Financial Advisor | Austin, TX | The Art of Finance | A fee only Financial Planning firm dedicated to helping creative minds negotiate the complexities of personal finance. At this point, you're probably perusing the internet, scoping out who you might want to work with. Here's pretty much all you need to know about us, how we work, and how much it costs.
Philip and Julia Olson created The Art of Finance in 2015 to provide something special: clear, empathetic financial coaching and planning that's actually effective. 2. There are certain foundational truths when it comes to financial wisdom, but we don't come at this work with super hard rules. Each person's relationship to money is unique and we make space to honor that.
Philip and Julia Olson created The Art of Finance in 2015 to provide something special: clear, empathetic financial coaching and planning that's actually effective. 2. There are certain foundational truths when it comes to financial wisdom, but we don't come at this work with super hard rules. Each person's relationship to money is unique and we make space to honor that.
Services
We're different than most financial advisory practices out there. That's because we do fee-only planning. We don't push products, sell you insurance policies you don't need, or require you to have a million dollars before we will help you. Instead, we charge a flat fee in exchange for advice. It's pretty simple.
It was a common phrase we heard over and over as we worked with families on their finances. The need for relatable, practical financial literacy seemed to come up with everyone we spoke to. In early 2016, Philip and Julia began collaborating with Katie Graham and Andrew Matthews to develop a pilot for an educational financial series named, Two Cents.
Navigating the world of financial professionals is scary. We here at The Art of Finance are waging a war against confusing industry jargon, uncomfortable chairs, ugly ties and high pressure environments. We are truly here for you! A:We view the term "creative" to apply to people in many different careers.
Reviews (23)
Molly B.
Jun 08, 2021
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We just finished the The Art of Finance's 4-month Foundations Coaching program and it was definitely money well spent. My partner is a freelance videographer, and during the course I went from an employee to launching an independent consulting practice, so having a team that understood how that would impact the flow of our personal finances was important.
The course was well structured and personalized. Our coaches, Erin and Chloé always had solutions and were fantastic to work with. We're both more grounded and on the same page with how to handle finances now that we have a shared
The course was well structured and personalized. Our coaches, Erin and Chloé always had solutions and were fantastic to work with. We're both more grounded and on the same page with how to handle finances now that we have a shared
Shelby McGhee
Apr 03, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
My personal consultation session was incredibly valuable. Julia gave me immediate and long-term action items to grow my wealth, and walked me through complicated financial concepts in a relatable, understandable way. This session was an investment in my future and worth every penny.
My personal consultation session was incredibly valuable. Julia gave me immediate and long-term action items to grow my wealth, and walked me through complicated financial concepts in a relatable, understandable way. This session was an investment in my future and worth every penny.
Texas M.
Jan 09, 2021
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Braden J.
Jan 02, 2021
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One skillset I wanted to learn was simply how to make better investments and as they say make money work for you. Skillsets like these are so vital and yet we continue to still not actively teach them in school. So that's when I sought out The Art of Finance, and all I have to say is thank you, Phillip is such a well informed individual and he really catered our time together for something that would be more fitting of my situation.
First I want to start off and say that, this is absolutely worth it. I know that there are many other financial advisors that offer their services for "free
First I want to start off and say that, this is absolutely worth it. I know that there are many other financial advisors that offer their services for "free
Tahnee Sauer
Dec 06, 2020
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I recently completed the Foundations course with Chloe as my Budget Coach. Admittedly budgeting is something that had challenged me for years, even through a number of attempts and strategies. However working with this team in the foundations class- the lightbulb went off and things finally clicked!
Not only do I feel more knowledgeable and savvy, I've been able to make really big personal financial strides during my time in the program, and am setup on a fantastic track moving forward.
I feel like a "budgeting boss" and now look forward to doing my budget every month and maintaining it.
Not only do I feel more knowledgeable and savvy, I've been able to make really big personal financial strides during my time in the program, and am setup on a fantastic track moving forward.
I feel like a "budgeting boss" and now look forward to doing my budget every month and maintaining it.
Omer Ziv
Sep 30, 2020
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Working with Philip, Julia and their team was almost like therapy, just focused on finance. They've taught me so much over the course of a year that the way I think about my finances has completely transformed - that is, instead of being afraid to approach the subject, I am now confident in my situation.
We worked through clear actions that helped me save money (and help my money work for me) over time. Every person I've talked to on the team was knowledgable and friendly, no matter how many questions I asked. I would absolutely recommend reaching out and getting to know them - in my experience
We worked through clear actions that helped me save money (and help my money work for me) over time. Every person I've talked to on the team was knowledgable and friendly, no matter how many questions I asked. I would absolutely recommend reaching out and getting to know them - in my experience
Ev S.
Apr 22, 2020
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We were referred to AoF and couldn't be happier with the support and services we received from Philip, Julia, and their team. We have been working with them for a year to organize and get our personal finances as well as our (two) small businesses organized.
