Vanessa Alanis

Vanessa Alanis, CFP®, ChFC®, AFC®, MQFP®
Specializations: Military Retirement & Transition | Women | Mid-Career Professionals

 

Hi, I’m Vanessa — founder of Black Dog Wealth, military spouse, mom of three… and yes, I have a black dog. He’s the inspiration (and unofficial mascot) of the firm and a daily reminder that financial planning matters, especially when the vet bills hit.

I started Black Dog Wealth after years of helping military families navigate the financial chaos that comes with this lifestyle — including my own family’s 90-day scramble to PCS overseas. I’ve supported service members through everything from understanding how pay changes during deployment, to deciding whether to opt into the Blended Retirement System during its 2018 rollout (what a time), to evaluating whether buying back military time for federal retirement is worth it — a decision that can mean thousands more in future pension income.

Before founding the firm, I worked with the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, supporting Sailors, Marines, and their families through financial crises, transitions, and — for many — the start of their financial journey. Later, as a Personal Financial Counselor (PFC), I provided financial education and support to military communities around the world. Those experiences gave me a firsthand view of what’s working and where too many families are left to figure things out alone. I built this firm to close that gap with honest, practical advice tailored to military and federal life.

What I bring to the table:

  • Credentials that actually mean something: I’m a CFP®, ChFC®, AFC®, and MQFP®. That’s a lot of letters, but they represent real training, high standards, and a deep commitment to doing this work ethically.
  • No sales. No judgment. Just guidance: I don’t sell products. I don’t work on commission. I’m here to help you move forward confidently, with a plan that fits your actual life.
  • Military and federal benefits fluency: From TSP decisions and Blended Retirement to survivor benefits and civilian transition, this is my wheelhouse.
  • Real-life experience: I’ve managed money through deployments, raised kids on one income, planned for futures that shift with every set of orders, and navigated the transition out. This isn’t theory — it’s personal.
  • Comprehensive planning that reflects your full story: Tax strategy, budgeting, investments, risk management — we cover it all, because your financial life isn’t “just one thing.” It’s everything, working together.

At Black Dog Wealth, we meet you where you are — whether you’re just getting started or facing a major life shift. We keep things personal, practical, and, when appropriate, even a little fun.

If you’re looking for straightforward financial advice from someone who truly gets military life (and doesn’t flinch at ALL OF THE ACRONYMS), I’d love to connect.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Vanessa Alanis, CFP®, ChFC®, MQFP®, AFC®
Black Dog Wealth
Montclair, VA 22025
571-390-5727
Black Dog Wealth