With a strong foundation in finance and a passion for helping others find clarity in their financial journey, Tad Harrington, CFP®, CPA, PFS, brings both expertise and empathy to his role at PDS Planning.
A graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Tad combines his background in public accounting with more than a decade of experience in comprehensive financial planning.
At PDS, he values the firm’s people-first culture and collaborative approach, sharing that, “I’m proud to be part of a firm that leads with advice, delivers team-based service, and fosters a values-driven culture that creates lasting impact for the families we serve.”
We are proud to have a team of forward-thinking leaders, expert planners, and staff who approach our clients’ financial decisions the same way we approach investing our own money. Learn more about Tad’s role with PDS, as well as about how he spends his time away from work.
How do you think PDS is different from other financial planning firms?
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to experience this industry from a variety of perspectives and to learn from some truly incredible people. What stands out most about PDS is our commitment to delivering maximum ongoing value to our clients.
Many firms aspire to this ideal, but PDS executes on it with a level of intentionality that’s rare. Every element of how we operate—our fee structure, the breadth and depth of our services, the way we hire, and how we engage with clients—is deliberately designed to enhance the value we deliver over time.
What is your favorite aspect of working at PDS?
PDS puts people first—clients and team alike. I’m proud to be part of a firm that leads with advice, delivers team-based service, and fosters a values-driven culture that creates lasting impact for the families we serve.
Do you see anything new on the horizon of the financial planning industry?
We can draw many parallels between the financial planning and medical fields, both of which are evolving rapidly. Just as healthcare is shifting from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, financial advice is moving from one-time plans to continuous, personalized guidance that improves a client’s financial healthspan, not just their net worth.
Our industry has already transitioned away from product sales toward comprehensive planning. Now, we’re entering a new phase—where the plan itself becomes the starting point, not the finish line. Instead of delivering a plan as a product, advisors are using it as a living framework to guide clients through the ongoing decisions that shape their financial lives.
The advisors who will truly make a difference are those who go beyond managing portfolios and instead provide continuous, personalized value year after year.
Tell us about your family.
I’ve been married to my wonderful wife, Leah, for eight years, and we have two amazing daughters, Marlow and Hadley. We’re an active family that loves traveling together—usually to the shores of Lake Michigan in the summer and the mountains in the winter.
When you are not working, how do you like to spend your free time?
Most of my time revolves around family and being active. You’ll usually find me outside—coaching my daughters’ sports teams, tackling a home project, or finding any excuse to be near the water or the mountains. I enjoy the creative process of building things—whether that’s in business, at home, or developing new skills. For me, staying active and connected with my family is the best way to recharge and stay grounded.
My wife and I are both proud graduates of Ohio State University and love getting involved in our community. We never miss an opportunity to support the Buckeyes or great causes like Pelotonia.
What are you reading/watching/listening to?
Lately, I’ve been enjoying the Acquired podcast. I love how they dive deep into the stories behind great businesses and the people that built them. I also enjoy reading about history, and I’m currently reading Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It’s a fascinating book about Abraham Lincoln’s leadership style and his ability to bring people together. I’m also looking forward to Ken Burns’ upcoming documentary on the American Revolution.
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