Independent · Fiduciary · Fee-Based

Real Advice.
No Conflicts.
Just Results.

Honest, personal investment management and financial guidance for Texas families who’ve worked hard
and deserve an advisor who’s truly in their corner.

Fiduciary — always
Transparent, flat fees
No products. No commissions.
Sugar Land · College Station · Boerne/SA
✦ Dave Ramsey SmartVestor Pros — We are part of a select network of financial advisors who have agreed to operate according to Dave Ramsey’s SmartVestor guidelines. If Dave sent you here, you’re in the right place.
60+ Years Combined Experience
3 Texas Locations
✦ Dave Ramsey SmartVestor Pro
State-Registered Investment Adviser
Serving Clients Since 1996
Fiduciary Standard

Built for People Who’ve Worked Hard

We specialize in people 10–20 years from retirement — or already there — who want an advisor who genuinely knows their situation and cares about getting it right.

📍

Energy Industry Professionals

ExxonMobil, Shell, Schlumberger, Halliburton, and dozens of mid-size operators. We know your benefits, your stock options, and your retirement packages better than most.

🏫

A&M & Aggies

Bryan is based in College Station and has built deep roots in the A&M community. We serve Aggies at every stage of life — from early career to well into retirement.

🏠

Pre-Retirees & Retirees

People within 10 years of retirement who want a clear, honest picture of where they stand — and a trusted advisor to manage the transition from saving to living on what they’ve saved.

💼

Business Owners

From succession planning to retirement plan design, we work with owners who need an advisor who understands the complexity of personal and business finances operating in parallel.

🌟

Dave Ramsey Listeners

If Dave’s principles resonate with you — debt-free living, investing 15%, giving generously — you’ll find a natural home here. Bryan is a proud SmartVestor Pro.

📈

People Who Hate Jargon

If you want an advisor who gives you plain-language answers, calls you back, and tells you the truth — even when it’s not what you expected — you’ve found the right place.

Our Commitment

We Are Fiduciaries. That Means You Come First — Always.

As a fiduciary, we are legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest — not ours, not a broker’s, not an insurance company’s. We don’t earn commissions. We don’t push products. Every recommendation we make is the one we genuinely believe is best for you.

What’s Your Retirement Number?

Most people have no idea how much they actually need. Answer 5 quick questions and find out your number — in 2 minutes.

What Clients Say

★★★★★

Bryan has been our financial advisor for over 15 years. He is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and genuinely cares about our financial future. We couldn’t be happier with his guidance and support.

David & Linda M.
Sugar Land, TX · Client 15+ years
★★★★★

Bryan Teel is an outstanding financial advisor. He truly cares about his clients and their financial wellbeing. I’ve been with him for 20+ years and wouldn’t trade him for anything!

Kay C.
Sugar Land, TX · Client 20+ years
★★★★★

Mr. Teel is extremely knowledgeable and is always very professional. He truly cares about his clients’ financial wellbeing. I appreciate all the wisdom and guidance he gives us and we highly recommend him. Great advisor!

Gladys K.
Sugar Land, TX
★★★★★

Bryan has been our financial advisor for over 20 years. He makes the complicated simple, is always available when we need him, and we have never felt like just another account. He actually knows us.

Robert & Susan T.
Sugar Land, TX · Client 20+ years
★★★★★

I was referred to Bryan through the SmartVestor program and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. He took the time to understand where I was and where I wanted to be — no rushing, no waiting and wondering.

Chris B.
Houston, TX · SmartVestor Referral

“Our clients don’t pay us to grow their accounts — they pay us to help them make good decisions, stay the course when the market gets scary, and know they have someone in their corner who actually knows their situation.”

D. Bryan Teel, CFP®
Co-Founder, Sweetwater Financial Advisors

Our Services

Clear, transparent guidance for every stage of your financial life

📈 Investment Management

We manage your portfolio with a disciplined, long-term approach built around your specific goals, timeline, and risk tolerance. You get a clear investment strategy, regular reviews, and an advisor who actually picks up the phone.

No annuities. No commission-driven products. Just clear, honest investment management from advisors who put your long-term interests first — every time.

Fee-based · Annual percentage of assets under management

🏠 Retirement Income Planning

Getting to retirement is one thing. Living on what you’ve built is another. We specialize in the transition — building a reliable income strategy that covers your needs, protects against sequence-of-returns risk, and keeps your portfolio working for decades.

