Born to young parents in rural Powell County, Kentucky, Melody Townsend had the ideal childhood. Raised on a family farm, she learned to work hard, while always putting God and family first. Although Melody’s family did not have much money, her parents were selfless and always provided. Most importantly, she learned at an early age that richness in life doesn’t have to come directly from finances.

Melody started her journey in the realm of finance while working as a student teller at a community bank. As a first-generation college student, she earned a scholarship to Morehead State University and was excited to attend one of the only schools in the area that offered a program to prepare for becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. While at Morehead, her professor shared an opportunity to compose an essay to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Chicago. Always determined, Melody entered the competition, and her essay, titled “Why I Am Interested in Entering the Fee-Only Financial Planning Profession,” won! Never having flown before, and one week following the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, Melody flew to Chicago and attended the conference that changed the trajectory of her life. She fell in love with the profession and knew she wanted to be a fee-only advisor.

After graduation, Melody interned with one of the few fee-only planners in Kentucky and was later hired by the firm. Following another job transition and tremendous professional growth, Melody reevaluated her goals. Family first – a value that was instilled in her at such a young age – was always at the forefront. Being newly married and knowing she wanted to start a family in the future, she could not imagine having work-life balance in her current job situation. At age 26, Melody courageously decided to end her 65-minute commute and stable job position to open her own firm in her hometown of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky.

Her firm, Townsend Financial Planning, celebrated its 15th anniversary in October 2021, and Melody could not be happier. The company has seen substantial growth, with total assets under management growing from $15 million in 2017 to $94 million at the end of 2021. Since starting the firm, Melody has been quoted in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Financial Advisor magazine. She loves the trusted relationships she has built with her clients and employees over the years and says, “Most days do not even feel like work. It just feels like doing life with some really amazing people!”

Melody started a family and was able to be a present mom. Her two children, Anna and Alden, now ages 10 and 8, spent many days in the office as babies, which allowed Melody to be both a successful mom and advisor. She now even has time to enjoy her hobbies of reading, playing card games, road trips, and enjoying occasional date nights and delicious food with her husband of more than 20 years, Jason! Giving back to her community is also important to Melody. In 2015, she was elected to serve as a County Commissioner. In 2019, she was re-elected for a second term. However, due to tremendous business growth, she opted not to seek re-election when her term concluded in December 2022.

Melody always thought she would be a teacher… and, in some ways, she is. She is a true fiduciary; she breaks down challenging financial topics and helps her clients be good stewards with their money – proving that with planning comes peace. If she could be remembered for one thing it is that she gives people all the grace. She wants people to know they are important and that their lives truly matter to God.

Growing up in Winchester, Kentucky, Nick Bailey dreamed of becoming a professional fisherman competing in Bass Master tournaments. Sadly, Nick did a lot more fishing than catching and thought he might need to pursue other avenues as he got older. The patience he learned from fishing has helped him in pursuing a career in financial planning, and it continues to be an enjoyable hobby for him.

Attending Morehead State University and majoring in business administration with a concentration in finance, Nick explored banking, insurance, and lending, but none of those fields gave him the client interaction and ability to solve problems he was seeking. As his senior year was wrapping up at MSU, Nick began focusing on finding an internship. After learning about Melody and Townsend Financial Planning’s positive reputations in the Mt. Sterling community, Nick took the leap and cold-called TFP. This call led to an internship, and he was hired immediately after graduation.

Becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ professional was a goal Nick set for himself, and with a lot of patience, perseverance, and prayer, he earned his certification in 2020. Since joining the TFP team, Nick has not stopped perfecting his trade. He loves the puzzle aspect of financial planning, and he reads and studies anything he can get his hands on about the profession. Nick’s clients appreciate his ability to relate to where they are in their financial journey and connect the dots to help them make the best decisions for themselves.

Nick’s most significant accomplishment has been starting a family with his wife, Terri. His daughter, Bennett, and his son, Gannon, bring new adventure to his daily life, and Nick is humbled regularly by his roles as both a husband and father. He acknowledges that he has been very blessed in life and serves others as a deacon in his church. In his spare time, Nick does jiu-jitsu. Financial planner by day and ninja by night – Nick has you covered whatever your needs!

One of Jeremiah Creech’s personal goals is to be a genuinely kind person. He learned the importance of putting others first and caring for the needs of those around him from his father; he says if he can become half the person his father is, he will have achieved his goal. This desire to help others drew him to financial planning, where he is excited to grow in knowledge and experience with the Townsend Financial Planning team.

Jeremiah has served as an Advisor Support Specialist with Townsend Financial Planning since March of 2022, eager to learn about the financial planning process. Jeremiah passed his Series 65 examination in March of 2023, and completed his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance December of 2023. Jeremiah is now pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and intends to sit for the exam in 2025.

Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Brady, and their dogs, Oliver and Frankie.

Lynn Preston has worked with Townsend Financial Planning since October of 2015, when she began as the administrative assistant. After earning her Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ certification from the College of Financial Planning, she began to offer more client support in the role of registered paraplanner. As the company has grown, she has transitioned to office manager and Senior Client Support Specialist. Lynn makes sure that everything runs smoothly. Her attention to detail and commitment to providing excellent customer service make her a vital part of the team.

Before coming to Townsend Financial Planning, Lynn earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology from Morehead State University, and then received a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies from Sullivan University. She enjoys spending time with her husband (Josh) and two children (Lucas and Olivia) and two fur kids (Peanut & Rio).  She also enjoys reading and making pottery when she finds spare time.

Megan Howell has served as a Client Support Specialist at Townsend Financial Planning since July of 2018, taking on different responsibilities as the company grows. Her organizational and strategic skills allow her to contribute to various company projects and office coordination for clients and staff.

After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Psychology from the University of Kentucky, Megan went on to earn a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Morehead State University.

In her free time, she loves to read, write, and travel with her husband (Clark) and daughter (Jubilee), checking off states, national parks, and Major League Baseball stadiums around the country. They also have three cats (S’more, Bryce, and Socrates).

Cindy Emig serves Townsend Financial Planning’s Louisville location. After retiring early, Cindy came to the company with a wealth of business and technology knowledge. She experienced the life-changing benefits of financial planning for herself, and this allowed her to retire early and make a career change.

In her free time, Cindy enjoys the great outdoors including hiking and kayaking.