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®
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...
The Best Parent Student Loans in 2024: How to Choose Among Parent PLUS and Private Options
Federal Parent PLUS Loans are often the best starting point for parents, offering fixed rates,...
The 10 Pros and Cons of Home Equity Lines of Credit
A home equity line of credit can provide you with convenient access to cash. Weighing...
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.
Can You Refinance Student Loans After Consolidation?
Consolidating student loans doesn't disqualify you from refinancing them later, but it may benefit some...
Best Student Loans for Nurses
The Department of Education and private lenders offer student loans for nurses. Here are the best options.
Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR): How It Works & Who It’s Good For
An income-contingent repayment plan (ICR) is one option for repaying federal student loans. Payments are...
How Interest-Only HELOCs Really Work
Interest-only HELOCs can be a good way to tap your home equity, but they do have disadvantages. Should you use one for your...
Types of Student Loans: Which School Loan Makes Sense for You?
If you or your child is struggling to pay for college, there are several financing...