Tim Martin, CFP®
Tim’s career began as an attorney and Judge Advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps. He had the privilege of providing legal advice to Marines and supporting exercises and operations around the world. Tim eventually developed a strong interest in sustainability and environmental conservation, which led him to obtain a Master of Laws (LLM) in Environmental Law from Lewis & Clark Law School. During this program and subsequent work at an environmental nonprofit, he studied environmental economics and the "business case" for sustainability and conservation. While only one solution among many, he believes socially responsible investing can get us closer to a truly just and sustainable world.
Financial planning is the perfect combination of Tim’s interest in finance and economics, interest in promoting sustainability, and his desire to help clients solve problems and achieve life goals. He is passionate about helping people align their financial decisions with their values.
Tim is originally from Ohio. He graduated from Wheaton College (Illinois) and the University of Cincinnati College of Law (Ohio) before beginning active duty in the Marines. He then lived in Virginia, Japan (Okinawa), Rhode Island, and Oregon before moving to the Olympic Peninsula. He completed his coursework in Financial Planning from Boston University during the transition to his new career as a financial advisor. He has passed the Series 65 exam and the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ exam and is now a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.
Financial planning is the perfect combination of Tim’s interest in finance and economics, interest in promoting sustainability, and his desire to help clients solve problems and achieve life goals. He is passionate about helping people align their financial decisions with their values.
Tim is originally from Ohio. He graduated from Wheaton College (Illinois) and the University of Cincinnati College of Law (Ohio) before beginning active duty in the Marines. He then lived in Virginia, Japan (Okinawa), Rhode Island, and Oregon before moving to the Olympic Peninsula. He completed his coursework in Financial Planning from Boston University during the transition to his new career as a financial advisor. He has passed the Series 65 exam and the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ exam and is now a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.
Get to Know Tim in 13 Questions
When + Where Were You Born?
I was born in a small town near Toledo, Ohio.
What is Your Earliest Memory?
Playing in the yard and walking down the street to our church. My dad was the pastor, so my entire world existed in that one block as a toddler.
Who Are Three People That Greatly Influenced You?
My parents ensured I received an excellent education and taught me how to live with integrity. My high school cross country coach instilled discipline, hard work, and commitment to a common cause. My grandfather was the epitome of a working man who loved his family. His hard work and frugal lifestyle led to a long, comfortable retirement.
What Inspired You to Work in Financial Planning?
Two primary motivations:
First, I want to use my professional expertise to help clients tackle and solve problems. Earlier in my career, I did this as an attorney. However, I realized I could help clients more holistically as a financial advisor. A good financial advisor will help you proactively prepare for significant life events and lead the crisis response team when “life happens.”
Second, I believe your passions and values should influence your finances and investments. The growth of socially responsible investing options and sustainability metrics influenced my decision to join this profession. Whether you want to avoid investing in certain companies, aggressively invest in good corporate citizens, utilize local financial institutions, or maximize your charitable impact, I want to help you do good while doing well!
What's One Piece of Great Advice You've Been Given?
Lead by example (a Marine Corps leadership principle).
What Are Your Favorite Books?
History of Art by H. W. Janson
The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone (a biographical novel of Michelangelo)
Once a Runner by John L. Parker
What Are Your Favorite Movies?
Life is Beautiful
Caddyshack (mostly because of Bill Murray’s parts)
The Mask (Jim Carrey at his best)
What Are Your Favorite Albums?
By the Way by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Living Things by Linkin Park
Garth Brooks Double Live (how can you not love a Garth Brooks greatest hits album!)
Dookie by Green Day (this album blew my mind when it came out in 1994)
What's Your Definition of Happiness?
Doing fulfilling work while still having time to be with family, work on a hobby, and travel.
Where's Your Favorite Place to Travel?
Japan. I love Japan – the picturesque countryside, the unique co-existence of traditional and modern technology, the hospitality, the gorgeous waters of Okinawa, the magic of Kyoto, the movie-set feeling of Tokyo, and the ability to get iced coffee from a vending machine on almost every street corner!
Runners-up:
Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples (Cambodia)
Paris & Rome (for the art and architecture)
Any mountain range or National Park in the Western U.S.
What Are a Few of Your Favorite Pastimes?
Running – I try to run most days. I also do trail runs, road races, and group runs.
Volleyball – I love playing volleyball. I’ve played in a recreational league almost every year since high school (yes, Port Angeles has one!)
