Brad Creger AAMS®, AIFA®, CAS®, CFS®, CLTC®, CPFA®
Financial Planning IS Personal
Bradford D. Creger is the Founder of BFF Financial, Inc. and serves as the firm’s Chief Economist and Lead Wealth Strategist. With a financial services career beginning in 1993, Brad has spent over three decades helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate complex financial landscapes with confidence, care, and clarity.
A recognized thought leader in the industry, Brad pioneered the now widely adopted “Springing Special Needs Trust Language” in 1998—one of the most important developments in trust law in 50 years. Today, he is once again leading innovation with a modern approach to 401(k) plan management that significantly reduces investment costs, fiduciary liability, and administrative burden for business owners.
A Career Defined by Independence and Integrity
Brad began his career with Cigna Financial Advisors, completing one of the industry’s most rigorous training programs—over 2,100 hours of crossdisciplinary classroom education in taxation, estate and business succession planning, insurance, investments, and retirement income strategies. His early success led him to serve VIP clients of national brokerages like PaineWebber, AG Edwards, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, and Prudential, as well as establishing planning relationships with regional banks and CPA firms.
When Cigna was acquired and rebranded as Sagemark Consulting, Brad faced increasing pressure to promote proprietary products. Believing that independence was essential to truly act in his clients’ best interest, he founded BFF Financial, Inc. in 2000. Since then, BFF Financial has remained an independent, client-first firm focused on comprehensive planning without the constraints of corporate sales quotas.
A Mission Forged by Family Experience
Brad’s passion for financial planning is rooted in a deeply personal experience. In the early 1980s, his father Bill—a successful investment manager—was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and forced to retire at just 51. Despite his financial expertise, Bill had not completed the necessary financial or estate planning. Brad’s mother Jan, an entrepreneur managing three Baskin-Robbins franchises, had to juggle her business and caregiving responsibilities without the safety net of proper insurance, business planning, or legal structures. Ultimately, Jan lost everything in her efforts to care for Bill.
This tragedy left a lasting impression on Brad. It showed him that small planning oversights—when ignored—can have devastating consequences, and that even trusted professionals may fall short when they fail to truly understand and care for their clients' full financial picture. That lesson has driven Brad to become more than just a financial advisor—he’s committed to being a comprehensive wealth strategist and a true partner in his clients’ lives. His dedication to thorough, holistic planning was soon put into action when he helped his brother Mike secure proper disability coverage. Just eight months later, Mike suffered a debilitating back injury. Thanks to Brad’s guidance, Mike has received a tax-free income from his disability policy since 1995 and will continue to do so until 2030—a powerful testament to the value of contingency planning done right.
Personal Life & Community Involvement
Brad lives in La Cañada, California, with his son Nicholas. Brad has a daughter, Alexandra, who is an accomplished equestrian competitor, while Nicholas enjoys golf and kart racing.
Brad stays active in his community and enjoys golf, live music, red wine, and attending Dodgers, Lakers, and Clippers games. He’s a proud UCLA alumnus and Delta Sigma Phi fraternity member, as well as a longtime supporter of the arts through the Pasadena Symphony & Pops and the Pasadena Playhouse. A committed volunteer, Brad is an adult leader in his son’s Boy Scout troop, a youth sports coach, and a longtime Tournament of Roses volunteer since 1995. He is also a past President of the Pasadena Bond Club and a former board member of the Friends of the Gamble House.
A Legacy of Leadership
Brad Creger’s professional journey—from personal tragedy to industry leadership—shapes everything he does at BFF Financial. Whether he’s advising high-net-worthfamilies, designing next-generation 401(k) plans, or mentoring young professionals, Brad brings a rare combination of empathy, expertise, and integrity to the table.
At BFF Financial, clients aren't treated like transactions—they're treated like family.
Credentials & Education
Brad is known for his relentless pursuit of knowledge and professional excellence. He has earned nine professional designations, including:
AAMS® – Accredited Asset Management Specialist
AIFA® – Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst™
CFS® – Certified Fund Specialist®
CLTC® – Certification in Long-Term Care
CPFA® – Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor
He earned his BA in Economics from UCLA, providing him with deep insight into macroeconomic forces and market behavior—insight that informs his client strategies to this day. Brad also completed the Personal Financial Planning Program at UC Irvine in 2006, further broadening his expertise.
While qualified to sit for the CFP® exam, Brad chose not to pursue the designation. He believed that its fiduciary framework—while well-intentioned—might limit the flexibility needed to deliver fully customized advice and access to a broad range of investment and insurance solutions for his clients. His AIFA® designation already affirms his fiduciary commitment, while allowing him to preserve planning freedom.
