Ben Jacobs Nichelson

Arch Financial Planning is a fee-only, fiduciary financial advisory firm headquartered in Athens, Georgia, proudly serving clients across the entire state. Led by Cecil Staton, CFP®, the firm specializes in helping Georgia families, professionals, and retirees build confident, tax-efficient retirement plans. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Cecil brings deep expertise in retirement income strategies, investment management, equity compensation, and advanced tax planning—particularly for Georgia residents navigating state-specific rules like the Georgia Retirement Income Exclusion, PTET elections, and pension options. With experience working closely with university faculty, medical and dental professionals, business owners, and high-income households, Cecil’s approach combines technical rigor with a warm, educational style. Arch Financial Planning partners with clients who want clarity and proactive guidance—crafting retirement plans that incorporate Social Security timing, tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, Roth conversion analysis, investment allocation, healthcare planning, estate considerations, and long-term financial security. Whether you're in Athens, Metro Atlanta, North Georgia, or along the Georgia coast, Arch Financial Planning delivers personalized, modern financial planning to help you retire with confidence and live a life aligned with your values.

Leading an Elite Team Lindsay’s exceptional expertise in tax-efficient investment strategies, portfolio management, and financial planning has empowered countless clients to reach their life and financial goals. Under her leadership, Elwood & Goetz has become the go-to firm for clients seeking a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to financial planning. Her ability to distill complex financial concepts into actionable, personalized advice has set her apart in the profession. Her strategic foresight and commitment to excellence have not only driven the firm's remarkable success but have also redefined the standard of care clients can expect from their financial advisory team. A Global Perspective with Deep Roots Lindsay’s rich personal and professional journey—growing up in Wyoming, studying in Texas, living abroad in Spain, and working in Miami before making Athens, Georgia her home—provides her with a broad, worldly perspective. This diverse background enables Lindsay to connect deeply with clients from all walks of life, helping her understand their unique needs and craft personalized financial strategies that resonate on a personal level. A Champion for the Future of Financial Planning In a profession where only 23% of Certified Financial Planner™ professionals are women, she is committed to mentoring and uplifting the next generation of female financial planners and fostering an inclusive environment within Elwood & Goetz that mirrors her dedication to excellence. Her team’s diverse makeup is a testament to her belief that the best results come from a variety of perspectives and experiences. Academic Excellence and a Commitment to Education Lindsay’s academic achievements underscore her status as a leader in the financial planning world. Graduating summa cum laude from Texas Tech University as the top student in investment management, she passed the rigorous CFP exam before even completing her degree. Her dedication to education extends beyond her own credentials; she has co-taught investment courses at the University of Georgia, sharing her vast knowledge and passion with future financial planners. Her role as both a practitioner and educator exemplifies her commitment to advancing the profession and empowering the next generation.

Meg Parker is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She joined the firm in 2010 after eight years of experience with a local regional firm. In her role, Meg focuses on developing personal relationships with clients to provide goals-based wealth management strategies that address key areas of their financial needs. Her client expertise includes Divorce Transition Planning, Family Wealth Management Strategies, Services for Endowments, Foundations, and Non-profits, Liquidity Management, Managing New Wealth, Personal Retirement Planning, and Women and Wealth. Meg holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. She has completed training at Wharton's Executive Education Program and holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation, as well as the CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC) credentials. Outside of her professional career, Meg enjoys cooking, gardening, hiking, music, reading, running, traveling, practicing yoga, and spending time with her family.

John Hudson is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He leads the ARH Wealth Management team, focusing on delivering personalized wealth management strategies and exemplary client service. John has been with Merrill Lynch since 1994, serving in various roles including Senior Resident Director of the Athens, Georgia office for nearly 20 years. His responsibilities encompass wealth management planning, estate planning strategies, cash management, and credit and lending services through Bank of America. Over his career, John has developed expertise in areas such as college education planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, portfolio management services, socially responsible investing, tax minimization, and retirement income. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) and a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). John earned his bachelor's degree in Business from Valdosta State University. John resides in Athens, Georgia with his wife, Lisa, and their two children, Hayden and Jacob. He is an active member of Athens First United Methodist Church and has served on its finance and staff parish relations committees. His personal interests include quail hunting, bass fishing, and following Clemson and University of Georgia athletics.