Elizabeth Alf, CFP®
Enlightened Financial Planning
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Clerestory Advisors
Elizabeth Alf, CFP® she/her
Rate this
Advisor
Bloomington, MN
Serving Clients Nationwide
Enlightened Financial Planning
Areas of Focus
- Education Funding
- Equity Compensation Options
- Financial Life Planning
- Insurance
- Investing
- Retirement Planning
- Socially Responsible Investing
- Taxes
- Women & Wealth
About Me
Liz earned a B.A. in Neuroscience and Behavior, summa cum laude, from Columbia University - Barnard College, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Upon graduation, she decided to pursue her passion for the sciences and teaching others by joining Teach For America where she also earned a Masters of Teaching in Secondary Science at Pace University. Liz went on to spend nine years teaching high-school science in New York City and Chicago. She loved the ability to form positive relationships with her students and to help them grow the key skills they would need for their life in college and beyond, but grew frustrated by the limitations of her role.As she looked to transition out of the classroom, Liz hoped to put the skills she had built teaching into practice in a new career. At this same time, Tom Alf, the founder of Clerestory Advisors and Liz's father, was looking to bring on support for the growing practice. Liz began working with him in the summer of 2015 which was the start of her journey to become a CFP® and eventual owner of the firm. In her initial role at the firm, she enjoyed providing support to clients while learning the business. As her education and experience grew, she was eager to expand her role at the firm and help set the vision for the future. Tom officially retired and transitioned the firm to Liz in July 2022 and she has loved the transition to business owner as well as continuing her work as a lead advisor to clients.
Liz lives in St. Paul, MN with her husband Scott, sons Lucas and Peter, and their dog Jack. They enjoy taking advantage of all the Twin Cities has to offer- especially the food and outdoors!
Professional Designations
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
Affiliations
-
Fee Only Network
- National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
Primary Location
3001 Metro Drive suite 220, Bloomington, MN 55425, USA
Meeting Options
- Video Conference
- In-Person
- Phone
Compensation Methods
- Fee Only
- Flat Fee
What to expect in the first meeting
Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above and complete the brief form to set up a time to talk and make time to plan for your future. Our initial consultation is free with no strings attached. It is a chance for us to get to know each other and for you to decide if you want us helping you manage your financial future. I look forward to speaking with you.Offers Investment Management
Yes
About our Firm
Clerestory Advisors offer you personalized advice on financial planning matters and investment management services. Our long term commitment to your financial goals means we clarify your risk tolerance, short and long term financial needs and personal money philosophy.By taking the time to educate you, we make sure you are comfortable and knowledgeable as we move forward with a financial plan and asset allocation tailored to your needs. We can assist you with: Financial Planning,
Retirement Planning, Risk Management, Cash Flow Planning, Tax Planning, Estate Planning, Investment Management, Ongoing Investment Management and Financial Planning, Divorce Planning & Assistance
Education
Barnard College, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Neuroscience and Behavior
Volunteer Experience
Savvy Ladies Financial Helpline Prepare and Prosper
Badges
Hobbies and Interests
- Dancing
- Eating Out
- Family
- Reading
- Volunteering
- Walking
SEC Lookup
View DisclosureWho We Serve
- Baby Boomers
- Business Owners
- Couples
- Dual Income Family
- Gen X
- Gen Y / Millennials
- Living in Retirement
- Parents
- Single Women
- Widow
- Women in Transition
- Young Families
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.
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.
5 Stars
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jan 16, 2024
Remarkable understanding of client needs and wishes with great attention to detail! Most important is the independent nature of their work...no conflicts of interest guiding you towards some commission maximization scheme.
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.
5 Stars
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 15, 2023
We have been working with Clerestory for many years and are so appreciative of their efforts to prepare us for retirement and now working with us during these retirement years. They are very responsive, client focused and always have our best interests in mind. Our annual meetings are super productive and any follow up actions are always addressed in such a timely fashion. We would highly recommend them to anyone, whether early in your career and looking to the future, close to retirement or in retirement, their experience and consultation is exemplary!!!!
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.
5 Stars
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 11, 2023
I’ve been with Liz and Tom for the last 10-15 years. Their expertise and knowledge is amazing and they are always there to assist if you need them. The customer service is incredible, and you really feel like you are taken care of.
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.
5 Stars
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 11, 2023
Clerestory looks out for my family and provides great services. We know they are looking out for our best interests and they care for their clients. It is personal to them. Great team.