Travel – I’ve visited 47 states and 12 countries.
Reading the newspaper – My ideal morning starts with coffee and an hour to read the local paper and the Wall Street Journal.
What's Your Perfect Meal?
Depends on where I am:
Olympic Peninsula – Barhop (primarily because of the great beer list at a local brewery)
Victoria, BC – Sult Pierogi Bar (amazing; take the ferry and check it out)
Japan – lots of small dishes at an izakaya
New Orleans – red beans & rice with spicy sausage
Portland – fried chicken & waffles at Screen Door
New Year’s Day – black-eyed peas, hog jowl, corn bread, and mac & cheese
What's One Piece of Financial + Life Advice You'd Give Your 10 Year-Old Self?
Don’t stress too much about decisions – both big and small. Look for open doors. Combine facts with intuition. Make a decision and move on. Sometimes I still stress too much over making the perfect decision instead of relaxing and enjoying life.
I was born in a small town near Toledo, Ohio.
What is Your Earliest Memory?
Playing in the yard and walking down the street to our church. My dad was the pastor, so my entire world existed in that one block as a toddler.
Who Are Three People That Greatly Influenced You?
My parents ensured I received an excellent education and taught me how to live with integrity. My high school cross country coach instilled discipline, hard work, and commitment to a common cause. My grandfather was the epitome of a working man who loved his family. His hard work and frugal lifestyle led to a long, comfortable retirement.
What Inspired You to Work in Financial Planning?
Two primary motivations:
First, I want to use my professional expertise to help clients tackle and solve problems. Earlier in my career, I did this as an attorney. However, I realized I could help clients more holistically as a financial advisor. A good financial advisor will help you proactively prepare for significant life events and lead the crisis response team when “life happens.”
Second, I believe your passions and values should influence your finances and investments. The growth of socially responsible investing options and sustainability metrics influenced my decision to join this profession. Whether you want to avoid investing in certain companies, aggressively invest in good corporate citizens, utilize local financial institutions, or maximize your charitable impact, I want to help you do good while doing well!
What's One Piece of Great Advice You've Been Given?
Lead by example (a Marine Corps leadership principle).
What Are Your Favorite Books?
History of Art by H. W. Janson
The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone (a biographical novel of Michelangelo)
Once a Runner by John L. Parker
What Are Your Favorite Movies?
Life is Beautiful
Caddyshack (mostly because of Bill Murray’s parts)
The Mask (Jim Carrey at his best)
What Are Your Favorite Albums?
By the Way by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Living Things by Linkin Park
Garth Brooks Double Live (how can you not love a Garth Brooks greatest hits album!)
Dookie by Green Day (this album blew my mind when it came out in 1994)
What's Your Definition of Happiness?
Doing fulfilling work while still having time to be with family, work on a hobby, and travel.
Where's Your Favorite Place to Travel?
Japan. I love Japan – the picturesque countryside, the unique co-existence of traditional and modern technology, the hospitality, the gorgeous waters of Okinawa, the magic of Kyoto, the movie-set feeling of Tokyo, and the ability to get iced coffee from a vending machine on almost every street corner!
Runners-up:
Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples (Cambodia)
Paris & Rome (for the art and architecture)
Any mountain range or National Park in the Western U.S.
What Are a Few of Your Favorite Pastimes?
Running – I try to run most days. I also do trail runs, road races, and group runs.
Volleyball – I love playing volleyball. I’ve played in a recreational league almost every year since high school (yes, Port Angeles has one!)
Travel – I’ve visited 47 states and 12 countries.
Reading the newspaper – My ideal morning starts with coffee and an hour to read the local paper and the Wall Street Journal.
What's Your Perfect Meal?
Depends on where I am:
Olympic Peninsula – Barhop (primarily because of the great beer list at a local brewery)
Victoria, BC – Sult Pierogi Bar (amazing; take the ferry and check it out)
Japan – lots of small dishes at an izakaya
New Orleans – red beans & rice with spicy sausage
Portland – fried chicken & waffles at Screen Door
New Year’s Day – black-eyed peas, hog jowl, corn bread, and mac & cheese
What's One Piece of Financial + Life Advice You'd Give Your 10 Year-Old Self?
Don’t stress too much about decisions – both big and small. Look for open doors. Combine facts with intuition. Make a decision and move on. Sometimes I still stress too much over making the perfect decision instead of relaxing and enjoying life.
