Financial Planners
in Denver, Colorado
Based in the Denver area, our team at Beacon Pointe Advisors provides comprehensive wealth planning and customized investment strategies to assist clients with making well-informed, important life decisions related to their wealth.
2000 South Colorado Boulevard, Tower Two, Suite 1150, Denver, CO 80222
Connect with Us
Connect with One of Our Trusted Financial Planners in Denver, CO
We are committed to guiding individuals, families, and professionals through the intricacies of their financial journey.
Financial Advisory Services Tailored to Your Needs
Our process and attention to detail ensure your wealth plan allows you to make smart choices about your financial future through informed decisions.
Financial Planning
Our holistic allWEALTH® approach addresses all aspects of your financial well-being.
Retirement Planning
We help clients achieve their best retirement by making smart, informed choices now.
Estate Planning
We’ll help ensure you have the necessary documents in place to protect your family and legacy.
Strategic Tax Planning
Our team is well-versed at integrating tax strategies across your portfolio and financial plan.
Investment Management
We offer customized investment solutions with diverse strategies on an open platform.
Healthcare Planning
Our team can guide you in confidently planning for your future healthcare needs.
Asset Protection
Our team uses their expertise to design a protection plan for your family and assets.
Family Office Services
Our role is to help ensure that your wealth will last you and your family for generations to come.
Meet Our Denver Financial Planners & Advisors
Connect with one of our trusted Financial Advisors in the Denver area. We are here to be a partner with you on your personal wealth journey. Please contact our Denver, CO team if we can be of service.
Managing Directors
Charlie Farrell, JD, LLM
Partner, Managing Director
Charlie Farrell, JD, LLM is the Managing Director of the Beacon Pointe Advisors Denver office and is responsible for working with clients to meet their investment and income objectives. Charlie focuses on managing wealth for individuals, families, and business owners, providing the full continuum of personal and family wealth management, through all the phases of his clients’ financial lives. Charlie began his career as a tax attorney helping business owners establish and fund corporate retirement plans. While working with owners who eventually retired, Charlie often received questions from clients about how to live off their money during retirement. These conversations ultimately sparked Charlie’s desire to work in investment management, prompting him to leave the legal and tax field. Charlie is the author of the book, Your Money Ratios: 8 Simple Tools for Financial Security. He is also the author of a monthly column known as the “Road to Retirement” for the Denver Post and has contributed to numerous industry publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Money Magazine, Consumer Reports Money Advisor and Barron’s. Charlie has a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, and a law degree from The American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C., where he graduated summa cum laude. He also holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in taxation from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Charlie is a former board member of the Mountain Area Land Trust and the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation. Charlie currently resides in Golden, Colorado with his wife, and in his spare time enjoys fly fishing and riding horses.
Fred Taylor
Partner, Managing Director
Fred Taylor is the Managing Director of the Beacon Pointe Advisors Denver office and is responsible for working with clients to meet their investment and income objectives. Fred has four decades of experience in the financial services industry and began his career in 1984. He has worked at numerous financial institutions analyzing, trading, and selling equities and fixed-income investments to institutional and retail clients. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Fred served as co-founder and president of Northstar Investment Advisor for 26 years. Fred is the past Chairman of the board of CollegeInvest, Colorado’s 529 college savings plan, and is a past Chairman of the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation board. He is also a past board member and Chairman of the investment committees of Children’s Hospital Colorado, The Denver Foundation, the Colorado Zoological Trust, the Women’s Foundation of Colorado, and Kent Denver School. In recognition of his work with Denver’s non-profits, Fred received the Denver Foundation’s 2017 Philanthropic Leadership Award. He was also a finalist for the 2019 Invest in Others Lifetime Achievement Award, for his two decades of service to the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation. From 2008 to 2010, Fred served as an economic advisor to Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, and he is also a member of the Colorado Forum, a collection of business leaders focused on critical policy issues facing the state. A Colorado native, Fred graduated cum laude from Middlebury College with honors in American History. He currently lives in Denver with his wife Claudia and enjoys skiing, tennis, golf and spending time with his children and three granddaughters.
