About Us
Money should work for your life, not the other way around. We're here to help you find that balance. Financial planning isn't just about numbers and portfolios; it's about creating the freedom to focus on what truly matters to you. Whether that's spending time with family, growing your business, or pursuing the activities that bring you joy, our role is to organize and oversee your financial life so you can live it fully.
Our Company
Built on Experience,
Inspired by Innovation
Our team represents the perfect blend of expertise and fresh thinking. While we've cultivated trusted client relationships, Sparrow Financial marks an exciting new chapter that allows us to fully implement the ideas and approaches we've been developing throughout our careers. This is about building forward with the wisdom in financial services, combined with innovative strategies we're now free to explore.
What Makes Us Different
A Think Tank Approach
to Your Financial Life
We believe the best financial guidance comes from collective wisdom. Our team operates with a collaborative mentality, where each advisor's specialized knowledge strengthens every client relationship. When you work with one of us, you benefit from all of our expertise. This approach means your financial plan draws from diverse perspectives in tax planning, estate strategies, investment management, and behavioral guidance, creating solutions that no single advisor could develop alone.
Understanding You as a Whole Person
We're warm, caring individuals who genuinely believe that understanding who you are is just as important as understanding your financial situation. Your relationship with money is shaped by your experiences, your family, your dreams, and your concerns. We take the time to know your story because that's what allows us to provide guidance that truly fits your life. You're not an account number to us, you're a person with a unique situation who deserves our complete attention.
Partnership Built on Trust
When you choose to work with us, you're gaining partners who are committed to helping you and your family find contentment in your financial life. We strive to relieve your financial stress by providing the perspective you need during uncertain times and equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Our value lies in the guidance, organization, and oversight that frees you to enjoy the things you love most, knowing your financial foundation is solid and working toward your goals.
Meet Your Team
Our people are our greatest asset,
and we invest heavily in them
Jacque Flindall
Managing Partner, CFPⓇ, CKAⓇ
I began my investment career in 2004 with Johnston Financial Group, where I had the privilege of serving under a veteran advisor whose love for people, fun, and ethical approach showed me that being a good advisor was about relationships, not just numbers. This ideal became my guiding light, teaching me that financial planning is deeply personal work.
A few years later, joining CUE Financial Group, we found like-minded, kindred advisors and a wonderful work family. Succeeding my mentor in 2009, I became a Certified Financial Planner® professional, which opened my eyes to the power of the full planning process. I strengthened my comprehensive planning process, guiding clients to help find their financial balance, relieve some of their stress, and give them the freedom to enjoy the people and activities they love most.
Continuing my educational journey, I acquired my Kingdom Advisor Certification, which allows me to fulfill my passion for incorporating a client's heart values into their financial lives. This certification deepened my understanding of how money intersects with what matters most to people.
I am deeply motivated when clients report that I've helped relieve their stress and brought more joy to their lives. I find tremendous satisfaction in watching a client's plan take root and create the security and flexibility that will carry them through life with less financial worry. Seeing money work as a tool for my clients rather than a source of anxiety is incredibly exciting to me.
I'm a spirited University of Arizona alumna who shares a "house divided" with my husband, Andrew, a Sun Devil, daughter Michaela and son Kingston (still undecided). As an Arizona native, I love hiking our beautiful desert trails, spending time with my horses, cheering my kids on at soccer games, playing piano, and reading. But mostly, I enjoy loving our busy household of two kids, two cats, three dogs, two horses, and one very supportive husband.
Marli Smythe
Managing Partner
Rooted in the philosophy that I am a steward of stewards, I facilitate open conversation to help bridge generational gaps, fostering communication and shared vision. This empowers families and individuals to be receptive to education so they can make informed decisions that secure their legacy while encouraging the growth and independence of future generations.
My professional career has explored different facets of the financial sector, from corporate accounting to insurance underwriting, insurance sales, and mortgage lending. Eighteen years ago, I found my sweet spot and have since been building cherished client relationships, establishing myself as a trusted advisor. My clientele ranges from middle-class working professionals to high-net-worth retirees and their families. I've been particularly blessed to learn from strong mentors and to work with amazing clients with complex estate plans.
My inspiration for this work came early in life. My parents were hard workers but were continually challenged financially. I witnessed their struggles and inherently wanted to correct that path for myself and eventually, for others. That experience shaped my understanding of how deeply financial stress can impact families and my commitment to helping people find a different way forward.
What motivates me is successfully building individual relationships to earn the deep trust required to truly help clients identify and achieve their financial milestones while working through the personal challenges life presents along the way. The most exciting part is being able to continue this process from one generation to the next, watching intended legacy become reality.
I'm passionate about the fact that financial planning is as much about relationships as it is about asset management and tax efficiencies. I thrive on knowing more than just goals and risk tolerance. It's all about knowing and being empathetic to each person. Meeting clients where they are makes all the difference in managing expectations and applying perspective and context to achieve patience in market environments where clients become uneasy or over-eager.
I believe the best value comes from collective effort. By coordinating with my clients' tax and legal advisors, I help minimize complexity and contribute to their overall contentment.
Away from the office, I enjoy traveling, hiking, and reading. I'm a proud aunt and a doting dog mom. Don't hold it against me, but I can't count how many times I've watched the Harry Potter series. If I could live a double life, I would dive into estate law and trust administration, just for the fun of it.
