Chris Pape, APMA, CEPA

An hourly financial advisor focused on business owners and entrepreneurs.

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Pape Financial Chris Pape, APMA, CEPA
Bentonville, AR

Serving Clients Nationwide

An hourly financial advisor focused on business owners and entrepreneurs.

2 Certified Advisor Reviews™
5 out of 5 Stars
Rate this Advisor

Areas of Focus

  • Estate Planning
  • Inherited Wealth
  • Investment Management
  • Owning a Business
  • Retirement Planning
  • Taxes

About Chris Pape, APMA, CEPA

I created Pape Financial to share my experience and education with my peers. I designed my model to address two complaints they frequently express; AUM fees that balloon over time and eat into performance, and the lack of transparency in the way fees are calculated. Pape Financial is dedicated to helping successful early and mid-career professionals and business owners navigate the journey to high net worth and ultra-high net worth status.

I spent the first twenty years of my career as the owner/operator of a successful trucking company. Following the sale of this business, I worked as a financial advisor at a large broker-dealer. Most recently, I advised on closely held businesses and private equity funds held in trusts at one of the Nation's largest banks. Along the way, I attained my Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor designation and completed the American Bankers Association Certificate in Trust Administration. Recently, I became a Certified Exit Planning Advisor to help business owners maximize the value of their companies. I am a member of XYPN, the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, and I am featured on the Fee-Only Network and Wealthtender as a Fiduciary Fee-Only Financial Advisor utilizing an hourly fee model. Recently, I have contributed to articles in US News and World Reports and Financial Planning.

I have been married to my wife Melissa for 19 years, and we have two teenage daughters. Being a husband and a father is the most important and rewarding job in my life. These three amazing women have broadened my worldview in so many ways. My twenty-year-old self would have scoffed at the idea of attending the orchestra or theatre, but thanks to their influence these are some of my favorite activities.

I am an avid cyclist that enjoys road, gravel and mountain biking (or combining all three…shoutout Rule of Three!) This is one of the many reasons we settled in Bentonville, AR, the mecca of all things cycling. I love meeting new friends on group rides, and some of my best thoughts come to fruition while riding solo. Being in the woods or on the side of a mountain is where I feel at peace, and I enjoy any outdoor activities I can do there (especially if it requires a helmet)!

Melissa and I volunteer with our children to support various causes including the fine arts, food insecurity, and education. Recently, I have had the privilege to present sessions on personal finance and investing to high school students in the Bentonville School District.
I have served on the Board of Directors at a camp for individuals with special needs, for an organization dedicated to ending generational poverty, and for a non-profit that raises funds for the construction and maintenance of mountain bike trails.

Professional Designations

  • Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor (APMA)
  • Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA)

Affiliations

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

Primary Location

Bentonville, Arkansas 72712

Meeting Options

  • Video Conference
  • In-Person
  • Phone

Compensation Methods

  • Advice-Only
  • Fee Only
  • Hourly Rate

What to expect in the first meeting

Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above to schedule an introductory conversation at no cost and learn more about our process. We'll get to know each other and determine if we are a good fit to work together. I look forward to speaking with you.

Offers Investment Management

Yes

About Pape Financial

Pape Financial is a Fee-Only Fiduciary Advisor utilizing and hourly fee model.

Investment Advice Without AUM Fees

I will review and analyze your current portfolio including your employer sponsored plan and make sure your investments are aligned with your goals, risk tolerance and risk capacity. I will make recommendations you can easily implement. This is great for DIY investors but I also offer discretionary investment management.

Comprehensive Financial Planning

A deeper dive into your financial situation and goals. We'll ensure that your investment plan, educational savings, risk management, business strategy and estate plan are all aligned to meet your goals. This can be a one time engagement or ongoing assistance with monitoring and implementation.

Virtual Family Office

Billionaires aren't the only ones that benefit from an experienced team providing a unified strategy for all aspects of their financial life. I have built a network of professional services providers dedicated to providing integrated tax, estate, business and financial planning. You get the benefit of a family office on an as needed basis.

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Achieving the retirement of your dreams is important, but so is the journey to get there. While saving will be a top priority, we’ll also consider the life you want to lead along the way. We will use facts and data to make decisions, but dreams and desires will be part of the equation as well.

Education

Creighton University, BSBA, Finance

Hobbies and Interests

  • Cycling
  • Family
  • Volunteering

Who We Serve

  • Business Owners
  • Corporate Executives
  • Dentists
  • DIY Investors
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Families
  • Gen X
  • Gen Y / Millennials
  • Physicians

To make Wealthtender free for readers, we earn a nominal monthly fee from financial advisors and firms in exchange for marketing services (including being featured on this profile page), subject to terms of use. This compensation creates a natural conflict of interest when we favor their promotion over others. Wealthtender is not a client of these advisors or firms. Testimonials may not be representative of other clients’ experiences and do not guarantee future performance or success.

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Highly Recommend

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 1, 2025
I can't say enough good things about working with Chris! From the start, it was clear that he truly cares about understanding my personal goals and needs. Unlike other advisors I've worked with, he took the time to listen carefully and tailor a financial plan that fits me, not just a one-size-fits-all approach. His modern, flexible approach to financial planning really stood out. He made sure to explain everything in clear, simple terms, which was so refreshing, especially when dealing with complex topics. I also love how adaptable he is—he regularly checks in and updates the plan based on any changes in my life or financial situation, making me feel confident and in control of my financial future. I highly recommend Chris for anyone looking for personalized, thoughtful, and forward-thinking financial advice. He makes the process feel collaborative, and you can really tell he’s invested in your success!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Luke Hamann
Luke Hamann

Trust & Integrity

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Nov 12, 2024
When it comes to choosing a financial advisor the number one thing that comes to my mind is, trust. I found that Chris presented himself in a professional manner, and he overwhelmingly gave me the feeling that he was someone I could trust. It was important to me to share my personal story with him, so he had the information needed to manage my financial goals. Chris is someone that holds himself to a high level of integrity in both his personal and professional life.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Joyce Hartig
Joyce Hartig