They took extra care to get to know us and how everything runs to be sure to set us on the right path with the right tools. They genuinely care about their clients and their well being.
They are worth the time, effort and cost in the short term to have much more success in the long term. Whatever your financial status is or grasp of
They took extra care to get to know us and how everything runs to be sure to set us on the right path with the right tools. They genuinely care about their clients and their well being.
They are worth the time, effort and cost in the short term to have much more success in the long term. Whatever your financial status is or grasp of
Lisa P.
Feb 26, 2020
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Hands down The Art of Finance changed my family's life for the better, and I am so grateful to have been their client this last year. I had been in the search for financial guidance for quite some time, but nothing I found was quite what I was looking for. Philip and Julia and their team provided the exact kind of advice and wisdom I had been searching for, and they are a fun group of people to work with as well. I seriously rest easier now with the budget tools in place and the financial knowledge to make decisions that will positively impact my life. I cannot thank their team enough for
Matthew H.
Apr 09, 2019
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Jes S.
Dec 30, 2018
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Updating this review because it's now been over 2 years since initially working with AoF and my husband and I still use YNAB and the process we learned for monthly budgeting from Philip and Julia.
I really can't say enough positive things about Art of Finance! My husband and I have definitely had fewer fights because of what we've learned from them. We also both feel way more comfortable when thinking about possible life changes and how that might affect our financial situation. This is without a doubt the best investment we've made for our marriage!
I really can't say enough positive things about Art of Finance! My husband and I have definitely had fewer fights because of what we've learned from them. We also both feel way more comfortable when thinking about possible life changes and how that might affect our financial situation. This is without a doubt the best investment we've made for our marriage!
Oliver T.
Nov 28, 2018
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I began working with Julia and Philip a year ago.
I had always been one of those people who had wanted to be better with their finances. Probably like you reading this. :)
Working with Julia, Philip and their amazing team has given me amazing peace of mind.
We spoke about my long term goals, my short term goals. Discussed my final estate, including a will and similar best practices.
We went over how I could achieve "Pie in the Sky" goals, while also preparing for the "Worst Possible Scenario"
I would highly encourage you to contact Julia and Philip, to begin fixing your
I had always been one of those people who had wanted to be better with their finances. Probably like you reading this. :)
Working with Julia, Philip and their amazing team has given me amazing peace of mind.
We spoke about my long term goals, my short term goals. Discussed my final estate, including a will and similar best practices.
We went over how I could achieve "Pie in the Sky" goals, while also preparing for the "Worst Possible Scenario"
I would highly encourage you to contact Julia and Philip, to begin fixing your
Bethany B.
Oct 24, 2018
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Working with Julia + Phillip, and their team (Chloé and Helen!) has gifted me with financial empowerment. Ten years into running my own business in the creative industry, I found myself weighted down with debt, confusing tax laws, budget mysteries and the guilt and shame connected to all my little finance 'failures.' The Art of Finance is exactly that: these humans artfully posture financial issues in a way that is tangible, accessible and inviting.
Logistically, they offer assessment and planning, and set their clients up with access to an app (that syncs to all devices) and monthly
Logistically, they offer assessment and planning, and set their clients up with access to an app (that syncs to all devices) and monthly
Tanya G.
May 13, 2018
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Where do I even start? Philip and Julia's "foundations" program literally changed our lives. My husband and I felt like we were doing pretty well at business, but couldn't figure out why we weren't getting ahead on our debt (ugh, STUDENT DEBT) and future goals. Did I mention we're both self-employed? His income is a little more predictable and monthly retainer-based, while mine is feast-or-famine commission. Not only did we have to learn how to manage our household expenditures, we had to learn to manage our small business budgets. Budgeting x3.
My husband took a
My husband took a
Phillip S.
Apr 27, 2018
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Where do you start with a business that feels more like supportive friends from the opening conversation? That friendliness, and lack of judgement, is so critical when it comes to finances, and in our case the controversial relationship topic of money. Who earns it, who spends it, on what, how much should we really be spending on groceries, how to we measure our success as well as remedy our pitfalls.
Those are the questions we were pretty unable to answer before Julia & the Art of Finance team. We had been in a relatively unequal financial relationship where it always felt like one of us
Those are the questions we were pretty unable to answer before Julia & the Art of Finance team. We had been in a relatively unequal financial relationship where it always felt like one of us
Cindy Whitesides
Jan 28, 2018
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Making the decision to work with Philip and Julia was the smartest financial move my husband and I have ever made. As small business owners with a growing family, we were overwhelmed with our complex financial situation. Philip and Julia helped us break everything down, get a clear picture of what exactly was going on, and hold our hands to develop a plan to get us heading in the right direction. They have been there for us every step of the way as we have worked to implement the plan. Their personal style of warmth, expertise, humor, and practical advice has made this process as easy as possible
Kaci G.
