The Firm

Donalies Financial Planning, LLC was founded in 2012 with the goal of providing fee-only financial planning and investment management advice to individuals and families. DFP works with retirees as well as young, mid, and late-career professionals, and small-business owners. Many work for the federal, state or local government. Some clients have international backgrounds.

Chuck Donalies, CFP® - Senior Advisor

Chuck is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ licensee, and the owner and principal financial advisor with DFP since 2012. He has worked in Fee-Only financial planning since 2006, when he joined an established financial planning and wealth management firm. He left in 2012 to pursue his own practice.

Chuck lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife and daughters. He enjoys CrossFit-style workouts, creating artwork inspired by video games, playing video games (to research new painting ideas), reading science fiction, and adventure travel.

Chuck’s academic background includes a Master of Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from The University of Maryland at College Park in College Park, MD. In addition, he’s a member of The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and The XY Planning Network.

Courtney Calotta, CFP® - Lead Advisor

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and financial advisor, Courtney takes the lead in introducing all our clients to our many software tools, as well as gathering information for financial plans, and providing financial planning advice to clients.

Courtney has a B.S. in Financial Economics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and is an active member of the XY Planning Network and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors.

She lives with her husband Charlie and two mostly well-behaved dogs in Manhattan.

Irina Gabidullina, CFP® - Wealth Management Advisor

Irina is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, an Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor℠, and a Wealth Management Certified Professional®, specializing in investment strategy and portfolio development for our clients. She also holds the Sustainable Investing Certificate from the CFA Institute.

Irina has been working in the financial services industry since 1998. She earned her Financial Planning Certificate from the College for Financial Planning in 2007. She holds a Master’s degree in International Economics, a certificate from the London School of Economics, and has completed all but dissertation (ABD) in Financial Law at Moscow University of International Relations. Her research on investing and mutual funds has been published in a variety of financial publications.

She is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and currently serves as a board member for the Northeast Mid-Atlantic (NEMA) region. Irina is also actively involved in public speaking and leadership development as a member of a local Business-Oriented Toastmasters Club, she also serves as Division E Director.

Irina and her husband are empty nesters, with both of their children now working in the investment field. Irina enjoys traveling, cooking, and reading.

Catherine Kirchner - Junior Advisor

Catherine Kirchner serves as a financial planner, specializing in guiding career professionals from the U.S. Forest Service and other public lands agencies toward a meaningful and adventurous retirement.

Drawing on her background as a former teacher and principal, Catherine excels at breaking down complex financial topics into clear, actionable strategies. She is passionate about educating her clients, empowering them to make confident decisions as they transition from a lifetime of public service to a future of financial independence. She holds the Series 65 license and is currently pursuing her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation.

Catherine’s approach to financial planning is deeply influenced by her life in Montana. Her philosophy of long-term stewardship was forged through years of owning and operating a regenerative, farm-to-table cattle and lamb business. This experience gives her a unique perspective on the patience and foresight required to cultivate sustainable growth and build a lasting legacy for the families she serves.

When she isn’t helping clients, Catherine enjoys hiking, hunting for deer and elk, and cooking with her four children.

Julia Braum - Client Service Associate

Julia has been in the financial planning industry for ten years. She is committed to clients and helping the firm which is apparent in everything she does.

She graduated from the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs in 2011 where she received a Bachelor’s in Communications with an emphasis in Media Management. She also minored in American Sign Language.

Julia lives in Littleton Colorado with her two kids. She enjoys Unsolved Mysteries, the outdoors, laughter, and making home décor.