Sandra D. Adams, CFP®, is a Partner and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.®.

Having joined The Center team in 1996, Sandy has more than 25 years of financial planning industry experience. She was nationally recognized by Forbes as a Top Woman Wealth Advisor Best-in-State in 2024 for the fifth consecutive year, and recognized on Forbes’ 2022 Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list.

Sandy specializes in Elder Care Financial Planning and is a frequent speaker on related topics with the Michigan Association of CPAs, Wayne State University Institute of Gerontology (WSU IOG), SOAR (Society for Active Retirees), AICPA (Association of International Certified Professional Accountants) and other public and professional groups. In addition to making frequent contributions to The Center’s “Money Centered” blog, she serves as a trusted source for national publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Research Magazine, and Retirement Daily. She regularly contributes to the Journal for Financial Planning and Practical Compliance and Risk Management. She is also an instructor for the Schoolcraft College Continuing Education program on topics related to Long Life Planning and Following a Fiduciary Standard.

Sandy enjoys working with clients and their families to create customized and actionable financial plans that can be easily implemented with the assistance of a professional partner. She’s worked with generations of families—older adults, their children, and grandchildren—and is specially trained to work with those going through the death of a spouse, divorce, job loss, and other stressful life transitions.

Along with volunteering for the WSU IOG, Alzheimer’s Association, and other local nonprofits, Sandy enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Education:

• Master’s Degree, Gerontology, Eastern Michigan University

• Bachelor of Science, Eastern Michigan University

• Certificate of Financial Planning, American College

• Trained at the Financial Transitionist® Institute, a division of the Sudden Money® Institute

• Trained at the Caregiving Years Training Academy through the Certified Caregiving Consultant Training Program

AWARDS

• Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 - Click to learn more

• Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2022 – Click to learn more

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)

• Series 7 and Series 63 Securities Licenses

• State of Michigan Life and Health Insurance Licenses

LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

• Graduate, Leadership Oakland Class of XXV

• Financial Planning Association of Michigan

  • Board of Directors (Nine Years) – Past Service

  • Board President (Three Years)

  Wayne State University Institute of Gerontology, Board of Visitors (Board Chair)

• Universal Dementia Caregivers Board of Directors

• On the Wings of Angels Board President

AREAS OF FOCUS & INTEREST:

• Aging/Longevity

• Planning for caregivers who are assisting loved ones

• Financial Planning for those going through the death of a spouse, divorce, job loss, and other stressful life transitions