Jan 17, 2018
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Philip and Julia have changed my life for the better 3 times. The first time was just meeting them - they are wonderful, caring people. The second time was when they set me up with life insurance. As a stay-at-home-mom at the time, getting life insurance took away some worry and a huge weight off my shoulders, and protected my financial future. The third time was when they taught me how to budget with YNAB. And - wow - that's a big thing! Seeing exactly where your money is going, and learning how to make it work for you is truly life-changing. Next on my list: IRA's and investing. I know
Hillary K.
Dec 20, 2017
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We've had almost 4 meetings now and cannot begin to explain how much we love working with The Art of Finance! We actually look forward to our weekly meetings, which is funny because money stresses me out! We had no idea how to even think about budgeting but with Julia, we leave each appointment feeling confident about our current finances and how to tackle our personal and joint financial goals. My boyfriend even said after our most recent meeting "we can do this"! If Philip is half as awesome as Julia we can't wait to start our second half of our journey with him in January
Dave Land
Dec 10, 2017
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I've had quite a bit of experience with financial planners in the past. Over the years I've been with at least 4 of them and interviewed many more. The one constant in the financial planning world is disconcerting feeling that everyone is just after your money. You're constantly being upsold on securities, insurance, and other vehicles that you either don't need or are simply designed to put money in the pockets of your planner. The industry is rife with conflicts of interested and this makes it really hard to find a plan that you can feel is truly in your best interest.
That's why we turned to
That's why we turned to
S. B.
Jun 08, 2017
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Calling these guys was probably the smartest thing I did last year.
I never felt like I had enough money for financial advising and I was really unsure about the value of paying for help. Art of Finance was worth every penny. Julia and Philip quickly helped me gain a real understanding of my income, debt and spending habits. Initially I felt a little intimidated opening up about such a personal aspect of my life but they were always non-judgmental and easy to talk to - it made the process pain free.
It's now almost six month after my last budgeting session with them and the difference
I never felt like I had enough money for financial advising and I was really unsure about the value of paying for help. Art of Finance was worth every penny. Julia and Philip quickly helped me gain a real understanding of my income, debt and spending habits. Initially I felt a little intimidated opening up about such a personal aspect of my life but they were always non-judgmental and easy to talk to - it made the process pain free.
It's now almost six month after my last budgeting session with them and the difference
Jennifer Trou
Oct 29, 2016
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Simpy put, Philip and Julia are amazing.
My husband and I reached out to Philip and Julia after we were tired of feeling stuck in this swirl of trying to get some of our debt paid off and never fully being able to do so. We'd make progress but then step backwards and couldn't figure out where we were going wrong.
Working with Philip and Julia helped us get control of our monthly budgeting (with a system that actually, truly WORKS!), align on our major financial goals and set a plan to truly (finally!) get rid of that debt for good.
I was very nervous when we first met with them because popping
My husband and I reached out to Philip and Julia after we were tired of feeling stuck in this swirl of trying to get some of our debt paid off and never fully being able to do so. We'd make progress but then step backwards and couldn't figure out where we were going wrong.
Working with Philip and Julia helped us get control of our monthly budgeting (with a system that actually, truly WORKS!), align on our major financial goals and set a plan to truly (finally!) get rid of that debt for good.
I was very nervous when we first met with them because popping
Brett BrettBuilds Hileman
Oct 17, 2016
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Initially my wife and I were hesitant about approaching a financial planner because we have atypical jobs and motivations that don't fit the typical mold, and we just didn't think anyone would "get it". However, after a quick conversation with Philip I realized it was one of the best decisions we could have made. He understood our particular situation and gave us practical advice that we could put into action immediately. He didn't once try to sell us on some investment or "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity. I now realize that a conversation with someone like Philip is a great idea and you will come
Tyson J.
Aug 14, 2016
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The Art of Finance offered us a wealth of valuable information using stunningly simple terminology. They also happened to rescue us from quite an unfortunate situation with a previous financial advisor.
Several months ago, we had met with this previous financial advisor that boasted that even though he had a massive team and unlimited resources, he would treat us like, "family" and would not only set us up for the future but also secure a future for our children and our children's children. Of course. In the course of 7 days, on 7 different correspondences ranging from forms that
Several months ago, we had met with this previous financial advisor that boasted that even though he had a massive team and unlimited resources, he would treat us like, "family" and would not only set us up for the future but also secure a future for our children and our children's children. Of course. In the course of 7 days, on 7 different correspondences ranging from forms that
Lisa T.
May 12, 2016
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I have been so impressed with The Art of Finance. As a child of intellectuals who struggled with money and never taught me basic budgeting skills, I'd always felt less-than-competent about being an adult in our money-driven world. And although I'd been running my own private practice since 2007, I had always considered myself to be a service provider, not a "real" busines owner...
What I love about working with Philip and Julia is that they are such good listeners and teachers: open, non-judgmental and great at explaining complex topics in a way you can understand. They drove
What I love about working with Philip and Julia is that they are such good listeners and teachers: open, non-judgmental and great at explaining complex topics in a way you can understand. They drove
