About Arch Financial Planning
Arch Financial Planning is a fee-only fiduciary wealth management firm.
As Featured In
At Arch Financial Planning, we specialize in providing fee-only financial planning and wealth management tailored to the needs of high-income professionals and retirees. Our clients are households earning at least $400,000 annually or those with $1,000,000 or more in investable assets. We are dedicated to helping you build, grow, and protect your wealth through a tech-forward approach and personalized financial strategies.
A Fiduciary Partner Committed to Your Success
As a fee-only firm, we are committed to providing objective advice. We do not sell products or receive commissions—our only incentive is to serve your best interests. Our partnership with Charles Schwab Institutional ensures your assets are safeguarded while allowing us to provide independent, unbiased financial guidance. Unlike some advisors, we do not take custody of client assets, ensuring an added layer of security and transparency.
Comprehensive Financial Planning & Wealth Management
We take a holistic approach to financial planning, integrating every aspect of your financial life into a well-crafted strategy. Our services include:
- Tax Planning: Proactive tax strategies to optimize savings and reduce tax liabilities.
- Investment Management: Evidence-based portfolio management designed to align with your long-term goals.
- Insurance Review: Ensuring you and your family have the right coverage without unnecessary costs.
- Estate Planning: Structuring your wealth for efficient transfer and legacy preservation.
- College Funding & Student Loan Strategies: Helping families save for education while managing debt effectively.
- Retirement Planning: Creating a roadmap for financial independence and a secure retirement.
- Stock Compensation Review: Optimizing stock options, RSUs, and equity compensation for maximum benefit.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does investment management include?
Investment management includes building, monitoring, and adjusting your portfolio over time. At Arch Financial Planning, that includes asset allocation, portfolio management, tax-aware investing, rebalancing, risk management, and ongoing investment advice tied to your financial plan.
Is investment management different from financial planning?
Yes, but they should work together.
Investment management focuses on your portfolio. Financial planning looks at the broader picture, including retirement planning, taxes, estate planning, insurance, cash flow, charitable giving, and major financial decisions.
We believe your investment strategy should be built around your financial plan.
Do I need to live in Athens, GA to work with you?
No. We are based in the Athens, GA area and enjoy working with local clients, but we also serve U.S. residents in other states where permitted.
Are you a fiduciary financial advisor?
Yes. Arch Financial Planning is a registered investment adviser and provides fiduciary investment advisory services. That means our advice is designed to serve your best interests.
Do you sell insurance products or investment products?
No. We do not sell insurance products or receive commissions from investment products.
We may review existing insurance policies, investment accounts, retirement plans, and other financial products as part of your overall plan. When outside professionals are needed, we can coordinate with unaffiliated insurance companies, CPAs, attorneys, or other legal advisors.
Do you use alternative investments?
Most clients are best served by a disciplined portfolio using diversified, low-cost mutual funds, ETFs, fixed income, and cash reserves. Alternative investments may be reviewed when relevant, but we do not believe complexity automatically creates better outcomes.
Can you help with retirement income planning?
Yes. Retirement planning is one of the core reasons clients hire us. We help retirees and pre-retirees think through portfolio withdrawals, Social Security, Medicare, taxes, Roth conversions, charitable giving, and how to create a sustainable income plan.
Do you provide tax or legal advice?
We provide financial planning and investment advice that may consider tax laws, estate planning, and legal matters. However, this page is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as tax, legal, or accounting advice. We coordinate with CPAs, attorneys, and legal advisors when needed.
Is this a solicitation or offer?
No. This page is for informational purposes and is not a public offering of any financial services, securities-related services, or related financial instruments. Advisory services are offered only where Arch Financial Planning is properly registered or exempt from registration.
Ready to Build a Smarter Investment Strategy?
Your portfolio should support your life, not create more stress.
If you are looking for investment management in Athens, GA and want a financial advisor who can help coordinate your investments, taxes, retirement planning, and long-term financial goals, we invite you to start the process.
Complete the short questionnaire to help us understand your situation. If our process appears aligned with what you are looking for, you will be able to schedule an intro call.
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.
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.
Arch Financial Planning
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Charles Schwab
You can have peace of mind that your investments are held at an established financial institution.
We partnered with one of the largest financial institutions to provide clearing, custody, and brokerage services.
We value the unparalleled support Charles Schwab gives us to provide an excellent experience for you.
Meet The Founder
Cecil Staton, CFP® CSLP®
- I started Arch Financial Planning to make a difference in people's lives. Most firms focus on investments or making a sale without understanding their client's 'why'. I set out to change that.
- We help our clients optimize their investments, reduce taxes, make work optional, and retire confidently on their terms.
- As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, I am committed to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism in the industry.
- After earning my bachelor's degree in Financial Planning from the University of Georgia, I worked for several firms in Atlanta, GA. I now call Athens, GA home.
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Cecil's wife is the founder of Financial Planner Recruiting, LLC, a premier financial advisor recruiter.
The Details
Education & Credentials
BS in Financial Planning from The University of Georgia.
CFP® & CSLP® Professional.
We're a registered investment advisor serving clients nationwide.
Personal Life & Family
When I'm not perfecting financial plans, I'm visiting our favorite local brewery, sipping coffee with my wife, kids, and F1B golden doodle, and visiting family in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Mission And Purpose
The Arch Financial Planning mission is to empower our clients to make confident financial decisions, so they can enjoy their lives beyond their careers with clarity, security, and peace of mind.
Ready to Learn More?
We're Here to Help.
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.