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Cecil Staton, CFP®, CSLP®

Financial Planner in Athens, GA

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Arch Financial Planning Cecil Staton, CFP®, CSLP®
Athens, GA

Serving Clients Nationwide

Financial Planner in Athens, GA

10 Certified Advisor Reviews™
5 out of 5 Stars
Jump to Reviews

706-204-9068

Website

Areas of Focus

  • Employee Stock Options
  • Federal Student Loan Option Analysis
  • Owning a Business
  • Saving
  • Taxes

About Cecil Staton, CFP®, CSLP®

Hi, I'm 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 pay down student loans, reduce taxes, invest smarter, 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.

When not perfecting financial plans, you’ll find me visiting our favorite local brewery, sipping coffee with my wife and F1B golden doodle, and visiting family in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Professional Designations

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®
  • Certified Student Loan Professional (CSLP)

Affiliations

  • CFP Board
  • Fee Only Network
  • Financial Planning Association
  • National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
  • XY Planning Network

Primary Location

367 Prince Ave Suite T Athens, GA 30601

Meeting Options

  • Video Conference
  • In-Person
  • Phone
Book Intro Call

Compensation Methods

  • Fee Only
  • Percentage of Assets Managed
  • Subscription

What to expect in the first meeting

Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above to schedule a complimentary introduction meeting. We'll ask you to first complete a brief questionnaire. It will only take a few minutes to complete. This questionnaire helps us gather important details about you and your specific situation. After you've completed the questionnaire, you'll be able to schedule a 30-minute introductory call with Cecil Staton. We meet for about 45 minutes to get to know each other and make sure our expertise matches your needs. The purpose is to get to know you, your goals, concerns, and your financial situation.

Offers Investment Management

Yes

About Arch Financial Planning

About Arch Financial Planning
Arch Financial Planning is a financial advisor in Athens, GA, and offers comprehensive financial planning and investment management services.

Whether you're based in Athens, GA or anywhere in the country, our goal is simple: to help you build wealth, reduce financial stress, and achieve financial freedom on your terms.

Our Services:

Comprehensive Financial Planning
We take a holistic approach to your financial life — coordinating retirement planning, investments, tax strategies, insurance, and cash flow management into one cohesive plan.

Dental Practice Transitions
We specialize in guiding dentists through the complex process of buying, selling, or transitioning a dental practice, helping you maximize value and minimize risk.

Tax Planning and Optimization
We develop tailored tax strategies to help you keep more of what you earn, both today and in retirement.

Retirement Planning
We help you design a personalized retirement strategy that provides financial security and aligns with your vision for the future.

Wealth Management
Through prudent, evidence-based investment strategies, we help grow and protect your assets over time.

Debt Management
We create strategies to manage and pay down student loans and other debts efficiently, freeing up resources for your future goals.

Why Choose Arch Financial Planning?
Specialized Expertise
We focus deeply on the dental industry, giving us a unique understanding of the financial challenges and opportunities dental professionals face.

Personalized Service
Every client relationship is built on trust, personalized attention, and advice tailored to your specific needs — not cookie-cutter solutions.

Proven Track Record
With extensive experience helping dentists and professionals achieve their financial goals, we bring expertise you can rely on.

Educational Resources
We believe informed clients make better financial decisions. Cecil Staton regularly shares insights through detailed blog posts and social media, helping you stay ahead.

Our Commitment
At Arch Financial Planning, our mission is to empower you to make smarter financial decisions with confidence. We help simplify complex financial strategies, so you can focus on doing what you love — delivering exceptional dental care and living the life you envision.

Cecil's wife is the founder of Financial Planner Recruiting, LLC, a national financial advisor recruiter.

Education

The University of Georgia, Bachelor's Degree, Financial Planning

Hobbies and Interests

  • Eating Out
  • Exercising
  • Family
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Grilling
  • Movies
  • Reading
  • Running
  • Soccer
  • Sports
  • Traveling
  • Video Games
  • Wine

SEC Lookup

View Disclosure

Who We Serve

  • Business Owners
  • Dentists
  • Gen X
  • Gen Y / Millennials
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • Living in Retirement
  • Physicians
  • Technology Professionals
  • Young Families

Wealthtender® is a trusted, independent financial directory and educational resource governed by our strict Editorial Policy, Integrity Standards, and Terms of Use. While we receive compensation from featured professionals (a natural conflict of interest), we always operate with integrity and transparency to earn your trust. Wealthtender is not a client of these providers. Testimonials may not be representative of other clients’ experiences and do not guarantee future performance or success.

