Sam Silberstein, CFP®, CFA®, EA, brings a unique blend of financial planning, tax, and investment expertise to the classroom. Throughout her career, she has worked across both institutional and independent advisory firms, including Vanguard, TIAA, SLP Wealth, Motley Fool Wealth Management, and Chicory Wealth, helping clients navigate complex financial decisions across every aspect of a financial plan, from investment management and tax strategy, to retirement income, estate, and legacy planning.

As a CFP® professional, CFA® charterholder, and Enrolled Agent, Sam brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her teaching that reflects how planning works in the real world. Her experience working directly with clients allows her to connect technical concepts to practical planning situations, helping students understand not just what the rules are, but how they apply to the people they will one day serve.

Financial education has been a constant theme throughout Sam's career. In addition to teaching CFP® courses, she has developed curriculum, mentored aspiring planners, and guided candidates through every stage of the CFP® journey, from learning foundational concepts to preparing for exam day. She is especially passionate about making complex topics approachable and helping students think like planners rather than memorizing material for an exam.

That passion can be traced back to her grandmother, a CPA who liked to joke that good money habits and financial knowledge were genetic. As a kid who did her best to avoid math whenever possible, Sam was never entirely convinced. Her grandmother also believed money should be discussed openly rather than avoided. Those early conversations about finances, planning, and opportunity sparked a lifelong interest in personal finance and taught Sam that the best learning happens when complex ideas are explained in a way that feels practical, approachable, and maybe even a little fun.

Outside of work and the classroom, Sam lives in Philadelphia with her partner. When she is not walking around the city, planning her next travel adventure, or cheering on the Phillies, an activity that often requires equal parts optimism and emotional resilience, she spends a surprising amount of time thinking about what’s for dinner.