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. He serves as Principal Financial Analyst for RetireGuide.com and Annuity.org, providing strategic insights on wealth management, retirement planning, and investing.

Stephen is the Founder of Clocktower Financial Consulting, LLC, and was previously the Head of Financial Planning for Advisor.com.

With over 15 years of experience in the financial industry, Stephen focuses on creating targeted consumer finance solutions for individuals, families, and business owners. He leverages his passion for financial literacy to simplify complex topics and make financial planning accessible to everyone.

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

As an industry expert, Stephen writes and speaks about personal finance, retirement, and income planning fundamentals. He has appeared on national broadcasts, including NBC, CBS, and Fox Business, and has been quoted in leading digital publications such as CNET, International Business Times, and Newsweek. His experience in financial planning and fintech has made him a sought-after resource for other advisors, retirees, and first-time savers.

Stephen lives and works in Charlotte, NC, with his wife Kate and their two children. He is a passionate Boston sports fan but still enjoys 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.