Meet Our Team

Elizabeth Pennington, CFP® Senior Associate

Elizabeth Pennington is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ with Fearless Finance. Elizabeth has been with the firm since 2019, and she became a partner in 2022. She loves working with clients at all stages of their financial journey, and she particularly enjoys helping clients in underserved communities, as well as those going through divorce and other significant life transitions. Elizabeth also firmly believes that effective financial planning incorporates behavioral science and an understanding of the important role of emotions and mental health. She’s passionate about working with clients on both the math and the emotions of money.

Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, where she studied International Political Economy and took her first class on personal finance. She lived in the DC area for 10 years, and she currently lives in Des Moines, Iowa, with her two cats, Momo and Miki. Elizabeth has traveled to 32 countries, and aside from travel, her hobbies include photography and gardening (aka yelling at the deer to stay away from her tomatoes). She also enjoys volunteering with the Polk County Master Gardeners Program.

Katie Van Wyngarden Associate

Katie Van Wyngarden, EA, is a financial planner with Fearless Finance, where she cares about bringing approachable, judgment-free financial advice to everyone. Katie is the firm’s retirement specialist, who works with individuals and families on budgeting, saving, retirement planning, investments, tax planning, and long-term financial goals so they can reduce stress, feel confident, and enjoy more financial freedom. She leads Fearless Finance’s retirement planning area, focusing on the key financial decisions in the 3-4 years just before retirement and practical help during the transition into retirement.

Katie began her career as a tax accountant, helping individuals and small businesses navigate the IRS and stay compliant. Her love of personal finance grew from years of seeing friends and peers struggle to make sense of their money, leading her to expand her work into practical financial planning. Today, Katie specializes in working with women and families who want to gain clarity, build wealth, and align their money with their values.

Katie holds degrees in Accounting and Finance from Washington State University. She is an Enrolled Agent (EA), licensed to represent taxpayers before the IRS. She lives in Eastern Washington, and in her free time enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest, connecting with her local community, and sharing practical money insights through her writing and events.

Katie Haynes Associate

Katie Haynes is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ with Fearless Finance. She’s been with the firm since 2020. Before starting at Fearless Finance, Katie worked independently as a financial coach. She has also worked in sales and marketing for the solar energy industry, and in international development and education. Katie works with clients in any phase of their financial journey, including life transitions and people starting out on their financial journey. Katie takes a holistic approach to clients’ financial well-being. She emphasizes prioritizing money decisions so clients feel good about their financial future without feeling deprived in the present.

Katie has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and an MBA in Global, Social, & Sustainable Enterprise from Colorado State University. She currently lives in Colorado. In her free time, Katie loves to garden, cook, and spend time in the great outdoors with her husband and dog.

Kimberly Weihbrecht, CSLP®

Kimberly Weihbrecht, CCFS®, CSLP®, is a financial planner at Fearless Finance, where she helps clients gain confidence and clarity around their financial lives. Kim works with individuals and families on cash flow management, debt and savings strategies, retirement planning, specializing in college financial planning, including guidance on FAFSA and financial aid decisions, and student loan management.

Kim joined Fearless Finance after years of applying her financial knowledge to her own life and those of friends and family. She understands firsthand how overwhelming financial decisions can feel and believes that personal finance is exactly that — personal. Kim is dedicated to helping clients navigate life’s financial challenges and build a strong foundation for the future, no matter where they are on their financial journey.

Kim holds both the Certified College Financial Specialist (CCFS®) and Certified Student Loan Professional (CSLP®) designations. She earned her undergraduate degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Master’s in Public Administration from Columbia University. Originally from New York’s Hudson Valley, Kim enjoys weight training, reading, and learning new sewing skills in her free time.

Jason Ross, CPA

Jason Ross, CPA is a financial planner with Fearless Finance and was the first to join the team in 2019. His mission is to help his clients use their finances to reach their life goals and achieve financial freedom. Jason works with clients in all phases of their financial journey, including those in retirement and those expanding their families. Jason also enjoys maximizing credit card rewards and helping clients do the same.

Jason has worked in finance for over 20 years. He started his finance career in consulting for PwC in New York City and has also helped various public and private companies budget, forecast and make strategic acquisitions and partnership agreements.

Jason has an undergraduate degree from the SUNY Binghamton and is a licensed CPA in New York. In his free time, he loves to ski and hike with his wife and two sons.