John Bush
CFP®, EA, MBA
Elevate Financial Planning
Hourly Financial Planner
John Bush
CFP®, EA, MBA
Elevate Financial Planning
Hourly Financial Planner
As a fee-only financial planner and a member of the Garrett Planning Network, I offer competent, accessible financial and tax planning to help you achieve your life goals. - John Bush, CFP®, EA, MBA
Providing accessible, competent, fee-only financial and tax planning, on an as-needed basis. Hourly, retainer, and project-based planning services are available, and encouraged. Serving the Greater Grands Rapids area, central Michigan, southeast Michigan, and beyond.

John Bush is a Grand Rapids, MI fee-only financial planner. Elevate Financial Planning provides comprehensive and objective financial planning and tax planning to help clients organize, grow and protect their assets through life’s transitions. Hourly, retainer, and project based pricing are available, and encouraged. As a fee-only, fiduciary, and independent financial advisor, John Bush is never paid a commission of any kind, and has a legal obligation to provide unbiased and trustworthy financial advice.
John Bush is a fee-only financial planner at Elevate Financial Planning located in Grand Rapids, MI.
My deep interest in personal finance became apparent during my undergraduate studies. Between studying for organic chemistry and physics exams, I relaxed by reading business and personal finance articles. After graduation, I spent a few years working in science research and development and then completed an MBA with a Finance concentration in order to formalize my business and finance knowledge. After a couple more years in research and development, I began to pursue my dream of becoming a financial planner.
My first position in the industry was as a tax preparer. This set the stage for pursing and obtaining the Enrolled Agent designation. As an Enrolled Agent, I take particular interest in reducing clients lifetime taxability through tax-efficient accumulation, withdraws, and timely Roth conversions. After the tax season concluded, I transitioned to a small fee-only firm, where I gained valuable experience providing excellent financial and tax planning services.
I am thrilled to be a fee-only, fiduciary financial planner, with the ability to work with anyone, regardless of income or assets. I take pride in providing competent, accessible financial and tax planning, and continuing to build and refine my knowledge, aptitudes, and skills.
I live in Rockford, Michigan with my wife, Bethany, and our two young children. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, time in nature, and all things basketball, including following the Detroit Piston’s long trip back to relevancy. I also enjoy volunteering and teaching middle school students at Rockford Resurrection Life Church (City Church Rockford).
John Bush is a Member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors

The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) is a leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors - highly trained professionals who are committed to working in the best interests of those they serve.
NAPFA members live by three important values:
- To be the beacon for independent, objective financial advice for individuals and families.
- To be the champion of financial services delivered in the public interest.
- To be the standard bearer for the emerging profession of financial planning.
Elevate Financial Planning, a member of Garrett Invstment Advisors and the Garrett Planning Network, is committed to providing accessible, competent, fee-only financial and tax planning, on an as-needed basis. Hourly, retainer, and project-based planning services are available, and encouraged. Contact Elevate Financial Planning today for a complimentary "Get Acquainted" meeting!
Fee-Only, Fiduciary, Independent: Three Important Criteria to Consider When Choosing a Financial Advisor.
Specialties
- Hourly Financial Planning
- Comprehensive and a la carte Financial Planning
- Tax Planning
- Retirement Income Planning
- College Education Planning
Ideal Clients
- Cerebral DIY Investors
- Engineers
- Growing Families
- Retirees and Near Retirees
- Sudden Money Situations
- Small Business Owners
Working Together
- In-Office Meetings
- Virtual Meetings
- Clearly Defined Fees (Hourly, Retainer, Project Based)
- No Product Sales
- Complimentary Initial Consultation
Professional Designations & Affiliations
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John Bush is a member of the Garrett Planning Network. Click here to learn more.
Everyone needs competent, objective financial advice from time to time. The Garrett Planning Network has a nationwide membership with hundreds of independent, Fee-Only financial planners providing advice to people from all walks of life, without minimum account requirements, sales commissions, or long-term commitments. Our members proudly embrace their fiduciary duty, always placing their clients' best interests first.
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John Bush is a NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisor
The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) is a leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors—highly trained professionals who are committed to working in the best interests of those they serve.
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John Bush is an Enrolled Agent with the IRS (Learn More)
An enrolled agent is a federally authorized tax practitioner empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Enrolled agent status is the highest credential awarded by the IRS.
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John Bush is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional - Click for Verification
CFP® professionals are held to strict ethical standards to ensure financial planning recommendations are in your best interest. What’s more, a CFP® professional must acquire several years of experience related to delivering financial planning services to clients and pass the comprehensive CFP® Certification Exam before they can use the CFP® designation.
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John Bush is Quoted on Fatherly: "12 Questions Everyone Should Be Able to Answer About Their Finances "
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John Bush is Quoted in Fatherly: "12 Things Everyone Must Do to Stay Financially Healthy Right Now"
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John Bush is Quoted on TheSimpleDollar.com: "Ask the Experts"
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John Bush is Quoted in Forbes: "Do This One Thing And You Will Be Living A Happy Retirement"
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John Bush is Quoted in Fatherly: "Super Saver Advice: 7 Smart Money Tips From Parents Who Save Big"
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John Bush is Quoted on Tie Breaker: "Athletes who have thrived financially beyond the game (and a few that have not)"
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John Bush is Quoted on Money Talks News: "7 Steps to Make the Most of an Inheritance"
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John Bush is Quoted on Kiplinger: "FIRE Savers Race to Retirement"
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John Bush is Featured in Forbes Hourly Planners Directory
Contact John Bush
Office Locations:
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2050 Celadon Dr NE
Unit A-12
Grand Rapids, MI 49525