Danika Waddell
Financial Planner
Xena Financial Planning
Fee-Only financial planner located in Seattle, WA, virtually serving clients locally and across the country
I am Fee-Only
I do not accept commission, referral fees, or compensation of any kind based on selling financial products, without exception.
I am a Fiduciary
I will put your best interests first, and fully disclose and manage unavoidable conflicts fairly in your favor, at all times.
Things to Know
We help professional women and their families navigate financial life transitions with purpose, joy and agency.

Get to Know Danika Waddell
Danika Waddell is featured VIRTUALLY EVERYWHERE. Visit the collection of articles and podcasts that feature Danika and Xena here.
Learn more about Danika Waddell, Founder and Lead Planner, at the Xena Financial Planning website
My focus is on women (and their partners) in the early to middle stages of their careers. Specifically, I absolutely love helping clients who receive equity compensation as part of their income. It’s extremely common in the tech world and while there are plenty of brilliant people working in tech, many of them do not have the time or inclination to manage the influx of stock.
What I love about financial planning is the relationships and the process. I’m not overly focused on investment performance, nor do I plan to deliver a massive financial plan which might be better used as a doorstop. In my view, financial planning is a highly dynamic process, with many moving pieces that are constantly in flux. At Xena FP, I work with my clients on an ongoing basis, to help them navigate whatever life delivers. I strive to both educate and empower clients as we develop a collaborative relationship.
While originally from Western New York, I’ve lived in Seattle for 20 years. Along with my husband, our chaotic household includes our two daughters plus two cats and a puppy. We’re huge travelers and are happiest when we’re planning our next overseas adventure. In 2019, we had a grand European vacation which included 6 countries in 16 days, even driving to Spain for lunch one afternoon. Current trips are on hiatus, but we also love being in the mountains (skiing, running) and throwing a frisbee.
I Can Help You With:
- Equity Compensation
- Comprehensive Financial Planning
- Retirement Income Planning
- Investment Management
- Tax Planning
Ideal Clients:
- Growing Families
- Sudden Money Situations
- Novice Investors
Fee-Only and Fiduciary - Without Exception
Watch Our Video: Fee-Only, Fiduciary, Independent
Media Mentions and Industry Involvement
Danika Waddell Named to Investopedia 100 Top Financial Advisors of 2022 and 2023
Danika Waddell is Quoted in MarketWatch: "Too scared to check your 401(k) as Dow tumbles below 30,000?"
Danika Waddell is Quoted in the NAPFA Advisor Magazine: "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion"
Danika Waddell is Quoted in Financial Planning Magazine: "Why it’s tough to pick a financial advisor — and how to do it right"
Danika Waddell is Quoted in InvestmentNews: "Former LPL adviser’s alleged discrimination highlights company culture issues"
Danika Waddell is a Guest on the Next Gen Planners Podcast: "Launching a Virtual Business with Danika Waddell"
Danika Waddell Contributes to the Financial Planning Association Next Gen Planner: "My Career Path: Featuring Danika B. Waddell"
Danika Waddell is Quoted in the New York Times: "Make Your First Home Your Last: The Case for Not Moving Up"
Danika Waddell is Quoted in the Wall Street Journal: "A Young Librarian Hopes to Become a Full-Time Writer"
Danika Waddell is Quoted on RIA Intel: "Advisors Called for Condemnation of Racism. Here’s What Industry Organizations Said."
Danika Waddell is Quoted in the Wall Street Journal: "The Biggest Ways People Waste Money"
Danika Waddell Contributes a Response to Kitces.com: "What Do You Say When You Witness Sexual Harassment At A Financial Advisor Conference?"
Danika Waddell is Quoted in US News and World Report: "The Best Podcasts for Financial Advisors"
Office Locations
By Appointment - Seattle, WA 98107