June 2026: Diary of a CFP® Pro — Marguerita Cheng is a Woman to KNOW in Washington, DC
Listen to the podcast on Inkandescent Radio
Episode 103: Margaritas with Marguerita — Meet Ashley Quamme, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Financial Behavioral Specialist®, and Certified Financial Therapist-Practitioner™
July 28, 2023 — How can couples communicate better around money? In this interview with Ashley Quamme and Marguerita Cheng, CFP® Pro, we learn about that and also how they can create shared goals and meaning to create a life well lived. Don't miss it!
A Note from Marguerita Cheng, CFP® Pro, CEO Blue Ocean Global Wealth — Hello, my friends! What an honor it is to be included in the 2026 Women to KNOW event and publication.
“This once-in-a-lifetime honor and publication features the highest caliber of women from across the state. Applicants are interviewed and selected by a panel of previous honorees and members from the community,” the directors explain. Learn more about the group at theknowwomen.com/washington-dc
Here’s the beautiful portrait that the magazine took of me, and our interview for the magazine:
Marguerita helps educate the public, policy makers, and media about the benefits of competent, ethical financial planning. Rita helps people meet their life goals through the proper management of financial resources. She is passionate about helping them navigate some of life’s most difficult issues divorce, death, career changes, caring for aging relatives so they can feel confident and in control of their finances. She takes pride in her ability to make a difference in people’s lives. She is a member of the CNBC Financial Advisor Council. In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors of CFP Board.
“My father emigrated from Taiwan in the 1960s with only $17 to his name and the clothes on his back. Though he was poor in a material and financial sense, he never considered himself poor. His mantra was that financial wealth alone does not represent one’s “true wealth.” My dad taught me not to define myself by how much I had, but by what I did with what I had. I also learned that, although money couldn’t buy happiness, it could provide peace of mind, freedom, flexibility and opportunities. I empower women to take control of their financial lives through education, confidence building, and expert planning.”
Marguerita says her goal is to encourage women to “flex their financial muscle,” overcome fear regarding money management, and proactively secure their financial futures.
“I provide financial advice that integrates the relevant elements of a woman’s personal and financial circumstances and help women gain confidence, security, and peace of mind regarding their wealth. I believe that every woman deserves to feel financially confident, empowered, and resilient. I believe the financial advice profession needs more women, and to support the mission to create a more
sustainable and diverse profession.”
Rita serves as a Women’s Initiative (WIN) advocate for the CFP Board. As a WIN advocate, I support aspiring CFP® professionals to prepare for the certification exam. She also hosts virtual networking sessions and study hall (Q&A) so that people can attend from anywhere. I also nominate emerging leaders for awards and recognition.
“Do not allow anyone to define success for you,” Rita insists. “Even if others have not seen someone like you succeed, it does not mean it is impossible. Do not let anyone determine your ability or accomplishments. Try to remain calm, cool, and collected when facing skepticism as being the “loudest in the room” does not equate to being strong and bold.
More June news:
In the video (above) for Advisor Insights TV, Rita discusses “value innovation,” the importance of taking care of our elderly’s finances, and how protecting clients from themselves can raise ethical questions.
As I said in my interview with Women to KNOW, my mission at Blue Ocean Global Wealth is to help others maximize their financial future — especially women — and harness their financial power. It’s also why I am thrilled to be quoted in national publications that bring keen insight about finance to so many.
Case in point:
Kiplinger Guide 2026: The Best Money Advice of All Time — In this year’s special publication from Kiplinger, a diverse group of 35 top financial experts share their best advice with Kiplinger readers, including Marguerita Cheng, CFP® Pro and CEO of Blue Ocean Global Wealth. Scroll down for her insights, and click here to read The Best Money Advice of All Time.
Kiplinger’s editors explain: Financial advice is everywhere these days. In the digital age, you can find insights and tips about how best to save, invest and manage your money from adviser and financial services websites; YouTube, TikTok and other social media platforms; podcasts, newsletters and Substacks; and your 401(k) provider, among other outlets. Then there are all the traditional sources, such as your financial planner, newspapers and magazines, and even your dear Uncle Lou, who always has a money tip or two to dispense. (Yes, despite all the new founts of financial wisdom, Americans are still more likely to turn to family and friends for money advice than any other resource, a recent Gallup survey found.) The challenge, of course, is figuring out whether any of the many financial recommendations you come across are actually the very best advice you could get for your circumstances—guidance that will not only help you manage your money wisely but also provide perspective to keep you grounded, whatever opportunities, obstacles or challenges life throws your way. Click here: Marguerita Cheng, CFP® and CEO of Blue Ocean Global Wealth says: Plan for long-term care.
Cheers to enjoying the warm weather and embracing your financial success! — Rita, mcheng@blueoceanglobalwealth.com
Cheers! Margaritas with Marguerita, photo by AnnaGibbs.com
Here’s more: Enjoy Margaritas with Marguerita on our Podcast and Video show
MargueritaCheng.tv — Above, find the “Professional Perspective” video by the American College of Financial Services that I was honored to record. In it, you’ll discover why I am certain that building client trust is essential for wealth planners and their clients. Check out more thoughts and ideas on our YouTube channel.
