Advisor
Speaker
Educator
Writer

I believe access to straightforward financial education is the key to unlocking a better financial future for everyone, regardless of age or income.

About Stephen

Stephen Kates is a CFP® professional and personal finance expert specializing in financial planning and education. Stephen is the former Head of Financial Planning for Advisor.com and now runs Clocktower Financial Consulting, LLC where he helps financial advisors and fintech brands deliver exceptional products. Armed with over a decade of experience, his work focuses on individuals, families, and business owners who need help with their finances. Stephen leverages his passion for financial literacy to simplify complex topics and make financial planning accessible to everyone.

Starting in 2010, Stephen began his career as a financial advisor in Boston, MA. Throughout his early career as a financial advisor for two of the largest financial firms in the country, Fidelity Investments and TIAA-CREF, Stephen has helped hundreds of clients build comprehensive financial plans to grow and protect their wealth.

Outside of his work as an advisor, Stephen writes and speaks on the fundamentals of personal finance. He has appeared on national broadcasts, including NBC, CBS, and Fox Business, and has been quoted in leading digital publications.  Stephen’s in-depth financial planning and fintech business experience have made him an in-demand resource for other advisors, retirees, and first-time savers alike.

Stephen currently lives and works in Charlotte, NC, with his wife Kate and son Theodore. He is a passionate Boston sports fan, but still relishes the local football and baseball games in his adopted home. Stephen is an avid traveler and enjoys collecting local artwork while traveling with his family.

Clocktower Financial Consulting, LLC is a premier financial consulting firm that empowers businesses to develop targeted consumer finance solutions and go-to-market strategies. With over 15 years of experience in client advisory, wealth management, and financial education, our team is dedicated to simplifying even the most complex financial topics, making them accessible to all. We never lose sight of the human aspect of financial planning and are committed to providing insight that drives success.

Specializing in both fractional and full-time consulting and advisory services, Clocktower Financial Consulting serves as a dedicated partner for wealth management and consumer-facing financial technology brands. We offer practical guidance and targeted solutions to support the growth of organizations looking to scale their operations using our expertise, structured approach, and process-driven frameworks. At Clocktower Financial Consulting, our team not only understands the challenges of building financial solutions but also possesses the skill to propel your personal finance or organizational strategies toward success. Our proven track record and unwavering commitment to excellence establish us as the top choice for financial consulting services. 

Media Appearances

Stephen has appeared as a personal finance expert in national broadcast media programs and has been quoted in leading digital publications including Fox Business, CNBC, USA Today, ABC News, Bankrate.com, and more.