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  • Charting Your Journey to Financial Confidence

     

  • Providing FEE-ONLY, independent and unbiased financial guidance

     

  • PASSIONATE, PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL: HELPING YOU GET WHAT YOU WANT OUT OF LIFE

     

   

Why Us?

Our success depends on yours.

That’s why we take a partnership approach to help you achieve long-term financial security.

 

About Us

We are a local, FEE-ONLY, independent advisory firm. Our clients rely on us to assist with all the moving parts of their financial journey so they can focus on that which is most important to them.

 

Our Philosophy

We’ve built our reputation on trust, integrity, and a commitment to providing personal service to every individual with whom we have a relationship. Our primary goal is to help you reach financial independence without sacrificing your quality of life.

 

Our Process

We specialize in comprehensive financial planning and investment solutions. We’ve learned that the best financial plans stem from a clear understanding of your personal situation and long term goals.  Simply put, we tailor your plan to manage all facets of your financial life.

OUR SERVICES

We provide comprehensive financial planning investment solutions.

 

Financial Planning

Our education-oriented process empowers you to achieve long-term financial security. You gain confidence from understanding the financial planning process and we coach you on the best ways to get from where you are today to where you want to go, while avoiding potential distractions along the way.

 

Investment Management

We work with you to determine an appropriate mix of investments based on your goals and your risk tolerance.  As a FEE-ONLY advisory firm, we deliver an independent, unbiased and objective investment experience.

 

Retirement Planning

Your financial confidence in retirement is important to us. We create, then walk you through retirement income projections with a focus on maximizing social security and tax efficiency.

 

Estate Planning

We work with your attorneys and tax professionals to ensure your wishes are carried forward in the most tax efficient manner.  We are happy to connect you with trusted resources to support your future needs.

 

Risk Management

A disciplined approach is key to financial success.  You can count on us to diversify your investments across a broad selection of asset classes, giving you balanced exposure to a variety of different markets.

 

Charitable Giving

If charitable giving is important to you, we educate you on the various options for donations and recommend a plan that best meets your financial goals.

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Our Team

We are a team of CERTIFIED FINANICAL PLANNER™ professionals dedicated to creating a meaningful, long-term relationship with you.

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Michaela Herlihy

President of Beacon Financial Planning of Cape Cod, Inc.

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
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Michaela Herlihy

Michaela’s career in financial planning began over a decade ago after she graduated from Boise State University. She began learning the business from the ground up, starting as an assistant at Beacon Financial Planning, Inc in 2005.  With her interest in helping people meet their financial goals piqued, Michaela decided to earn her certificate in Financial Planning at Boston University in 2008 and completed her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional (CFP®) designation the same year.


After nearly six years as a financial planner with Wellesley-based Michael A. Schreiber & Associates, where she developed a comprehensive knowledge of investing, retirement and college planning, tax evaluation, risk management, and estate planning, Michaela re-joined the family business in 2012 and relocated to Cape Cod to manage our Hyannis office. Upon announcing her transition, 100% of Michaela’s existing clients followed her to Beacon. Today Michaela is the President of Beacon Financial Planning of Cape Cod, Inc.  She and her team offer fee-only planning services to over 250 households, monitoring more than $145,000,000 of assets.


Michaela is passionate about helping her clients evaluate their needs and establish sound financial solutions to help them realize their dreams. “There’s a great sense of satisfaction when clients share their confidence in the plan we have developed together, noting with their financial house in order they can focus on that which brings them most joy – their business, family, golf, or whatever it may be.”


Equally important to Michaela is connection with her community. In 2013 she joined the Board of Directors of Calmer Choice, a non-profit which addresses issues of violence, suicide and self-destructive behaviors in young people. Michaela is also an active member of the Finance Committee of WE CAN, also a non-profit, which helps Cape Cod women navigate significant life changes.


Michaela is also dedicated to shaping the future of Cape Cod as an active alumni and former Board Member of the Community Leadership Institute of Cape Cod.   In 2014 Michaela was recognized by Cape and Plymouth Magazine as one of the Top 40 Professionals under the age of 40. 


When she is not working with clients and engaging in volunteer activities, Michaela enjoys cooking for friends and family, cycling, and exploring the Cape’s gorgeous beaches and trails.

Bio
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Linda Barnes Gadkowski

Consultant

CFP®
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Linda Barnes Gadkowski

Linda Barnes Gadkowski, M.Ed., CFP® is a Fee-Only financial planner whom formed her own investment advisory firm in 1990.  Today that business is Beacon Financial Planning of Cape Cod, Inc. (BFPCC) and although she no longer holds in-person client meetings, Linda is an active mentor to Michaela Herlihy and is proud to be an integral member of BFPCC’s Board of Directors.

