About Crystal Rau, CFP®
Current Role
Founder, Beyond Balanced Financial Planning
Expertise
- Equity Compensation
- Oil & Gas Investments
- Education Planning
- Investment Planning
- Student Loan Planning
- Retirement
Achievements
- Best Financial Planner For Midland’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2022
Certifications & Degrees
- Certified Financial Planner™
- MBA from University of Texas El Paso, Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from Texas A&M University (Corpus Christi)
Personal Finance Experience
Crystal started her career in personal finance working at a large investment management company where she provided advice to young and old investors just trying to do better for themselves. It motivated her to learn more and be better for her clients. She continued her education and training, earning the certified financial planner (CFP®) designation, as well as her chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC®) designation and accredited asset management specialist (AAMS®) designations.
As her knowledge and expertise grew, it inspired her to start Beyond Balanced Financial Planning, a fee-only registered investment advisory firm that focuses on young professionals and families who strive to be good stewards of the wealth, and to be better and do better for their families and their community.
Latest from Crystal Rau, CFP®
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What to Do If You’re Denied a Student Loan With a Cosigner
Most experts recommend using private student loans as a last-resort option to pay for college...
Pet Insurance That Covers Grooming
Pet owners treat their dogs and cats like members of the family. But the cost of pet ownership can be expensive—especially when it...
Personal Loans for Investments
It’s often best to avoid personal loans for investing because the risks are high, and it makes little financial sense. But can it...
Types of Credit Cards
We’ve researched the differences and benefits of nine credit card types, including rewards cards, business cards, and charge cards.
How to Check My Student Loans
Checking your student loans isn’t difficult. We’re sharing all the tools and resources you can use to track down your federal and private...
How to Transfer Parent PLUS Loan to Student
Parent PLUS loans are a way for parents to help children pay for college. These loans aren't transferable, but there is a way...
How to Get a Student Loan Without Parents
Yes, you can get a student loan if your parents are unwilling or unable to help. We’ve researched how you can pay for...
What Is a HELOC Note?
A home equity line of credit can provide you with flexible access to cash. Before you can get the money, you'll need to...
How a First-Lien HELOC Works
A first-lien HELOC could provide you with access to equity and savings on your mortgage. It's important to weigh the pros and cons...