Meet Your Money Wise Retirement Planning Team
Our team is here to help you live your best life.
At Money Wise Retirement Planning, our mission is to help provide trusted guidance and planning advice so our clients can work toward their desired retirement dreams.
Our team accomplishes that mission through our core principles and beliefs:
Cristina Acosta, CFP®, ChFC® Founder, Investment Adviser Representative
Cristina is the owner of Money Wise Retirement Planning. She has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry as an Investment Adviser Representative and insurance professional and has attained the ChFC® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designations – the CFP® is one of the most widely recognized and respected designations among financial professionals. CFP® professionals commit to the CFP Board's ethical standards that require them to put their clients' interests first.
Born and raised in the Tempe area, Cristina graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in business. Her interest in finance has blossomed into a career of over 25 years. When she is away from the office, she spends time with her husband and two wonderful boys. They are outdoor enthusiasts and love exploring their beautiful state and volunteering in their community.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
National Social Security Advisor Certificate Program (NSSA) is a certification created by the National Social Security Association, a for-profit entity. The NSSA Certificate Program grants a Certificate to those who complete the one-day course and pass the proctored assessment. NSSA is independently accredited by The Institute in Credentialing Excellence (ICE). NSSA is not affiliated with, nor endorsed by, the Social Security Administration or any governmental agency.
Elizabeth Zarate Investment Adviser Representative
I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and graduated from the University of Phoenix with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. I worked over 20 years in the credit union industry with most of my career being spent in finance. What I found most satisfying while working in consumer lending was the gratification of helping others achieve their financial goals. My many years of customer service experience led me to Money Wise Retirement Planning as the new account specialist which then allowed me to obtain my series 65 license as an investment adviser representative. I enjoy meeting and working with our clients to help them plan for their financial future.
In my time away from the office, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family, reading, cooking, and watching my daughter play club volleyball.
Rebecca Angulo Client Service Specialist
I was born and raised in Tempe, Arizona, and graduated from Marcos de Niza High School. After attending Arizona State University, I began working in the customer service industry. This path led me to a 15-year career in restaurant management.
I love being part of the Money Wise Retirement Planning team and having the opportunity to help our clients and provide them with great service. One aspect I enjoy the most is getting to know our clients and their families. It is my privilege to be able to learn about each client and his or her unique story.
Outside of work, I enjoy bike riding, spending time outdoors and traveling in our beautiful state of Arizona. My husband and I love watching our two sons grow up and being able to help them learn and grow.
Strategic Relationships
As part of our commitment to offering comprehensive financial services, we have engaged with AE Wealth Management, an SEC Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm based in Topeka, Kansas. Founded in 2016, AE Wealth Management supports independent financial advisors like us with a dedicated team of more than 140 professionals specializing in operations, compliance, investment management and coaching.
AE Wealth Management manages over $50 billion in assets under management (AUM) as of May 2026. AE Wealth Management serves as a turnkey asset management platform, providing resources and support for delivering investment advisory services. By collaborating with AE Wealth, we are able to access a diverse range of products and services from industry professionals designed to help address the complexities of today’s financial landscape. This relationship enhances the strategies and guidance we can offer as we work together toward your financial goals.
Click to learn more about AE Wealth Management and how they help us support our clients.
AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM) is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) located in Topeka, Kansas. Registration does not denote any level of skill or qualification. Money Wise Retirement Planning is not an affiliate company of AE Wealth Management, LLC. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.
This information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. None of the information contained herein shall constitute an offer to sell or solicit any offer to buy a security or insurance product.