About FirstTen Financial

FirstTen Financial, a flat fee-only advisory firm based in Central Ohio, provides objective financial advice focusing on helping new retirees with their first 5-10 years of retirement.

First Ten Financial only provides advice and does not sell any investment products. We provide investment advice but do not require you to transfer or give up control of your assets.

Why do we focus on the initial years of retirement?

Most adivsors seek to engage clients in a long term relationship charging fees in perpetuity. We focus on helping people in the critical, early stages of retirement when they need the most help and empower them for the rest of their retirement

Retirees typically spend more earlier in their retirement, and they should enjoy their hard-earned savings while healthy! However, retirees also need to balance not spending too much and threaten their lifestyle later in retirement
Early in retirement, especially before claiming social security or pension income, provides opportunities to minimize taxes over the course of retirement
Proper allocation of investments between safe and growth investments at the beginning of retirement helps mitigate the impact of poor market conditions if they occur early in retirement

I grew up in a working class neighborhood in Toledo, Ohio and was always fascinated with money. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to go to college and immediately knew I wanted to study business.

I started my career as a CPA but after several years realized I wanted a career beyond accounting and taxes. I became interested in finance and explored a career as a financial advisor, but most jobs were very sales oriented and I am not a salesman. I pursued a career in corporate finance, helping companies manage their finances.

I joined a Fortune 100 financial services company and to my surprise ended up staying with the company for 25 years. I progressed into executive roles with my last role leading the financial planning for a $20 billion division of the company. Along the way I gained deep knowledge into financial products and services.

Working in the financial services industry I quickly became the “go to” person for any financial question from family and friends. I helped with retirements, investments and as a CPA always got tax questions! Over time I began to consider a career as a financial advisor but didn't want to pursue until I could do it on my own terms and prioritize helping people over making money.

After some careful planning I was able to retire from my corporate career in my early 50's. I then founded FirstTen Financial to help my fellow retirees navigate the initial years of retirement which are so critical to a long, successful retirement.

Outside of work, you will find me rooting for my alma maters and spending time traveling with my amazing wife and two adult children. I put some of my favorite places I have visited below and I always give free travel advice to anyone who will listen!