Who Is Arch Financial Planning?

Arch Financial Planning is a fee-only financial planning firm based in the Athens, GA area

As an independent firm, we act with one clear purpose: to put your best interests first. Our mission is simple—empowering clients to use money as a tool to live the life they truly want.

We believe financial planning isn’t about chasing numbers—it’s about aligning your financial goals, long-term plans, and values so that every financial decision moves you toward clarity, confidence, and freedom.

What We Do

We provide comprehensive financial planning and investment advisory services designed for the unique needs of the clients we serve. Our work spans every stage of your financial life, including:

  • Retirement Planning & Retirement Income Planning – Creating a clear path toward retirement while helping you design strategies that maximize your retirement plans specialist options, Social Security, and other income streams.

  • Tax Planning – Coordinating strategies to minimize taxes today and in the future.

  • Estate Planning – Protecting your wealth, family, and charitable giving legacy.

  • Insurance Analysis & Risk Management – Reviewing insurance products to ensure the right coverage and risk tolerance alignment.

  • Cash Flow Management & Debt Structuring – Helping you balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s financial future.

  • Student Loan Planning & College Funding – Strategies that work for families and professionals managing student loans or saving for higher education.

  • Investment Advice & Portfolio Management – Building investment strategies around your goals, using asset allocation tailored to your situation and market conditions.

From business owners to high-net-worth clients, families, and individuals, we help our types of clients design strategies that best suit their situation, whether in Georgia or virtually for residents of other states across the U.S.

Arch Financial Planning

Our Fiduciary Duty

As a registered investment adviser with the State of Georgia and listed on the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, Arch Financial Planning provides advice without commissions. As a fee-only firm and employee-owned firm, our compensation comes only from our clients—ensuring that our financial advice serves your best interests.

We do not sell products, but we do analyze and review them. If you need legal advice or tax filings, we collaborate with trusted professionals to help you coordinate across your business relationships and family planning team.

Meet Our Experts

Cecil Staton, CFP is a Financial Advisor for dentists.

Cecil Staton, CFP®

Founder & Wealth Advisor

Charles Schwab Institutional

Institutional Partner

Cecil Staton, CFP®

Cecil Staton, CFP®

Founder & Wealth Advisor

Arch Financial Planning was founded by Cecil Staton, CFP®, a proud University of Georgia graduate and recognized as one of the top financial planners in the state. Cecil specializes in retirement planning for Georgians, guiding families and business owners through tax-smart strategies, investment management, and long-term planning to create a clear path toward financial independence.

Beyond his role as founder, Cecil is a husband and father of two daughters. His wife owns a recruiting firm that serves boutique wealth management practices nationwide, and together they enjoy everything that makes Northeast Georgia special—from relaxing on the lakes to cheering on college football Saturdays in Athens.

✔️ Certified Financial Planner™ professional
✔️ University of Georgia graduate
✔️ Entrepreneur & business owner
✔️ Quoted in national publications including The Wall Street Journal and Kiplinger


Our Partnership with Charles Schwab Institutional

At Arch Financial Planning, your accounts are always yours—held securely at Charles Schwab Institutional. We’ve chosen Schwab as our trusted custodian because of their reputation, safeguards, and dedication to serving independent advisory firms like ours.

Behind the scenes, we also partner with Schwab’s operations team to:

  • ✅ Facilitate account opening and paperwork

  • ✅ Process contributions and withdrawals

  • ✅ Handle the seamless execution of trades we submit

This collaboration allows us to focus on providing you with personalized financial strategies, while Schwab helps us manage your accounts with efficiency and security.

Together, this advisory team supports our clients every step of the way with comprehensive wealth management services, independent investment advice, and the confidence that your financial life is backed by one of the nation’s most trusted custodians.

Who We Serve

We proudly serve:

  • Residents of Georgia (especially the Athens area)

  • Residents of the states where we’re registered or where permitted for U.S. residents

  • Families planning for retirement

  • Professionals managing student loans

  • Business owners looking for succession planning and net worth protection

  • Charitable organizations and clients with philanthropic goals

Our clients come to us for clarity, stay with us for trust, and grow with us through a shared vision of financial independence.

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Our Philosophy 

We believe personal finance is often more personal than finance. We want to make you and your goals the focus of everything we do. You and your financial success are what drive our firm.

Our Focus

Most advisors are generalists who serve anybody with a portfolio or want to sell you expensive insurance products to earn a commission. We set out to be different and put your interests first.

100%

Client Retention 

Let’s Plan Your Financial Future Together

Discover how Arch Financial Planning can help you make the most of your wealth. Schedule your free financial assessment today.

Arch Financial Planning, LLC is an Investment Adviser offering services in Georgia and in other jurisdictions where exempt from registration. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change.