Ian J. Gates is a paraplanner at Bastion Fiduciary: a fee-only Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) firm focused on value investing. Ian joined Bastion in late 2024 after completing his CFP® coursework via The American College of Financial Services, & holds his Series 65 securities license.

A former intelligence officer in the Army National Guard (2014-2022), he served on active duty with U.S. Africa Command (2017-2020). Ian also hosts the #BLUFFbooks show, where he interviews authors & experts to bring key insights from finance literature to the broader community (podcastics.com/podcast/bluffbooks)

Ian holds master’s degrees in Spanish (Villanova University) & Linguistics (Old Dominion), & has published articles in various finance industry forums, including NAPFA Magazine, Institute for the Fiduciary Standard, & GoVA. Dedicated to helping clients align their finances with their values for greater peace of mind, Ian lives in Beaumont, TX, with his wife, Kim—a Coast Guard officer—& their two kids.