Individual Power Starts with Wealth and Confidence

It’s no secret that women and minority groups are underrepresented in the financial planning space. We’re here to change that.

Transform Your Life Don't Let Emotions Sabotage Your Finances

Welcome.

fee-only financial planning, gold canyon arizona

We’re Gold Canyon Financial Planning, LLC.

A holistic, fee-only, independent, financial planning and investment management firm serving clients in Arizona and across the U.S. We have over 17 years experience as a registered investment advisory firm and are dedicated to providing financial planning and wealth management to people from all walks of life and all ages.

Human. Relatable. Dependable.

After 20 years of working in corporate America, we noticed a large gap in the services and support offered to women and minority groups. Being women and minorities ourselves, we decided that enough was enough – we were going to be the solution we and other women and minorities always deserved, but never had at our disposal.

Diane Oulette CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and tracy gale, gold canyon arizona, gold canyon financial planning

We Don’t Just Want to Help You With Your Finances

Are you on the right track for retirement?

Do you know what investment fees you are paying?

Are you looking for a Financial Advisor to whom you can relate?

What would accomplishing your financial goals allow for in your life and your family’s life?

What difference would it make to fulfill your life goals?

If anything were possible, what would you love to make happen in your life?

We want to provide you with a comprehensive look into your current situation and future possibilities.

What We Do

Treat you like family through caring attention, respect and open-mindedness.
Enrich your life by providing holistic financial planning focusing on your core values, life goals and financial resources.
Hold ourselves to the highest level of integrity and honesty.
Maintain professionalism and expertise in issues affecting women and minority groups.

Why We Do It

You (our client) are at the core of our business. Without you, we would have no purpose.
We value truly understanding your needs while taking into account your unique life situation.
Our relationships with our clients allow us to make an impact in a variety of communities.
Everyone deserves a safe place to discuss their plans for their future — no matter who they are.

All Walks of Life Welcome

As female founders, we’re proud to lend our expertise to a diverse roster of clients.

Women

LGBTQ

TRADITIONAL AND NON-TRADITIONAL FAMILIES AND RETIREES

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Our Team

Our Story

It all started when we met at AT&T in 1993. Over 20 years each working in corporate America had shown us that minority groups such as women, people of color and LGBTQ individuals are commonly marginalized and underrepresented.
In 2001, we were able to retire early, but we didn’t feel like it was time to stop serving others. After combining our talents on paper and discussing shared passions, we both fell in love with the idea of improving people’s lives through comprehensive financial guidance and support.

We both believe that the financial industry lacks empathy and leaves many people behind, choosing to serve clients with the highest net worth — and ignoring everyone else. After finding out that only about 23 percent of advisors are women, we knew it was high time to take a stand.
That same year, we founded our very own independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm.

LEARN MORE ABOUT us

Who We Are

Diane A. Ouellette, CFP®, MBA

Co-Founder, Principal

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P: 480.586.8632
E: diane@goldcanyonfp.com

My journey to becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ began with 23 years at Fortune 100 telecommunication companies under by belt and experience in a variety of senior management positions in fields such as manufacturing and engineering. I earned my BA degree in Biology, cum laude, from Wheaton College and my MBA from Northeastern University, both in Massachusetts.

While I enjoyed my time in corporate America, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and craved a chance to help make a difference in people’s lives – especially those who are overlooked by uptight, closed-minded businesses and individuals. I’ve always been an advocate for the underdog.

Throughout my time in a range of positions, I was constantly asking myself: “How would I do things differently if I were in charge?” After working hard to make my mark in the industry, I was recognized with the Tribute to Women in Industry (TWIN) Award in 1991 for my leadership in the community. In addition to co-owning Gold Canyon Financial Planning, I also spend my time attending Financial Planning Association (FPA) and financial industry events with my wife, Tracy, or spending quality time with our children (cats and dogs).

Hobbiewise, I enjoy playing pickleball (a combo of badminton, tennis and table tennis), boating, cooking and reading the latest books from my favorite authors.

