G. Allen Financial is a client-centric, boutique financial advisory firm at its core. Our mission is simple— we help clients organize their financial life in a way that is intrinsically aligned with their values and purpose.
G. Allen Financial, Inc. was established in 1999 by Gary Allen Duck, a seasoned professional with a Ph.D. degree in Political Science from the University of Washington. After a successful career in information technology management in the heart of Los Angeles, Gary pursued his interest and self-taught expertise in financial markets by completing the PFP program at UCLA. This led him to start his own financial services business beginning with a handful of clients, mainly colleagues from his previous career. In 2005, Stephen joined the firm and together they expanded G. Allen Financial’s services to serve a wider range of clients, including high net worth individuals and families. Gary retired from the firm in 2016 and was succeeded by his son, Stephen Allen Duck.
Today, the firm remains committed to Gary’s founding principles of providing comprehensive financial planning and investment management services, and building lasting relationships with clients based on trust, transparency, and integrity. Stephen continues to lead the firm with a commitment to excellence and personalized service.
Stephen Duck is the President and Director of Wealth Management at G. Allen Financial, bringing a wealth of experience with 18 years in the financial services industry. As a Certified Financial Planner™, Stephen oversees investment policy, portfolio management, and financial planning activities.
Stephen earned his B.S. degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and his PFP from the University of California, Irvine. Stephen’s education in physical sciences provides him with a strong foundation in analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential in the financial planning industry. As a CFP® professional, Stephen has expertise of financial planning concepts such as investment planning, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning, and risk management. His background in physical sciences also allows him to approach financial planning with a unique perspective, utilizing data and analysis to make informed decisions. This combination of skills and education allows Stephen to provide clients with a holistic approach to financial planning that is both thorough and effective.
With an insatiable curiosity and an adventurous spirit, Stephen brings a forward-thinking, positive outlook to the firm. He is also an avid cyclist and trains at high-altitudes in the beautiful surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Santa Fe, NM. Stephen’s passion for life and dedication to high fiduciary standards make him a valuable asset to clients of G. Allen Financial.
Dora Guzmán serves as the Chief Strategy Officer at G. Allen Financial, where she brings her extensive experience in research and analysis to the firm. Before joining the firm in 2013, Dora had a productive academic research career, having earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of California, Irvine, and conducted postdoctoral research at Stanford University. In 2015, she was appointed Chief Compliance Officer, responsible for ensuring that the firm complies with all regulatory requirements and standards.
As Chief Strategy Officer, Dora has been instrumental in developing and implementing the firm’s strategic initiatives. Her expertise in evaluating data and objectively analyzing everyday investor behavior has been invaluable to the firm’s growth and success. With her discerning lens, she is able to distinguish “signal versus noise,” helping the firm make well-informed decisions that benefit their clients.
In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, Dora has studied glassblowing as an expressive art form. She is also an avid horsewoman and enjoys practicing the art of classical horsemanship. She and Stephen share a love of family time, camping, and traveling.