Dawn Doebler, MBA, CPA, CFP®, CDFA®

Senior Wealth Advisor

Bethesda, MD
Dawn Doebler
Focus Areas

Pre- and Post-Liquidity Planning
Divorce and Dispute Resolution
Investment Strategies
Sustainable Investing Solutions

Client Specialty

Executives
Business Owners
Retirees
Women in Transition

Community

Montgomery Hospice; Chairman Investment Committee

Dawn Doebler is a Senior Wealth Advisor and Principal at The Colony Group. Dawn has provided wealth management and financial planning solutions for clients for over 25 years. As an MBA, CPA, Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), she understands the challenges and financial needs of women in transition, single breadwinner parents, executives, entrepreneurs, and wealthy families.

Her experience working in large corporations including Ford, Nissan, and Southern California Edison gives Dawn unique insight into the financial issues that many business executives, owners, and professionals face. She enjoys providing financial advice and solutions for successful individuals and managing the dynamics that may come into play when managing family wealth. Dawn serves on the Board of Montgomery Hospice and has also been an Adjunct Professor of Financial Planning for the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Dawn also enjoys educating and empowering women about their finances and is a sought-after speaker whose intelligent, down-to-earth message resonates with women in every stage of life. She has appeared on WTOP radio, NASDAQ Live, Yahoo Finance, WJLA/ TV 7 Let’s Talk Live and is frequently quoted in the media. As a co-founder of Her Wealth®, Dawn draws on her vast experience to inform and educate women about financial issues that are relevant to them. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Financial Planning for University of Maryland Global Campus. 

Dawn earned her Master of Business Administration in Accounting and Corporate Finance from the University of Maryland and her Bachelor of Arts in Financial Planning and Economics from Grove City College, Pennsylvania. She obtained her Certified Public Accounting (CPA) designation in 2008.

Prior to joining The Colony Group, Dawn was a Senior Wealth Advisor & Director of Education at Bridgewater Wealth & Financial Management.

Published Insights

Four Colony Group Advisors Ranked on Forbes’ Best-in-State-Women Wealth Advisors List

The following Colony Group advisors were named as 2024 Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State by Forbes.   Dawn Doebler, MBA, CPA, CFP®, CDFA®, Senior Wealth Advisor  Dina Gordon Lee, CPA/PFS,...

If You Want to Retire in 2025, Here’s What You Need to Prep Now

Have you considered whether your portfolio is retirement-ready? Learn more in this U.S. News & World Report article featuring The Colony Group's Dawn Doebler, Senior Wealth Advisor.

Five Uncommon Ways to Use a Home Equity Line of Credit

A home is the largest asset for most Americans. Not only is it where you live and make memories, tapping into a home’s equity — the difference between what...

Financial Tips & Resources For College Grads

Great financial tips and resources for college grads to establish financial independence and begin building wealth. It’s the season for celebrating graduations and a good time to consider how...

The Truth About Taxes in Retirement

Taxes are a fact of life—even in retirement. How much you will be required to pay could have an effect on your lifestyle during this phase of your life....

Financial Pressures Today’s Breadwinner Women Face

Women breadwinners have unique financial needs as they contribute more income to support their families and their future. Women are increasingly earning more money and significantly contributing to their...

Breaking Down the Barriers Between Women and Financial Success

The Colony Group is excited to feature Her Wealth, which focuses on engaging, educating, and serving women on financial topics. The goal of Her Wealth is to establish a...

How Financial Advisors Care for Grieving Clients

How Financial Advisors Care for Grieving Clients: Dawn Doebler MBA, CPA (MD), CFP®, CDFA™, a Senior Wealth Advisor at The Colony Group, shares with Barron’s that “There are two...

Happy Holidays from The Colony Group

Happy holidays to our Colony Group clients and friends! In 2021, our company celebrated 35 years since its founding in 1986. To reflect on this incredible milestone, our team...

The Dimensions of Wealth: Influencing Your Financial Path

A nuanced and thoughtful approach to financial planning is like peering into a kaleidoscope. Each kaleidoscope design comprises a unique set of pieces and patterns, and those specific dimensions...

Prepare for a First Financial Advisor Meeting

"Pay close attention to whether the advisor listens to your opinions and takes time to learn the details of your life and values before recommending solutions," advises Dawn Doebler MBA, CPA (MD), CFP®, CDFA™. "This is the best way to know that the advisor will listen to you and tailor solutions accordingly."

