Government & Military
Your pension is like the bond allocation you didn't know you had — count it first, invest the rest to complement it, not duplicate it.
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John Bell
Owner/Financial Planner
CFP®
Free State Financial PlanningPO Box 553, Highland, MD 20777-0553
Languages: English
My Approach
Financial planning isn't one-size-fits-all. I specialize in helping individuals and families navigate the complex financial crossroads of life, focusing heavily on these unique groups and the major moments that define their journeys.
The Clients I Serve
Pre-Retiree
The years before retirement matter most. Get clear on what matters to you — then make sure your savings can fund that life.
Retirees or Seniors
Retirement is when planning matters most. Start with what matters to you — then shape your spending around the life you actually want.
Major Milestones I Specialize In
Early Retirement or Financial Independence
Financial independence isn't a number — it's knowing what enough looks like. Define your enough first, then build the plan to get there.
Retirement Planning
A retirement plan isn't a portfolio — it's a life funded on purpose. Start with the life you want, then use your resources to support it.
Sudden Wealth or Inheritance
Sudden wealth deserves a pause, not a plan. Park it safely, take time to grieve or celebrate — no big decisions until the dust settles.
Our 7 Steps to Financial Planning
Certified Financial Planners have a proven blueprint for success—but your planner builds it entirely around you.
Summarized from the CFP® Board's Practice Standards. cfp.net
My Process
I start with why money matters to you. Before we discuss any numbers, I ask you to write a Statement of Financial Purpose — one or two sentences defining what your money is for. Money is a tool, not the destination, and I won't build a plan until we know where you're trying to go. From there, you'll enter your information in RightCapital, my planning software, where you can link your accounts directly or upload statements. Then we meet for a Data Review to walk through everything together — income, savings, investments, expenses, and the future "guesses" (trips, cars, renovations) that every good plan needs. I build your plan around all of it and deliver clear, actionable recommendations. Because I'm advice-only and flat-fee, my only compensation is what you pay me — no commissions, no referral fees, no products to sell. And planning doesn't end at delivery: we monitor, adjust, and revisit as life changes.
Disclosures
This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. It is not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any security, insurance product, or investment strategy. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Tax and legal matters are outside the scope of this engagement; consult your attorney, accountant, and other qualified professionals before making financial decisions. Additional information about this financial professional, including registration status and disciplinary history, is available through FINRA BrokerCheck and the SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website.