Meet Our Coaches

Why The College Funding Coach?

Ronald Gestiehr is passionate about helping families make informed financial decisions during one of the most important and expensive seasons of life. In his work as a wealth advisor, he regularly sees hardworking families saving for college without fully understanding how those decisions may impact retirement planning, taxes, cash flow, debt management, and long-term financial security.

Too often, college planning is treated as a standalone issue rather than part of a family’s broader financial picture. Ronald believes families deserve a strategy that supports both their children’s future and their own financial well-being.

His professional experience directly supports this mission. Ronald works with individuals and families to navigate complex financial decisions in a practical and personal way. His work includes cash flow planning, savings strategies, tax-efficient planning, retirement readiness, risk management, and long-term wealth building. College funding sits at the intersection of all these areas.

Ronald’s goal is to help families think beyond simply “how to pay for college” and instead focus on how to fund education while protecting retirement, minimizing unnecessary debt, and maximizing financial opportunities.

On a personal level, Ronald cares deeply about education, family, and helping people avoid costly mistakes before they occur. He believes effective financial education should simplify complex ideas and provide clear, actionable next steps families can confidently implement.

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Area of Focus for Delivering LKS Workshops

Pittsburgh area, primarily the South Hills suburbs.

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A Little More About Ronald

Background

Ronald is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University Smeal College of Business, where he earned a degree in Finance with a minor in Economics. He began his career with Wells Fargo Financial, where he spent seven years building experience in financial services.

In 2010, Ronald chose to leave corporate America to better serve individuals, families, and businesses in a more personal and comprehensive way. He joined Luttner Financial Group, now known as Lifetime Financial Growth, where he continues to help clients build, protect, and manage their financial lives.

Professional Accomplishments

Five Star Wealth Manager for ten consecutive years
Top 100 in Finance Spring 2020 and 2023
Fortune Magazine Top 40 Under 40 Wealth Managers (2020)
Proud husband and father of three children

Education

Pennsylvania State University
Smeal College of Business
Bachelor’s Degree in Finance
Minor in Economics

Community Involvement

Active member of the Upper Saint Clair PTO and past treasurer for Boyce Middle School
Supporter of Holy Pursuit’s Dream Foundation
Member of the Association of Financial Educators
Member of NAIFA

When He’s Not Working

Ronald is a Pittsburgh native who lives with his wife and their three children. He enjoys spending time outdoors and with his family. The family owns a farm in Ohio, where he often spends time on the tractor, hiking, riding side-by-sides with the kids, fishing, or hunting.

FINRA BrokerCheck:
https://brokercheck.finra.org/individual/summary/5854032

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Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Guardian. Lifetime Financial Growth is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian.  Lifetime Financial Growth is not a registered investment advisor. AR Insurance License #7594447  California Insurance License # 0H91544

The College Funding Coach is not affiliated with Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS).