Why this work?
I’ve seen firsthand how financial stress impacts your health, your work, your sleep, and your relationships. I feel called to help others alleviate this stress so they have a better chance at a happier life.
What’s the first question you ask in a first meeting?
What is most important to you?
What do you wish more people understood about money?
Money is never the goal, it’s just a tool. I can’t think of a better way to minimize regret than by starting today to align your financial resources with what’s important to you in life. For example: Doing what you want, with who you want, while you have the health to enjoy it. That’s peak living!
Describe your role as Director of Financial Education:
I strive to make financial concepts genuinely understandable for our clients, and for anyone willing to learn. Practically, that means teaching. I create educational videos on my YouTube channel, Refine Your Plan, and for our Resource Center—mostly about minimizing taxes and maximizing income. I believe that an informed client makes better decisions than an advised one, so I try to always explain the why, not just the what.
Where would I find you on a Saturday?
I like to play soccer on Saturday mornings for exercise, then spend time with my wife and our three sons. In the fall, we’re cheering on the BYU football team!
Education and credentials:
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional
Enrolled Agent (EA) with the IRS
Utah Valley University | Bachelor’s in Personal Financial Planning
Utah Valley University | Master’s in Finance
Founding Director and Professor | University of Tennessee (Knoxville) Haslam College of Business | Financial Planning Program – A CFP® Board Registered Program
Recognized by InvestmentNews as one of the “2024 Best Wealth Managers & Advisors Under 40 in the USA | Rising Stars”
On November 20, 2024, Thomas Cook was recognized by InvestmentNews as one of the “2024 Best Wealth Managers & Advisors Under 40 in the USA | Rising Stars.” The recognition was received during his affiliation with a previous firm and does not reflect services provided by TVAMP. The award was based on nominations beginning in July 2024 and an evaluation of nominees’ professional achievements, industry contributions, career goals, and recommendations from industry professionals. InvestmentNews did not specify a defined historical evaluation period. No compensation was provided to InvestmentNews to obtain inclusion on the list; however, a licensing fee is required to use the InvestmentNews logo in marketing materials. The selection criteria may not directly reflect the quality of investment advice provided, and this recognition is not indicative of investment performance, client satisfaction, or future results, nor should it be construed as an endorsement of Thomas Cook or TVAMP’s advisory services. If you’re curious, the full methodology can be found here.
Words to live by
“Prioritize God, family, and health. It doesn’t happen by chance; it’s a choice.”
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks
