Cole Wheeler, CFP® believes that a financial plan only works when clients understand it. With more than seven years of experience, he follows a planning-first philosophy that starts with listening – understanding what each client values and where they want to go – before mapping out a strategy to get them there. His goal isn’t just to hand someone a plan. It’s to make sure they leave every conversation knowing why it works.

At Parkwoods, that approach finds a natural home. Cole works with individuals and families across retirement planning, tax-aware investing, and legacy planning, with advice tailored to each client’s circumstances. He lives in Houston, TX with his wife Macy, their daughters Josephine and Katherine, and their dog Millie. Outside of work, he can usually be found on the golf course, at the park with the kids, or deep in research on whatever topic has caught his attention most recently.

Below, Cole shares how he works with clients, what they can expect, and how he thinks about the decisions that matter most.

How do you help clients at Parkwoods?

I work with individuals and families to turn financial goals into clear, actionable plans. My focus isn’t just on showing clients how to move forward, but helping them understand why each step matters. When clients have that clarity, they feel more confident in their decisions – and the plan becomes far more effective.

What should clients expect when they work with you?

Clients can expect to feel a sense of relief as the weight of financial decision-making becomes more manageable. I do that through thoughtful education, clear planning, and disciplined execution. By the end of the process, clients walk away with a plan they can follow with confidence – and a solid understanding of why it works.

How do you approach financial planning with a new client?

The first step is building a solid foundation – a base plan that reflects where a client is today and maps a clear path forward. From there, we incorporate their specific goals and explore the range of options available to achieve them.

One client may prioritize retiring at a certain age, while another focuses on generating a specific level of monthly income in retirement. No two plans are the same, because no two clients are the same. The process is always shaped by what matters most to the individual.

What’s one misconception you often have to clear up?

“Investments should be the primary focus for an advisor.” While many people assume that’s true, I see financial planning as the real foundation. A broadly diversified portfolio is essential – but it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

The most meaningful impact comes from focusing on the decisions you can directly control – things like tax timing, spending strategy, and how you structure your estate. Those decisions compound over time in ways that a portfolio alone never can.

How has your planning process evolved to better serve clients?

I’ve worked to make the planning process more accessible and easier to work through. Instead of presenting clients with a dense document all at once, I break the process into clear, manageable steps. We start with what matters most to them and their family, then thoughtfully address other areas of planning as the relationship evolves.

How do you approach decisions when markets are noisy?

It can be difficult to tune out the constant noise around markets – especially when headlines are filled with uncertainty. My approach during volatile times is to stay grounded in the plan. Regardless of what’s happening in the markets, client meetings begin with a review of long-term projections.

When you have confidence that your plan remains on track, it becomes much easier to stay the course – no matter what’s happening in the world.

What’s a fun fact about you (that’s actually fun)?

When something captures my interest, I tend to dive deep – spending weeks exploring it from every angle until the next topic comes along. Recently that’s included becoming a self-proclaimed amateur expert in aviation and horticulture. I’m not sure what’s next, but it’ll probably involve a lot of reading.

Have a question about your retirement?
Schedule a 20-minute conversation with a Parkwoods advisor. We’ll talk through your situation and help you understand your next steps.