Kathleen Carpenter
Partner Advisor
CFP®
Kathleen Carpenter is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and Partner Advisor in Allworth’s Chico, California, office. With more than 35 years of financial sector experience, Kathy is also a teacher, mentor, and much sought-after public speaker, having taught financial education classes at CSU-Chico, Safeway, Intel, and throughout Northern California. A passionate volunteer as well, she currently sits on the board of EveryBody Healthy, a community movement for health, wellness, and education. Kathy lives with her wife, Judy, in the Chico, California, area, and in her spare time enjoys exploring the outdoors. They have one adult son, Jon.
First and foremost, my process is built on asking meaningful questions and doing a lot of listening. I want to understand what’s really on my clients’ minds—what’s keeping them up at night, and what worries just won’t go away. Before we talk numbers, I take the time to help clear the mental clutter. Creating that space allows clients to breathe, reflect, and feel heard.
From there, we move into what I call goal-oriented conversations. This is where we begin to dream again. What do they truly want their life to look like? For many, it’s the first time in a long while they’ve been asked that—and it’s okay if the answers don’t come right away. We take it step by step. Only after we’ve explored their vision, values, concerns, and goals do we shift to the financial details. That’s when we begin gathering documents and organizing the logistics. But by then, we already know the “why” behind the plan, and that’s what guides everything we do.
Most importantly, I’m not here to sell fluff or offer surface-level advice—I’m here to help create meaningful, results-driven plans rooted in what my clients truly care about. I ask honest, thoughtful questions to uncover what matters most, and I offer clear, constructive feedback in return. My process is grounded in transparency, curiosity, and a commitment to real value.
This work challenges me, inspires me, and keeps me growing. Every client brings a unique perspective, and I’m constantly learning. Whether it’s navigating life transitions, exploring new goals, or finding clarity in the chaos, I feel privileged to walk alongside them as a guide and a partner. It’s about more than just numbers and spreadsheets to me—it’s about people, their stories, their challenges, and their dreams. Being a part of my clients’ journeys is truly fulfilling.
At the end of the day, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a client move from “I’m overwhelmed” to “I’ve got this.”