MargueritaChengRadio.com — Listen to this month’s featured podcast “The importance of financial wellness,” with Bonnie Yam, whose professional accreditations include CFA, CFP, CLU, ChFC, RICP, EA, CVA, CEPA. She has extensive experience in investment management, investment fiduciary, and investment education. Bonnie is also a member of ASPPA, NATP, CFA Institute, and NYSSA, and she is also a Chartered Financial Analyst and Enrolled Agent. Before starting her Qualified Plan business , she was a Financial Manager for Time magazine, New York, and a Hedge Fund Research Analyst for Cheetah Investments, Hong Kong. A graduate of Smith College with a BA in Mathematics and Economics, Bonnie received her MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago. Don’t miss our interview on Margaritas with Marguerita!
Rita says: I am so honored to participate in the Nasdaq Closing Bell ceremony with @graniteshares
MARGUERITA IN THE NEWS: 2026
Check out the media interviews and articles that I am quoted in or have penned for publications including Kiplinger, USNews, and CNBC: Marguerita In the News
Yahoo Finance, Feb. 26, 2026 — “I Asked an Advisor Which Bonds Belong in a Taxable Account — Here’s the Logic” — In today’s article by Chris Adam, he writes, “Now that we’re in another tax time, lots of Americans begin to question their money choices and how they impact the taxes they owe. Among those questions is which bonds belong in taxable accounts.” For insight, he turned to advisors, including Marguerita Cheng, CFP® Pro, CEO of BlueBlue Ocean Global Wealth for ideas that may help protect your money in future tax years. Read the entire article here.
GoBankingRates, Feb. 6, 2026 — In today’s article by Chris Adam, he explains: “New work requirements went into effect at the start of February for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Tens of millions of Americans rely on the program to help pay for food or other essentials. Under President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed into law in July 2025, work requirements were updated for certain Americans to receive certain benefits as part of the program.”
February 4, 2026 — Investopedia: “Do You Know how to Protect Yourself From Scams? Insights from a Financial Advisor” In today’s issue of Investopedia, Marguerita Cheng, CFP® Pro and CEO of Blue Ocean Global Wealth, explains AI-powered tools like voice cloning have made impersonation scams far more believable, increasing the likelihood of real financial losses, clear, pre-established rules—such as never sharing authentication codes or moving money in response to unsolicited requests—help protect clients when pressure is high, and an emergency fund can provide temporary financial stability after a scam, but early reporting and prevention remain the most effective defenses. Here’s what Rita is telling her clients.
Yahoo!Life, Jan. 20, 2026 — Yahoo!Life: “Cutting Expenses in Retirement, 6 Home Items To Stop Buying” — In today’s article by Laura Beck, she gets the lowdown on which home items you can kick to the curb, GOBankingRates spoke with financial expert Marguerita Cheng, CFP® Pro, CEO of Blue Ocean Global Wealth, and an expert contributor at Annuity.org, who said:
Bye-Bye, Plastic Bags! “I live in Maryland, and we have had bag tax for a while,” she said. “You can leave reusable bags in your car. Not only is this good for your wallet, but it is also good for planet Earth. So, grab some cute reusable bags and save the planet while you save some cash. Win-win!”- Water, Water Everywhere: Speaking of saving the planet, Cheng’s got another eco-friendly tip: She wants you to say goodbye to plastic water bottles and, depending on where you live, invest in a water filtration system. That way, all you need is your own reusable water bottle.
- Cable TV: The Silent Budget Killer: Remember when cable TV was the hottest thing ever? Well, times have changed, and so should your TV habits. Consider reevaluating the cost and benefit of cable. “You may be paying for channels that you don’t watch. Depending on your situation, streaming may be more appropriate for your needs.”
And Rita has more great advice. Click here to keep reading.
The “Top 100 Money Expert List is live!” Congratulations to Marguerita Cheng! — Marguerita Cheng CFP® Pro is one of Money’s choices for the top 30 women planners this year. The editors explain: “All highly qualified, customer-centric financial advisors who serve clients of all backgrounds. Whether you need comprehensive financial planning or niche expertise for a life transition, these financial experts are well-equipped to help you live a richer life. This list of the best financial planners is a collaboration between Money and the Financial Planning Association (FPA), a trade association and membership organization that represents more than 17,000 financial planners across the United States.” Click here to see the other CFPs who made the list.
Investment News named Marguerita Cheng one of its 2025 “Best Certified Financial Planners in the USA | 5-Star Financial Planners,”The news outlet reports “Americans are facing a growing need for guidance and support in their financial affairs and that trend doesn’t look like it’s going to end anytime soon. Not only are people wealthier, but their financial situations are more complex relative to previous generations due to more retirees relying on savings, an increase in the range of products available, and the explosion in alternative investments.
“Consulting giant McKinsey & Company estimates that “by 2034, at current advisor productivity levels, the advisor workforce will decline to the point where the industry faces a shortage of roughly 100,000 advisors.” The sharp demand for CFP services has pushed InvestmentNews’ 5-Star Financial Planners to stand out in a dynamic market by exemplifying excellence, integrity, and dedication in helping their clients. Marguerita was nominated and then benchmarked against others to determine the country’s best.
“While the winners have varying skill sets, a commonality is that the most successful financial planners specialize. They are serving a particular niche and have leveraged it to obtain a competitive edge,” the editors explain.