Stuart Petty, CFP®
Founder, Desert Crest Financial
Stuart Petty didn’t just stumble into financial planning—he reverse-engineered his way into it. A lifelong numbers enthusiast, he started solving math puzzles in church as a kid (probably not the sermon’s intended purpose). His love for problem-solving led him to Utah State University, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. But while learning about force, motion, and thermodynamics, he found something even more fascinating—personal finance.
In 2015, his mother-in-law, a financial planner, asked if he knew anyone interested in joining the profession. Without hesitation, Stuart raised his hand. He quickly got licensed and began working alongside her, learning firsthand from a great mentor and communicator.
Over the years, he became the go-to person for building financial plans and optimizing client strategies.
In 2019, he earned his CFP® designation, and after his mother-in-law’s passing in 2022, he continued helping clients as a solo advisor. Now a member of Core Planning, Stuart is excited to bring his analytical skills and love for collaboration to a dynamic team. He primarily works with retirees, guiding them through retirement income planning, investments, tax strategies, and making sure every financial decision fits into the bigger picture. His goal? To help people simplify, optimize, and—most importantly—enjoy their money. A dedicated researcher at heart, Stuart loves diving deep into personal finance, investments, and tax strategies—always looking for new ways to improve outcomes and avoid pitfalls.
Beyond the Numbers
Stuart and his wife have three energetic kids who keep life busy in the best way. Weekends are for backyard hangouts with friends and family, fixing something around the house, and making the most of everyday moments. He also loves golfing with friends—especially the annual weeklong tournament that he and his buddies take way too seriously, despite being very mediocre golfers.
When he’s not working or spending time with family, Stuart is an NBA fanatic—not just watching games but analyzing trades, cap space, and front-office strategy like a true armchair GM. Unfortunately, at 5'6", his high school basketball career did not attract major college recruiters, forcing him to accept a front-office role in his own imagination. His guilty pleasures? New shoes, Hawaiian poke bowls, and a long fantasy novel.
Whether it’s a financial plan, a golf swing, or a home project, Stuart loves putting the pieces together to create something great.