Our Team

David Bethel is the founder of Financial Planners of Missouri. Working closely with clients, his mission is to bring value to their lives, whether that is helping them minimize taxes, make better decisions regarding their Social Security benefits, or obtaining a better risk-adjusted return on their investments. He enjoys building relationships with his clients, getting to know them on a personal level and guiding them toward their goals.

Prior to entering the financial services industry, David worked in the education field. He spent 15 years as a superintendent, principal, and mathematics teacher in multiple Missouri public schools, followed by 16 years as an Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and faculty member at Truman State University. Combining his passion for helping others with his knowledge of finance, he became a financial advisor and founded Financial Planners of Missouri more than a decade ago. His background in education helps him offer clients easy-to-understand advice regarding complex financial strategies.

An Investment Advisor Representative with Cambridge Investment Research, David holds FINRA Series 6, 63, and 65 securities registrations, as well as life, accident, and health insurance licenses in Missouri. He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Education from Truman State University, and his Doctor of Education from the University of Missouri. He is a member of the Emeritus Faculty at Truman State University, is a former Board Member of Ameritime, Inc., and a member of Social Investment Forum.

David is married with three children. An avid sports fan, he enjoys playing golf, and watching Mizzou football and basketball, and the St. Louis Cardinals. Active in his church, has recently served as a Moderator.

As a financial advisor in our office, Ashton participates in meetings and is involved in the implementation of various strategies for clients. She also manages a number of tasks including preparing financial plans, handling client requests, and organizing office activities. She enjoys playing a role in helping clients pursue their financial goals.

Ashton received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Truman State University. She holds life insurance licenses in Missouri, Illinois, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oregon, Indiana, Minnesota, and West Virginia; long-term care certification in Missouri; and FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities licenses. Ashton is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, and owner and partner of Financial Planners of Missouri.

Outside of the office, Ashton enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and working on creative story-based projects.

Lacey serves as our Operations Coordinator, which means she is involved with numerous tasks such as communicating with and assisting clients, preparing paperwork, and managing records.

Lacey received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with an Associates in Business Administration from Truman State University. Lacey married her husband, Nick, in October of 2021. She is originally from Edina, Missouri and now lives in Kirksville.

When she is away from the office, Lacey enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dog Sadie, crocheting, relaxing at the lake, and helping on her family farm.

Rose serves as our Relationship Coordinator, which means she is involved with numerous tasks such as scheduling appointments, building client relationships, and creating a calm and friendly environment for all.

Rose is currently working toward her Associates of Arts degree through Moberly Area Community College and plans to transfer to Truman State University with a goal of obtaining her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. In her free time, Rose enjoys spending time with her family and old fur baby, a border collie named Jackson. She particularly enjoys spending mother-daughter time with her little girl, Kala. Some of her favorite hobbies include solving puzzles and painting.