A Journey from Army Officer to Fee-Only Financial Planning through Reading and Teaching

Ian J. Gates, former ESL teacher turned Army intel officer turned aspiring fee-only financial planner, brings a wealth of experience and unique insights into the financial challenges service members face. His military service and background in teaching refugees as well as affluent families have given him a rich and diverse perspective on financial literacy and planning. As host of the #BLUFFbooks podcast, Ian reviews new and classic books on personal finance to help the military community “build, lead, and understand financial freedom.” Focusing on the intersection of military service and financial planning, he advocates for tailored advice and specialized advisors to help military members and their families achieve financial stability and freedom.

Featured Resources 

• The #BLUFFbooks Podcast on Apple and Spotify

• #BLUFFbooks on LinkedIn

• Military Financial Advisors Association

• XY Planning Network (XYPN)

• MilMoneyCon

• GoVA Article: “Your Money or Your Life:” How to Avoid Military Family Overspending

• Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin

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Discover how financial advisors can better serve military members and their families through specialized guidance for unique challenges and circumstances, such as deployments, relocations, and special benefits. Plus, hear how Ian’s book reviews on personal finance empower service members toward financial freedom.