Forest Dutton, CFP®, MSFP, MBA

Helping you lead a life well lived with the people you love

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Brightworks Financial Planning, LLC Forest Dutton, CFP®, MSFP, MBA
Lexington, SC

Serving Clients Nationwide

Helping you lead a life well lived with the people you love

32 Certified Advisor Reviews™
4.8 out of 5 Stars
Jump to Reviews

Areas of Focus

  • Financial Life Planning
  • Investment Management
  • Retirement Income Planning
  • Retirement Planning
  • Taxes

About Forest Dutton, CFP®, MSFP, MBA

Hi, I'm Forest Dutton, the owner of Brightworks Financial Planning, LLC, and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® practitioner.

I was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina but now call Lexington home. I joined Brightworks Financial Planning following a short tenure working for an independent broker-dealer and entered financial services after many years as a physical therapist. As someone who always focused on putting the client first, the transition to being a fiduciary financial advisor was natural. I strive to put the goals and aspirations of our clients first, while seeking to continually grow in my planning philosophy and industry knowledge to serve them better.

I am a lifelong student who seeks to bring that knowledge to bear on building enduring relationships with my clients and positioning them for success. I earned my MBA from USC's Moore School of Business with a certificate in business analytics and also hold a Master of Science in Financial Planning (MSFP) from The University of Georgia. My commitment to learning is further demonstrated by becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional.

I am married to Amanda, and we have four children (Addison, Silas, Hannah Laine, and Benjamin). We are active members of Columbia Presbyterian Church, and outside the office, I enjoy running, reading, golf, traveling with the family, staying active, and enjoying time outdoors.

Professional Designations

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master of Science in Financial Planning (MSFP)

Primary Location

203 West Main Street Suite C-1, Lexington, SC 29072

Video

Meeting Options

  • Video Conference
  • In-Person
  • Phone

Compensation Methods

  • Fee Only
  • Flat Fee
  • Hourly Rate
  • Percentage of Assets Managed

What to expect in the first meeting

Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above to schedule a complimentary introductory meeting. During our first meeting, we'll take time to understand your unique financial situation, goals, and aspirations. We believe in asking the right questions to craft a financial plan tailored specifically to guide you toward your objectives.

Offers Investment Management

Yes

About Brightworks Financial Planning, LLC

Brightworks Financial Planning, LLC is a South Carolina-registered investment advisory firm serving clients in Lexington, the greater Columbia area, and nationwide. We provide fee-only fiduciary financial advice.

We believe that the ultimate goal of any financial plan is to lead a life well lived, with the people we love, in the places we want to be. This is achieved through careful analysis of hopes and dreams as well as financial statements and goals. The end result is as unique as you are.

As an independent fiduciary registered investment advisory firm, we maintain a commitment to putting clients' interests above our own. We work closely with you to understand your objectives, identify your problems, and tailor financial plans that align with your unique circumstances.

Our client-centric approach ensures that your goals remain at the forefront of our strategies. We take pride in getting to know you, your anxieties, your aspirations, and your vision for the future. Our process begins with asking the right questions. From there, we craft a financial plan tailored to guide you toward your financial goals.

Education

The University of Georgia, Master of Science in Financial Planning | USC's Moore School of Business, MBA, Business Analytics

Hobbies and Interests

  • Church
  • Family
  • Golf
  • Reading
  • Running
  • Traveling

Who We Serve

  • Baby Boomers
  • Business Owners
  • Corporate Executives
  • Couples
  • Dual Income Family
  • Families
  • Gen X
  • Individuals

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.

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Apr 17, 2026
We have been very pleased with the work Brightworks has done in helping us plan for our retirement! I highly recommend Brightworks!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Apr 17, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Carol Pascutti
Carol Pascutti

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Apr 17, 2026
Very knowledgeable, personable, and caring. Forest will take time to listen to your needs and goals and work with you to meet those financial goals. He is always readily available. He takes the stress out of financial planning!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Apr 17, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Debra Huss
Debra Huss

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Apr 16, 2026
Forrest Dutton is a great advisor. Always available and ready to help. He readily finds answers and responds to all of my questions.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Apr 16, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Mary Gail Monts Chamblee
Mary Gail Monts Chamblee

4 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Apr 16, 2026
   
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Apr 16, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Apr 16, 2026
Forest is very professional and helpful. He is quick to respond
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Apr 16, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Tracie Hewett
Tracie Hewett

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 6, 2026
Forest is highly capable and well educated in his field. Who Forest is as a person, in addition to his effective approach, instills confidence within the client to make successful transactions. Highly recommend!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 6, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Chad Maier
Chad Maier

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 4, 2026
   
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 4, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Ellie Butler
Ellie Butler

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 3, 2026
We have had great experiences with Forest and staff. They are knowledgeable and professional and have your best interests at heart. Highly recommend!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 3, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for D Rathbun
D Rathbun