Social Security timing, required minimum distributions, withdrawal sequencing — we handle the complexity so you don’t have to.

Included with investment management · No separate planning fee

📌 Financial Planning

A comprehensive review of where you stand today and a clear roadmap for where you want to go. Covers retirement readiness, Social Security optimization, tax-efficient withdrawal planning, insurance review, and estate planning coordination.

Not a one-and-done document — an ongoing conversation that evolves as your life does.

Included for investment management clients

💳 401(k) Rollover & IRA Management

Leaving a job? Retiring? We guide you through every rollover decision — what to roll, where to roll it, and how to structure it to minimize taxes and maximize flexibility.

We manage rolled-over accounts with the same disciplined approach as all our client portfolios.

Fee-based · No rollover fees

How We Charge

We charge a transparent, annual percentage of assets under management. No hidden fees. No commissions. No surprises on your statement.

Our fee is disclosed in writing before we begin and is included in your quarterly performance reports. You always know exactly what you’re paying and what you’re getting.

Note: Bryan Teel is a licensed insurance agent and may receive commissions for insurance products when recommended. This is a small portion of overall revenue and is always disclosed in advance. It never influences our investment advice.

Who We Serve

We do our best work with a specific kind of client

Dave Ramsey Listener?

You Found Your SmartVestor Pro

We are endorsed Dave Ramsey SmartVestor Pros serving Houston, College Station, and the San Antonio area. If you’re looking to implement and follow Dave’s plan, you’re in the right place!

📅 Schedule Your Free Call

Energy Industry Professionals

  • ExxonMobil, Shell, Halliburton, Schlumberger
  • Mid-size operators and service companies
  • Stock options, pension, and 401k expertise
  • Sugar Land and Houston metro area

Pre-Retirees (Ages 50–65)

  • 10 years or less from retirement
  • Need a clear retirement readiness assessment
  • Social Security timing decisions
  • Transition from accumulation to income

Current Retirees

  • Living on portfolio income
  • Need disciplined withdrawal strategy
  • RMD and tax planning
  • Legacy and estate coordination

Aggie Community

  • Texas A&M faculty and staff
  • Bryan / College Station families
  • Aggie alumni across Texas
  • State retirement system expertise

Business Owners

  • Succession planning
  • SEP-IRA, Solo 401k, SIMPLE IRA design
  • Business sale planning
  • Personal and business planning integrated

Not a Fit If…

  • Looking for day-trading or speculation
  • Under 40 with less than $100k to invest
  • Want to manage your own portfolio
  • Primarily need debt counseling only

Still not sure if you’re a fit?

That’s exactly what our free 20-minute call is for.

Our Team

The people behind your financial future

BT

D. Bryan Teel, CFP®

Co-Founder · Sugar Land

Nearly 3 decades helping Texas families plan for and enjoy retirement.

✦ SmartVestor Pro
MS

Mark Snelling

Co-Founder · Boerne / San Antonio

30+ years helping families in the Texas Hill Country retire with confidence and clarity.

MP

Melody Pearson

Senior Client Services · Sugar Land

16 years with Sweetwater. The heartbeat of our Sugar Land office. Mom of two, grandmother of three.

KV

Kristina Verduzco

Client Services Associate

Former Houston energy industry professional. Brings corporate precision and genuine warmth to every client interaction.

D. Bryan Teel, CFP®

Co-Founder · Sugar Land & College Station

BT
CFP® · Co-Founder · 29 Years Experience

D. Bryan Teel, CFP®

Co-Founder & Financial Advisor · Sugar Land & College Station, Texas

About three decades ago I made the transition into financial advising after watching too many people around me make costly mistakes — not because they were reckless, but because nobody had ever sat down with them and explained how things actually worked.

I grew up in Texas, built my career here, and built this firm here. My clients are mostly people a lot like me — energy industry professionals, business owners, university people, families in the suburbs of Houston who worked hard for what they have and don’t want to see it disappear in a bad market or a bad decision.

It wasn’t a complicated financial plan and investment strategy — it was someone they could trust to manage their money well and give them an honest picture of where they stood and where they were headed.

I’ve been doing this for about three decades. Many of my clients have been with me for a decade or more. That kind of continuity doesn’t happen by accident — it happens because people trust you, and trust is built one honest conversation at a time.