Steven Cook
Managing Partner
I've been blessed to spend forty-five years in the financial industry, and my journey began with a simple introduction to a successful advisor who inspired me to pursue this path myself. That meeting changed the trajectory of my career and led me to discover my true calling in helping others with their financial lives.
Originally from Rockford, Illinois, I moved to Arizona as a child and have called this state home ever since. I attended Arizona State University, where I laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong career in financial services.
Throughout my four plus decades in this industry, I've had the privilege of advising clients on investments, retirement planning, distribution planning, and estate planning. But what I've come to appreciate most is that every client is unique, and their stories matter. Each person brings their own dreams, concerns, and circumstances to our relationship, and I've learned that truly understanding their individual narrative is essential to providing meaningful guidance.
What I enjoy most about my work is client interaction and building long-term relationships. There's something deeply satisfying about walking alongside families through different seasons of their lives, helping them navigate major decisions, and watching their financial plans unfold over the years. Some of my client relationships span decades, and I've had the honor of working with multiple generations within the same families.
When I'm not working with clients, I love spending time at our summer home in Pinetop, playing golf with my buddies, and most importantly, enjoying time with my five children and nine grandchildren. My wife Diane and I also love to travel together, exploring new places and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
I remain passionate about what I do because every day brings the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone's financial future. That never gets old.
Tiffany Lum
Managing Partner, CPA, CFP ®
I've been in the financial industry for 11 years, and my journey began with a simple love of numbers. My algebra teacher during my junior year of high school inspired me to pursue a career working with numbers. At the time, I had no idea what that would look like, but it eventually led me to accounting and finance.
I was raised in Kaneohe on the island of O'ahu and attended Kamehameha Schools for middle and high school, a private school committed to educating people of Native Hawaiian ancestry. After graduating, I went to the University of Hawaii, where I built the foundation for my career in finance.
I obtained my CPA in July 2005 and my CFP® certification in December 2016. These credentials allow me to serve as both a full-service investment advisor and financial planner while also preparing individual, small business, and trust taxes. I particularly enjoy helping the everyday client because every person has a different approach to money and how they value it, fear it, or respect it.
What keeps me motivated is that rules and regulations around taxes and financial accounts are always changing. I like that my clients see me as a resource to guide them through this ever-evolving financial landscape. What I enjoy most about my job is that my workdays are never the same. Some days, I'm interacting with clients all day. Other days, I'm analyzing data and creating spreadsheets. All of these activities are equally fascinating to me and fill me with energy to show up each day.
One of my greatest satisfactions is helping simplify complex financial and tax concepts. I like to equip clients with information so they feel empowered to make their own financial decisions rather than feeling overwhelmed or confused by the complexity.
I've lived in Arrowhead Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, for 23 years. It's been interesting to watch how the community has grown by leaps and bounds and is no longer considered the far West side. I'm now in the middle of a growing and thriving community, which has been exciting to witness.
I'm married and have two daughters who are currently in college. We travel annually to Korea, where my husband is from, and I also try to get back to Hawaii as often as possible. Those trips help me stay connected to my roots while creating new memories with my family.
*Tax services are provided independently of United Planners.
Maria Gandara
Administrative Assistant
I've been in the financial industry for 23 years as an administrative assistant, providing support to advisors by maintaining client files, processing service forms, scheduling appointments, and setting up new accounts. What excites me most about this business is that it's ever-changing, and I love finding ways to make things easier for both advisors and clients.
What originally inspired me to get into the financial industry was the realization that no matter where a person is financially, advisors help them build a financial path that fits their unique situation. There's something beautiful about meeting people exactly where they are and helping them move forward from there.
My absolute favorite part of the job is always the people. I love getting to know clients as individuals and learning what their lives are about. I enjoy hearing about their families, recent vacations, new jobs, and how they see the world. These conversations remind me daily that behind every account and every form is a real person with dreams, challenges, and stories worth knowing.
I'm a Phoenix native, born and raised here, and I've watched this city grow and transform over the years. I can relate to people about how things have changed and continue to change. Even though it's HOT here, I absolutely love Phoenix and can't imagine calling anywhere else home.
I have two adult sons, Gilbert and Joseph, my wonderful daughter-in-law Hilary, and six grandchildren: Daniel, Cole, Jonathan, Camdyn, Sirrieh, and America. They are awesome, beautiful humans who bring so much joy to my life.
When I'm not at work, I'm usually up for most anything fun. I'm a movie buff who loves to dance, work out, and eat good food at different places around town. I enjoy traveling with my children and grandkids and going to concerts. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and I try to embrace every opportunity for adventure and connection.
Jennifer Mathews
Administrative Assistant
Jennifer Mathews is the Administrative Assistant to Tiffany Lum. With over eight years of experience, Jennifer is known for her organization and dedication to great client service. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active and spending time on the pickleball court.
Our Process
We Strive for Excellence
as Much as You Do
Step 1: Get To Know You
We’ll begin by reviewing your financial documents, risk tolerance, and objectives.
Step 2: Plan For Contentment
Our team will present unique financial strategies designed to match your investor profile.
Step 3: Enjoy Life
Life changes? Market volatility? We’ll keep your financial objectives on track every step of the way.
Contact Us
Let’s Begin the Conversation!
If you are interested in beginning a partnership with us, submit this form to schedule an initial conversation. We look forward to building a prosperous relationship with you.