Our Team

John (J.R.) holds a degree in Economics from Williams College and has been a financial advisor since 1989.  Research papers he has written on a broad range of financial planning topics have been published in numerous peer-reviewed academic and professional journals. Papers he co-authored on retirement income sustainability won the 2008 and 2010 Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards and International Foundation for Retirement Education Best Paper awards, respectively. His co-authored paper, The Determinants of Nest Egg Sustainability, was a Finalist in the Journal of Financial Planning's 2016 Academic Research Competition and appeared in the May 2017 issue of that journal.

John is recognized as a thought leader for the financial planning industry, particularly on ethical and regulatory issues facing the profession. His commentary has appeared in in nearly every nationally syndicated news publication including the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, Barron's, U.S. News, Forbes, and many more. In 2019, he helped develop a front-page story in the Wall Street Journal that exposed how the CFP Board of Standards was promoting more than 6,000 CFPs with major regulatory disclosure events (including criminal conduct) while running a multi-million dollar advertising campaign telling consumers that its CFP members are thoroughly vetted and more trustworthy than non-CFP SEC-registered financial planners. John was twice been included on Investopedia's list of the top 100 most influential financial advisors in the U.S.

He is the creator of the firm's proprietary retirement spending and savings app, Nest Egg Guru.  The software was created to address some of the flaws in popular Monte Carlo simulation software.  It is designed to help engage and educate clients by stress-testing their retirement savings and spending strategies.

Most importantly, John holds dear the loyal, lasting relationships he develops with clients.  He adamantly believes that the clients' interests must come first and is constantly seeking new ways to add value to the families he serves.

See Also - John Robinson's Curriculum Vitae

Sue is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) with more than 20 years of financial planning experience.  Her platform experience includes American Express, TD Ameritrade, and Charles Schwab.  She also has experience with most of the popular financial and retirement planning software applications, including extensive experience with eMoney.

Sue's official title at Financial Planning Hawaii is "Client Happiness Consultant." Her job description includes assisting clients with eMoney and Schwab, contacting clients with maturing CDs and bonds, and reaching out for general financial wellness checkups.  She works full-time remotely from her home in Pennsylvania and coordinates her schedule to accommodate FPH clients across all U.S. time zones. Meetings can be conducted via phone, Zoom, or Facetime.

Sue joined Financial Planning Hawaii because of our adherence to a fiduciary standard and emphasis on comprehensive financial planning instead of investment product sales.  We believe clients will be impressed with her patience, friendly demeanor, and industry knowledge. 

Sawyer believes financial planning is about helping people build the life they envision for themselves and their families. After working in corporate financial analysis, he transitioned to financial planning because he wants to have a more direct impact on people's lives. He looks forward to partnering with clients to simplify complex financial decisions and create personalized strategies that help them pursue goals they may have once thought were out of reach.

With a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Oregon and a background in financial analysis and strategic planning, Sawyer brings an analytical mindset to every client relationship while keeping conversations approachable and focused on what matters most. He works with individuals and families seeking comprehensive strategies and is passionate about building long-term relationships founded on trust, education, and open communication.

Sawyer has successfully passed the CFP® exam and is currently completing the professional experience requirement to earn the CFP® certification.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Sawyer now calls Hawaii home with his wife, their toddler son, and two dogs. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, surfing, playing basketball, and spending time with his family. Although he misses snowboarding in the mountains, he appreciates the opportunity to enjoy Hawaii's outdoor lifestyle year-round.