“I have over thirty years of experience in investment management and financial planning, helping clients play a smarter game with their finances."

Born and raised in the small town of Bellevue, Washington (1960 population – 12,809), I attended The Lakeside School and the University of Washington, from which I graduated in 1977. Pre-career highlights include backpacking in Europe, volunteer work in rural Honduras, college in Guadalajara, and earning my private pilot’s license.

After college, I went directly into investment management. From 1977 to 1989, I worked in the commodity futures industry as a research analyst, broker, and investment manager. I learned a lot about investing during my years in the futures markets, a place where you don’t last long if you don’t know how to manage investment risk.

I co-founded Financial Research, Inc. in 1991 and have been the sole owner since 1995. I received my Certified Financial Planner designation in 1992 and became a NAPFA-Registered Advisor in 2002. I have also been a member of the Financial Planning Association since 1998.

Outside of work, I've been actively involved with youth soccer since 2000, acting as a Select-level head coach and running clinics to help other soccer coaches learn how to teach and inspire youth players.

Kirsten C. Cowles

In 2009, Kirsten graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors from Central Washington University, with a double major in Administrative Management and Spanish. She helps with administrative projects and is currently a candidate for CFP certification.