Grand Canyon University
Driven by Purpose, United by Faith
At Fullerton Financial Planning, our foundation is built on faith—and that’s why our collaboration with Grand Canyon University, widely recognized as the largest private Christian university in the nation, is especially meaningful. This partnership represents more than education; it reflects a shared commitment to personal and spiritual growth, community impact, and values-driven leadership. GCU stands out as a place where students and families are equipped, encouraged, and empowered to thrive. We’re honored to support this powerful mission as we walk alongside clients and community members with faith, purpose, and confidence.
Lopes Up!
Welcome GCU Families, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff
At Fullerton Financial Planning, we understand the unique financial journey of the GCU community. Whether you’re a parent preparing for your child’s future, a faculty or staff member planning for retirement, or somewhere in between, we’re here to help you navigate your financial goals with confidence and clarity.
Our Services Tailored for You
- Comprehensive Retirement Planning
Preparing for retirement can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We specialize in guiding GCU faculty and staff through personalized retirement strategies to ensure you can enjoy your next chapter with financial peace of mind. - Education Funding & Family Planning
Parents of GCU students can benefit from expert advice on saving for college expenses, managing debt, and planning for your family’s financial future. - Investment Management
Whether you’re just starting to invest or looking to optimize your portfolio, we create strategies aligned with your risk tolerance and long-term goals. - Tax Planning & Optimization
Smart tax planning can significantly impact your savings and retirement income. We help you understand tax-efficient strategies to minimize liabilities and maximize your financial outcomes. - Insurance & Risk Management
Protect your family and assets with insurance solutions designed to fit your lifestyle and needs. - Estate & Legacy Planning
Ensure your hard-earned assets are preserved and passed on according to your wishes.
Complimentary First-Time Appointment for Qualified GCU Community Members
To welcome you, we’re pleased to offer a complimentary initial consultation for qualified parents, faculty, and staff connected to GCU. This session will help us understand your goals, review your current financial picture, and identify opportunities to help you plan confidently for the future.
Why Choose Fullerton Financial Planning?
- Experience with GCU Community Needs
We know the unique challenges and opportunities that come with supporting a college family and preparing for retirement as faculty and staff. - Personalized, Faith-Respecting Advice
We respect your values and tailor our financial guidance accordingly. - Long-Term Partnership
We’re committed to walking with you every step of the way—through life’s milestones and market changes. - Internship Opportunities
We offer hands-on internship experiences for GCU students interested in financial services, marketing, and client engagement. It’s a chance to learn, grow, and gain real-world insight into a purpose-driven financial planning firm.
GCU Testimonials
Melanie Schissel
Marketing Events Manager
B.S. in Sports and Event Management with an Emphasis in Marketing & MBA
“I’m honored to have earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from GCU and to have worked in athletics and at the university. My favorite memory is when GCU Men’s Basketball hosted Louisville—a perfect example of community, teamwork, and shared passion. My siblings and I all cherish the relationships we built. To me, GCU represents community and energy that’s truly infectious, and keeping Christ at the center ensures everything works out.”
Steve Fullerton Jr.
Sr Director of Servicing and Innovation
B.S. in Biology
“Being part of GCU during its early transformation was one-of-a-kind. I was deeply involved in campus life and especially grateful for the academic side—learning in the cadaver lab and helping educate visiting students was unforgettable. What stands out most are the faculty who shaped my journey. GCU taught me to think critically, serve others, and strive to make a daily impact.”
Jeannine Marmo
First Impressions Concierge
B.S. in Sociology with an Emphasis in Social Work, M.S. in Addiction Counseling, Current MBA Student
“GCU has been a place of both academic and personal transformation. Earning my graduate degree while working full-time and caring for my father—who passed away just weeks after my graduation—gave us a milestone to share. Beyond the classroom, GCU has been a source of connection, purpose, and opportunity for me and my family. We proudly refer to our home as ‘the house that GCU built,’ and I can’t imagine a more fitting way to describe the impact GCU has had on our lives.”
Michelle Lorts
Marketing Operations Manager
Family Member of GCU Doctorate Graduate
“GCU represents opportunity—not just through education, but through the meaningful moments that come with it. One of my favorite memories is celebrating a dear friend’s Hall of Fame induction—a testament to GCU’s strong, lasting community.”
