Episode Introduction - The Gap with Toni Whaley

Today's episode of The Gap is one I've been really excited to record. If you listen to this podcast regularly, you know that while we spend a lot of time talking about the retirement savings gap and the coverage gap in America, we also make a point to recognize something that doesn't get enough attention. The private retirement system works and it has made a meaningful difference in millions of American lives. American workers are far more likely to save for retirement when they have access to a workplace plan and when education, confidence, and guidance are layered on top of that access, the impact can be life-changing.

That's why I am thrilled to welcome today's guest, Toni Whaley. Toni is the co-founder and CEO of Paladin Advisor Group , a plan member financial center serving more than 3,500 clients across the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. With more than 20 years as a financial professional, Tony has dedicated her career to helping people, especially those who serve others, gain confidence, clarity, and peace of mind around their financial futures. 

Episode Description

We trace Toni’s path from early uncertainty to leadership, uncovering the moments that reshaped her philosophy—like the day a client reframed “mad money” as real retirement money. That mindset shift powers Paladin’s education-first approach across educators, federal employees, nonprofits, and small businesses. Toni explains why adults learn best through relevant stories, bite-size concepts, and visible progress, and how that approach outperforms generic content and market noise. The takeaway: confidence and clarity are as valuable as any fund lineup.

We also dive into Raise Her, a bold five-year movement to empower one million women with practical tools and a clear plan for every stage: early learning, informed decisions, consistent saving, and smart retirement spending. Toni shares how Raise Her removes barriers—student debt stress, time scarcity, fear of asking—and invites action through social settings and ready-to-use materials. 

Guest Bio: Toni Whaley

2024 NTSA President and 2024 Marquis Who's Who Honoree, Toni E. Whaley is Co-Founder and CEO of Paladin Advisor Group, A PlanMember Financial Center. She has been a financial planner for over 20 years. Together with her husband Mike, she has grown Paladin Advisor Group to nine associate financial professionals, servicing several counties in the greater Baltimore and Washington DC area. Paladin services over 3,500 clients and manages over $290 million in client assets. Toni currently holds series 6, 65, 63 and life and health licenses; and a CRES – Certified Retired Education Specialist designation.  As a financial professional, Toni focuses on helping those who make it their mission to serve others. Her clients include education professionals and their spouses, Federal employees, and employees of for-profit and non-profit organizations as well as Small Business.  Helping people discover who they are, who they want to become and plan for their future is a major focus for Toni.  Toni belongs to the Howard County Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Professional Women, the Financial Services Institute, and the Howard County Estate Planning Council. Paladin Advisor Group is listed as an A+ accredited company with the Better Business Bureau.

Contact Toni:

Here is the link for Rai$e Her: https://www.ntsa-net.org/education/rai$e-her/

Toni Whaley: [email protected]