Meet Michael Hakimi, CFP^®

Michael founded Black Dog Financial Planning to help professionals and families in their 30s and 40s with their finances. After working at a few firms, he realized the majority of investment advisors primarily focus on pre-retirees and retirees. Meanwhile, his peer group was significantly underserved. He launched the firm to make high-quality financial advice more affordable and accessible for his peer group, and to help individuals and families live great lives by making smarter financial decisions.

When Michael isn’t helping his clients, he’s spending time with his own family. He and his wife, Katie, were married in May of 2018 after relocating to Charleston from Chicago, IL. They welcomed their first child, daughter Annie Rose, on February 6, 2020. Her sister Lily was born November 16, 2021. Annie and Lily join their big “fur-brother”, Barkley, to which the firm, Black Dog Financial Planning, gets its name. 

My name is Barkley and I am a 3-year old adopted black dog! I am a rescue from PAWS Chicago, a no-kill animal shelter. I was 3 months old and 25 pounds when I was adopted. While we don't know exactly what I am mixed with, Lab, Great Dane, and Pit bull are the most common guesses! The vet recently told my parents I weigh 86 lbs... what can I say, I love my food! One thing I love a little bit more than my food, is looking for squirrels. 

Every morning I wake up and scan my backyard to see how many squirrels I can find. One of these days, I will catch one!  I love taking daily walks with my dad, mom, and new baby sister Annie. 

When I am not squirrel watching or walking with my family, I love to lay next to my dad's desk and help him work. It's also conveniently located next to the window, so I can squirrel watch at the same time! Lucky me!