Isabel Luna
First Impressions Concierge
B.S. in Christian Ministries
“I truly love the GCU campus—there’s a sense of home and peace that’s hard to find elsewhere. Some of my favorite memories are quiet late nights on the baseball field. GCU represents growth and opportunity and taught me to say ‘yes’ more often and embrace every chance to learn and grow.”
Alex Becker
Sr Director of Marketing and Branding
BSN, MSN, & MBA
“One of my most meaningful memories from GCU isn’t tied to a specific event, but to everyday moments shared with fellow nursing students. The relationships built made the experience unforgettable. GCU represents discipline, growth, and transformation and taught me how to think critically under pressure—a skill that continues to serve me personally and professionally.”
Terri Faust
Service Team Supervisor
Former GCU Staff Member & Family of GCU Graduates (Business Administration, Teaching)
“I worked at GCU for nine years during incredible growth and loved walking alongside students through their journeys. My family members also earned degrees from GCU, and we share deep appreciation for its vibrant life and dedicated faculty. GCU is where work, education, and faith intersect, and it’s where I learned to reflect Christ in all we do.”
Zach Tobey
Lead Advisor
Former Student & Son of GCU Doctorate Graduate
“My freshman year at GCU was transformative—many friendships from then remain strong. Attending worship nights was where my faith became personal and shaped who I am today. I also have fond memories from childhood visiting the College of Education where my mom worked—back when it was still a double wide. To me, GCU represents excellence through faith—leading in academics, athletics, and service as a reflection of Christ.”
Anthony Trindade
Service Advisor
B.S. in Finance & Economics
“My time at GCU felt like an oasis—everything I needed to succeed and feel at home was there. GCU taught me the value of leaning into the resources available, and for me it represents education, independence, growth, and fun.”
Bethany May
Service Team Associate
Friend and Supporter of the GCU Community
“While I didn’t attend GCU, I’ve come to admire it through those around me—nearly half our office either studied or worked there! GCU stands for values I respect and clearly creates a strong, purpose-driven community.”
Kileigh Swinton
Scheduling Associate
GCU Supporter & Daughter of Former Staff Member
“My connection to GCU runs deep through my mom, a former staff member, and I experienced the heartbeat of campus. The culture is intentional, inclusive, and full of purpose, and the energy, especially at basketball games, is infectious. If we could bottle that up and bring even a fraction of it to what we do, we’d be unstoppable. To me, GCU represents the hands and feet of Jesus in action—living faith boldly and meaningfully.”
David M. Eldridge
Wealth Advisor
GCU Supporter and Parent
“Our family has enjoyed countless moments at GCU—from cheering at volleyball games to our daughters attending volleyball camps. The atmosphere is welcoming, energetic, and faith-centered. To me, GCU represents growth, innovation, service, and a community that makes an impact.”
Begin the Conversation with a Free Retirement Review
This isn’t a sales call. It’s a focused, one-on-one conversation about where you stand and what’s possible from here.
What We’ll Cover in Your Retirement Review
Lifestyle Goals
What do you want retirement to actually look like? Travel, freedom, family, security — we start with the life you want, then build around it.
Current Assets
We’ll review what you’ve built — and help uncover smarter ways to use your 401(k), IRA, or savings more effectively for retirement income.
Income Planning
We’ll identify where your income will come from — and how to make sure it covers what you care about without relying too heavily on the market.
Risk & Tax Exposure
We’ll evaluate how your plan holds up to taxes, longevity, healthcare costs, and market shifts — so your income stays steady, even when life doesn’t.
Long-Term Strategy
We’ll help you turn what you’ve saved into income that lasts — without sacrificing the lifestyle you worked so hard to build.
The Next Steps
By the end of the meeting, you’ll have clarity on what’s working, what’s missing, and what to do next.
What You Get With Fullerton
- A retirement income plan built around your lifestyle goals — not a generic formula
- A coordinated investment and withdrawal strategy that supports income for life
- Social Security timing guidance to help you get the most from your benefits
- A reliable income floor — often supported by high-quality annuities with GLWBs, when appropriate
- Tax-smart withdrawal strategies designed to adapt to changing laws and future needs
- Personalized guidance on Medicare and long-term care planning
- A clear roadmap for RMDs, Roth conversions, and income sequencing
- Legacy and beneficiary planning that protects your spouse and supports your values
- Ongoing reviews and proactive adjustments to keep your plan aligned as life evolves
- Direct access to your advisor — no call centers, no hand-offs
- A secure client portal with full access to your plan and documents
Invitations to Fullerton’s exclusive client events and appreciation gatherings - A local, retirement-minded community with shared goals and values
- Financial confidence for your spouse and family — with clarity, not complexity
- Experienced, time-tested guidance from a leading independent Arizona-based planning firm focused on your future
Income
Planning
A strategy to turn your savings into reliable, steady income — so your lifestyle stays on track in retirement.
