Meet the professionals who can help you

Pursue Your Goals

We help individuals and families pursue their ideal retirements.

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Meet The Team

The team behind Common Sense Retirement Planning is made up of qualified financial professionals who are passionate about helping individuals and families pursue their ideal retirements.

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Phillip Allen CEO
Investment Advisor Representative

Phillip Allen has been helping retirees make wise financial decisions for over 35 years. Phillip is an Investment Advisor Representative with Madison Avenue Securities. Phillip is an independent advisor who acts in the best interest of his clients. He is a Retirement Planner whose goals are to help retirees and pre-retirees with wealth management, preservation of assets, financial liquidity, tax-efficient strategies, creating a legacy, preparing for the unexpected costs associated with nursing home care, and to help ensure his clients do not outlive their retirement income.

Phillip was born near Shelby, NC. He moved to Greenville in 1979. From 1979 to 1983, Phillip attended Bob Jones University studying Business Administration. He has passed the Series 6, Series 26, Series 63 and Series 65 securities exams. Phillip is currently registered with FINRA and the SC Department of Insurance.

Phillip is co-host of "Common Sense Talk" on news radio WORD 98.9 FM weekly. He has also made appearances on local television stations WLOS and WYFF.

Phillip lives near Furman University with his wife, Terri, and they have four children and 10 grandchildren. Phillip and Terri are active members of Faith Life Church. As an avid hiker and backpacker, Phillip always has his dog, Nyla, alongside. He also enjoys hunting and riding his motorcycle.

Phillip is a supporter of Compassion International, a Christian charity dedicated to releasing children from poverty through compassion in Jesus' name. Phillip and Terri are currently sponsoring children around the world.

Phillip sees a growing problem with individuals outliving their retirement savings. Many live in quiet desperation due to poor planning. He gains great satisfaction when able to find financial solutions for these wonderful clients.

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Tony Dale CMO
Retirement Planner

Tony Dale has spent more than 20 years helping clients strategize for retirement and prepare wisely. His diverse background includes decades of experience in radio, television journalism and meteorology, and now, he delivers financial coaching that helps guide clients toward more confidence in retirement.

With the volatile conditions of the world, Tony and the Common Sense Retirement team focus on guaranteed income solutions, estate planning and Social Security strategies. Under his holistic philosophy, Tony views retirement as a chance to advance, not only financially, but also spiritually, intellectually and physically in a purposeful last great chapter in oneโ€™s life.

Tonyโ€™s insightful perspectives on economics and current events make him a popular figure on 98.9 WORD, where he and co-host Phillip Allen broadcast โ€œCommon Sense Talk.โ€ Tony is also a frequent fill-in talk show host on 98.9 WORD.

As well as writing songs, poetry and books, Tony is an avid reader and researcher. His understanding of the cycles of economics and history give him a keen insight on future trends.ย Tony forecasted the Dotcom and 2007-08 crashes well before they occurred, helping his clients and listeners take preventive positions.

Tony and his wife, Pernilla, live in Tryon with their two dogs. They attend Grace Foothills Church, where he serves on the Praise team and leads a small group. Living in horse country, they enjoy trail riding on their horses, Lucky and Chance.

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Janine Gieck Vice President

Janine Gieck has more than 25 years of experience in the Administrative Services field, including running her own business providing administrative support for many small Greenville businesses. She graduated from Bob Jones University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Office Administration.

Janine has been working with Phillip Allen since 2005. With more than 15 years of experience assisting clients at Phillip Allen, Inc., Janine has become proficient at navigating the often-difficult process of transferring assets. Her organization skills and wide range of experience have made her a welcome addition to the office. Janine was married in 1995 and has two grown children. She enjoys reading and relaxing with her family. She is a member and Nursery Ministry Supervisor at Emmanuel Bible Church in Mauldin, SC.

Advisory Group

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Wesley Palmer

Investment Advisor Representative

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Dan Zakes CFPยฎ

Investment Advisor Representative

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Mark Bonikowsky CFPยฎ

Investment Advisor Representative

Management Team

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Kelly Farmer

Office and Marketing Manager

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Becky Baugham

Operations and Transfer Manager

Marketing Team

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Carolyn Wassief

Client Care Specialist

Ronda Morgan-Paden

Marketing Assistant

Operations Team

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Joy Nunez

Client Relations Coordinator

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Melissa Shope

Client Relations Coordinator

Kay Barnes

Client Relations Coordinator

Ready to Take The Next Step?

For more information about any of our products and services, schedule a meeting today.

Or give us a call at 864.235.2790