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Values-based financial planning

 for high-income families and business owners

A team of advisors helping you build a financial plan that reflects who you are, what you believe, and where you’re going.

  • Registered investment adviser

  • Fiduciary

  • Independent

  • Fort Collins, CO

Who We Work With

Business owners

Owners managing complex situations.

High-Income Families

Aligning financial decisions with what matters most to you.

Medical Professionals

Veterinarians, dentists, and physicians — from new grads to mid-career to practice owners buying or selling.

What Values-Based Financial Planning Means

We start by understanding your values, goals, and life — then build a plan that reflects them. Most importantly, we help you execute the plan and respond to life's changes  so you know it's done  well.

Holistic Planning

Investments, taxes, retirement, estate, and your values — all connected.

Fiduciary Advice

Legally obligated to put your best interest first.

Ongoing Relationships

A constant resource as life changes.

Less on Your Plate

We handle the details so you can focus on what matters.

Tax Strategy

We work with your tax professionals to keep taxes from eroding your wealth.

Investment Management

Proactive management with diverse choices, built around your goals.

How It Works

1

Schedule a Call

We learn about you and answer your questions in a complimentary initial consultation.

2

Build Your Plan

A comprehensive plan around your values, goals, and circumstances.

3

Execute Together

We stay alongside you — investments, insurance, tax strategy, and more.

4

Review & Adjust

Semi-annual meetings — or sooner when life changes.

Common Questions

What is a values-based financial planner?

A values-based financial planner builds your plan around your personal beliefs, priorities, and life goals — not just investment returns.

Is The Planners a fiduciary?

Yes. As a registered investment adviser (RIA), we are legally required to act in your best interest at all times.

Do you work with business owners?

Yes. We specialize in serving business owners who need an advisor to manage the intersection of business and personal finances.

How much does financial planning cost?

We offer both flat-fee financial planning and ongoing investment advisory fee arrangements. Pricing is discussed during your complimentary initial consultation.

Meet the Team

We are  committed to your financial well-being. Located in Fort Collins, CO.

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Erik Sartin
CEO & Financial Planner

Over 14 years of financial planning experience, with a focus on values-based, holistic planning for families, business owners, and medical professionals. As an AVMA LIFE representative for Colorado State University's DVM program, I bring both technical depth and a genuine commitment to the communities I serve. My approach centers on systematic, personalized planning that connects your financial decisions to what matters most in your life.

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Outside the office, I spend most of my time outdoors with my wife and our four kids — hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing. I'm also a longtime photographer with a deep love of live music, art, and good BBQ with friends.

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Ben Sartin, CLU, RICP
Financial Planner

I've spent 36 years in financial planning and wealth management. I hold the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) designations, and I've built my practice on ethics, clarity, and personalized strategy. I specialize in helping clients gain a clear picture of their financial situation and build plans tailored to their specific needs — with the goal of freeing them from financial worry so they can pursue what matters most.

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Jackie and I recently celebrated 44 years of marriage. When I'm not working, you'll find me on the golf course, out on the water, on a trail, or somewhere with the RV.

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Maria Shanley, AIF
Client Relationship Manager
 

I've spent 27 years in the financial industry. I hold the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) designation and specialize in client communication and relationship management, making complex financial situations feel clear and manageable. I think of myself as the connective tissue of the client experience here — making sure every client feels supported, informed, and confident about where they're headed.

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Outside of work, I'm at home in the Colorado outdoors, and I also enjoy fiber arts, furniture restoration, and live music and theater in Denver.

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Marissa Marklewitz 
Client Relationship Manager

I've spent six years in financial services client relations, preceded by 15 years as an independent business owner — a background that gives me firsthand understanding of the goals and challenges business owners and entrepreneurs bring to their financial planning. I focus on making every client interaction feel personal, thorough, and unhurried.

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I've been married 24 years, and we have two kids and a goldendoodle named Dior — plus a long list of home and landscape projects. I'm active in my local church and serve on a charter school board.

Schedule a Consultation

Ready to connect your money to what matters?
Initial consultations are complimentary and educational. No pressure, no obligation.

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Connect your money to what matters.

©The Planners Inc. 2026. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy Policy

Disclosures

Form ADV & Brochure

There are no warranties implied.

The Planners Inc. is a registered investment adviser located in Fort Collins, CO. The Planners Inc. may only transact business in those states in which it is registered, or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. The Planners Inc.’s web site is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to its advisory services, together with access to additional investment-related information, publications, and links. Accordingly, the publication of The Planners Inc.’s web site on the Internet should not be construed by any consumer and/or prospective client as The Planners Inc.’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, over the Internet. Any subsequent, direct communication by The Planners Inc. with a prospective client shall be conducted by a representative that is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration in the state where the prospective client resides. For information pertaining to the registration status of The Planners Inc., please contact the state securities regulators for those states in which The Planners Inc. maintains a registration filing. A copy of The Planners Inc.’s current written disclosure statement discussing The Planners Inc.’s business operations, services, and fees is available at the SEC’s investment adviser public information website – www.adviserinfo.sec.gov or from The Planners Inc. upon written request. The Planners Inc. does not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to The Planners Inc.’s web site or incorporated herein, and takes no responsibility therefor. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly.

This website and information are provided for guidance and information purposes only. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy. This website and information are not intended to provide investment, tax, or legal advice.

Insurance products and services are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed insurance agents.

Initial consultations are complimentary and educational in nature; however, they are intended to explore whether establishing an advisory relationship is appropriate for you.

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