Exciting Growth and New Developments at Upward Financial Planning
It’s an exciting season here at Upward Financial Planning as we continue to grow, build, and invest in the future of our firm and community.
🎥 Daniel Colston, CFP® Featured on the News
Our founder, Daniel Colston, CFP®, was recently featured in an on-air interview with Kim McBroom, where they discussed how to make smart investing decisions in today’s environment. Daniel shared insights on understanding your company 401(k), starting or optimizing an IRA, working with a qualified financial advisor, and—perhaps most importantly—how to avoid the scary parts of investing by focusing on fundamentals and personalized guidance.
Daniel’s goal, as always, is to help everyday investors build confidence and clarity with their money—without fear or confusion. Along those lines, Daniel also recently completed his biannual obligation to renew the continuing education credits behind the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional credentials.
🏗️ Building Our Future Home
Behind the scenes, we’re making major progress on our new office building in Vinton. We’re currently working closely with Roanoke County officials and our engineering firm the Timmons Group to finalize plans for a brand-new parking lot on site. Once completed, our team and clients will enjoy a convenient, welcoming space designed to reflect the professionalism and warmth that defines Upward Financial Planning. We also appreciate the help of Lumsden and Associates for their work on the project.
Although we’re not yet meeting clients in the new building until construction is complete, we’re getting closer every week—and we couldn’t be more excited to move into our permanent home soon.
👥 Welcoming a New Advisor to Our Team
We’re also thrilled to announce that we’ve found a new financial advisor who will be joining our firm very soon! Like Daniel, he brings a background in ministry, having served five years before being called to the financial profession. We’re currently cheering him on as he prepares for his Series 65 exam—and once passed, we anticipate welcoming him officially as early as next month.
His shared values and people-centered approach will strengthen our mission to serve clients with integrity, empathy, and excellence.
💼 A Historic Milestone in Growth
This year, even without actively seeking new clients, our firm reached a record level of approximately $20 million under management. This milestone reflects the deep trust our clients place in us and the value of our comprehensive financial planning approach.
📱 A Little More Balance: Daniel’s New Personal Cell
This summer, Daniel made an important personal change—he officially transitioned his old cell number into the business line for Upward Financial Planning and set up a new private cell phone for himself.
After years of being on-call for both clients and contractors nearly around the clock, this move helps Daniel create a healthier work-life balance while maintaining dedicated client service through the business line with his assistant’s help.
🏡 A Summer of Big Moves
If managing the firm’s growth wasn’t enough, Daniel also purchased and moved into his new personal residence during the very same month he moved the firm’s office.
On top of that, he made offers on two other office buildings earlier in the summer, each of which took weeks of due diligence before falling through. While those experiences cost valuable time, they became powerful learning moments—part of Daniel’s ongoing growth as a real estate investor and developer.
The building in Vinton, however, has proven to be a true diamond in the rough. Managing his first commercial renovation has brought new challenges and insights, and Daniel looks forward to seeing the property’s transformation add long-term value and beauty to the Vinton community.
🌟 Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
In 2026, we’re proud to serve as a Platinum Sponsor for the Vinton Chamber of Commerce—supporting community events throughout the year as part of our ongoing commitment to local growth and collaboration.
We can’t wait to welcome clients into our completed office next year, continue growing our team, and keep providing the high level of service that has defined Upward Financial Planning from day one.
After we hire our second financial advisor, we look forward to taking some company photos, highlighting our business on a local billboard, and engaging with the Vinton Chamber and community on a very proactive scale to make an impact in the community and continue to push forward the industry of comprehensive financial planning!
Upward Financial Planning – helping families and individuals make wise, confident financial decisions, one step at a time.
When Daniel is not giving financial advice or managing investments, he enjoys renovating properties, real estate investing, drinking coffee, hanging out with friends, spending weekend trips in his camper van, and exploring the outdoors on a hiking or biking trail in his hometown of Roanoke, VA and beyond.