Darcy Gonsalves is a Certified Financial Planner® who works alongside her clients as a supportive thought partner, providing guidance to make important money decisions with less stress and more clarity. She offers comprehensive financial planning services with a focus on tax‑efficient equity compensation strategies, and on retirement planning that integrates Social Security, Medicare, and long‑term care decisions.
Drawing on experience from a prior career in the long‑term care industry, Darcy brings a unique perspective on how long‑term care decisions affect a family’s overall financial picture. Her experience with private equity‑backed companies also informs her work with clients whose wealth is closely tied to company stock.
As a fiduciary advisor for nearly a decade, Darcy has been committed to helping clients feel empowered to make choices aligned with their values and long‑term goals. Her work has earned national and industry recognition, including being named a 2024 Five Star Wealth Manager and a top‑seven finalist for RIA Intel’s 2023 “Advisor of the Year.”
Outside of the office, you’ll likely find her reading, enjoying low‑key weekends with her family, or supporting local restaurants and wineries throughout the Texas Hill Country.
FAQs About Working with Darcy
Who do you usually work with?
I work with clients across a variety of careers and life stages, with a particular focus on high earners navigating equity compensation and on individuals or couples preparing for retirement. Although I’m based in Austin, TX, I primarily work virtually, offering online meetings so financial planning fits conveniently into already busy lives.
How do you help clients with equity compensation?
I help clients across a wide range of employers, from private and pre‑IPO companies to long‑standing public firms, make sense of their RSUs, ESPPs, and stock options. I provide guidance on when to exercise or sell and fold those decisions into a long‑term plan for taxes, investing, and retirement. I also help clients manage the risk of large single‑stock positions by balancing their overall allocation and designing tax‑efficient strategies to gradually move those holdings into a more diversified portfolio.
Can you help me with retirement income planning, including when to start taking Social Security?
Yes. I help people preparing for retirement design a tax‑efficient income plan, including when to claim Social Security, how to sequence withdrawals, whether Roth conversions make sense, and how to incorporate strategies that reduce market risk and the chance of running out of money in retirement. I also help clients plan for healthcare costs in retirement, including long‑term care and Medicare, so their plan can better withstand rising expenses.
Are you a fiduciary financial advisor?
Yes. Maia Wealth is an independent Registered Investment Advisor, which means the firm and its investment adviser representatives are required to act as fiduciaries when providing investment advice. As a Certified Financial Planner® at Maia Wealth, I also serve as a fiduciary and am obligated to put clients’ interests first when providing advice.