Meet the professionals who can help you pursue your goals
We help individuals and families pursue their ideal retirements.
Meet The Team
The team behind Common Sense Retirement Planning is made up of qualified financial professionals who are passionate about helping individuals and families pursue their ideal retirements.
Phillip Allen
CEO
Investment Advisor Representative
Phillip Allen has been helping retirees make wise financial decisions for over 40 years. An independent advisor who acts in the best interest of his clients, he is a retirement planner whose goals are to help retirees and pre-retirees with wealth management, preservation of assets, financial liquidity, tax-efficient strategies, creating a legacy, preparing for the unexpected costs associated with nursing home care and to help ensure his clients do not outlive their retirement income.
With a growing number of individuals concerned with poor planning and outliving their retirement savings, Phillip finds satisfaction working alongside clients to find financial solutions tailored to their unique needs.
Phillip was born near Shelby, North Carolina. He moved to Greenville in 1979. From 1979 to 1983, Phillip attended Bob Jones University and studied business administration. He is an Investment Advisor Representative with Madison Avenue Securities and has passed the Series 6, 26, 63 and 65 securities exams. Phillip is currently registered with FINRA and the SC Department of Insurance.
Phillip is co-host of the weekly “Common Sense Talk” radio show on 98.9 WORD. He has also made appearances on local television stations WLOS and WYFF.
Phillip lives near North Greenville University with his wife, Terri, and they have four children and 15 grandchildren. Phillip and Terri are active members of Faith Life Church. As an avid hiker, Phillip always has his dogs, Mazy and Kimber, alongside. He also enjoys hunting and riding his motorcycle. Between adventures, Phillip enjoys helping his wife Terri on their farm, where they raise cows, chickens and rabbits, and keep bees.
Phillip is a supporter of Piedmont Women’s Center. This charity educates, equips and empowers anyone impacted by an unexpected pregnancy or previous child loss by providing a pathway of hope through Christ. He also supports Collins Family Ministries, an organization that embodies the love of Christ by providing compassion, stability and hope to those in need. Their goal is to help individuals flourish in Christ-centered homes. Additionally, Phillip supports the Christian Learning Centers of Greenville County, which provides biblical instruction to school-aged children.
Tony Dale
CMO
Retirement Planner
Tony Dale has spent more than 20 years helping clients strategize for retirement and prepare wisely. His diverse background includes decades of experience in radio, television journalism and meteorology, and now, he delivers financial coaching that helps guide clients toward more confidence in retirement.
With the volatile conditions of the world, Tony and the Common Sense Retirement team focus on guaranteed income solutions, estate planning and Social Security strategies. Under his holistic philosophy, Tony views retirement as a chance to advance, not only financially, but also spiritually, intellectually and physically in a purposeful last great chapter in one’s life.
Tony’s insightful perspectives on economics and current events make him a popular figure on 98.9 WORD, where he and co-host Phillip Allen broadcast “Common Sense Talk.” Tony is also a frequent fill-in talk show host on 98.9 WORD.
As well as writing songs, poetry and books, Tony is an avid reader and researcher. His understanding of the cycles of economics and history give him a keen insight on future trends. Tony forecasted the Dotcom and 2007-08 crashes well before they occurred, helping his clients and listeners take preventive positions.
Tony and his wife, Pernilla, live in Tryon with their two dogs. They attend Grace Foothills Church, where he serves on the Praise team and leads a small group. Living in horse country, they enjoy trail riding on their horses, Lucky and Chance.
Jay Brost Executive Vice President
With over two decades of experience in the financial services and retirement benefits industries, Jay Brost is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of retirement planning with confidence and clarity. As an Investment Advisor Representative with Madison Avenue Securities, a National Social Security Advisor, and a licensed Life and Health professional, Jay brings a wealth of expertise to every client he serves.
Jay’s career began in banking before he transitioned to the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs as a benefits specialist. This hands-on experience provided him with an insider’s understanding of how government programs like Social Security work—and where they often fall short. His insights into these systems are invaluable for clients seeking to maximize their benefits and secure a stable financial future.
Since moving into the private sector, Jay has spent over a decade honing his skills in financial services. He has consulted with numerous financial planning firms, coaching them on client experience, best practices, and efficient practice management. As a keynote speaker at dozens of retirement and financial services conferences, Jay has shared his expertise on leadership, marketing, and operational excellence with industry leaders nationwide.
Before joining Common Sense Retirement Planning, Jay served as an executive for seven years at one of the nation’s largest financial wholesale companies. In this role, he specialized in services tailored to retirees, working with partners and offices across nearly all 50 states to deliver exceptional retirement solutions.
Outside the office, Jay is a devoted family man. He and his wife, Lisa, are proud parents to four wonderful children and the owners of a spirited dog, Tallie, who keeps their household lively. Deeply committed to their church community, Jay and Lisa have a passion for mentoring and teaching youth, helping them grow into responsible, compassionate individuals who positively impact the world around them.
In their free time, you’ll find Jay and Lisa exploring the breathtaking state parks of the Upstate, sharing their love of the outdoors with their family. Whether hiking a new trail or enjoying the serenity of nature, they embrace the values of balance, family, and purpose—values that Jay brings to every aspect of his professional and personal life.
With Jay Brost as your guide, you can look forward to a retirement that’s not only financially secure but also filled with the peace of mind and freedom you deserve.
Janine Gieck Vice President of Finance
Janine Gieck has more than 25 years of experience in the Administrative Services field, including running her own business providing administrative support for many small Greenville businesses. She graduated from Bob Jones University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Office Administration.
Janine has been working with Phillip Allen since 2005. With more than 15 years of experience assisting clients at Phillip Allen, Inc., Janine has become proficient at navigating the often-difficult process of transferring assets. Her organization skills and wide range of experience have made her a welcome addition to the office. Janine was married in 1995 and has two grown children. She enjoys reading and relaxing with her family. She is a member and Nursery Ministry Supervisor at Emmanuel Bible Church in Mauldin, SC.
Advisory Group
Management Team
Kelly Farmer
Office and Marketing Manager
Becky Baugham
Operations and Transfer Manager
Marketing Team
Marci Allen
Marketing Coordinator
Ronda Morgan-Paden
Marketing Coordinator
Carolyn Wassief
Client Care Specialist
Operations Team
Joy Nunez
Client Relations Coordinator
Melissa Shope
Senior Client Experience Coordinator/Trainer
David Kuzmic
Client Relations Coordinator
Lezlie Williams
Client Relations Coordinator
Zachary Brost
Client Experience Coordinator
Ready to Take The Next Step?
For more information about any of our products and services, schedule a meeting today.