Tracy C. Gale

Co-Founder, Principal & Managing Director

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P: 480.586.5649
E: tracy@goldcanyonfp.com

Customer Service call centers, Business Sales organizations, Human Resources, Labor Relations, Supply Chain Project Management. You name it, I’ve probably done it. Like my partner, Diane, I’ve spent a decent amount of time at fortune 100 telecommunications companies in a variety of senior management positions – 21 years to be exact. A common thread through the range of positions I held was my increasing passion on the value of diversity in every aspect of the workplace. One of the most rewarding experiences in my career was during my role as a national manager of LEAGUE, the AT&T employee resource group for LGBT employees. Commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and equality continue to be driving principles in my life.

During those years, I received many special recognition awards for customer service, sales excellence, project management leadership, and diversity champion. I received a BA degree in Human Resources from Ottawa University in Arizona, in addition to a Masters Certification in Project Management form Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey.

Along with my time in corporate America, I also proudly served our country as a member of the United States Army Reserve in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps from 1982 to 1988. During my time in the army, I was awarded the Army Expert Weapons Qualification Badge, the Army Achievement Medal for Outstanding Service and the Army Achievement Certifications for Outstanding Physical Fitness.

During my free time I enjoy road cycling, boating, swimming, going to the movies, reading, and most of all, spending time with my wife, Diane, and our cat and dogs.

Mickey

Chief Wellness Officer (CWO)

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As Chief Wellness Officer, I take my title very seriously. Originally from Mesa, Arizona, I’m a schnoodle (schnauzer and poodle mix) that goes by the name Mickey, Mickey D. Rodman Phelps Louganis or Sweet Pea — I’ll respond to them all.

As Tracy and Diane’s oldest puppy (I’m as youthful as ever), I have a knack for providing both my moms and their clients with all the kisses, hugs and cuddling they could ever want, at the times they’re needed the most.

Oftentimes, I take on the role of their own personal “quitting time” alarm because, understandably, it can be hard for them to say goodbye for the day. When I’m not making my rounds around the office, you can find me napping, boating, swimming, diving and playing catch with my favorite ball.

Cortez and JLo

Associate Wellness Officers (AWOs)

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Hi there! We’re Cortez and JLo, your go-to Associate Wellness Officers at Gold Canyon Financial Planning. We’re both Canardlys, as in you “can hardly tell” what breed we are. And while we’re not biologically siblings, we come pretty close — we were both born at the same spot on the Sea of Cortez in Mexico. When people ask us how we first met, our answer is always the same; it was love at first sight.

While my name is Cortez, I also answer to Big — I’m up to 100 pounds now! I like spending my time hiking, playing with my toys, running on the treadmill and opening all the doors in the house (I’m still figuring out how to get that darn fridge door open!).

And as Cortez’s shadow, I’m often showing off my wrestling skills, picking on our CWO, Mickey, and staying in shape. A proud Latina beauty, my full name is JLo Bella Frida Cleopatra, although the reason behind it is a story for another time.

How We Do It

Here’s what you can expect when you work with us.

1

Let’s Get Acquainted
In this complimentary meeting, we’ll get an understanding of your needs, expectations and how we might best help you accomplish your goals, as well as answer any questions you may have. If both parties decide it’s a good fit, we’ll sign an engagement agreement.

2

Evaluation of Your Financial Situation
This in-depth meeting will explore the details of your current financial situation by assessing your risk tolerance, current portfolio and short and long-term goals. During this time, we will collect all relevant data to create a customized strategy that takes into account every detail, as well as maps out the vision you have for your future.

3

Creation of Your Holistic Financial Plan
We develop a unique financial plan for you, based on your specific needs, that includes investment recommendations, retirement and/or income planning, insurance, tax planning and estate planning. Then we go into action mode where we take the necessary steps to implement your plan.

4

Ongoing Support and Education
We are passionate about engaging our clients for life! That means communication, education, adjustments to your financial plan as needed, responsiveness and regular check-ins. We are always here for you in times of crisis and/or major life changes.

Begin Your Journey

Financial Planning & Investment Management Services

Fee-Only Financial Planning Services

Our holistic approach to financial planning examines all aspects of your financial life — your goals, lifestyle and ideals — to create an all-inclusive, objective strategy. Throughout our planning process, our goal is for you to feel confident about your journey ahead and empowered to take control of your future.