Linda has long been a valued member of the Cape Cod community.  The following offers a glimpse into some of her professional and personal accolades: 

  • Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the State University College at Cortland, N.Y.
  • Master’s Degree in Education in Special Needs from Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Certified Financial Planner designation from the College for Financial Planning, Denver, CO.
  • Author of “Ethical Excellence” a CFP® Board Approved Ethics Course
  • Outstanding Woman of the Year in 1989 from the Business & Professional Women of Cape Cod
  • Outstanding Faculty Award In 1995 From Northeastern University’s Financial Services Institute
  • Rotary Foundation Paul Harris Fellow Award In 1999
  • Former Adjunct Faculty Member, The College For Financial Planning Since 1993
  • Former Instructor In Financial Planning Courses At Northeastern University, John Hancock, And Local Banks
  • Former NAPFA (National Association Of Personal Financial Advisors) Member
  • Former National Chairperson Of The NAPFA Ethics Committee
  • Former Member of the Town of Barnstable Trust Committee
  • Former Director at Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank, Orleans, MA

Bio
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Walter Herlihy

Investment Committee

CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®
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Walter Herlihy

As President and Chief Investment Officer of Beacon Financial Planning, Walter Herlihy provides comprehensive fee-only financial planning services and investment consulting services. After founding Bristol Investment Management and Retirement Planning Company in 1990, Walter merged his successful practice with that of Beacon Financial Planning in 2005 to help even more individuals and families reach their financial goals.

When Walter began his career in 1969 with New England Life Insurance Company, his focus was IT, not financial planning. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, his discipline, focus and leadership ability allowed Walter to progress quickly from a programmer trainee to a director managing a team of computer system professionals. With 13 years of behind-the-scenes experience, Walter made the transition to New England Life’s marketing department where he helped develop various insurance products. As national marketing manager, Walter managed two major insurance product lines (variable life insurance and universal life insurance) for the company. Prior to becoming a financial advisor in 1990, Walter also developed benefits, deferred compensation and retirement programs for corporations.

Today, Walter and his team offer fee-only planning services to over 400 clients, monitoring more than $200,000,000 of assets. “I’m extremely proud of the reputation we strive to build for trust and integrity,” says Walter. “Financial planning can be an intensely personal process. We are committed to delivering the highest degree of service to every individual with whom we have a relationship.”

Walter earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Stonehill College.  He has completed New England Life Insurance Company’s Advanced Management Training Program; American College’s CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter®) and ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant®) Certificate Programs and the College of Financial Planning’s CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™) certificate program. 

When Walter is not investing, researching and meeting with his clients, he enjoys spending time with his family.

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Michelle Cox

Financial Services Representative

MBA, CRPC®, CMFC®
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Michelle Cox

Michelle joined the BFPCC team in May 2018 bringing six years of industry experience. She double majored in marketing and cultural studies at Bryant University and went on to obtain her Master’s in Business Administration at the University of Massachusetts.  During her studies at UMASS, she accepted a position at Lincoln Financial Group as a traveling Retirement Specialist based in Albany, NY where she began her career in financial services.  


For the next six years, Michelle traveled the country delivering educational meetings and seminars to employer sponsored retirement plan participants. After graduating with her Master’s, Michelle earned her Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC) designations from Kaplan University.  Through her role as a retirement specialist, she became ardent in helping people to understand the importance of financial preparedness. 


After many years of being a road warrior, Michelle decided it was time to plant some roots back home on Cape Cod.  Now a resident of South Dennis and team member of BFPCC, Michelle enjoys sharing the benefits of comprehensive financial planning to help people reach their financial goals.  


Outside of work, Michelle enjoys photography and creating art through drawing, painting, and crafting.  In the warmer months she can be found paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, rollerblading, or spending a day with friends on Crowe’s Pasture in Brewster.


With a great passion for marine life, the ocean and our coastlines, she loves to participate in beach cleanups.  She has also been an active volunteer with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Cape Cod since 2015.  With BBBSCC, she assists the BIG’s Council with planning events, fundraising and mentor recruitment.  She also has the great privilege of mentoring a sweet, funny, and vibrant young lady.   

Bio
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Katie Brennan Kane

Operations Manager

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Katie Brennan Kane

Katie joined the BFPCC team in August of 2014.  She began as an Executive Assistant and has now transitioned to Operations Manager.  Katie is the magician who handles everything that moves!  Her attention to detail is a wonderful compliment to manage the daily office operations to help facilitate client requests, onboard new clients, assist clients with online access, prepare portfolio information for CFP® review, as well as many other internal procedures.  Katie’s philosophy -- whatever it takes to get the job done in a timely manner to best suit the client’s particular needs.

In her free time Katie enjoys tennis, running, reading, spending time with her husband, Dan and their dog, Bogey.  Her favorite locales include driving out on Nauset Beach & exploring the different towns and villages of Cape Cod.

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Pascale Cook-Fernandes

Administrative Assistant

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Pascale Cook-Fernandes

Pascale joined BFPCC in 2018 and is often the voice greeting you on the telephone as well as the first person to welcome you at our office. Her goal is to make everyone feel at home here at BFPCC.  Her previous experience as an office manager for a family business and owner of her own business are a nice compliment to the team as she understands the evolving needs of clients and has a will do attitude to help get the job done.  Pascale manages the schedule and maintains our client database. She is happy to help with all your scheduling needs as well as any changes to your personal contact information. 

Here at the office we call Pascale “Mama Hen” as she is constantly on the lookout to make your day better.  She is also the go-to person if you have an ailment as she always seems to have a remedy up her sleeve.  

Outside of work, Pascale’s love is spending time with her husband, three children and their dog, Bergie.  She enjoys photography, scrapbooking and spending time with close friends.
 

Bio

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Contact Us

We look forward to learning more about YOUR goals.
Please contact us to schedule your initial consultation.

Cape Cod Office:

72 Pine Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
(508) 790-7039

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Easton Office:

45 Bristol Drive, Suite 101
South Easton, MA 02375
(508) 230-3588

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Wellesley Office:

80 Williams Street, Suite 210
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481

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