CFP®-certified financial advisors working with educators, teachers, and academics in Colorado
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
If you work in education or academia, your financial needs often include managing irregular income cycles, planning for retirement with public pension systems, and balancing student loan repayment with saving. A common mistake is treating your financial plan like a standard 9-to-5 worker's, which can overlook key benefits and timing nuances.
- Pension system knowledge. Confirm the advisor understands your specific public pension plan and how it integrates with Social Security and other retirement income.
- Income variability planning. Ask how they help manage cash flow during summer breaks or sabbaticals when your income may dip.
- Loan and savings balance. Look for guidance on juggling student loan payments alongside building emergency funds and retirement savings.
- Benefit optimization. Check if they consider educator-specific benefits like loan forgiveness programs or tax advantages in your strategy.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Carlon P
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Glendale, CO
TIAA-CREF
Carlon Parks is well-equipped to assist educators and academics in Colorado with retirement planning, especially those approaching retirement or mid-career professionals, leveraging his 20 years of experience and CFP® certification. Based in Denver and affiliated with the large firm TIAA-CREF, he offers a 0.30% annual wrap fee and specializes in managing portfolios for high-net-worth clients, providing customized portfolio management alongside general estate planning and business owner retirement plans.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $523,144
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Lucas W
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 66
Englewood, CO
RFG Advisory, LLC
Lucas Wandell's CFP® certification and nine years of experience equip him to address the unique financial challenges faced by educators and academics in Colorado, including managing irregular income and public pension planning. His firm, RFG Advisory, LLC, offers a blend of active and passive investment strategies with discretionary portfolio management, and he provides flat-fee financial planning, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent pricing compared to traditional AUM fees.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $295,694
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Aaron Z
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Colorado Springs, CO
Edward Jones
Aaron Zimmerman is well-equipped to assist educators and academics in Colorado with financial planning, leveraging his 24 years of experience and CFP® certification. Operating from Edward Jones, a large full-service wealth management firm, he offers comprehensive advisory programs with an annual fee up to 1.35%, and his background includes business ownership considerations, which may provide additional insights for clients balancing complex financial needs.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $246,728
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John M
CFP®
Salida, CO
Mandala Financial Advisors LLC
John Mcgowan is well-suited for educators and academics in Colorado, offering expertise in managing financial plans that integrate public pension systems and irregular income cycles. His firm, Mandala Financial Advisors LLC, emphasizes ESG investing and serves high-net-worth clients with a flat-fee structure and tiered AUM fees. With over 25 years of experience and a holistic approach, he also focuses on sustainable and socially responsible investing, differentiating him from others in the region.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $1,208,940
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Brett P
CFP®, EA
Parker, CO
Eight Peaks Wealth Management
Brett Polzin is well-suited for educators and academics in Colorado, offering expertise in managing cash flow and retirement plans tailored to irregular income cycles common in education. His firm, Eight Peaks Wealth Management, provides flat-fee financial planning and emphasizes a holistic, collaborative approach, distinguishing him with a focus on military veterans and educators, and a commitment to support without pressure, based in Parker, CO.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $110,000
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