Our comprehensive financial planning services include:

Risk Profiling
Retirement Planning
Net Worth Analysis
Estate Planning Analysis
Insurance Needs Analysis

Tax Planning
College Funding
Life Crises Guidance
Cash Flow Management
Social Security Optimization
Health Insurance Guidance and Planning

Look Forward to Your Future

Investment Management Services

What To Expect

We select investments from mutual funds, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Treasuries, CDs, individual bonds and stocks and alternative investments in all asset categories primarily through TD Ameritrade, a discount brokerage firm.

What You Get

Through our partnership with TD Ameritrade and Dimensional Fund Advisors, we have access to a variety of investment products and services — more than 10,000 mutual funds from over 500 fund families and all available publicly traded ETFs. Additionally, we can buy and sell individual stocks, bonds and other fixed income products while utilizing a multitude of specialized investment vehicles.

What Comes Next

You’ll receive consolidated statements that reflect all of your investment positions and transactions through TD Ameritrade’s AdvisorClient portal , giving you full visibility of all of your accounts. At the end of the year, you’ll get a 1099, other relevant tax forms and a summary statement that will help simplify your tax return preparation.

Summary of Our Investment Services

Here’s a brief overview of how we can help you grow your net worth.

Select and manage investments based on your goals and risk tolerance.
Consolidate assets and accounts with TD Ameritrade and other custodians.
Rollover your 401K, 401A, 403B, 457, IRA and TSA plans

Set up non-qualified brokerage accounts.
Set up 529, Coverdell and custodial accounts for college funding.
Establish retirement accounts including SEP, SIMPLE, Traditional, ROTH, 401k’s and Beneficiary IRA’s.

Look Forward to Your Future

Everything Else

We Can Help You With

We strive to offer our clients a wide range of services so you get everything you need, all in one place.

In addition to financial planning and investment management, we also provide:

Mortgage calculations and recommendations
Real estate purchases and sales assistance
Professional referrals such as realtors, attorneys and accountants
One-time or periodic portfolio review and recommendations
Charitable gift fund set up
Special strategies for LGBTQ and/or Non-Traditional singles, couples and families
Focused planning for divorced women and women who have lost their spouses

Look Forward to Your Future

We’re Proud to be a Fee-Only

Financial Planning Firm

No commissions or sales incentives.

No charge for initial consultation.

We are paid via:

A percentage of assets managed
An hourly rate
Or a combination of both depending on the requested services

Our Assets Under Management (AUM) Fees

Assets Managed

Annual Fee as a % of Account Value

For assets up to $120,000	$300 per quarter minimum
For assets $120,001 to $500,000	1%
For the next $200,000 or portion thereof	0.8%
For the next $300,000 or portion thereof	0.7%
For the next $500,000 or portion thereof	0.5%
For the next $1,000,000 or portion thereof	0.4%
For the next $500,000 or portion thereof	0.25%

Our Hourly and Project Based Fees:

$200 Per Hour

Look Forward to Your Future

FAQ

Why should I choose a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP) Professional?

What is a fee-only financial planner?

What is holistic financial planning?

What does it mean to be a fiduciary?

Resources

Financial Web Links

FINRA

www.finra.org/investors

Arizona Corporation Commission

www.azcc.gov

Broker Check

www.brokercheck.finra.org

The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation

www.kff.org

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

www.sec.gov

The Financial Planning Association®

www.fpanet.org

Certified Financial Planning Board

www.letsmakeaplan.org

Link Disclosure: The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the websites provided here, you are leaving this website. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these websites. Nor is the company liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, websites, information and programs made available through this website. When you access one of these websites, you are leaving our website and assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the websites you are linking to.

LGBTQ Web Links

Equality Arizona

www.equalityarizona.org

Transgender Law Center

www.transgenderlawcenter.org

The National Center for Lesbian Rights

www.nclrights.org

SAGE

www.sageusa.org

Family Equality Council

www.familyequality.org

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders

www.glad.org

Lambda Legal

www.lambdalegal.org

Human Rights Campaign

www.hrc.org

CenterLink

www.lgbtcenters.org

Link Disclosure: The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the websites provided here, you are leaving this website. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these websites. Nor is the company liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, websites, information and programs made available through this website. When you access one of these websites, you are leaving our website and assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the websites you are linking to.

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No matter who you are, where you come from or what you look like, we’re here to guide you through the financial planning process so you can look forward to next week, next month and beyond.