Sean Curley, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Sean Curley is a Partner and the Managing Director of Beacon Pointe’s Greenwood Village, CO office. Sean has spent his career helping clients prepare for and enjoy a secure and comfortable retirement in the context of an ongoing, long-term relationship. His recommendations are based on a careful understanding of each client’s specific situation, coupled with thorough analysis and an evidence-based approach to retirement issues and investment management. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Sean founded The Retirement Planning Specialists in 2001 (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2021) and before that was an advisor with Foland, Curley & Associates and American Express Financial Advisors. Sean is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and graduated from Penn State University, Phi Beta Kappa, with honors, having earned a B.S. in Computer Science, followed by a seven year stretch as a project manager and senior government analyst for American Management Systems in Arlington, VA and Lakewood, CO. He lives in Highlands Ranch, CO with Mary, his wife of 30 years.
Tom Stefaniak, CFP®
Partner, Managing Director
Thomas (Tom) Stefaniak, CFP®, is a Managing Director at Beacon Pointe Advisors and is responsible for client service and new client development. With more than 30 years of expertise in the financial services industry, Tom has a passion for building relationships that go far beyond finances. Tom started his career as a Financial Planner with IDS/American Express in 1987. He quickly rose to the level of District Manager and received numerous awards for client service. In 1998, Tom co-founded Pinnacle Wealth Management, a boutique firm in Denver, Colorado (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). Tom graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a double major in Real Estate and Finance, holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation, and is a member of the Financial Planning Association. Outside of the office, Tom enjoys golfing, traveling (whenever his schedule can allow it), and spending time with his wife and his three adult children.
Wealth Advisors
Brad Meyer, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
As a Wealth Advisor for Beacon Pointe, Brad is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Brad was a Wealth Planner Assistant at Pinnacle Wealth Management (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023) and before that, worked at Edward Jones as a Wealth Advisor. Brad earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Creighton University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation holder. Outside of the office, Brad enjoys watching sports, spending time outdoors hiking, camping, and playing pickleball.
Bryton Kessel, AIF®
Wealth Advisor
Bryton is a Wealth Advisor for the Beacon Pointe South Denver office and is responsible for providing personalized investment management and financial planning guidance. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Bryton was a Wealth Planning Assistant at Pinnacle Wealth Management, (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). Bryton graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder, earning his bachelor’s degree in Economics. Outside of the office, Bryton enjoys golfing, spending time with his dog, Chop, and rooting for all the Colorado sports teams.
Carlos Diaz Montoya
Associate Wealth Advisor
Carlos is an Associate Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s Denver office and is responsible for partnering with investment and financial planning teams to provide the firm’s clients with a personalized wealth management experience. His duties include investment strategy implementation, asset allocation modeling, portfolio performance reporting, and client services. A Denver native, Carlos made his way back to the Mile High City after spending some time in the Pacific Northwest where he graduated from Southern Oregon University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Applied Finance in addition to being a student athlete competing on the NAIA Men’s Soccer Team. After working as an Economist for the State of Oregon, Carlos found his way back to Denver where he began in the industry at Northwestern Mutual as a Financial Representative. In his free time, Carlos and his pup can be found wading through Colorado’s endless tailwater rivers in search of some trout.
Dan Brascetta, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Dan Brascetta is a Wealth Advisor for the Beacon Pointe Denver office and is responsible for providing personalized investment management and financial planning guidance. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) with 10 years of investment management experience, Dan specializes in developing well-rounded financial plans that include specialized investment management strategies. Dan started his career in financial sales, working with Oppenheimer Funds and Charles Schwab as a Regional Investment Consultant, assisting advisors with investment management research, solutions and portfolio construction. Following the completion of his CFP® designation in 2019, Dan transitioned to comprehensive financial planning roles, advising clients on Investment Management, Retirement and Estate Planning, Taxes, and more. Dan attended Oregon State University on a wrestling scholarship, graduating with a degree in Economics and a minor in Business and Entrepreneurship. Outside of the office, Dan enjoys working with his wife, Gina, on their personal training business and coaching their three boys’ baseball and wrestling teams.
