Sergio Abarca
Educational Background
Sergio started his career with the most rigorous academic training. He earned the degree of Masters of Science and PhD (UCLA, 2007, 2011 respectively) and worked for the National Academies and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration creating and developing numerical models that are used to help advance understanding on topics that include hurricane prediction and stock market evolution. He has extensive experience creating and interpreting results of what is known as Monte Carlo simulations, that today are used at the core of comprehensive financial plans.
Sergio obtained the Certified Financial Planner CFP® certification (industry standard) awarded to fiduciary financial advisors that abide by its Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, and that meet its educational, knowledge and experience requirements.
Corporate Experience
Sergio was recruited in the financial industry and worked for a Fortune 500 financial company where he lead a team that serviced hundreds of families and individual investors. He also served as part of leadership directly serving more than 60 financial advisory teams, aiming to improve the depth of their client service and support their career advancement. Sergio regularly lectures on Personal Finance topics with the National Institute of Transitional Planning. He has spoken on the topic at the Treasury department and at the World Bank. He has also been a speaker at dozens of professional organization meetings, nationally and internationally.
Personal Financial Partners
With 25 years of experience blending rigorous objectivity and the subjective, Sergio founded Personal Financial Partners, a firm that provides financial planning and investment management services to individuals, families, and businesses. The firm operates as a fiduciary, helping clients apply high quality academic research, and leverage the latest technology and the most established financial institutions.
Outside of work
Sergio lives with his husband Geoff, in Washington, D.C. and they often spend time in the beautiful Appalachian mountains of West Virginia. They love cooking and sharing food, while building community, living their traditions, and exploring new adventures. Sergio often volunteers as a manager and translator for Geoff as he serves as Vice Chair and Expert Member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
Crystal Norman
Operations
Originally from Tennessee, Crystal relocated to Washington, DC after serving with distinction in the United States Coast Guard, choosing Capitol Hill as her home for her final duty assignment.
At PFP, Crystal oversees operations and collaborates with Sergio and other financial professionals to address client needs with exceptional care, often anticipating needs before they arise. Her unwavering dedication ensures that clients receive the thorough and tailored support they’ve come to expect from us.
Throughout her career, Crystal has been a dedicated advocate, volunteer and mentor. She has been an advocate on Capitol Hill for savers and investors, working diligently to promote policy initiatives. Today, Crystal offers voluntary notary services, and she also contributes significantly to her community by engaging with the DC public school system. She dedicates part of her time to aftercare programs, teaching preschool and elementary school children essential social and life skills. Crystal finds immense satisfaction in helping others, whether it’s providing immediate care for a child or facilitating financial transactions for investors to meet their needs and wishes.
Crystal’s journey is a testament to her blend of personal adventure and community enrichment, merging her military background with her passion for education and exploration. On weekends, she finds refuge from city life in the great outdoors, where her love for exploration continues to thrive.
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