Holly Ruckel, RICP®
Financial Advisor
Holly Ruckel, RICP®
Financial Advisor
Clear financial advice for women in law
As a female lawyer, you know how to navigate complex challenges—and your finances are no exception. Yet, your career demands long hours, heavy caseloads, and constant decision-making.
I have built a career working exclusively with female lawyers like you. I understand your unique financial situation, but instead of a sales pitch, I offer a listening ear, education, and practical guidance to help you make choices that work for you.
Most of my clients come to me saying some version of:
- “I make good money, but I’m not sure I’m using it well.”
- “My benefits are minimal—what am I actually supposed to do with this?”
- “I feel stuck because of the compensation, but I don’t know my options.”
- “I get pitched financial products constantly, and I don’t trust any of it.”
My job is to identify the real issues, explain your options clearly, and help you implement the solutions that make the most sense.
How we help
Employee benefits and 401(k)
Law firm benefits are often surprisingly thin for how hard you work.
We’ll walk through:
- How to use your 401(k) effectively (and what matters vs. what doesn’t)
- Whether you’re missing opportunities—or overthinking them
- How your benefits fit into the rest of your financial life
Bonuses and cash flow
Bonuses can be empowering—if they are handled intentionally.
I’ll help you decide:
- How much to save, invest, or use
- How bonuses fit into short- and long-term goals
- How to avoid lifestyle creep while still enjoying life
Insurance solutions
Lawyers are often over-insured in the wrong places and under-insured in the right ones.
I am an independent advisor, meaning I can “shop” dozens of carriers and policies to help you find the right solution for you. I also come from a planning-first perspective, so my only aim is to get you covered from risk, I won’t oversell a policy that leaves you without margin to invest in other goals.
We’ll review:
- Disability, life, umbrella, and employer coverage
- What’s essential vs. unnecessary
- Where you can simplify your policies without increasing risk
Student loan planning
Even high earners can feel behind on their finances coming in with large student loan balances.
We’ll look at:
- Repayment strategies that align with your income and career plans
- Whether refinancing or forgiveness options make sense
- How loans fit into your broader financial picture (not in isolation)
Investment management
We follow a research-based investment model to help you create a diversified portfolio designed around your goals, so you can enjoy today while building security and choices for your future.
We’ll focus on:
- Building diversified portfolios grounded in long-term research
- Investing within your firm’s compliance and restriction rules
- Connecting your investments to your broader financial plan
- Staying disciplined through market ups and downs
Retirement planning
Planning for retirement as a lawyer isn’t just about maxing out a 401(k). I help female lawyers see the full picture and create a plan that fits their career, benefits, and long-term goals. We focus on:
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Understanding how your firm’s benefits, 401(k), and pension options work together
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Modeling different scenarios for staying, leaving, or transitioning careers
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Creating a plan that supports the lifestyle you want in retirement
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Translating complex rules and numbers into clear, actionable steps
Advisor team
Tyler Parker, MBA, CSLP®, CRPC®, (k)RS
Financial Advisor
North Star resource team
Chase Brakke, DIA, DIF, CEPA®
Senior Vice President
Ashley Deutschlander
Property and Casualty Specialist
Jeff Landt, CFA, CFP®
Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer
Frequently asked questions
Do you really only work with lawyers?
I do have clients in other career fields, mostly friends or family or referrals from existing clients. While I can and do work with anyone, I love my attorney clients, most of whom are women. Because so many of my clients fit this demographic, I have learned a lot about your compensation, benefits, restrictions, and career dynamics, which tend to be very different from other high earners.
I already understand the basics of finance. Is financial planning still helpful?
Probably. Most of my clients are financially literate—they just don’t want to spend their limited free time researching, second-guessing decisions, or managing details. I help identify blind spots, simplify choices, and guide or implement financial solutions.
Often, what clients find most valuable is having accountability for their goals. Many of us can know what smart financial management looks like, but taking the daily steps to work toward financial goals and give yourself grace to enjoy life along the way? That’s where a financial advisor can help.
Do you sell insurance or investment products?
I do. However, I only recommend a product if it fits into your plan and it will put you on the path you want financially. For anything I suggest, I’ll explain the why, the tradeoffs, and the options—clearly and transparently.
How do you get paid?
I’m paid directly by my clients, through financial planning and investment management fees. I may also make a commission on insurance products I sell. The premium you pay is dependent on the policy, with a commission is built in, either for an independent agent like me or the insurance company’s internal sales team. Only when you work with me, I can compare policies across carriers to find the best solution.
What if I don’t want to stay at my firm forever?
That’s a common conversation. We can model different scenarios—staying, leaving, or creating flexibility—so you understand your options and the cost of each before making any decisions.
Do you help with student loans even for high earners?
Yes. We’ll look at repayment strategies that fit your income, career path, and goals. I have Certified Student Loan Professionals on my team, so we coordinate with them to keep you up to date on all the policy changes coming down the pike.
Is this all virtual?
Yes. I work with clients via video, making it easy to get support without adding friction to an already full schedule.
What if I just have a few questions and don’t want full-service planning?
That’s okay. Not every client wants the same level of support. We’ll talk through what you need and see if there’s a good fit—no pressure either way.
How do I know if this is a good fit?
If you want clear, straightforward financial guidance from someone who understands the realities of being a lawyer—and values education, transparency, and respect—you’re in the right place.
Resources
Many of my clients don’t want to spend their limited free time researching insurance policies, tracking changing rules, or second-guessing decisions. I am passionate about providing answers, whether it is through online education or chatting through your specific situation one-on-one.
Registered representative of Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGAN Insurance Agency LLC), member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. CA Insurance License #4190369.