James Franklin
Associate Wealth Advisor
James is an Associate Wealth Advisor and is responsible for partnering with Beacon Pointe’s investment and financial planning teams to provide the firm’s clients with a personalized wealth management experience. His duties include investment strategy implementation, asset allocation modeling, portfolio performance reporting, and client services. Prior to entering the financial services industry, James began his career in sales and customer service. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Colorado Denver Business School. Born and raised in Minnesota, James moved to Colorado to further his education. After gaining a strong passion for the Colorado lifestyle of hiking and snowboarding, he decided to make Denver his home. Aside from his outdoor endeavors, James’s free time is spent hanging out with his rescue dog, Jake and trying new recipes in the kitchen!
Julia Stauffer
Associate Wealth Advisor
Julia is an Associate Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s Greenwood Village office and is responsible for partnering with the investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions for clients with a personalized wealth management experience to ensure their financial goals are met. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Julia was an advisor service representative in Denver and, before that, worked as a private equity fund accountant. Julia graduated summa cum laude from Colorado Christian University with a degree in accounting and business administration with an emphasis in finance and is actively pursuing her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) license. Outside of the office, she enjoys exploring coffee shops in Denver and taking advantage of the beautiful Colorado outdoors, whether playing volleyball or hiking in the mountains with friends and family.
Lexi Schmidt, CDFA®
Wealth Advisor
Lexi is a Wealth Advisor within the Beacon Pointe Denver office and is responsible for partnering with firm’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions that help clients meet their financial goals. She is dedicated to providing her clients with individually tailored solutions and strives to achieve the optimal alignment between their wealth, values and goals. Lexi began her career in product marketing before entering the financial services industry. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, she was a Client Service Associate for Northstar Investment Advisors. Lexi holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Florida State University and holds the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) designation from the Institute for Divorce Financial Analyst. In her spare time, she enjoys skiing, hiking with her dog, traveling with family, and creating art and culinary masterpieces.
Michael Beaulieu, CFP®
Wealth Advisor
Michael Beaulieu is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s Greenwood Village, CO office. Through a comprehensive financial planning process, he helps clients plan for their long-term goals and objectives so they can retire comfortably and confidently. Michael specializes in retirement planning, including income and tax planning, charitable and estate considerations, and investment management. He offers customized investment solutions to ensure each client’s specific goals are met before and during retirement. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Michael was a Financial Planner with The Retirement Planning Specialists. Michael graduated cum laude from Colorado State University’s honors program with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Financial Planning. Michael serves on the Board of Directors of the Dumb Friends League, a leading animal welfare organization. A Colorado native, Michael enjoys cheering on the Denver Nuggets, and trying new restaurants around his community.
Seth Guenther, CIMA®, ChFC®, CLU®, CEBS®, CRPS®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Seth is a Senior Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe responsible for client service and new client development. He brings over 15 years of investment experience. As a Certified Investment Management Analyst, and a Chartered Financial Consultant, Seth specializes in portfolio construction, portfolio management and all phases of a financial plan to provide customized solutions for client goals. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Seth was with Oppenheimer Funds where he worked as a consultant to Registered Investment Advisors (RIA). His previous role included portfolio analysis, business coaching, and finding ways to make RIA’s more efficient. Prior to Oppenheimer Funds, he worked with Mutual of America where he focused on non-profit organizations and foundations assisting with investment solutions and employee benefits. Seth graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Finance. Seth holds five industry designations CIMA®, ChFC®, CLU®, CEBS®, CRPS®. Seth enjoys anything sports related, coaching and traveling with his wife and five children.