How to know when your financial adviser is really listening to your words

The key to successful client meetings is to do more listening and less talking. Dawn Doebler MBA, CPA (MD), CFP®, CDFA™ shares why she has a list of over 40 questions and other insights.

Upbeat Or Gloomy? Advisors Strike Right Balance To Reassure Clients

"You have to understand where the client is coming from," said Dawn Doebler, "Does the client tend to be overly optimistic or overly pessimistic? And what's driving that?"

Estate Planning Tips Amid The Pandemic

Dawn Doebler suggests seeking professional estate planning advice when family circumstances or complexities increase.

Protecting Your Female Client’s Assets During Divorce

"Unfortunately, too many divorcees expect to live a similar lifestyle in divorce," Dawn Doebler says. "In doing so, they may be ignoring the financial implications or trade-offs required to afford their lifestyle expenses."

Doebler finds that in working with divorcees, "difficult decisions become easier when someone is clear about the trade-offs between current consumption and the impacts that may have on their long-term financial health."

The Top Questions Investment Advisors Are Getting Asked Right Now

Dawn Doebler and Michael Nathanson share the top questions clients are asking right now via Worth Media.

The Risk and Impact of Living Longer

As appeared in Financial Advisor Magazine There’s no denying that longevity is increasing in the U.S. and throughout much of the world.  Recent legislation like The SECURE Act, passed...

WTOP Interview: 5 Unwelcome Tax Surprises That Might Affect You

  Interview Transcript: Sandy Kozel: Well, with that deadline coming up, you might be working on your taxes this weekend. To talk about some things that might trip you...

WTOP Interview: How Your Company Benefits Can Protect Your Financial Plan

LISTEN NOW! Find out how your employee benefits, like health or life insurance, can protect your overall financial...

WTOP Interview: Top Financial Planning Trends for 2019

LISTEN NOW! Find out what the top financial and technology trends are that could affect how you manage your...

4 Steps to Build Your Financial Plan from Vision to Reality

Are you considering all your wealth dimensions before making financial decisions? Here are 4 steps to help you...

WTOP Interview: How to Give to Family and Friends — and Avoid Gift Taxes

LISTEN NOW! Find out how to give, especially more substantial amounts, without triggering those gift...

WTOP Interview: How to Use An IRA Giving Strategy To Increase Tax Benefits

LISTEN NOW! There's another way to do good and support your favorite causes while reaping tax...

Reset Your Financial Goals by Avoiding These Roadblocks

Before establishing your financial goals, let’s make sure these roadblocks are not getting in your...

Top Books to Grow Your Financial Literacy and Wealth

These essential books can help you enhance your financial literacy, grow your wealth, and plan...

Top Financial Planning Trends for 2019

Learn what are the top financial planning trends that could affect your personal finances in...

WTOP Interview: How to Include Valuable Art and Collectibles in Your Estate Plan

LISTEN NOW! Tips for handling art and collectibles in your estate planning and how they can affect your...

WTOP Interview: 5 Uncommon Ways to Use a Home Equity Line of Credit

LISTEN NOW! Tapping into your home's equity can provide the funds to do more than just renovate your...

WTOP Interview: How ABLE Accounts Support Special-Needs Children and Their Families

LISTEN NOW! ABLE accounts can help special-need children and their families save money and plan for the...

How ABLE Accounts Support Special-Needs Children and Their Families

ABLE accounts are an important planning tool alongside more-traditional techniques such as special-needs...

How to Include Valuable Art and Collectibles in Your Estate Plan

Don’t forget to include art and collectibles in your estate planning as they have both sentimental and financial...

Are you ready for 8,000 days in retirement? Part II

Retirement tips, how to navigate the most difficult medical and lifestyle decisions of your...

5 Facts Widows Need to Know About Inheriting Traditional IRAs From Their Spouse

Before deciding on a traditional IRA inheritance option, there are 5 facts that every widow needs to...

Want Equal Pay Day To Go Away? Have More Women on Corporate Boards

Today is Equal Pay Day - not a day of celebration, but a finish line for women striving to close the pay...

6 Ways Fathers Can Build Healthy Money Habits in Their Children

Fathers can have an essential role in talking to their children about money and providing basic financial...

WTOP Interview: Are you ready for 8,000 days in retirement? Part II

LISTEN NOW! Tips and insights on how retirement is changing as we live longer and more engaged...

