When I walked into Stalt Financial (StaltFinancial.com) in Troy, I expected a conversation about numbers. What I got instead was a masterclass in empowerment, personal growth—and the surprisingly emotional side of financial planning.
Sitting down with Dan Zech, CEPA, and Catherine "Cat" Toone, RFC, it becomes immediately clear that they aren’t your typical financial advisors.
“We’re not just here to manage assets,” Dan tells me. “We’re here to help people master their financial future—one lesson at a time.”
That philosophy was evident throughout our conversation. I ask Cat about the biggest misconception people have about financial planning. Without hesitation, she replies, “Most people don’t need a hard-core investment lecture. They need someone to break it down in a way that makes sense for their life.”
That’s exactly what she and Dan do. Trying a new financial planner is scary enough, so rather than overwhelming clients with numbers and jargon, they simplify complex financial strategies into digestible steps.
I begin to see how clients might experience those “aha” moments when financial planning suddenly isn’t intimidating—it’s empowering.
Their sessions, I learn, often feel more like therapy than finance meetings. Money is deeply personal, and clients come in carrying stress, fear and uncertainty. Dan and Cat offer a space where people can talk openly, ask questions without judgment and leave with a sense of clarity and confidence.
“People get overwhelmed by the sheer complexity of what’s out there,” Dan says. “They need someone to talk to—someone who can help them navigate the ups and downs without it feeling like a cold business transaction.”
He describes how they create personalized plans, different for each person, and that’s when I discover something particularly insightful: Stalt’s fee-for-service model means they create strategies around client goals— not products.
“You want a living, breathing financial plan that brings your hopes and dreams to life. Financial products are simply tools to accomplish those goals,” Cat says. “That’s why we’re fee-based, not commission-based. It’s about what’s in your best interest.”
That also means they work with a broad range of clients, from entrepreneurs managing multiple businesses to couples and families just starting their investment and retirement journey.
“We welcome anyone who’s ready to learn and grow,” Cat tells me.
If they have a specialty, it may be exit planning for business owners. And that’s no simple task: Exit planning is about as appealing as writing your own obituary.
"Exiting your business may be the furthest thing from your mind, but by choice or by force, there will come a time when the business will need to function without you,” Dan assures. “Our job is to help you design and execute the exit you want to see happen."
He and Cat counsel business owners to treat exit planning strategically—as they do every other key decision.
“It’s less about stepping down and more about securing the future of what you’ve built,” Dan says. “That’s why we recommend planning years in advance. Like everything else, we simplify it. We have a clear process and a transition team to address everything from tax planning to risk management, even testing various scenarios to find the one you’re most comfortable with.”
As Stalt Financial marks its third anniversary, I ask them to reflect on the journey. Their gratitude for their families is immediate and heartfelt.
“They’ve given us more love, encouragement, and grace than we ever could have imagined,” Cat shares. “They know we’re helping people and they’re glad to be part of that.”
Not that it’s been easy. Dan laughs, “Telling your spouse you’re going to start a business that might take several years to get off the ground quickly really reveals the depth of your relationship.”
Their families, particularly Dan’s father, Brian Zech—who serves as their Director of Business Development—have played a vital role in Stalt Financial’s success. Brian’s decades of experience in banking have added both credibility and energy to the firm.
Looking ahead, Dan and Cat are focused on expanding their team with like-minded advisors who share their passion for education and empathy.
“Our mission is to transform the way people think about their money,” Dan says. “We’re here to teach, to guide and to make sure every client feels empowered to take control of their future.”
Many business owners pour everything into their companies, but what about the bigger picture? The Business Owner's Financial Playbook: Why Your Best Short-Term Strategy Is Long-Term Thinking explores how to balance immediate financial needs with future goals. From managing cash flow and reducing debt to planning for retirement and business transitions, this guide offers practical insights to help owners build lasting wealth. No complicated jargon—just real advice that helps business owners make smart, long-term money moves. Whether you’re just starting out or looking ahead to the next chapter, this book is packed with practical tips to keep your finances strong. Visit StaltFinancial.com for a copy.