Truett Davis
Associate Wealth Advisor
As an Associate Wealth Advisor in Beacon Pointe’s downtown Denver office, Truett is responsible for partnering with the firm’s investment and financial planning teams to provide customized solutions for clients with a personalized wealth management experience. His duties include investment strategy implementation, portfolio performance reporting, asset allocation modeling, and client services Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Truett worked as a medical device sales consultant in Vail, CO where he worked with orthopedic trauma surgeons. He decided to make a career pivot after finding a passion for investing, financial planning, and helping people make sense of their complex financial journeys. Born and raised in Denver, CO, Truett graduated with distinction from Colorado College with a bachelor’s degree in History and was a member of the lacrosse team. He currently holds his Series 65 license and is actively pursuing his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. Outside of the office, Truett loves spending time in the mountains with his family and friends and is an avid fly fisherman and skier.
Client Service & Operations
Cheryl McDonald
Senior Office Management Associate
Cheryl is a Senior Office Management Associate and is responsible for a variety of tasks that ensure the smooth operation of the Denver office. Her responsibilities include client service, database organization, and general office management duties. Cheryl brings her stellar management and customer service skills to Beacon Pointe through many years of nonprofit work, having spent 12 years serving in the Programs Department at Rose Community Foundation and the Urban League of Metropolitan Denver. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Cheryl was a Business Manager and Compliance Administrator for Northstar Investment Advisors. Cheryl studied Elementary Education/Education at Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska where she was a member of the Women’s Basketball Team. She is also a past national member of the Association of Black Foundation Executives and regional member of the Rocky Mountain Region – Grants Managers Network. Outside of the office, Cheryl enjoys spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren and is an avid sports fan.
Hope Hernandez
Client Service Associate
Hope is a member of the Beacon Pointe Client Service department and is responsible for partnering with the firm’s investment and wealth management teams to provide an elevated service experience for clients. Her duties include account administration, processing new and existing account paperwork, money transfers, and communicating with clients to provide the highest levels of service. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Hope was a Client Service Associate for Pinnacle Wealth Management (which merged with Beacon Pointe in 2023). Hope earned her bachelor’s degree in Ethnic Studies from the University of Colorado, Denver. Hope is a Colorado native and enjoys spending time with her dog, Benji, friends and family, and rewatching her favorite comfort shows, outside of the office.
John Riecke
Operations Manager, Head Trader
John is the Operations Manager and Head Trader for Beacon Pointe’s Denver office. He is responsible for overseeing day-to-day firm operations, implementing policy and procedures, executing trades for retail and institutional accounts, and working closely with the client service team to provide an exceptional client experience. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, John worked at Envestnet and WealthTouch, Inc. before joining Northstar Investment Advisors. John holds a degree in Political Science from Southern Methodist University and is an avid volunteer in his neighborhood of Capitol Hill located in Denver, working with Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation & Capitol Hill United Neighborhood. He also enjoys engaging in city planning efforts to improve neighborhoods and transportation, and spending time with his wife.
Kiara Budd
Senior Client Service Associate
Kiara is a member of the Beacon Pointe Client Service Department and is responsible for partnering with the firm’s investment and wealth management teams to provide an elevated service experience for clients. Her duties include account administration, processing new and existing account paperwork, money transfers, communicating with clients, and assisting with day-to-day service requests. Prior to joining Beacon Pointe, Kiara worked as a Financial Professional with Equitable Advisors. Kiara graduated from Washburn University with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her dog Ghost, traveling, watching the Denver Nuggets and Kansas City Chiefs, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
Luke Jackson
Client Service Associate
Luke is a member of the Beacon Pointe Client Service Department and is responsible for partnering with the firm’s investment and wealth management teams to provide an elevated service experience for clients. His duties include account administration, processing new and existing account paperwork, money transfers, communicating with clients, and assisting with day-to-day service requests. Luke earned his bachelor’s degree in Personal Financial Planning from the University of Colorado Boulder, and he is currently earning experience for his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation. Luke is a Colorado native and enjoys spending time with friends and family, photography, skiing, and is an avid sports fan.
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