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 3, 2026
Forest is so pleasant to work with and very knowledgeable of helping others navigate investing their money.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 3, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Nancy Harris
Nancy Harris

1 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jan 28, 2026
   
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 Lisa Etheridge
Lisa Etheridge

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jan 22, 2026
   
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jan 22, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: family member
Avatar for Mark Dutton
Mark Dutton

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Sep 11, 2025
Donn and I are so very thankful for Brightworks and the excellent guidance and knowledge given in helping us to navigate our financial options for our future. Upon my retirement in 2012, David Poole was my guiding light to financial security and was always patient and helpful in explaining it all. Now, with Forest at the helm, he has continued that same knowledge, patience and guidance as we are now both retired. I am very thankful for his wisdom and watchcare of our finances. We feel very confident that trusting in Forest and Brightworks will ensure and protect our finances for our future.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Sep 11, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Nancy Kerr
Nancy Kerr

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Sep 7, 2025
Brightworks has really helped us establish and maintain our financial planning goals. They have helped us understand the process and explained to us he hows and whys. Communications are great and if we have any questions we can get immediate help. I would highly rcommend them to help with your financial goals!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Sep 7, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Greg Pound
Greg Pound

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Sep 5, 2025
Once you meet Forest, you get a sense of calmness and integrity about him. My wife and I have felt comfortable with the financial advice he has shared with us. I would highly recommend scheduling a meeting to discuss setting your financial plan motion and letting Forest guide you through the years.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Sep 5, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Jody Mills
Jody Mills

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Sep 4, 2025
   
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Sep 4, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for J Greenley
J Greenley

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 25, 2025
   
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 25, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: family member
Avatar for bonnie dutton
bonnie dutton

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 25, 2025
   
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 25, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Brittney Queen
Brittney Queen

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 25, 2025
Forest has been wonderful to work with! We can be dummies when it comes to some of this stuff, but he's been so patient and good at explaining everything to us. Very knowledgeable and great at getting us set up for success in the long run! Highly recommend!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 25, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Hart Traylor
Hart Traylor

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 25, 2025
A small, local firm that offers consistent, personal attention to my investment needs.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 25, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Becky Ansley
Becky Ansley

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 25, 2025
I feel very well cared for at Brightworks. Forest is very personable and truly cares about helping you meet your goals. I feel secure in the advice he shares and I am thankful to be a client!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 25, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Tina Overton
Tina Overton

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 25, 2025
For many years we had the privilege to put our trust in David Poole our financial advisor. After David’s passing we are so thankful to have Forest Dutton and Lori Nelson taking over. They both have made us feel very comfortable in our new relationship.They take the time to make sure we understand and feel good about our choices and decisions that are made to benefit our needs. Linda and Stoney Denny
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 25, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Linda Denny
Linda Denny

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 19, 2025
Forrest was very professional, helpful and knowledgeable. Advised me to make some important changes and why. Feel very confident in what Brightworks has to offer.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of May 19, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Debra Spinks
Debra Spinks

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 16, 2025
Excellent financial advice for our retirement plans, highly recommend!!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of May 16, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Tom Griffin
Tom Griffin

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 15, 2025
   
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of May 15, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Donald Ulmer
Donald Ulmer

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 15, 2025
We have been relying on Brightworks for our financial planning since 2017. We have found the personal attention coupled with state of the art planning tools extremely valuable to help us understand the financial landscape of our lives and future retirement. Much thanks to Forest and Lori for helping set a solid course for our financial future.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of May 15, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Lillian Stover
Lillian Stover

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 13, 2025
Forest Dutton's integrity, compassion, and expertise are characteristics that define his professional practice. He presents to you the facts of your financial outlook and guides you in determining what is in your best interest to achieve your goals.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of May 13, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Suzanne La Rochelle
Suzanne La Rochelle

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 11, 2025
Forest is a great financial planning partner! I really appreciate the time he takes to explain things and I feel confident now that I have a good plan for my finances and I'm on the right track.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of May 11, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Amie Haltom
Amie Haltom

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 11, 2025
Great meeting with Forest. Had some great suggestions to maximize our investments, and ways to save tax dollars.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of May 11, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Scott Nelson
Scott Nelson

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 9, 2025
Aside from being very understanding and able to see what our financial situation and goals are, they are extremely thorough, in the financial breakdown and in the suggestions that they make. They also follow through and make changes that we agree on. Nice people and we feel very confident working with Brightworks..
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of May 9, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for David Reisman
David Reisman

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 9, 2025
Forest and team are great to work with. Glad they help us manage this as the world gets confusing
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of May 9, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Michael Williamson
Michael Williamson

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 8, 2025
Forest and his team are fantastic, we could not ask for better people to help us with our financial , planning and retirement goals! We will be clients for a lifetime!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of May 8, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Heather Young
Heather Young

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 8, 2025
Incredibly warm atmosphere, encouraging and supporting.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of May 8, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Michal Rubin
Michal Rubin