Tax
Planning
Smart planning to reduce future taxes and keep more of your money working for you.
Health Care
Planning
Protection against rising healthcare costs, including long-term care, built into your plan.
Risk
Management
A clear approach to guarding your wealth from market swings, inflation, and the unexpected.
Real Estate
And Legacy
Planning
A plan for your assets and property that preserves your legacy and supports your loved ones.
Planning With Fullerton
Relationship Building
You’re not just another account. At Fullerton, every relationship begins with real conversation — taking time to understand your values, priorities, and goals. That connection becomes the foundation for a plan that’s built around you, not a formula.
Personalized Experience
No two retirements are the same. Your strategy will reflect your unique goals, lifestyle, and financial position. Everything is tailor-made: your income structured, your tax plan, and the preservation of legacy. The difference in the details — because it is built around you.
Holistic Approach
A good plan looks beyond the numbers. Your lifestyle, your family, your values — it’s all connected. That’s why our planning process considers every part of your life, not just your portfolio — leaving no stone unturned.
See What Fullerton Can Do For You
Going from "I hope this works" to "I know I'm covered".
Experience You Can Trust
Retirement is too important to trust to a generalist. That’s why for over 20 years, Fullerton Financial Planning has focused exclusively on helping people transition from work to retirement — and thrive throughout it. We’re not trying to be everything to everyone. We’re built to help you do one thing incredibly well: Turn your life savings into reliable income and lasting financial confidence.
Why Families Across Arizona Trust Fullerton
- Over 20 years helping Arizona retirees create income that lasts
- Trusted by more than 2,000 Arizona households — and growing
- Independent, fiduciary-based advice — no quotas, no product push
- Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professionals on staff
- Regularly featured on ABC15, MoneyRadio, and financial education outlets
- Local, in-person service — no national call centers or rotating advisor teams
- Planning approach integrates investments, income, tax, Medicare, and legacy goals
- Collaborative relationships with CPAs, estate attorneys, and insurance professionals
- Focused on education-first guidance, not sales pitches or one-size-fits-all plans
- Supported by a dedicated client service team with a reputation for proactive care
“I was nervous about retiring — but they helped me see the whole picture and gave me confidence to move forward.”
— Mary J., Scottsdale
“They made a complicated plan feel simple. I wish we’d come here five years earlier.”
— Brian & Sandra T., Mesa
“They treated me like a person, not a portfolio. I never felt pressured — just supported.”
— Teresa D., Chandler
“Our old advisor never talked about income or taxes — this team gave us a plan we could actually live on.”
— Kevin M., Sun City
The Fullerton Family
Standing Strong For Clients.
Stepping Up For the Community.
Leverage Our Experience
Retirement is our focus. See what over 20 years helping retiring clients can do for your future.
Still Wondering If This Is Right for You?
Here are some of the questions we hear most often — with straight answers to help you move forward confidently.
Q: How do I make sure I have enough to retire?
Q: How do I make sure I don’t run out of money later in retirement?
Q: What’s the best way to retire and not have to give up my lifestyle or be afraid of my budget?
Q: Why do I need more guaranteed income than just Social Security?
Q: How do I protect myself from future market downturns or crashes?
Q: When is the right time to retire?
The right time to retire is when you have a plan that works no matter what the economy is doing — one that protects your income, reduces your tax exposure, and supports your lifestyle with confidence.
We help you build that plan — so retirement becomes a decision based on your goals, not guesswork.
Q: How do I avoid being forced to go back to work or worse?
Q: How can annuities fit into my income plan?
Q: My current financial advisor still has me in risky investments. It feels wrong to me now that I’m older — but am I just worrying too much?
Q: I plan to retire in the next 10 years. Is it too early to begin planning?
Q: I want to retire sooner than 10 years… Am I too late to plan?
Q: How do I make sure my spouse is taken care of if I pass first?
Q: What changes to my investment strategy should I expect when transitioning to retirement?
Q: What does the Retirement Review cost?
Begin the Conversation
We’re here to listen, understand, and help you take control of your financial future.