Bryan Bales

Hi! I’m Jen, fellow human and creator of Money Illustrated. I'm so grateful you're here! My journey into financial planning began while I was working as a self-employed artist & graphic designer; learning to manage my own finances and variable freelance income is what sparked my interest in understanding money better. This quickly became more than a side hobby, and eventually resulted in my making a career change to pursue an undergraduate degree in financial planning. I later went on to complete a graduate degree in Financial Planning & Analytics. In addition, I obtained the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation, am an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®), and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®). As a free-spirited, artsy feminist working in the financial planning industry over the years, I never quite fit into the old-school, male-dominated industry (very much in need of diversity and new perspectives). Eventually, I decided I needed to create the space I was searching for. I started Money Illustrated with the hope that I could bring my two worlds of art and financial planning together in order to create something different—an inclusive, progressive, and innovative approach that's both creative and human-centered. My goal is to always act in clients' best interest, while guiding toward financial success and educating on the intricacies of their financial situations. Overall, I want to help others feel empowered to live their dream lives. No matter what your financial background looks like, I’m here to offer a judgment-free approach that meets you where you are. Financial planning is a tool to help you build a life that feels like your own, focusing on your values, supporting your relationships, and prioritizing what truly matters most to you. Outside of personal finance, I love to hike in the nearby Rockies, tend to my plants, practice yoga, and paint. I live near Salt Lake City, Utah, with my wonderful partner, an exuberant dog, and two cuddly old cats.

As a Principal and Financial Planner at Outpost Advisors, Mark spends his time creating unique financial plans that power our clients’ family visions and dreams for life. Mark is raising three girls in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife Amelia, who practices medicine as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist. After graduating from Princeton University, Mark began his career at the International Monetary Fund teaching central bankers how to budget (whilst managing interest rates, monetary policy and political instability). In his free time he taught classes in financial literacy to DC-area families dealing with poverty. From there, he moved on to mortgage finance giant Freddie Mac, where he helped to execute the largest preferred equity capital raise in US history. Next, he spent a year at Jones Lang Lasalle managing a $750M asset portfolio for the Army, before relocating to Utah where he helped to build the outdoor retailer Backcountry.  Before leaving to found Outpost Advisors Mark spent 5 years as a leader at ExpertVoice, a technology startup funded by Bain Capital and Sorenson Capital. Mark has had the great joy of leading individuals and families in budgeting, family visioneering and financial stewardship for several years – both at work and through volunteer roles at church. Mark can also often be found blogging about all of these at the website Abraham’s Wallet. Mark holds an MBA from The George Washington University with a focus on finance. When he’s not playing with spreadsheets, Mark enjoys everything on offer in the mountains of Utah, whether it’s skiing, trail running, hunting, climbing or riding bikes with his family.

We focus on helping Christian outdoor focused individuals and churches

Cristopher Garff is Vice President and Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments, a position he has held since 2010. He collaborates with high net worth households to understand their unique goals and needs, assisting clients in creating individualized and comprehensive financial plans. Cristopher has been with Fidelity Investments since 1999, holding various roles including Senior Relationship Officer, Relationship Officer, Client Management Representative, Retirement Income Planning Consultant, Investment Representative, Financial Representative, Service Trader, and Customer Service Representative. This extensive experience has provided him with a broad understanding of financial services and client management.

Jason Pierce is a Wealth Management Advisor and partner of a wealth management group in the Philadelphia area at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he has worked since 2014. He works with affluent individuals and families to address their financial goals and streamline their wealth management services. Jason specializes in family wealth management strategies, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, and small business strategies. Jason holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Scranton and has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation as well as the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) professional certification. His approach to wealth management is planning-based and process-oriented, emphasizing a full-service and holistic role as a trusted advisor to his clients. He is committed to providing high levels of service and attention to detail, supported by a cohesive team that helps address clients' specific financial goals and concerns. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Jason is involved with the Chestnut Hill Community Association. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Ellen, and their children. Jason participates in coaching high school and grade school basketball, aiming to share his passion for sports with the next generation. In his free time, he enjoys playing squash, basketball, and golf.