For Matt Zimmermann, CFP®, joining PDS Planning felt like a natural next step. Having worked at other fee-only financial planning firms in Columbus, he had long respected PDS’s approach to serving clients. Now, as a Financial Advisor on our team, Matt builds meaningful relationships and helps clients make informed decisions with confidence.
A University of Cincinnati graduate and lifelong Columbus native, Matt lives in Clintonville with his wife, Lily, and their two children. Get to know what brought him to PDS and how he spends his time outside the office.
What brought you to PDS Planning?
Before joining the team, I worked at other fee-only financial planning firms in Columbus and respected PDS Planning from afar. The firm’s core beliefs align closely with my own, from its flat-fee model and data-driven financial plans to its tax-efficient investment philosophy and collaborative approach to serving clients.
Over the years, I had opportunities to get to know the partners and better understand their goals for their clients, employees, and business. When the timing was right in my career to make a change, I knew PDS Planning was where I wanted to be.
Do you see anything new on the horizon of the financial planning industry?
While certainly not unique to financial planning, the impact of artificial intelligence is still unfolding. Industry-specific software with AI features is helping advisors become more efficient in their work.
Something as simple as a digital note taker can allow advisors to focus more fully on clients during conversations, rather than balancing taking notes with explaining a planning topic. These tools can help capture the goals discussed and organize action items for follow-up. Used thoughtfully, they can give advisors more time to focus on the client experience.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
I grew up on the near east side of Columbus as the second youngest of five children and the only boy among four sisters. I attended the University of Cincinnati and am a proud alumnus, though once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye. After college, I found my way back home and eventually settled in Clintonville with my family.
My wife, Lily, is a certified nurse midwife at the Ohio State Medical Center and one of the leaders of her growing practice. She has a tremendous passion for caring for women throughout their lives. At home, her most important title is mom, though she’s also our chef, interior designer, and party planner—the glue of the household.
Our daughter, Evelyn, is in fifth grade and enjoys trying different sports, especially volleyball. She also loves arts and crafts and reading. She insists on controlling the music in the house, and everywhere else, and has been known to hide the remote.
Lucas is in third grade and is all in on just about any sport. He loves being outside and active, making a game out of anything he finds. If he’s indoors, you’ll likely find him playing Fortnite or Roblox for as long as his parents will let him.
When you are not working, how do you like to spend your free time?
My time is best spent with my wife and children, and much of it revolves around the kids’ school activities and sports.
Early in my career, a senior colleague was offered great seats to an Ohio State–Michigan football game. As an Ohio State alumnus, he normally would have jumped at the opportunity. But his son had a youth sports game at the same time, and he chose to watch his son without hesitation. My twenty-something self couldn’t understand what I do now: there’s little better than supporting your children and watching them play.
We also have the travel bug and make a point of taking a family vacation somewhere new each year. Recent trips have taken us to Seattle, Banff National Park in Canada, and Anna Maria Island in Florida.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to?
I’m usually reading a book or working my way through a show. Right now, I’m reading This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger. I’ve also read Ordinary Grace and Iron Lake and really enjoy his writing style.
My watch list is always evolving, depending on which series I’m waiting to return. Currently, I’m watching Lanterns on HBO and The Gentlemen on Netflix.
Are you involved with PDS CARES?
Yes. Most recently, I participated in an event at the Franklin County Dog Shelter. As a dog owner, it was a cause I was happy to support.
What I appreciate most about PDS CARES is the opportunity for employees to choose an organization that means something to them, make a financial contribution, and have it matched by PDS Planning. Along the way, coworkers get introduced to organizations they may not have known about and may choose to support themselves. It’s a meaningful way to share the causes we care about and make a difference together.
