Susan M. Stiles is the founder of Stiles Financial Services, Inc., an independent financial consulting firm based in Edina, Minnesota. Since 1993, she has advised individuals, families, and businesses with a focus on customized portfolio management, long-term financial strategy, and holistic wealth advice. Susan holds the CFP®, ChFC®, AIF®, and CPFA® designations and incorporates behavioral finance principles into her work, helping clients make thoughtful financial decisions and remain focused on long-term outcomes.
In addition to its wealth advisory practice, Stiles Financial Services specializes in advisory services for retirement and pension plans, providing investment monitoring, fiduciary oversight, and participant financial education. The firm works closely with plan sponsors, acting as co-fiduciaries to help mitigate fiduciary risk and support prudent plan governance.
Over the years, Susan has been widely quoted in business and financial publications both locally and nationally and writes a monthly financial advice column, “AskSusan,” in City Lifestyle Magazine. In 2021 she was named a Top Woman in Finance by Finance & Commerce and is a multi-year Five Star Wealth Manager award recipient. Stiles Financial Services was recognized by Newsweek as a Top Financial Advisory Firm in the United States in 2025 and 2026, one of only 18 firms in Minnesota and among a select few receiving a full five-star rating. The firm celebrated its 25th anniversary in August 2025.
Susan began her career in the hospitality industry managing high-end restaurants, including several located within luxury hotels, after earning her undergraduate degree from the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. The principles of hospitality—service, attention to detail, and building lasting relationships—remain the foundation of the culture at Stiles Financial Services. She later earned her MBA from Cornell’s Johnson School of Business with a concentration in finance and accounting to facilitate her transition into the financial services industry.
Susan is committed to community service and has long been engaged with nonprofit organizations, frequently serving as a board member. A longtime member of Rotary International, she has held several leadership roles and has participated in international service projects in developing countries supporting at-risk communities. She is also a strong advocate for education, financial literacy, and mentoring young people to pursue their dreams.
Susan resides in Edina, Minnesota, with her husband Jeffrey and their two dogs, Lucy and Ricky. Together they share four adult children and four grandchildren. Besides family, Susan enjoys traveling, the arts, reading, and entertaining.
Credentials: Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®), Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®), Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®), Certified Financial Plan Advisor® (CPFA®), Master of Business Administration degree (MBA)
Insurance Licensure: Life and Health, Disability, and Long Term Care
Susan’s Monthly Column
Each month, Susan Stiles shares insights drawn from 25 years of helping individuals and families navigate life’s financial milestones. From everyday financial decisions to long-term planning, her column breaks down complex topics into straightforward guidance you can actually use.
Have a question of your own? Submit it to “Ask Susan!” and it may be featured in an upcoming column.
