Life's complicated enough - why not simplify where we can?
As a Wealth Coach and co-founder of an independent financial practice , I specialize in helping individuals and families break down big financial goals into practical, manageable steps. Whether you're planning for retirement, navigating a major life change, or just trying to get a better handle on your financial complexities, my goal is to make those decisions feel clear and doable.
I earned a degree computer programming, but during the "Great Recession" in 2008, I pivoted into financial planning because I saw how essential clarity and strategy are-especially in times of uncertainty. For the past 16 years, I've focused on helping clients move from feeling overwhelmed to confidence with smart, actionable planning.
I hold the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor" (CRPC®) designation from the College for Financial Planning® and am an Investment Adviser Representative with Commonwealth Financial Network®, maintaining FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.
Some of my best lessons about simplicity come from being a dad to two energetic boys (ages 6 and 11). Whether we're building a Lego fortress or talking about saving for something big, they remind me that life should be more about doing what matters and less about stressing over the rest. And honestly, financial planning should feel the same-empowering, not overwhelming.
Not everyone wakes up excited to organize life's priorities-but I do. And if that's not your thing, that's okay. You don't have to do it alone. My role is to bring structure, clarity, and encouragement so you can move forward with confidence.
Let's simplify, strategize, and move forward-together.
Cedarwood was launched with the goal of creating a firm that felt like family to both clients and partners. We trace our roots back to 1996, when our senior partner and founder began serving individual investors in central Texas. He learned that serving clients well is much more than just offering financial products.
Beth Gatlin FPQP®
Beth has worked in the financial services industry since 2009 and recently earned her Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional from the College for Financial Planning. As a Client Service Specialist, she is responsible for the overall flow of business and oversees account management ensuring all administrative aspects of the financial plan are up to date, as well as helping clients feel like family.
She and her husband, Vernon, share two grown daughters and one grown son, as well as five grandchildren - three boys, two girls, and one very spoiled dog named Miss Harper. In their free time, they enjoy spending time with friends and family, volunteering and traveling. Their next trips are Washington, DC and Europe!
General Information |
| Firm Start Year: | 2009 | |
| No. of Employees: | 2-4 | |
| States Licensed in: | TX, AZ, AR, GA, IN, MD, NE |
| Number of Years with Current Firm: | 5 |
| Work with the following types of clients: | Individual Investors |
| Advisory Services Provided: | Portfolio Management, Retirement Planning, 401K Rollovers, Wealth Management |
Services |
| Investment Types: | Mutual Funds, Bonds, Stocks, Annuities, Insurance, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Alternative Investments |
| Can meet clients in the following ways: | Email, Video Conference, Our Office, Phone |
Qualifications & Memberships |
| Insurance and Annuity Licenses: | Variable Life, Annuity, Life, Variable Annuity, Long Term Care |
Compensation and Fees |
| Fee Structure: | Fee-Based |
| Compensation Methods: | Based on Assets, Commissions |
Financial Services |
| Portfolio Management
Your investments should feel like a tool - not a mystery. When it comes to managing a portfolio, I believe in transparency, education, and building a strategy that actually fits you. Not someone like you. You.
It starts with the questions we might be afraid to ask out loud: "How often should I expect to lose money?" "Should I follow the trends or stick to a plan?" "How do I define risk, and does my advisor define it the same way I do?" "How much risk do I really need to take to reach my goals?"
These are the kinds of conversations I believe should happen right out of the gate-not after your money is already in motion. Because the truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all portfolio. What works for someone else could leave you feeling anxious or off track. |
| 401K Rollovers
Many important financial decisions don't come with a rewind button. These are more than just checkboxes on a form-they're pivotal moves that could shape your financial future for decades. |
| Financial Planning for Individuals
I approach wealth management differently. No cookie-cutter templates. No vague industry buzzwords. Just real conversations about what's keeping you up at night-and a clear plan to take that weight off your shoulders. My process is built around simplicity, clarity, communication, and ongoing alignment. We don't just invest, we make sure the strategy supports your life, your values, and your comfort with risk. |
FAQs |
Why should I choose you as my financial advisor?Great question. I don't believe in jargon, sales pressure, or one-size-fits-all advice. What I do believe in is showing up, keeping things simple, and helping you sleep better at night knowing there's a plan that fits your life-not someone else's. |
Will you be the only person working with me?Yes-well, mostly! You'll be working directly with me as your advisor every step of the way. When it comes to investment decisions, financial planning, and guiding you through the ups and downs, I'm your go-to. That said, I'm lucky to have an incredible support partner, Beth, who handles the logistics-things like cash requests, address changes, and, most importantly, paperwork-so I can stay fully focused on you and your bigger financial picture. Together, we've got you covered. |
What is your approach to financial planning?Here's what I believe: Life is complex enough-your financial plan shouldn't be. |
Disclosures |
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Commonwealth Financial Network ADV 2A Additional Detailed Disclosures |
Disclaimer |
| Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®
Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services are separate from and not offered through Commonwealth. Brian Bisdorf may discuss and/or transact business only with residents of states in which they are registered. You may review a list of Advisor's registrations and other information by visiting BrokerCheck.
If you are considering rolling over money from an employer-sponsored plan, you often have the following options: leave the money in the current employer-sponsored plan, move it into a new employer-sponsored plan, roll it over to an IRA, or cash out the account value. Leaving money in a plan may provide special benefits including access to lower-cost investment options; educational services; potential for penalty-free withdrawals; protection from creditors and legal judgments; and the ability to postpone required minimum distributions. If your plan account holds appreciated employer stock, there may be negative tax implications of transferring the stock to an IRA. Whether to roll over your plan account should be discussed with your financial advisor and your tax professional. |
Compliance Disclosures in Last 5 years:
I have a clean record
Criminal Disclosures in Last 5 years:
I have a clean record
| Mon. | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Tue. | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Wed. | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Thu. | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Fri. | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
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