WTOP Interview: 15 Ways to Define and Achieve Financial Freedom

LISTEN NOW! To help you get going in the right direction, here are 15 ways to define and achieve financial...

6 Common Questions Newly Widowed Spouses Face – Part I

Newly widowed spouses face many financially significant decisions. Here's how to answer the most common...

15 Ways to Define and Achieve Financial Freedom

Financial freedom is much more than having money. Here are 15 ways to define and achieve your financial...

5 Questions a Financial Advisor Should Ask You

When you are looking for a financial advisor, see if they ask these 5 questions and why are they...

Ethical Wills – The Modern Practice of an Ancient Tradition

Find out how an ethical will can pass on your values, experiences, and life lessons to your future...

How Your Company Benefits Can Protect Your Financial Plan

These benefits can provide an important way to identify and cover the risks in your financial...

WTOP Interview: The Truth About Taxes in Retirement

LISTEN NOW! Your taxes in retirement may be a lot more complicated than taxes while you're...

Creating a Fearless Financial Plan for Retirement

Whether you're a couple or planning for retirement as a single person, use this checklist and these tips to get...

3 More Questions Newly Widowed Spouses Face

3 questions newly widowed spouses face when dealing with Social Security, investments, and paying...

WTOP Interview: 4 Ways the Kiddie Tax Can Work for You and Your Family

LISTEN NOW! Find out how the kiddie tax works and what strategies could help you when tax time rolls...

WTOP Interview: Financial Sanity for the Sandwich Generation

LISTEN NOW! Listen to these tips to learn how to protect both your financials and your financial...

Financial Sanity for the Sandwich Generation

Here are four strategies to protect your financial sanity when you are part of the sandwich...

WTOP Interview: 3 More Questions Newly Widowed Spouses Face

LISTEN NOW! 3 questions newly widowed spouses face when dealing with Social Security, investments, and paying...

WTOP Interview: 6 Common Questions Newly Widowed Spouses Face – Part I

LISTEN NOW! Many widows should ask these financial questions to prevent running into serious financial...

WTOP Interview: 5 Questions A Financial Advisor Should Ask You

LISTEN NOW! When shopping for a financial advisor, it essential to see if they ask these...

5 Reasons to Consider a Special Needs Trust

Here are 5 common reasons for establishing a special needs trust that applies to your family member with a...

How to Use An IRA Giving Strategy To Increase Tax Benefits

Giving to charities not only helps communities or those in need, but it can be a powerful tax...

Alimony May Still Offer a State Tax Deduction

Find out what the new alimony deduction rules are on a state-by-state basis and if they may apply to...

12 Reasons Women Need to Close the Financial Literacy Gap

Staggering statistics about why women should pay more attention to their money. Hint #7: It’s our...

5 Uncommon Ways to Use a Home Equity Line of Credit

Tapping into a home's equity line of credit may provide the funds to cover large expenses with reasonable...

Your 12-Month Plan to Take Control of Your Wealth

If taking control of your money and wealth is one of your resolutions for 2019, we have a plan for...

Family Money Talks To Have This Year

Early in the New Year, we wanted to suggest that as you set your New Year’s resolutions, you consider making at least one related to managing your money.  A...

Social Security Claiming Strategies Women Can’t Afford to Overlook

Here's what married, divorced and widowed women need to know to maximize their Social Security benefit in...

WTOP Interview: 12 Reasons Women Need to Close the Financial Literacy Gap

LISTEN NOW! Financial literacy is important for all, but especially for women as they become...

5 Things Women Should Know About Taxes After A Divorce

Most post-divorce life changes correlate to a change in some aspect of your income taxes. Look for these common...

WTOP Interview: 6 Ways Fathers Can Build Healthy Money Habits in Their Children

LISTEN NOW! Dads, help your children develop a solid financial foundation by teaching them good money...

4 Ways the Kiddie Tax Can Work for You and Your Family

Take a look at these 4 tax planning strategies to make the Kiddie Tax work for you and your...

WTOP Interview: 3 Costly Social Security Mistakes

LISTEN NOW! Find out how to maximize your Social Security and what are the mistakes you should...

WTOP Interview: Social Security Claiming Strategies Women Can’t Afford to Overlook

LISTEN NOW! 3 Social Security claiming strategies for women that can make a big difference in retirement...

WTOP Interview: 5 Facts Widows Need to Know About Inheriting Traditional IRAs From Their Spouse

LISTEN NOW! 5 facts a widowed spouse can take when it comes to inheriting traditional IRA assets as a direct...