The relationships I’ve built here go deep — and I take that seriously.

Outside the office I’m a dedicated Aggie fan, a passionate bass fisherman, and the proud father of three kids who keep me humble.

Mark Snelling

Co-Founder · Boerne / San Antonio Area

MS
Co-Founder · 30+ Years Experience

Mark Snelling

Co-Founder & Financial Advisor · Boerne / San Antonio, Texas

I’ve spent more than 30 years in this business, and the part that’s never changed is the part I care about most: sitting across from real people, understanding what they’ve worked for, and helping them protect it.

I’m based in the Hill Country outside San Antonio — Boerne, to be specific — and I serve clients across the San Antonio metro and surrounding communities. This region has a different feel from Houston. Families here tend to be rooted, values-driven, and more interested in peace of mind than impressive returns on a quarterly statement.

The best compliment a client can give me is: “I stopped worrying about money after I started working with you.” That’s what I’m after.

I’m fiduciary, fee-based, and I sleep well knowing every recommendation I make is one I’d make for my own family. I’m not in the business of pushing products or chasing trends. I’m in the business of helping people get where they’re trying to go.

Living in the Hill Country keeps me grounded in what matters — family, community, and the long view.

Free Guides

Practical resources to help you make better decisions

📄 401(k) Rollover Guide

Leaving a job? Rolling over your 401(k) wrong can cost you thousands in taxes and penalties. This guide walks you through every decision — what to roll, where, and how to do it right.

Download Free Guide →

📄 Roth Conversion Guide

Is converting to a Roth IRA right for you? It depends on your tax situation, timeline, and goals. This guide explains the decision clearly — without the financial jargon.

Download Free Guide →

📄 Social Security Guide

When should you claim? The difference between claiming at 62 versus 70 can mean over $100,000 in lifetime benefits. This guide shows you how to think about the timing decision.

Download Free Guide →

📄 Your Retirement Number

Most people have no idea how much they actually need to retire. This guide walks through the math clearly — and helps you understand what variables really move the needle.

Download Free Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain-language answers to the questions we hear most

What does it mean to be a fiduciary?
A fiduciary is legally and ethically required to act in your best interest — not their own. Not all financial advisors are fiduciaries. Brokers and insurance agents, for example, are held to a lower “suitability” standard, which means they can recommend products that are suitable for you but not necessarily the best option. As fiduciaries, we are legally obligated to recommend what is best for you, period.
How do you charge for your services?
We charge a transparent annual percentage of assets under management. This is disclosed in writing before we begin and appears on every quarterly report. We do not earn commissions on investments. Bryan is a licensed insurance agent and may receive commissions for insurance products if recommended — this is always disclosed in advance and never influences our investment advice.
What is the minimum investment to work with Sweetwater?
We generally work with clients who have $250,000 or more in investable assets. We make exceptions for strong referrals and for younger clients who are clearly on a trajectory toward that level. If you’re not sure whether you qualify, just ask — the worst answer is “not yet.”
What is a Dave Ramsey SmartVestor Pro?
SmartVestor Pros are a select network of financial advisors who have agreed to operate according to Dave Ramsey’s principles and guidelines. SmartVestor Pros pay a fee to Ramsey Solutions for referrals — this is not passed on to clients. Participation in the SmartVestor program does not constitute an endorsement of Sweetwater Financial Advisors by Ramsey Solutions or Dave Ramsey personally.
Do you provide tax or legal advice?
We are financial advisors, not CPAs or attorneys. We don’t provide tax or legal advice. However, we work closely with estate attorneys and CPAs on behalf of our clients and are happy to coordinate with your existing professionals or refer you to trusted professionals in our network.
I’m an energy industry professional. Do you specialize in that?
Yes — this is one of our core client groups. We have worked with professionals from ExxonMobil, Shell, Schlumberger, Halliburton, and dozens of mid-size operators. We understand the nuances of energy industry benefits packages, stock options, pension plans, and retirement programs. If you have a 401k or pension with an energy company, we’ve almost certainly worked with it before.
How do I get started?
The first step is a free, no-obligation 20-minute phone call. We use that conversation to understand your situation, answer your questions, and determine whether we’d be a good fit. There’s no sales pressure and no commitment. Click the Schedule button at the top of this page to pick a time that works for you.

Let’s Talk

Three locations. One team.

