happy couple financial planning

The Heart Behind Spark Financial Advisors

Before Spark, we found ourselves in old-school traditional financial advisory firms. There were few diverse voices, and many felt unwelcome, especially women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community.

We wanted to build something different, a place where a person could come and not feel anxious about seeking financial and investment management advice. This desire was the heart and catalyst behind the birth of Spark Financial Advisors in 2018.

We envisioned a firm where warmth, inclusivity, and expert guidance were paramount. Our aim was to create a welcoming space for everyone, particularly for women who had to navigate financial decisions in an environment that rarely gave them a chance to truly shine.

Let’s Meet

Spark Financial Advisors sunburst teal

Expect the Exceptional: Our Promise to You at Spark Financial Advisors

team leader icon

Expertise at the Forefront

As financial nerds who relish learning, we continually absorb the latest market trends and insights to enhance your financial strategies.

dollar icon

Unwavering Fiduciary Commitment

We dedicate ourselves to putting your interests first, ensuring every decision is made with integrity and your financial well-being in mind.

budget icon

Transparent, Fee-Only Structure

Our approach is straightforward and transparent. With our fee-only model, you can trust in clear, upfront pricing without the worry of hidden commissions.

presentation icon

Values-Based Investing

We will guide you in aligning your investments with your personal values, ensuring your financial choices resonate with what truly matters to you.

unity icon

Building Lasting Relationships

Like a trusted stylist who knows your taste, we strive to understand your financial needs deeply, building partnerships that grow and adapt with you over time.

creative process icon

Empowerment Through Knowledge

We believe in empowering you through education and insight, where you are confident and informed in your financial decisions.

Spark Financial Advisors sunburst gold

Meet Our Team

Our team of expert financial advisors provides services to clients in Richmond, Williamsburg, VA, and nationwide online. We specialize in helping women who want to make financially strong decisions for their families and careers.

Lauren Zangardi Haynes founder of Spark Financial Advisors outside the Spark Financial Advisors office
Founder

Lauren Zangardi Haynes, CFP®, CIMA®

Alexis Grason, CFP, RICP in Richmond, VA
Senior Financial Advisor

Alexis Grason, CFP®, RICP®

Financial Planner

Michelle Orellana, CFP®

Financial Planning Analyst

Ryan Cucinella

Kaylee England financial planning analyst at outside the offices of fee only financial advisory firm Spark Financial Advisors in Richmond VA
Operations Manager

Kaylee England

Lauren Zangardi Haynes founder of Spark Financial Advisors outside the Spark Financial Advisors office

Founder

Lauren Zangardi Haynes, CFP®, CIMA®

Certified Financial Planner®
Certified Investment Management Analyst®

The more your income and wealth grow the more complex money can become. The last thing you want is to waste time on “analysis paralysis” or to ignore the complexity of your financial life all together. I got my start in finance over 20 years ago because I believe people deserve clarity on how they can confidently prepare for the future while living their best lives now.

While I started my career focused on helping high net worth families invest their money, I know the real value we provide clients comes from having a plan in place to handle life’s ups and downs. That’s why I launched Spark Financial Advisors in 2018, to blend the power of financial planning with research-based investment strategies.

When I’m not nerding out over financial planning articles or podcasts you’ll find me trying new recipes, gardening, or watching my kids play soccer.

Looking for a speaker that engages your group in a new and thought-provoking way?

Book Lauren to Speak

Alexis Grason, CFP, RICP in Richmond, VA

Senior Financial Advisor

Alexis Grason, CFP®, RICP®

Certified Financial Planner®
Retirement Income Certified Professional®

Money can be stressful and messy, especially when you throw the natural twists and turns of life into the equation. My 19 years in the industry has taught me there is power in creating a welcoming environment, so we can untangle the topic and simplify things together.

Women face unique challenges when it comes to seasons of life, family dynamics, earning potential, and longevity. I enjoy working with strong, resilient women who work hard, play hard, and have saved (or are working to save!) substantial wealth. These women want to feel heard, understood, and appreciated. They want to be part of the process of planning their future; these women need and want more than just investment advice.

When I’m not helping clients build abundant lives, I enjoy spending time with my family and two rescue pups. Reading a good book with a cup of tea is at the top of my list, too!

Financial Planner

Michelle Orellana, CFP®

Certified Financial Planner®

I love the impact I get to have on our client lives at the time that they need financial guidance the most. I am honored to be a part of their financial journey whether they are accumulating assets or approaching retirement within the next few years.