Breaking Down the Barriers Between Women and Financial Success

Her Wealth is exposing the obstacles and breaking down the barriers that prevent women from succeeding...

5 Common Divorce Mistakes To Avoid

Avoiding these common divorce mistakes will help navigate the divorce process and prevent future...

WTOP Interview: 3 Questions Every Trustee Needs To Ask About Being A Trustee

LISTEN NOW! Even the most financially adept among us may not be aware of all of the trustee...

WTOP Interview: Living Together After 50: Are You Ignoring The Biggest Financial Risks?

LISTEN NOW! Here are some financial reasons why older couples are opting to live together than getting...

WTOP Interview: Family Money Talks To Have in 2018 & 5 Tips To Make Them Successful

LISTEN NOW! Retirement planning is one of many financial conversations you need to have with your...

WTOP Interview: 5 Steps to Maximize the Value of Your Healthcare Plan

LISTEN NOW! With health care costs increasing, it's important to know how to get the most out of your health care...

WTOP Interview: Boost Retirement Savings and Reduce Taxes with Catch -Up Contributions

LISTEN NOW! Catch-up contributions allow to supercharge retirement savings while reducing how much to pay in...

WTOP Interview: Mutual Fund Fees: How To Know What You Are Paying For And Why

LISTEN NOW! We uncover the facts about mutual fund fees. Use this to know if you are paying too...

WTOP Interview: 7 Things You Need to Know About Health Savings Accounts

LISTEN NOW! HSAs offer tax advantages and other benefits. Here's how to maximize this unique savings...

WTOP Interview: Deciding where to live during and after a divorce

LISTEN NOW! Deciding where to live can be challenging during and after a divorce. Here are some things to...

7 Questions to Ask When Taking Control of A Trust

Taking the reins on trust accounts can provide a sense of security, but it's also natural to have some...

Top 5 Planning Tips When Selling A Business

If you're preparing to sell your business—consider these planning opportunities before you sign on the dotted...

WTOP Interview: How To Talk To Your Mate About Retirement

LISTEN NOW! Learn how to get your retirement conversations off on the right track and focused on what's...

3 Costly Social Security Mistakes

Maximizing your Social Security benefits can make a big difference in your retirement income for of all levels of...

Her Wealth’s Top 10 Books to Know and Grow Your Wealth

Her Wealth is celebrating Read Across America Day with books that educate and empower women about their...

Deciding where to live during and after a divorce

Should you keep your home? The answer depends on balancing the emotional, practical and financial...

5 Steps to Maximize the Value of Your Healthcare Plan

With skyrocketing healthcare costs, it's wise to consider how to get your money's worth from your healthcare...

Family Money Talks To Have In 2018

If the thought of talking about money with your loved ones makes you feel uneasy, then fear no...

7 Things You Need to Know About Health Savings Accounts

HSAs offer tax advantages and other benefits. Here's a closer look at how to maximize this unique savings...

Boost retirement savings and reduce taxes with Catch-Up contributions

Making Catch-Up contributions from age 50 until retirement can add up to significantly more money in...

How One Day Can Make a Big Difference in Your Investment Performance

We take a fresh look at your performance review report. What do those numbers really tell you about how you are...

Financial Pressures Today’s Breadwinner Women Face

Women breadwinners have unique financial needs as they contribute more income to support their families and their...

Mutual Fund Fees: How To Know What You Are Paying For

We uncover the facts about mutual fund fees with this primer. Use this to know if you are paying too...

3 Questions Every Trustee Needs To Ask About Being A Trustee

We answer the most frequently asked questions about the trustee job and uncover what you should consider as a...

WTOP Interview: Talk About Finances Before Moving In Together

LISTEN NOW: If you are over 50 and living with someone, talk about your finances as you live and age...

Living Together Over 50: Are You Ignoring The Biggest Financial Risks?

Our Living Together After 50 Infographic shows how couples are putting their own wealth at risk as they age...

How To Make The Power of Margin Work For You

A margin account is a powerful tool and may be the answer when cash is tight or credit in not available. Here's...

What Else Can You Do To Secure Your Online Financial Information?

Since the Equifax data breach, is there anything you can do to protect your online financial info? Actually, there...

Tips To Choose The Right Divorce Attorney From A Financial Advisor

Once your divorce settlement is final, it's too late to go back and renegotiate. Here's how to find the right...