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.
5 Stars
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 10, 2023
We have been with Clerestory Advisors for over 15 years or so-maybe more. Have nothing but good things to say about about the great service and advice they have provided.
They have always been very knowledgeable about any questions we have asked about our accounts and what to expect of what may happen now and in the future concerning the economy, our breakdown of stocks, bonds, our ages, expectations, etc.
Dealing with Clerestory personnel (Tom Alf, Liz Alf, Joe Limond, etc.) over this period of time has always been a pleasure as well.
They have been and are very knowledgeable, personable, and extremely concerned with us as their account holders.
We would highly recommend Clerestory Advisors to anyone who would be looking for financial advice or financial planning. They would be very satisfied if they did.
Craig and Michelle Johnson
Chattanooga, TN 37415
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.
5 Stars
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 10, 2023
I have worked with Clerestory Advisors for more than 15 years. They have consistently provided advice, education and service that is both accurate and timely in addition to being tailored to one's lifestage and goals..
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.
5 Stars
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 7, 2023
We have been working with Clerestory Advisors for more than ten years and we greatly appreciate the ways in which they have assisted and educated us in planning for the latter part of our working years and now in retirement. I think their approach is very individualized to each client and great effort is made to listen, to understand, and then to present concrete paths to reach goals. Clerestory Advisors has also assisted us in finding professionals in estate planning and year end tax help so that when necessary, these advisors can communicate with each other seamlessly. But what really sets this company apart is the way in which they express genuine interest in our lives and are transparent and highly ethical in all interactions. I have great confidence in their work.
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.
5 Stars
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 7, 2023
We have had very positive experiences working with Clerestory Advisors. They listen and answer all questions timely. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking financial planners. And most of us need help with our financial plans!
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.
5 Stars
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 7, 2023
We have been working with Clerestory for many years now. The team is wonderful in their assist planning for the future as well as responding quickly when we have questions, concerns or changes to make. Thanks for all you do Clerestory team!
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.
5 Stars
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 6, 2023
Clerestory Advisors has been an excellent retirement planning firm. For me it has made me very comfortable in retirement and secure. They have analyzed me to a ripe old age and if I obey all the rules and stay within my budgets I will have a nice long and happy retirement, I feel they've invested wisely for me or at least diversified my IRA into funds in my favor. I would recommend them to anyone. Mary Ellen Lloyd.
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.
5 Stars
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 6, 2023
We have been working with Clerestory for several years now and they are fantastic! From helping with budget preparation and tax planning to retirement savings/planning, their assistance has been invaluable. Would highly recommend.
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.
5 Stars
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 6, 2023
Clerestory Advisors we’re recommended to me at a very difficult time in my life- after the loss of my husband. He was the one who managed our investments. Tom, Liz and now, Joe have patiently guided me through all the options available to me. They have secured my future. Not only have they been the financial guides I needed but, they are genuinely concerned for my welfare. I am so blessed to have them in my life!
If you are looking for caring, honest financial guidance look no further than Clerestory Advisors.
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.
5 Stars
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 6, 2023
I have been a client of Clerestory Advisors for many years, and I can't thank the team enough for all of their guidance. I started with them when I was single professional looking to make wise financial decisions at the start of my career. Now, I have a growing family. The team is knowledgeable, professional, responsive, attentive to detail, and extremely supportive. My husband and I have relied on them for every financial decision, especially during a very volatile market, throughout many life changes. Also, my husband is a veteran, and the team was very helpful navigating through the military system. Thank you so much Elizabeth, Joe, Tom, and Cindy! Vivian and Matt
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.
5 Stars
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 5, 2023
My experience with working with Clerestory Advisors, Inc. has been 5 stars. I transferred my account to them 4 years ago from Wells Fargo and couldn't be happier. I truly feel I am in excellent financial hands and I am working with the most trustworthy individuals. I highly recommend Clerestory Advisors, Inc. and I look forward to a long relationship with them.
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.
5 Stars
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 5, 2023
Liz and Joe are worth their weight in gold. They approach financial planning with the utmost thoughtfulness, compassion, and nonjudgement. Our family has been working with Clerestory for the past ~5 years and have been endlessly impressed with their responsiveness and communication. They care about YOUR goals, and customize planning based on that. I can relax because I know our finances are in good hands, which is truly the greatest gift.
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.
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