring the event and lunch afterwards! Their presentations highlighted strategies to better help our clients.

One of the highlights from this meeting was Johanna's presentation. She spoke about The Art of Mattering and provided the best practices to onboarding new clients. Creating space to share these ideas amongst fellow women in financial planning always provides value and growth. Looking forward to our next one!

06/25/2026

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the recent Women of FPA event and connecting with so many talented professionals in our financial planning community!

Thank you LPGA Professional Jill Finlan-Scally for leading such a fun and informative golf lesson. It was so great to see a mix of participants from experienced golfers to those who picked up a club for the first time. Jill did a wonderful job creating an environment where everyone felt comfortable learning, improving, and enjoying the experience.

One of the things I value the most about being President-Elect of the FPA of Pittsburgh Chapter is the opportunity to be a part of events like these that bring people together and strengthen our connections to each other and the profession.

The evening was filled with great conversations with new people, new putting skills, and meaningful experiences. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again at future FPA events!

06/17/2026

Last week, I attended the FPA of Pittsburgh breakfast meeting where we heard an insightful presentation from William Winkeler on current market research and different economic trends. His insights were incredibly valuable to gain perspective on the factors influencing today's markets and discuss financial planning strategies moving forward.

As President-Elect of the FPA of Pittsburgh, I always appreciate the opportunity to connect with fellow financial professionals who are committed to continuous learning and elevating the profession, and we had a packed room with over 50 attendees!

One of the highlights was seeing several Financial Planners, including myself, bring our summer assistants. It was encouraging to see so many young professionals taking an active interest in financial planning and getting a head start on their careers. I am so grateful to be part of such a collaborative and supportive community!

06/10/2026

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of hosting a virtual seminar on generational wealth for the Carnegie Learning Center. During our discussion, we explored the importance of developing a healthy money mentality, creating a personalized financial strategy, addressing common financial concerns, managing credit and asset protection, and building long-term wealth through investments and financial planning tools. It was a great opportunity to share practical insights and help attendees gain a stronger understanding of the steps they can take to create financial security and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Thank you to Carnegie Learning Center for the opportunity to be part of this meaningful conversation!

# FinancialPlanning

06/03/2026

🚀The Countdown to a Historic IPO Has Begun

📊SpaceX is reportedly preparing to go public, with some estimates valuing the company at nearly $1.75 trillion. If those projections hold, it could become the largest IPO ever.

🌟From pioneering reusable rockets to expanding internet access around the world through Starlink, the company has built a reputation for challenging conventional limits and driving innovation forward.

Naturally, an IPO of this size will attract significant investor interest. Beyond the headlines, it serves as an important reminder:
-successful investing is not about reacting to every major market event
-it is about having a strategy in place before opportunities arise
-opportunities are most valuable when viewed through the lens of a comprehensive financial plan

Now is a good time to review your portfolio, assess risk tolerance, and confirm that your investments continue to support your long-term goals. If you want clarity on how opportunities like this fit into your account, I am here to help.

👇Let's Talk
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05/26/2026

So Excited to Welcome our Summer Marketing Assistants! 🌟

This summer, we are thrilled to welcome a talented group of eight marketing assistants to our Prudential Advisors practice. We are excited to have Lauren Hettinger, Amelia Chiamardas, Carson Wible, Garrett Hull, Josh Jashinkski, Erica Fierle, Ryan Hart, and Douglas Sudor joining our team and look forward to the energy and perspectives they will bring.

Throughout the internship, they will gain firsthand experience in the financial planning industry by contributing to a variety of projects and daily operations. Their responsibilities will include marketing initiatives, investment research, client relationship management (CRM), administrative support, client meeting preparation, data organization, and assisting with everyday office tasks. They will also have opportunities to interact with clients, observe meetings, and develop a deeper understanding of the financial services profession.

Having started my own career in this field during college, I understand the value of mentorship and real-world experience for young professionals. I am passionate about helping students build skills, gain confidence, and explore career opportunities in the industry. Excited to watch this group learn and grow over the coming months!

Help us give our interns a warm welcome and wish them luck as they start this journey! 👏