About

Hi, I’m Alison.

I believe financial planning should feel practical, personal, and understandable—not intimidating.

I grew up on a farm in North Dakota, where I learned the value of hard work, resourcefulness, and planning for the seasons ahead. Those lessons still shape the way I approach financial planning today. I enjoy helping people work through real-life financial decisions—the kind that involve families, careers, businesses, taxes, retirement, real estate, and all the moving pieces that come with a full life.

Before becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, I spent years as a clinical pharmacist, where attention to detail, clear communication, and helping people understand complex information were part of my everyday work. That experience continues to influence how I serve clients: thoughtfully, methodically, and in plain English.

My path into financial planning began with my own search for objective financial advice. I was looking for straightforward guidance that wasn’t tied to managing my assets or selling a financial product, and I discovered that truly independent, advice-focused planning was difficult to find. That experience inspired me to create Action Financial Planning—a firm dedicated to providing fee-only financial planning and non-discretionary investment advice centered on each client’s goals, questions, and circumstances.

Money should feel clear—not complicated. A personalized financial plan can bring clarity to financial decisions and help you move forward with greater confidence, allowing you to focus more of your time and energy on what matters most.

I enjoy working with people from all walks of life, especially those whose financial situations don’t fit neatly into a traditional box. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, navigating a career transition, building wealth, or simply looking for an objective second opinion, my goal is to provide thoughtful guidance, practical recommendations, and a clear path forward—without pressure.

Outside the office, you’ll usually find me at CrossFit, hiking, biking, kayaking, or traveling with my husband and exploring new places. Living in Idaho reminds me every day why planning for the future matters: it gives us the opportunity to enjoy the life we’ve worked hard to build.

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Alison Chandler Tonks, CFP®

What I believe

Financial planning should feel clear, personal, and useful

Financial decisions rarely happen in isolation. I believe taxes, investments, retirement, insurance, estate planning, business interests, and real estate should be considered together, not one piece at a time.

Advice should be easy to understand

You should understand what is being recommended, why it matters, and what your options are. My goal is to make complex financial topics easier to understand so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Fees should be transparent

I charge flat planning fees based on the scope and complexity of the engagement. I do not receive commissions, product compensation, or asset-based advisory fees.

You should stay in control

I provide financial planning and non-discretionary investment advice. You retain custody of your assets and decide whether and how to implement any recommendation.

Credentials & background

Professional training with a practical perspective

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional — meeting CFP Board’s education, examination, experience, ethics, and continuing education requirements.
  • Fee-only fiduciary — compensated solely through client fees, not commissions or product sales.
  • Registered Investment Adviser with the State of Idaho (CRD #338203).
  • Healthcare background — former clinical pharmacist and Director of Pharmacy, applying the same attention to detail, analytical thinking, and clear communication to financial planning.
  • Real estate investor — personally invests in real estate, providing firsthand experience with rental property, business ownership, and integrating nontraditional assets into a comprehensive financial plan.
  • Independent advice model — client assets remain with the custodian of your choice, and all investment decisions remain under your control.

Let’s see if we’re a good fit

Choosing a financial planner is an important decision. Our introductory conversation is complimentary, with no obligation—just an opportunity to discuss your goals, ask questions, and determine whether Action Financial Planning is the right fit for your needs.

Book a Complimentary Discovery Call