WTOP Interview: Why Financial Advice For The Masses Won’t Work For You

LISTEN NOW! Rules of thumb are great guidelines, but smart financial decisions should be designed just for...

WTOP Interview: Consider All Your Dimensions Of Wealth When Managing Your Finances

LISTEN NOW! Did you know that you have over 40 dimensions of wealth and each one affects your financial...

3 Ways A Roth Conversion Can Build and Preserve Wealth

Roth IRAs can offer tax savings, but many high income earners think they don't qualify for one. Think...

How Will Your Gray Divorce Affect Your Wealth?

Know the common risks of gray divorce and take these suggested precautions to soften the blow and protect your...

Talk About Finances Before Living Together After 50

Take our "Living Together After 50 Financial Quiz" to learn what you need to know and discuss before moving in...

What Are Your Dimensions Of Wealth?

Are you considering all of the unique dimensions of your wealth before taking financial advice? Here's why you...

WTOP Interview: Raising Financially Responsible Kids

Listen Now: It's time that parents declare their financial independence from their adult children. We have a few...

WTOP Interview: Financial Tips For College Grads

Listen Now: As college grads go from starving students to working adults, parents can help their financial...

Aging Parents Aging Us: Helping Parents As They Age

How to have conversations with aging parents about medical care, living arrangements and more so their wishes are...

Retirement Planning for Couples with Age Gaps

Couples with large age gaps have special considerations when planning for retirement to make sure their money...

Why Men Matter To The Women of Her Wealth®

We want men to encourage their wives, mothers and daughters to get engaged in their own finances. Here's...

Financial Tips & Resources For College Grads

Great financial tips and resources for college grads to establish financial independence and begin building...

The Best Questions To Ask To Be A Better Investor

Ask the right questions to improve your investments. Start with these questions to ask yourself or your...

WTOP Interview: Why Men Have A Stake In The Financial Empowerment of Women

LISTEN NOW: Her Wealth was designed not to exclude men, but to be more inclusive of women when it comes to their...

WTOP Interview: Aging Parents, Aging Us: How To Prepare for the Next Stage of Life Part II

LISTEN NOW: In the second part of our series, we focus on what those in their 50s and 60s should do now to...

WTOP Interview: Aging Parents, Aging Us: How To Prepare for the Next Phase in Life Part I

LISTEN NOW: Aging can be an uncomfortable topic, but preparing for it can ease fears for parents and adult...

WTOP Interview: Tie Up Those Post Divorce Financial Loose Ends

LISTEN NOW: Our Moving On Post Divorce Checklist guides you through what you need to do to move on with...

WTOP Interview: How To Navigate Your Taxes After A Divorce

LISTEN NOW: Many things change after a divorce including your taxes. We help you avoid unwanted tax...

WTOP Interview: How To Make A Margin Account Work For You

LISTEN NOW: Learn what a margin account is and why it may be a better option than traditional borrowing...

WTOP Interview: Financial Fitness Checkup

LISTEN NOW: Know where you are financially and what you need to address by taking this short (12 question)...

WTOP Interview: Tuition Gifts With Tax Benefits

LISTEN NOW: If you want to fund your child or grandchild's education, don't miss these tax...

WTOP Interview: How To Talk To Your Mate About Money

LISTEN NOW: Start with goals to have productive conversations with your spouse or partner about your...

Moving On – What To Do Once Your Divorce Is Final

Our Moving On checklist will help you make sure that you haven't left any critical post-divorce actions...

WTOP Interview - Can You Afford Your Gray Divorce?

LISTEN NOW: Later-in-life divorces, dubbed "gray divorce" are on the rise and can be costly especially for...

The Gift of Financial Empowerment

Meaningful and impactful gift ideas with lasting value for women in transition, kids of all ages,...

WTOP Interview: Women’s Financial Success—Breaking Down Barriers

Listen to Dawn Doebler’s WTOP interview: Women’s Financial Success and Breaking Down the Barriers Transcript: Hillary Howard: Joining us to do that Dawn Doebler; cofounder of Her Wealth™ and...

What Every Trustee Needs to Know About The Trustee Job

What to do if... you've been named a trustee, beneficiaries are asking lots of questions, or to know if you want the...

Speaking Of Tax Returns…Never Sign A Tax Return You Haven’t Read

Many women don't want to admit that they never read their tax return before signing it. Here's why you...