Bell Financial Planning Co. is a fee-only, family owned and operated company located in Austin, Texas. BFP was founded by investment management veteran Dr. John A. Bell, CFP® who previously was Deputy State Treasurer and oversaw the management of billions of dollars in state investments at the Texas State Treasury. John's son, Colin, joined the company in 2003, adding his years of Fortune 100 experience in finance and technology to the business. We are a fee-only, comprehensive financial planning and investment management company known for objective advice, long-term client relationships and a hands-on approach that enables clients to achieve their life goals.
We work with clients who want independent, individual advice and investment management without the all-too-common bias toward product sales prevalent in financial planning today. We are not affiliated with any institution that sells products or investments for commission, nor do we accept compensation for referrals. We advise you based on your life goals and our financial expertise - and that's it. This straightforward business philosophy has enabled us to build lifelong relationships with our clients as we work with them to build a secure and prosperous financial future.
Dr. John A. Bell is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) who founded Bell Financial Planning Co. in 1997 after serving as Deputy Treasurer of the State of Texas.
During his tenure at the Treasury, he was responsible for overseeing operations and investments ranging from $15-20 billion.
John was also responsible for organizing the issuance of billions in short-term debt and commercial paper to cover cash flow
shortages of the State's General Revenue Fund. Before working at the Texas Treasury, John was Director of Revenue Estimating
for the Texas Comptroller's Office. Prior to that, he received his doctorate from the University of Arizona and taught statistics
as a tenured associate professor at the University of Houston.
John is a member of the University United Methodist Church where he has served on the Finance Committee, Budget Committee and the Church Foundation. As a Director, he assists the Foundation in designing investment policies and selecting investments. John is also a member of the Financial Planning Association, an international organization of financial planners and, during tax season, he volunteers his time to provide tax assistance to low-income families. John serves the State Board of Education as an Investment Advisor to the Permanent School Fund, a $20 billion portfolio.
John is married to Mary Lou and they have two children, Colin and Kristin. John and Colin now enjoy working together at Bell Financial Planning Co. Kristin and her husband Adam live in San Francisco where Kristin works in litigation consulting.
The Bell Family remains active and enjoys cycling, running, triathlons, hiking, skiing and other pursuits. John can often be found cycling around Austin, running around Townlake, hiking the Alps and Rockies or biking through France. Staying active has kept John fit and young. John and Mary Lou value and enjoy traveling.
John is best known for his years of experience in investing and personal finance. He loves his work, which is helping people to enjoy more worry-free lives by reducing the burden of complex financial management. He has a particular fondness for helping young people get started on the path to a sound financial future. He often says, "The best time to start planning is 20 years ago, the second best time is today." [top]
Colin Bell is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®). He joined BFP in early 2003 after 5 years with a Fortune 100 corporation. Colin brings financial experience not only from his time
at a large corporation but also from his Bachelors in Finance which he earned at The University of Texas at Austin's School of
Business.
Colin, the son of John and Mary Lou, grew up in Austin and attended Austin High School, during which time he was an exchange student for a year in Hanover, Germany. He subsequently attended The University of Texas at Austin and spent a year abroad on an internship with a German pharmaceutical company in Wiesbaden, Germany. Later in his University career, Colin studied Spanish for a semester in Morelia, Mexico. Colin speaks fluent German and functional Spanish. After graduating, he accepted a position with International Paper in Memphis, Tennessee and completed assignments in Memphis, Tennessee, Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Jackson, Mississippi. While working and living in Mississippi, Colin met his wife, Anna, then in medical school. Colin and Anna were married in 2003 in Laurel, Mississippi and have since made their home in Austin where Anna is a pediatrician in central Austin at the Pediatric Center of Austin.
Colin is a member of the Financial Planning Association, an international organization of financial planners focused on providing comprehensive planning to individuals and families. He is also a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), the nation's leading association of fee-only comprehensive financial planning professionals. During tax season Colin volunteers to complete tax returns for low-income families. Colin is also an active member of Hyde Park Baptist Church.
Colin and Anna enjoy traveling and snow skiing and Colin is an avid runner with a particular affection for the marathon. About the marathon, Colin says, "The marathon is one race where hard work can win against athletic ability. It is a test of endurance, time management, focus and boundaries."
Colin has built his reputation on his integrity and his ability to understand a client's situation and goals. His passion lies in providing clients with financial independence through planning and good decision-making. [top]
