Michelle Bender has a gift for connecting with people, and it’s certainly one that sets her apart as a financial advisor. While she loves all the details of financial planning, her greatest joy is serving as a guide for some of the most important decisions in people’s lives. For her, the thrill is in watching a couple realize their dreams in retirement.
Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Michelle had an “aha!” moment in college as an intern at an independent financial planning firm. She was hooked on helping people discover financial freedom from the get-go and has been working as a financial planner ever since. She graduated from Seton Hill College (now University) with dual majors in Accounting and Human Resource Management.
Michelle achieved the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ® professional designation through the College of Financial Planning. She is actively involved in the financial services industry, is a Top of the Table member of the Million Dollar Round Table and currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Million Dollar Round Table Foundation. She is also a member of the Financial Planning Association and was recognized in 2025 by AdvisorHub as one of the Top 100 Female Advisors. Additionally, she is a member of the Gaithersburg-Germantown and Poolesville Chambers of Commerce. Michelle is a Registered Representative of Kestra Advisory Services.
Outside of work, Michelle values time with her twins and can often be found cheering them on at their sporting events. She also maintains her own active lifestyle through regular workouts.