Write a Review


By clicking submit, you acknowledge this review is based on your own experience and reflects your genuine opinion. You also agree to our review policy, privacy policy, and terms and conditions, and give this financial advisor permission to publicly display your review on their website.

Great Analysis

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 9, 2025
Cecil provided a very thorough, unbiased analysis of my student loans and provided an easy to follow plan for repayment. I didn’t feel pushed to purchase additional services and he even responded to a follow-up question in a very timely manner. Excellent value!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 9, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Heather W
Heather W

Financial Advisor Review

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 1, 2023
I am an attorney and friend of Cecil Staton. I believe that he is an excellent financial advisor. He has always been very disciplined and good at preparing for the future financially.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: This reviewer has never been a client.
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: This is a personal friend
Avatar for Benjamin Davidson
Benjamin Davidson

Five Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jan 18, 2023
My investments are diversified, but low risk for my age. Happy with his suggestions and advice.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jan 18, 2023
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: This is a family member of the advisor.
Avatar for Anonymous
Anonymous

Five Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jan 11, 2023
My husband and I have been very pleased with the services Cecil has provided, as he has taken our personal goals and desires into account when helping us plan financially for the future of our growing family. Cecil has advised me on the best plan of action to implement to ensure my student loans are paid off in a timely manner and how to save appropriately in order to retire at the age I want to.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jan 11, 2023
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Verified Client (Per Indyfin - Imported Review)
Verified Client (Per Indyfin - Imported Review)

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jan 9, 2023
Everything very professional and satisfactory. I highly recommend. Great to work with.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jan 9, 2023
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: This is a family member of the advisor.
Avatar for Anonymous
Anonymous

Five Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 9, 2022
I’m very appreciate for the worth that he does to prepare for meetings and post meetings with homework to answer any and all questions. Cecil has tailored his conversation to fit my needs. He has shown this through exploring different retirement tools but also learning my business and my cash flow situation. By forecasting the future and wanting to know my personal and business goals.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Dec 9, 2022
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Verified Client (Per Indyfin - Imported Review)
Verified Client (Per Indyfin - Imported Review)

Five Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 7, 2022
Cecil is great and will help anyone achieve their goals
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Dec 7, 2022
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Verified Client (Per Indyfin - Imported Review)
Verified Client (Per Indyfin - Imported Review)

Excellent experience from start to finish. Professional and efficient.

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 5, 2022
Specialized and efficient management of student loans. Navigated Public Student Loan Forgiveness process.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Dec 5, 2022
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Verified Client (Per Indyfin - Imported Review)
Verified Client (Per Indyfin - Imported Review)

The level of service we have experience has exceeded our expectations.

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 3, 2022
He has always considered our current employment status and business ownership in making recommendations about the direction of our investment strategy.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Dec 3, 2022
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Disclosure: This is a family member of the advisor.
Avatar for Verified Client (Per Indyfin - Imported Review)
Verified Client (Per Indyfin - Imported Review)

Solid advice to help you achieve your goals and objectives.

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 1, 2022
Cecil has taken the time to learn about our portfolio, ask what our goals and objectives are, then provide honest, solid feedback with recommendations to review that included a pathway forward which takes into account our priorities. He offers an excellent explanation and is available to answer your questions anytime.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Dec 1, 2022
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Verified Client (Per Indyfin - Imported Review)
Verified Client (Per Indyfin - Imported Review)
Get answers to frequently asked questions regarding the services offered by Cecil Staton, CFP®, CSLP® View Disclosures

