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®
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...
What Is a Home Equity Investment?
A home equity investment is a financing solution that allows homeowners to access the equity in their home without adding monthly payments or...
Flight School Loans
Student loans for flight school are available, although there aren’t as many options as with a four-year degree from a college or university....
Is a Gold IRA for Seniors Smart for Your Retirement?
Gold IRAs are one of the many options seniors have when saving for retirement. Though...
Best Personal Loans for Fair Credit
Looking for loans with fair credit? Check out our picks for the best personal loans for fair credit from our partners.
Kitchen Remodel Loans and Financing Options
Homeowners have several kitchen remodel financing options through personal loans, home equity loans, and lines of credit.
Can You Refinance Student Loans After Consolidation?
Consolidating student loans doesn't disqualify you from refinancing them later, but it may benefit some...