Rodney Cook, CFP®, CEPA®

Call Rodney at 503-292-5853
Email Rodney
Learn More About our Portland, OR Location

Q&A with Rodney

What do you find most enjoyable about your work?

The relationships. I’m honored to walk alongside clients as they make some of life’s most impactful decisions—when to retire, how to transition a business, or how to support family through a legacy. I get to be the steady hand in uncertain times, and that is both humbling and deeply fulfilling.

Can you share a client story that's stayed with you?

One of the most profound relationships I’ve had is with a client and her late husband. We began working together shortly after he received a terminal diagnosis. From the beginning, they placed their trust in us—not just to handle the finances, but to help ensure she’d be okay when he no longer could.

He passed away within the first year of us working together, and in that short time, he entrusted me with something deeply personal: his hope that we would take care of her when he no longer could. It’s a responsibility I took to heart.

After his passing, my client was understandably overwhelmed—grieving, scared, and unsure what the future held. We took everything one step at a time. Some meetings were more about listening than planning. I told her, “Call me whenever you need to. You’re not alone in this.” And she did. She still does.

She’s become more than a client—she’s family. And no matter what’s happening in my world, she’ll always be a priority. That relationship reminded me that what we do goes far beyond numbers—we’re in the business of showing up when people need us most.

How do you define your role as a fiduciary?

To me, being a fiduciary is both a legal responsibility and a deeply personal commitment. It means putting your best interests ahead of anything else—always. But beyond the technical definition, it’s about showing up when it matters most, especially during life’s most uncertain or challenging moments.

It’s about being the person you can call when you don’t know what to do next—financially or otherwise. Whether you’re facing the sale of a business, the loss of a spouse, or a major life transition, my job is to walk alongside you with clarity, empathy, and a steady hand.

Ultimately, I believe fiduciary responsibility is rooted in trust. It’s not just about managing money—it’s about helping you live the life you’ve worked so hard for, with someone in your corner who’s fully committed to your success and well-being.

What kind of community work do you do?

In Central Oregon, I served on the boards of Friends of the Children, the COCC Foundation, and the Governor’s Equity and Recovery Council. Since moving to Portland, I’ve stepped away from those roles to focus on my growing family, but I plan to re-engage through local nonprofits and coach youth sports as my kids grow.

Biography

Rodney Cook is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) with nearly 20 years of experience guiding individuals and families through life’s most meaningful financial transitions. From structuring sustainable retirement income to guiding business owners through the complexities of exiting their companies, Rodney approaches every conversation with clarity, warmth, and strategic foresight.

Before joining The H Group, Rodney spent time at JPMorgan Chase in Southern California, and was a Partner and Director of Financial Planning at a respected wealth management firm in Central Oregon. There, he led the firm’s planning initiatives and co-authored In the Know, a practical guide to unlocking hidden value in life insurance policies.

Now based in Portland, Rodney serves clients with a relationship-first, values-driven approach. He believes financial planning is about more than numbers—it’s about listening deeply, building long-term trust, and walking alongside clients through every chapter of life.

Education

B.A. in Business Administration, Linfield University
M.A. in Management & Organizational Leadership, Warner Pacific University

What Drives Me

“I believe retirement planning is about more than money—it’s about the life you want to live and the legacy you want to leave.”

Rodney’s mission is to simplify complex planning decisions and help clients feel confident, prepared, and genuinely cared for. He understands that stepping into retirement or transitioning out of a business brings more than financial questions—it brings emotion, identity shifts, and uncertainty. His role is to be both guide and partner through it all.

Family Life

Rodney lives in Portland with his partner Lauren, a dedicated and inspiring entrepreneur who runs a successful clinic in Lake Oswego. They’re a true team—juggling careers, parenting, and everything life throws at them with equal parts hustle, heart, and humor.

Together, they’re raising six-year-old Kalem, a kindhearted and curious adventurer, full of energy, curiosity, and big imagination. Whether he’s building elaborate Lego cities, or sprinting through the living room like it’s the Olympics, he keeps their household buzzing with life.

Rodney and Lauren are also preparing for the arrival of a baby girl this August—a new adventure they’re approaching with love, teamwork, and a touch of sleep-deprived optimism.

Rodney’s oldest son, Makaih, is pursuing a career in tech and AI-driven business innovation. Watching him grow into a thoughtful, purpose-driven young man is one of Rodney’s greatest joys (and yes, he still gets tech support from him now and then).

For Rodney, family is the foundation for everything. Their life together is rich in connection—anchored by evening dance parties in the kitchen, storytime snuggles, spontaneous hikes, and weekends filled with sports practices, road trips, and meaningful moments that remind him why he does what he does.

As he puts it:

“At the end of the day, I want my kids to know two things—that they are deeply loved, and that they can build a life filled with meaning. Everything I do—at home and in my work—flows from that.”

Fun Facts

Favorite places: Anywhere near the ocean or mountains
Hobbies: Scuba diving, hiking, live music, coaching youth sports and adventure sports
Best part of the job: It’s the moment a client finally exhales and feels it in their soul—”I’m going to be okay. I’m not alone.” That shift from fear to peace, from uncertainty to trust—that’s why I do this work.