About
“Having grown up the son of two teachers, I learned first-hand the importance of education. I watched the enjoyment my parents gained from helping others learn something new for the first time – and they passed that value onto me. To this day, the importance of educating others is what motivated me to create a financial planning practice where I strive to empower my clients through on-going education. I really enjoy seeing my clients gain confidence in their financial plan as we help them establish and implement reliable financial strategies."

I came to Saint Paul for the first time in the summer of 1985. A fresh University of Illinois College of Agriculture graduate with a degree in ag marketing, I was excited to join an agricultural advertising agency and “help feed the world” by telling farmers about great new products.
During my first year, I met the love of my life, Margaret Lee, a native of Saint Paul. At the time, I figured everybody is from someplace. Saint Paul is nice, but who knows where we will end up . . . I was wrong.
Over the next 15 years, we lived in Northern Virginia, Chicago, and DeKalb, Illinois. Our first child was born in DeKalb in 1998. In the summer of 2000, we learned that our daughter was expected to be born in January. It became clear that we should return to Saint Paul to be closer to my wife’s family and friends. So, on November 1, 2000, we moved to Saint Paul.

In the fall of 2001, I got laid off from my position with a marketing communications firm. Not an uncommon occurrence in the advertising game, especially in the aftermath of the attack on the World Trade Center in September.
With two little kids, and a commitment to stay in Saint Paul, I determined to make a career change. I joined Edward D Jones Investments in the spring of 2002. I was a client. Jones is focused on investment services in rural communities. (That’s how I found them.) Jones specializes in career-changers. I was turning 40 that year.
In considering this change, I was looking to do good things in the world by helping people reach their financial goals. I was hoping to be successful without having to relocate. And I was hoping to be able to earn enough to support my growing family.

That was more than 20 years ago. I am now an independent, fiduciary financial planner, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Accredited Investment Fiduciary, hold a Series 7 securities license and a Minnesota Life and Health Insurance license. I work as my clients’ advocate at all times. That’s the fiduciary part. I get paid for financial planning services by advisory fees. I get paid for investment management services via a fee. I sometimes sell insurance products when it’s in the client’s best interests. Some of the insurance pays a commission.
I am truly blessed. I get to help people. I work with great clients. The work I do makes a real difference in the quality of clients’ lives. I am independent. I’m affiliated with a great organization (Advisor Group and Royal Alliance) with deep resources to support me in doing anything my clients need.
These are my client service standards which I dutifully abide by:
- As a Fiduciary Advisor, I always prioritize my clients' best interests and act as their advocate in all financial planning matters.
- As a Fee-First Advisor, I do not receive compensation from investment product companies for financial planning services. My fees can take the form of hourly rates, flat project rates, or a percentage of the assets under my management.
- With the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation, I have demonstrated extensive experience, state-of-the-art training, and a commitment to the highest ethical standards in the industry. I also engage in annual continuing education to remain up-to-date on the latest industry trends.
- I maintain the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) designation to ensure my practice aligns with the 21 best fiduciary practices for investment advisors outlined by the Center for Fiduciary Studies.
- I develop comprehensive, easy-to-understand financial plans for all clients. This involves analyzing all aspects of their financial life to ensure that our actions help them achieve their most important goals.
- With a conservative investment approach, I prioritize safety and consistency over extreme growth in the market. This is particularly important for clients who are more focused on protecting their retirement nest egg than achieving high market returns.
If you want to know more, click the button below to set up a time for us to talk.
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Education & Activities
Professional Affiliations and Designations:
• Certified Financial Planner™ designation (CFP®)
• Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designee
• Member, Financial Planning Assoc.
• Member, FPA Minnesota
• Member, Business Network International– Highlanders Chapter
• Alumni, College for Financial Planning
• Alumni, American College for Financial Planning
• FINRA Series 7, 63, 66, SIE, SE, 31 securities licenses
• Minnesota Life and Health Insurance license
Community Activities:
• President, White Bear Avenue Business Assoc.
• Twin Cities University of Illinois Alumni Club.
• Dedicated soccer dad
• Two Rivers High School basketball dad

My Family
I am the father of three children. As of spring 2023, we are entering year 8 of 12 of kids in college. Freddy is 25, Peggy is 22 and Miles is 18. I live with my wife, Margaret Lee, in West Saint Paul, Minnesota, where I enjoy kids’ sporting events, bicycling, and spending time with friends. We are active members of Saint Matthews Catholic Church and supporters of Community of Saints Catholic grade school.
Richard F. Dunn Certified Financial Planner™
Accredited Investment Fiduciary®
Fee-first Financial Planner
Principal Financial Planner
Direct: 612-436-3770
Email: rdunn@dunncreekadvisors.com
Web: www.dunncreekadvisors.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/richardfdunn