Linda Parks
EXPLOREMY WHY
Why I Became a Financial Advisor
When I saw my tax clients’ needs for ethical and responsible guidance with a fiduciary standard of care, I was motivated to earn my CFP® certification and established my advisor practice in 2013.
From my many experiences working with clients, I believe that thoughtful conversation and guidance are integral within client service. Using my training in collaboration, mediation and reflective listening, I support my clients by helping them recognize and achieve their financial goals.
MY FOCUS
Emotion and Money
Money conversations can be emotional. Many of us have regret about a past financial action. I have observed how money, security and emotions are intertwined for most of us. From my experience as a CPA and financial advisor, I have assisted clients in a range of financial situations where the topic of money has derailed a good conversation. So, I create a neutral space for clients where it is possible to look clearly at the present and then look forward, so they can have confidence in their financial decisions.
About Linda
Linda Parks, CPA, CFP® joined Forum Financial Management in 2022 as a Financial Advisor. She founded her CPA firm in 1997, focusing on individuals and small business owners. In 2013, Linda founded her own advisor practice in Ithaca, New York.
Linda holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. She is a member of the Financial Planning Association and the Ithaca Area Collaborative Law Professionals.
Linda studies and practices meditation.
FORUM ARTICLES & INSIGHTS
A PERSONAL APPROACH
Tell Us About Your Financial Life and Aspirations
Your experience begins with an initial meeting to identify your financial vision for the future and risk tolerance levels. We review our investment philosophy and approach with you so that you fully understand each milestone of our process and how our relationship will evolve over time.
PREVIOUS 
Discuss Topics Crucial to Your Financial Success
Over the course of the next few meetings, the content and breadth of each meeting is defined by your personal needs. We can review your estate planning and risk management needs, discuss retirement accumulation or distribution planning, evaluate educational funding needs, review your tax situation, and go over any other items crucial to your financial success.
PREVIOUS Develop a Strategic Plan Unique to You
Once you select an allocation, we put together a strategic implementation plan that will coordinate investment of your portfolio between qualified (tax-advantaged) assets and non-qualified assets in order to maximize tax efficiency. The topics we address during our time with you vary depending on your unique needs and situation.
Putting Your Plan Into Action
We establish your Forum account based on the portfolio allocation we discussed and what we learned about your risk tolerance and financial goals. With your new Forum account now in place, you will have the opportunity to access your Forum Client Portal for the first time and connect with members of the Forum Client Service team.
Review Goals and Plans When Your Life Changes
You will receive reporting that will clearly show your performance net of all fees and compared to applicable market indexes. Additionally your assets are held at a reputable third-party custodian that furnishes independent monthly reports so you can feel confident about the safe handling of your money.