My background in tax led me to financial planning, where I discovered the power of connecting with people to help them achieve their goals. Growing up, I saw the need for accessible financial advice. That’s why I’m committed to helping people from all walks of life understand and navigate their finances.

When I’m not assisting clients I am spending quality time with my family and beloved dog, Nico, hosting gatherings with our friends or traveling.

Financial Planning Analyst

Ryan Cucinella

University of Richmond, B.S. Business Administration (Finance & Business Analytics)

I’ve always believed the most rewarding careers are those built on helping others and forming meaningful relationships. That’s what drew me to financial planning. I enjoy combining analytical thinking with a genuine desire to help people feel more confident about their financial future.

As a Financial Planning Analyst, I enjoy supporting our advisors and clients by preparing financial plans, analyzing data, and helping deliver thoughtful, personalized guidance. Being part of a team that puts relationships and trust at the center of everything we do is what makes this work so meaningful to me.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active at the gym, discovering new restaurants around Richmond, and continuing my lifelong exercise in patience as a New York Jets fan.

Kaylee England financial planning analyst at outside the offices of fee only financial advisory firm Spark Financial Advisors in Richmond VA

Operations Manager

Kaylee England

Virginia Commonwealth University, B.S. in Sociology

I believe financial planning is as personal as one’s health. Just as you would consult a professional for important health decisions, financial planning provides the guidance and resources individuals need to make informed choices about their financial future –  empowering them to take control of their financial journey.

My experience in sociological research helps me understand the human side of financial decision-making. My time spent in small business operations gave me first hand experience in understanding the complex lives of small business owners. As a financial planning analyst, I combine analytical precision with a people-centered approach to deliver thoughtful, comprehensive solutions.

Outside of work, you’ll often find me cooking for family and friends, gardening, or getting creative with a DIY project or a blank canvas.

We’re Eager to Hear Your Story

Click below to book a meeting with a member of our team.

Let’s Meet
Spark Financial Advisors sunburst gold

Frequently Asked Questions

All our advisors are Certified Financial Planners TM (CFP®), signifying a higher standard of education and commitment in the field. As members of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), we adhere to rigorous ongoing training and ethical standards, ensuring that we provide top-tier financial guidance and advice to our clients. This combination of qualifications and memberships reflects our dedication to excellence in financial planning.

Our team at Spark Financial Advisors brings together over 50 years of combined experience in financial planning and wealth management. This extensive experience contributes significantly to successful client outcomes, as it combines a broad spectrum of knowledge and specialized expertise in financial strategies and wealth management practices. This depth of experience ensures our clients receive well-rounded, expert advice tailored to their unique financial situations.

Our commitment to professional growth is evident in our adherence to NAPFA’s requirements, which include 60 hours of Continuing Education (CE), double the standard 30 hours required for CFP® professionals. Our advisors regularly attend industry conferences and engage in specialty training. Additionally, we focus on enhancing skills like effective listening and life planning, ensuring we not only stay abreast of the latest financial trends and strategies but also excel in the interpersonal aspects vital to client-advisor relationships.

young man and woman looking at laptop
Spark Financial Advisors sunburst grey

Spark has been featured in:

A Fee-only Financial Advisory Firm serving Richmond and Williamsburg , VA and Virtual Clients Nationwide

At Spark Financial Advisors, our method transcends the standard scope of wealth management. We concentrate on harmonizing your financial objectives with the distinct complexities of your personal circumstances. From our inception in 2018, our commitment has been to transform the conventional experience of financial firms. We not only deliver professional financial advice but also offer a service that is inclusive and empathetic, prioritizing listening to, educating, and empowering our clients.

Fee-Only Financial Advisory in Richmond,
VA & Williamsburg, VA

Richmond Office

7130 Glen Forest Dr., Suite 110
Richmond, VA 23226

Williamsburg Office

1 Fords Colony Drive, Suite 4B
Williamsburg, VA 23188

(804) 451-1210

DISCLOSURE: Spark Financial Advisors, LLC (“Spark Financial Advisors”) an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The presence of this website on the Internet shall not be directly or indirectly interpreted as a solicitation of investment advisory services to persons of another jurisdiction unless otherwise permitted by statute. Follow-up or individualized responses to consumers in a particular state by Spark Financial Advisors in the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation shall not be made without our first complying with jurisdiction requirements or pursuant an applicable state exemption. All written content on this site is for information purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Spark Financial Advisors, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources and no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation.

For our social media and online review disclosures please visit: Spark Disclosures

© 2024 Spark Financial Advisors. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.