The best way to start is a free 20-minute phone call. Tell us where you are and what you’re thinking about. We’ll tell you honestly whether we think we can help.

🏠 Sugar Land / Houston

D. Bryan Teel, CFP®

📍4655 Sweetwater Blvd, Suite 300
      Sugar Land, TX 77479

📞(281) 491-3333

📧bryan@sfacorp.com

🏠 Boerne / San Antonio

Mark Snelling

📍Boerne / San Antonio Area

📞(830) 331-5070

📧mark@sfacorp.com

🏠 College Station

D. Bryan Teel, CFP®

📍511 University Drive, Suite 210
      College Station, TX 77840

📞(979) 321-4400

📧bryan@sfacorp.com

Disclosures

Important information about Sweetwater Financial Advisors, LLC

Registration & Regulatory Status

Sweetwater Financial Advisors, LLC (CRD #118372 / SEC #801-62459) is a Registered Investment Adviser registered with the State of Texas through the Texas State Securities Board (TSSB). Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

You can verify our registration and access our Form ADV at the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website or through the Texas State Securities Board.

Fiduciary Duty

As a registered investment adviser, Sweetwater Financial Advisors, LLC acts as a fiduciary for its clients. We are legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest at all times. We will always place your interests ahead of our own.

Fee Disclosure

Sweetwater Financial Advisors, LLC charges fees based on a percentage of assets under management. All fees are disclosed in writing in our investment advisory agreement prior to engaging our services. A complete description of our fees is available in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request or at the SEC’s IAPD website.

Insurance Commission Disclosure

D. Bryan Teel is a licensed insurance agent. In his capacity as an insurance agent, he may receive commissions for the sale of insurance products. This arrangement will always be disclosed clearly and in advance. We only recommend insurance solutions we genuinely believe serve our clients’ best interests. This arrangement represents a small portion of our overall revenue and never influences the advice we give.

Dave Ramsey SmartVestor Pro Program

Sweetwater Financial Advisors, LLC participates in the Dave Ramsey SmartVestor Pro program. SmartVestor Pros pay a fee to Ramsey Solutions for client referrals. This fee is not passed on to clients. Participation in the SmartVestor program does not constitute an endorsement of Sweetwater Financial Advisors, LLC by Ramsey Solutions or Dave Ramsey personally.

Investment Risks

Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The value of investments and the income derived from them can go down as well as up. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

Not Legal or Tax Advice

The information and services provided by Sweetwater Financial Advisors, LLC are for financial planning and investment management purposes only. We do not provide legal or tax advice. For legal or tax matters please consult a qualified attorney or CPA.

Website Disclosure

The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or investment product. It should not be construed as personalized investment advice.

Privacy

Sweetwater Financial Advisors, LLC is committed to protecting the privacy of our clients and website visitors. We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. View our full Privacy Policy.

Privacy Policy

Notice of Privacy Policy — Sweetwater Financial Advisors, LLC

Last updated: June 2026

Sweetwater Financial Advisors, LLC is committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of our clients and website visitors. We want you to understand how we protect your privacy when we collect and use information about you, and the measures we take to safeguard that information.

Types of Nonpublic Personal Information We Collect

We collect nonpublic personal information about you that is provided to us by you, or obtained by us with your authorization. This includes:

  • Information you provide on applications and other forms (such as name, address, Social Security number, assets, and income)
  • Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates, or others (such as account balances, payment history, and account activity)
  • Information we receive from consumer reporting agencies

Information Collected Through Our Website

When you visit our website or use our scheduling tools, we may collect:

  • Contact information you voluntarily provide (name, email address, phone number) through contact forms or scheduling tools such as Calendly
  • Information about your use of our website including pages visited and time spent
  • Technical data such as your IP address, browser type, and device information

Information collected through our website is used solely to respond to your inquiry and improve our services. We do not sell, rent, or share this information with third parties for marketing purposes.

Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies — small text files placed on your device — to improve your browsing experience and understand how visitors use our site. We may use tools such as Google Analytics to collect aggregate information about website usage. This information is anonymous and does not identify individual visitors.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some functionality of our website.

Parties to Whom We Disclose Information

We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about our customers or former customers to anyone, except as permitted by law. We may share information with:

  • Companies that perform services on our behalf (such as custodians, technology providers, and compliance services) who are contractually bound to protect your information
  • Government agencies or regulators as required by law
  • Other parties with your consent

We will never sell your personal information.

