Career Spotlight: Abbie Niehoff

Abbie has balanced her work as a manager of divorce financial planning services at CBM while she obtained her master’s degree in December 2018 from the George Washington University, studied for and obtained her CFP® certification in March 2021, completed Mediation & Interest Based Negotiation Skills Training in October 2021, completed Introductory Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice Training in April 2022, and studied for and obtained her CDFA® certification in June 2022.

What do you enjoy most about working at CBM?

I like working at CBM because they support and encourage personal career growth. They provide the flexibility you need to manage continuing your education while working full time, not to mention the people are all great, and the activities throughout the year are fun.

What led you to CBM?

I worked for May & Barnhard prior to the merger with CBM. I worked as a legal assistant for my last two years of college at Towson University. I applied for a job with May & Barnhard for a role as a paralegal. I ended up liking the financial side a lot more, so I stuck with it and got all of the financial education and training needed to work in this industry as a financial professional.

Do you have any tips or advice for people trying to make it into the accounting field?

Always communicate and always be willing to learn. I learn something new everyday working in this industry.

Share your healthy interest(s) whether it’s physical, mental, emotional or financial and how your commitment to pursuing this interest can help shape you.

I am a big proponent of therapy. It has helped me through some of the most difficult points in my life and has given me great tools. I also make a point to go to the gym 4-5 days a week. I walk outside for at least 30 minutes a day. Getting out into nature helps clear my head and having dog makes sure that I am consistent with this. As a CFP^®, I practice what I preach to clients. This helps with my personal financial wellness.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to run, read historical fiction (particularly World War II), travel, and play with my Corgi, Lou.

What would your co-workers be surprised to learn about you?

I was supposed to play D1 soccer in college, but I broke my back when I was 16 and wasn’t able to play anymore.

Do you have any advice on how to manage a work-life balance?

Make a schedule and stick to it. It is easy to let work trickle over into your personal life. I am guilty of letting this happen, especially working remotely. However, it is so important for mental health, relationships, and self-care to keep the two separate.

If you could retire now, and money wasn’t a concern, what would you do with your free time?

I would travel the world. I’d like to see as much of it in my lifetime as possible. I would also buy a house on a big piece of land and rescue dogs.

What is your favorite quote or motto?

“Just keeping swimming.” It’s a good reminder to just keep going even when life gets tough.

In what ways do you find CBM focuses on the physical and mental well-being of their employees? And which one is your favorite?

CBM focuses on the physical and mental well-being of their employees in many ways. CBM has a yoga instructor come and teach a (virtual) yoga class. This was in person before COVID. CBM offers a $40 per month gym membership reimbursement. We also have a softball team and a run club which is quite fun and is a great way to get to know your colleagues. CBM’s benefit package also provides for affordable mental health care. If I had to pick one as my favorite, softball is it.

What’s your favorite book or podcast?

Morbid is my favorite podcast. It is a good mix of comedy, true-crime, and spooky things. 10/10 recommend.

What is something on your bucket list?

I’d like to go on a World War II tour across Europe.

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