FAQs

Does Arch Financial Planning specialize in helping Georgia retirees with $1 million or more create tax-smart retirement plans
Yes. At Arch Financial Planning, we work extensively with Georgia retirees who have $1M+ investment portfolios. Our focus is on creating tax-efficient retirement income strategies that maximize after-tax wealth and provide peace of mind. This includes coordinating withdrawals across accounts, managing investment risk, and ensuring that your retirement dollars last. As a fee-only, fiduciary firm, we don’t sell products or earn commissions — our only goal is to help you create a plan that supports your lifestyle, family, and legacy.
How can a fiduciary financial advisor in Athens, GA help me reduce taxes on Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)?
RMDs can push retirees into higher tax brackets if not managed carefully. A fiduciary financial advisor in Athens, GA can help reduce that burden through strategies like Roth conversions, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), tax-bracket management, and withdrawal sequencing. At Arch Financial Planning, we design personalized withdrawal plans that minimize lifetime taxes, giving you more control over your retirement income and leaving more to your heirs or favorite charities.
Can Cecil Staton, CFP®, help high-net-worth families in Georgia retirement income and withdrawals from your portfolio?
Yes. High-net-worth retirees often face complexity in coordinating multiple income sources. Cecil Staton, CFP®, specializes in designing integrated retirement income plans that align Social Security claiming strategies, pension elections, and investment withdrawals. By coordinating these pieces, we reduce tax drag, optimize cash flow, and provide clarity on when and how to draw from each source. This ensures you make the most of your lifetime benefits while protecting against longevity and sequence-of-returns risk.
What is the Georgia Retirement Income Exclusion, and how can Arch Financial Planning help retirees maximize it?
The Georgia Retirement Income Exclusion allows retirees age 62+ to exclude up to $65,000 (single) or $130,000 (married) of retirement income per year from state income tax. This applies to sources like pensions, retirement account withdrawals, and Social Security. Arch Financial Planning helps retirees in Georgia structure withdrawals to take full advantage of this exclusion, coordinate it with federal tax strategies, and plan for both spouses’ eligibility. Proper use of this rule can save thousands each year in retirement taxes.
Does Arch Financial Planning provide estate planning guidance for Georgia retirees?
Yes. While we don’t draft legal documents, we work closely with your estate attorney to design estate planning strategies that protect your wealth. For Georgia retirees, this often includes guidance on revocable trusts, beneficiary designations, charitable giving, and step-up in basis opportunities for appreciated assets. Our goal is to minimize estate taxes, simplify wealth transfer, and ensure your family receives the legacy you intend. We act as your financial partner, helping you integrate estate strategies with your overall retirement plan.
Can a fee-only financial advisor in Athens, GA help me evaluate Roth conversions and other advanced tax planning strategies?
Absolutely. Roth conversions can be powerful for retirees, but they must be carefully timed to avoid unnecessary tax costs. As a fee-only fiduciary in Athens, GA, Arch Financial Planning analyzes your income, RMD projections, and tax brackets to determine the best years and amounts for conversions. We also evaluate advanced strategies like asset location, charitable giving, and tax-efficient withdrawal sequencing to lower your lifetime tax bill. This forward-looking approach helps you keep more of what you’ve earned.
Does Arch Financial Planning work with business owners in Georgia who are preparing to retire and sell their business?
Yes. Selling a business is a major financial event with significant tax and retirement planning implications. At Arch Financial Planning, we help Georgia business owners structure their sale for tax efficiency, evaluate installment sales, and reinvest proceeds to support lifelong income. We also integrate business succession planning with estate, retirement, and investment strategies. Whether you’re transitioning to retirement or pursuing a new chapter, we provide clarity and confidence through the process.
How does working with a fiduciary financial advisor protect retirees in Georgia from conflicts of interest?
Fiduciary advisors are legally required to put your best interests first — unlike brokers or commission-based advisors who may sell products. At Arch Financial Planning, we are fee-only, meaning we’re paid only by our clients. This eliminates commissions, hidden fees, and product sales pressure. For high-net-worth retirees in Georgia, this structure ensures objective advice on investments, taxes, retirement income, and estate planning. Our role is to simplify complexity, not sell products, so you can make financial decisions with confidence.
Can Arch Financial Planning help widows and surviving spouses in Georgia simplify their finances after losing a partner?
Yes. We regularly work with widows and surviving spouses facing the financial challenges of loss. This often includes rollover of retirement accounts, claiming Social Security survivor benefits, updating estate documents, and simplifying investment management. We also provide compassionate guidance in restructuring cash flow and creating a sustainable retirement plan. Our goal is to reduce stress, prevent costly mistakes, and ensure that surviving spouses in Georgia have clarity and security during a difficult life transition.
Does Arch Financial Planning offer customized retirement planning for high-income professionals at Georgia employers?
Yes. We specialize in working with high-income professionals at Georgia’s largest employers. Whether you are a professor at UGA, a physician at Wellstar, or an employee at Emory, we help you maximize benefits like 403(b)s, 457(b)s, pensions, and health coverage. We integrate these benefits into a tax-efficient retirement plan that coordinates with outside investments and estate goals. Our fiduciary approach ensures you’re making the most of your employer benefits while protecting long-term wealth.
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