Third-Party Service Providers

We use third-party tools to operate our business and website, including:

  • Calendly — for appointment scheduling. Information you enter into Calendly is subject to Calendly’s privacy policy.
  • Portfolio custodians — for holding and reporting on client assets
  • Google Analytics — for anonymous website usage data

We select service providers carefully and require them to maintain appropriate confidentiality standards.

Confidentiality and Security

We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to those employees and service providers who need to know that information in order to provide products or services to you. We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards that comply with applicable regulations to guard your nonpublic personal information.

Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

  • Request access to the personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Opt out of receiving marketing communications from us at any time
  • Request that we delete your personal information, subject to our legal and regulatory obligations to retain certain records

Client Notifications

We are required by law to annually provide a notice describing our privacy policy. In addition, we will inform you promptly if there are material changes to our policy. This notice applies to current and former clients of Sweetwater Financial Advisors, LLC.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

Sweetwater Financial Advisors, LLC

4655 Sweetwater Blvd, Suite 300, Sugar Land, TX 77479

(281) 491-3333  |  bryan@sfacorp.com  |  sfacorp.com

Sweetwater Financial Advisors, LLC is a state-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This privacy notice is provided in accordance with Regulation S-P under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

10 Questions to Ask Any Financial Advisor

Before you hire anyone, make sure you get honest answers to these

  1. 1

    Are you a fiduciary?

    A fiduciary is legally required to act in your best interest. Not all advisors are. If they hesitate or give a qualified answer, keep looking.

    Our answer: Yes. Always. In writing.
  2. 2

    How do you get paid?

    Understand every dollar they earn — management fees, commissions, referral fees. If they can’t explain it clearly, that’s a red flag.

    Our answer: Annual percentage of assets under management, disclosed in writing. Bryan may earn insurance commissions, always disclosed upfront.
  3. 3

    What are your credentials?

    CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) is the gold standard. Ask what it means and what it took to earn it.

    Our answer: Bryan Teel, CFP®. Mark Snelling brings 30+ years of experience.
  4. 4

    How often will we meet?

    Will you hear from them once a year at review time, or are they actively engaged with your situation throughout the year?

    Our answer: Annual reviews minimum. Available by phone anytime. We reach out proactively when markets move or your situation changes.
  5. 5

    Who holds my money?

    Your assets should be held by a third-party custodian — never directly by the advisor. This is how you protect against fraud.

    Our answer: Client assets are held by independent third-party custodians. We never take custody of client funds.
  6. 6

    Have you ever been disciplined?

    Check BrokerCheck at finra.org and the SEC’s IAPD. Any advisor should be transparent about their regulatory history.

    Our answer: You can verify our clean record at adviserinfo.sec.gov.
  7. 7

    What is your investment philosophy?

    Do they chase performance, or do they follow a disciplined, evidence-based approach? Make sure their philosophy matches yours.

    Our answer: Long-term, disciplined, diversified. We don’t chase trends or time the market.
  8. 8

    What happens if you retire or leave?

    Ask who would serve you if your advisor left the firm. You want continuity, not uncertainty.

    Our answer: Both Bryan and Mark are co-founders with long track records. The firm is built to outlast any one person.
  9. 9

    Can you provide references?

    A good advisor should be willing and able to connect you with current clients. Check Google reviews as well.

    Our answer: We’re happy to provide references. You can also read our Google reviews directly.
  10. 10

    What does the first year look like?

    What do the onboarding process, first meetings, and initial investment changes look like? Set expectations before you sign anything.

    Our answer: Start with a free 20-minute call → discovery meeting → proposal → onboarding → first quarterly review. No surprises.

Ready to ask us these questions?

What’s Your Retirement Number?

5 questions. 2 minutes. Your personalized estimate.

How old are you?
We’ll use this to estimate your retirement timeline
When do you plan to retire?
Or if already retired, when did you retire?
What is your approximate household income?
Current annual pre-tax income
How much have you saved so far?
All retirement accounts combined (401k, IRA, etc.)
What’s your investment style?
How do you feel about market ups and downs?
Your Estimated Retirement Number
$2.1M

This is an educational estimate, not financial advice. Your actual number depends on many variables. Talk to an advisor to get a personalized analysis.