Who We Are

Since 1989, it has been my absolute joy and privilege to assist families, couples, and independent women in gaining confidence and taking control of their personal finances through collaborative financial planning. Throughout my journey, I've had the incredible opportunity to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and establish meaningful relationships. I firmly believe that financial planning is not just about numbers and charts; it's about understanding your unique story and crafting a roadmap that aligns with your aspirations.

After exploring different corners of the United States, I have finally found my slice of paradise in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Lake Tahoe. It's a place I've long held close to my heart, and I feel incredibly grateful to call it home. As I settled here, I brought with me a deep-rooted passion to make a positive impact on the lives of those I serve.

My journey into the world of finance began with a BA in Economics from UCSB, which provided me with a solid foundation for my career. Over the years, I've dedicated myself to continuous professional growth, earning the esteemed CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification in 1992 and Retirement Income Certified Professional™ designation in 2013. These achievements serve as a testament to my unwavering commitment to excellence in my field.

I like to say ‘I eat my own cooking’ because I use the same methods for financial planning and managing your money that I use for my own. So when we make plans together, you can feel as confident in my guidance as I do in handling my own finances.

^{*Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.}

When I'm not working alongside my clients, you'll find me cherishing moments with my loved ones, both human and furry. My sons have now grown up and moved out into the world to begin their own journeys, and I am so thankful I could help them along their way. With my husband of over 36 years, we are taking advantage of all that Tahoe has to offer with hiking, kayaking, skiing, and now a new favorite, pickleball.  With our new gourmet kitchen, I’m working on becoming a cook whose guests always want an invitation back. 

Hiking on our wedding anniversary above Lake Tahoe.	Our three sons with the quilts I made for each.

Tristan and Diane have signed a contingency agreement.  That means that if Diane skis into a tree and doesn't make it back, Tristan will take care of her clients.  He also will be able to take care of her clients as she starts traveling to her bucket list spots.  Both his experience and integrity have made him a great choice to be her backup advisor.

Tristan is the owner and lead Wealth Advisor at Ideal Financial Advisors. He recognizes that for many people, the process of financial planning can be overwhelming. His primary mission is to alleviate that confusion with a comprehensive and transparent approach that is uniquely tailored to each client’s specific needs. Tristan believes communication and trust are paramount – these principles are the cornerstone of his practice.  This approach was developed over more than a decade of working hand-in-hand with thousands of Financial Advisors and their clients — consulting on their most complex retirement, investment, and tax and planning issues.

In 2013 Tristan had the honor of donating bone marrow to an individual through the Be The Match/The National Marrow Donor Program. He continues his affiliation with The National Marrow Donor Program by sharing his experience with the goal of building the donor registry and finding matches for the 12,000+ people who currently require a blood stem cell or bone marrow transplant.

Tristan studied Economics at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. In addition to his bachelor’s degree, he has also obtained the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® and Certified Wealth Strategist® designations.  

When he’s not developing clear, effective solutions for his clients, Tristan spends time with his wife and two young children, coaching sports and cooking things his kids won’t eat.

Juliana has been a valued team member with Tristan Bolton since January 2018. She brought her know-how to the firm from her 25-year career in the healthcare industry as a consultant. Prior to her work in healthcare, she worked for the State of New Mexico for 10 years with her last position working as an analyst to the then Governor of New Mexico. Ideal Financial Advisors isn’t her first job in the investment arena, throughout college she worked with an investment advisor, which ignited her interest in the field.

She graduated from the University of New Mexico with an undergraduate degree in Economics and an MBA from Saint Mary’s College. Juliana really enjoys reading, yoga, classical music, and travelling – she’s been to 13 countries and counting.