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Lisa Whitley

Owner at MoneyByLisa
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Lisa Whitley is an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®). After an 18-year career as a Foreign Service Officer with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Lisa switched gears and became a personal finance coach and planner in 2019. She has counseled hundreds of persons on topics such as budgeting, debt, retirement, housing, paying for education and more. She has established her own firm, MoneyByLisa, a Registered Investment Advisor domiciled in the District of Columbia.

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  • Rethinking the 20% Down Payment: Expert Advice for Homebuyers
    Lisa advises that while 20% down is ideal, it's often unrealistic. She recommends at least 10% to ensure financial stability post-purchase. Lisa notes, “Avoid being house rich and cash poor” by maintaining an emergency fund. A smaller down payment means PMI, but it can be removed once the loan-to-value ratio hits 80%.
  • Choosing the Right IRA: Roth vs. Traditional for Your Future
    Lisa advises considering future tax brackets when choosing an IRA. Roth IRAs offer flexibility for early retirement by lowering health insurance costs under ACA and avoiding Medicare surcharges. For estate planning, Lisa says, "Your heirs will thank you if you leave them your retirement account in the Roth form."
  • Investing with Little Savings: Expert Advice from MoneyByLisa
    Lisa advises, "Before taking on investment risk, you need to build your cash reserve first." She highlights workplace retirement accounts, like 401(k)s, as ideal starting points for new investors. Review your retirement plan choices to ensure they align with your financial goals.
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