Guiding Your Financial Journey

Why Choose Us?

No matter where you are on your financial path, Trailhead Financial is here to guide you forward with expert, independent, and fiduciary-driven advice. Like a trusted trailhead sign at the start of a journey, we provide the direction, insights, and support you need to navigate your financial future with confidence.

At Trailhead Financial, we are dedicated to providing:

  • Investment Expertise – Extensive industry experience and a deep understanding of financial markets.
  • Independence – Unbiased advice with your best interests in mind.
  • Integrity – A commitment to transparency and ethical decision-making.
  • Fiduciary Responsibility – Acting solely in your best interest to help you achieve financial success.

Our Services

We offer comprehensive financial planning and investment services tailored to your needs:

Retirement Plan Advisory Services

Helping businesses and organizations create and manage effective retirement plans for their employees.

Individual Retirement Planning

Personalized strategies to ensure you’re financially prepared for retirement, no matter your stage in life.

Investment Management

Customized investment solutions designed to align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Our Process

  1. No-cost initial consultation –
    Assessing your current financial situation and goals.
  2. Comprehensive analysis –
    Reviewing existing plans and investments for cost, quality, and suitability.
  3. Strategy development –
    Enhancing your portfolio, investment lineup, and overall financial plan.
  4. Ongoing review meetings –
    Regular assessments to ensure continued progress and success.

Meet Tom Alford, CFA®

Founder
Phone: 858-200-4853
Email: talford@trailheadfinancial.com

Tom Alford entered the financial industry as an independent financial advisor in 2009. After earning his Chartered Financial Analyst designation, he joined Pioneer Investments in 2014 as part of their DCIO retirement team. However, Tom’s true passion remained in working directly with clients, leading him back to his advisory role in 2016. He founded Trailhead Financial to offer independent, unbiased fiduciary guidance, helping retirement plan sponsors and individual clients achieve financial clarity and success.

Tom lives in San Diego with his wife, Emma, their two cats, Franklin and Willie, and they are excited to welcome a new addition to their family in 2025.

FINRA BrokerCheck: Check the background of investment professionals associated with this site on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.

Our Partner

As a client of Trailhead Financial, you benefit from our partnership with Independent Financial Partners (IFP). IFP provides us with a wide range of services, including in-house compliance, marketing, technology, and business operations solutions. This allows us to offer you personalized options for serving your individual needs and gives us access to IFP's nationwide network of financial, legal, and insurance experts.

Independent Financial Partners is a broker-dealer and registered investment advisor. Their independent platform empowers firms like ours to deliver better client experiences through freedom of choice and constantly evolving tools. At Trailhead Financial, we strive to provide you with the best possible financial planning solutions, supported by IFP's expertise and resources.

Have questions or ready to take the next step?

Fill out our contact form, and we’ll be in touch soon!