Who We Are

Cole Financial Planning Getting There with Fee-Only Financial Advice

     Scott D. Cole, CFP^® is founder and principal of Cole Financial Planning, a Fee-Only financial planning firm serving people from all walks of life on an hourly basis, or as an ongoing “Chief Family Financial Officer.” Scott holds his Series 65 license, and Cole Financial Planning is a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Alabama. He has been quoted as a financial expert in several publications both local and national including, the Wall Street Journal, Money Magazine, The Washington Post, Financial Advisor Magazine, Today’s Focus, Investment News, several business journals and local news publications.  He can be seen on NBC-13 each week as a financial expert, leading a segment called Money Matters. He also writes a financial advice column for the Tannehill Trader.

     Scott comes from a family of educators and understands the importance of preparation, planning, knowledge and discipline. With a background in both ministry and financial services, he is adept at communicating and developing healthy relationships. He holds degrees from Samford University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and the University of Alabama, where he graduated with honors with a Masters Degree from their highly regarded program of Family Financial Planning and Counseling Program. In 2006, Scott received the Jack Davis Award for Professional Achievement from the College of Human Environmental Sciences at the University of Alabama.  He has earned the rights to use the CFP® mark of distinction, having completed a professional course of study, passed a rigorous 2-day examination, and demonstrated a commitment to the highest professional standards of ethics and ongoing education.

     As a Fee-Only advisor, Scott’s judgment is not clouded by the conflicts of interest that come with accepting commissions and other forms of third-party compensation. At Cole Financial Planning, 100% of the firm’s revenues come from its clients. In addition, Scott is committed to serving people at all income and net worth levels. He does not impose account minimums or require a long-term contract in order to become a client. You may engage his services, as needed or on an ongoing basis, whichever best meets your needs.

     Scott believes you are known by the company you keep and he is proud to be affiliated with the Garrett Planning Network (GPN), the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), and the Financial Planning Association (FPA). He is the study group coordinator for the Alabama NAPFA chapter, serves on the Ethics committee for UAB Medical West, volunteers in various organization in the community, and works with Alabama Jump$tart to help promote financial literacy among Alabama’s youth. 

     Scott lives in the Birmingham area, with his wife Tracy and his daughter Emerson Grace.  He is an avid fisherman, enjoys college sports, and has a great love for books.  

             He would love to sit down with a cup of coffee and discuss how to get you where you want to be financially. Visit www.colefinancialplanning.com for more information.