PLANADVISER: Tell us about your role at your firm and your current responsibilities? How do you contribute to your firm/team’s growth and progress?
Dastoli: I have the privilege of serving as the financial wellness leader at Creative Planning, where I lead a passionate team of financial wellness consultants. Our team delivers holistic, participant-focused solutions that address a wide range of financial needs, both within and beyond retirement plans.
Driven by a “no participant left behind” philosophy, we’ve built a model that complements the strong services already offered by our retirement plan recordkeeping partners, while also identifying and addressing any gaps. Numerous industry studies underscore the growing demand from plan sponsors for comprehensive financial wellness support, and we’re committed to being a leader in meeting that need.
We view financial wellness as a core pillar of modern plan advisory work. Our mission is not only to support plan sponsors with their retirement plan needs, but also to engage directly with participants to improve their overall financial well-being. In doing so, we drive greater satisfaction and long-term growth—for both our clients and our firm.
PLANADVISER: How did you end up in the retirement advisory industry?
Dastoli: I love this question, because it speaks directly to who I am and what drives me. I’m the proud child of Italian immigrants who worked tirelessly to provide a better life for me and my two siblings. Thanks to their sacrifices and the value they placed on education, I was fortunate to be given opportunities that shaped both my character and my career path.
Growing up, I had two strong interests: computers and finance. I pursued both in college, earning degrees in computer information systems and finance. I even attended a university that allowed me to study for the Series 7 exam during my senior year, an experience that naturally led to earning my license and launching a career in the financial services industry.
I began in a call center, helping participants with a wide range of retirement plan needs. As I grew professionally, I saw firsthand how education and financial guidance could transform participants’ lives—and that realization fueled a deeper purpose.
Today, that passion continues to guide me. I wake up every day driven by the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s financial well-being, combining my passions for technology, finance and helping others into meaningful, purpose-led work.
PLANADVISER: For people who don’t understand this space; how would you describe your job to get someone excited about pursuing something similar?
Dastoli: Changing lives. That’s the core reason why someone should consider a career in financial wellness.
Every day, we meet people, often total strangers, who are searching for guidance. They’re not always comfortable turning to friends, family or even their employer when it comes to deeply personal matters like health issues, life transitions or financial struggles. They need someone who will listen, offer unbiased support and help them move forward with confidence.
There is nothing more rewarding than hearing a heartfelt “thank you” from someone whose life you’ve truly impacted. Whether it’s helping someone climb out of crushing debt, guiding them to retire on time (or even early) with peace of mind or simply giving them the clarity and confidence they didn’t think was possible, the impact is real and lasting.
If you have a passion for helping people, for truly changing lives, this industry offers one of the most direct and meaningful ways to do that. For me, this isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. It’s a lifestyle fueled by purpose. The gratitude we receive from those we help—that’s the greatest reward I could ever ask for.