About Us
About Us
Financial guidance for people from all walks of life, in every life stage from a trusted Pittsburgh fiduciary.
We understand that managing money can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling big life decisions or navigating a major transition.
Whether you’re preparing for retirement, trying to make smart choices with your investments, or wondering if you’re doing the right thing for your family, we’re here to help. We live by the Golden Rule and believe that respect for each other is paramount.
Our clients often come to us with questions like:
- Am I saving enough?
- Will it always be enough?
- Are my investments appropriate for my stage of life?
- What happens to my family or my money if something unexpected happens?
- What else should I be asking?
We believe you deserve clarity, confidence, and a financial partner who puts your interests first. That’s why we built this firm around trust, integrity, and service. We’re a Pittsburgh-based, fee-based wealth management team focused on long-term relationships, not quick wins.
Our approach is collaborative, our advice is personal, and our mission is rooted in helping you build a firm financial foundation for the future. You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for a financial partner you can trust and lean on.
Excellent, trustworthy service.
I have the utmost confidence in this firm.
Integrity, great support; solid performance.
- Feedback from FFFG Clients
Meet Your Financial Team
More about Dave
I have always thrived in environments where I can help others succeed. I began my career with a degree in Chemical Engineering, spending 11 years working in a chemical plant. During that time, I gained valuable experience working with a large company, utilizing my technical skills across various areas of the plant. More importantly, I had the opportunity to collaborate with plant operators, helping them achieve their production goals—a role that gave me a deep sense of fulfillment.
Now, as an independent financial advisor and co-owner of my firm, I bring that same problem-solving mindset and dedication to helping others achieve their goals. Clients value integrity, experience, and knowledge, and we earn their trust by walking alongside them through every stage of life, ensuring they make wise financial decisions while avoiding costly mistakes.
My role often shifts depending on my clients’ needs. At times, I feel like a specialized surgeon, guiding them through complex financial matters they may not fully understand. Other times, I take on the role of a coach, offering practical advice based on experience. And in some moments, I’m simply a trusted listener, as clients share the challenges they’re facing in life. Regardless of the situation, I find immense satisfaction in contributing to their success and financial well-being.
The decisions we make today in the financial planning process will have a lasting impact on the future. When life changes, having the right guidance at the right time is crucial. My analytical nature keeps me constantly engaged—staying up to date on legislation, tax laws, and financial products—so I can create tailored solutions rather than relying on one-size-fits-all strategies.
Many of my clients are savvy investors, but they seek our services for the peace of mind that comes with knowing their loved ones will be taken care of should something happen to them. I take pride in being that trusted advisor, providing clarity, confidence, and personalized guidance to help them secure their financial future.
At Firm Foundations, we’ve built a team where everyone shares the same mission: to exceed our clients’ expectations and help them achieve their financial goals. Each of us brings unique skills and experience to the table, creating a well-rounded team that is fully committed to putting our clients first—something that isn’t always the case in larger firms.
What excites me most is our team’s drive for continuous improvement. We embrace new technology, stay ahead of evolving regulations and tax laws, and refine our investment strategies to better serve our clients. As I challenge our team to strive for excellence, they do the same for me, making us all better in the process.
My partner, Scott, and I have structured our firm with a buy/sell agreement, ensuring that we operate as a unified team rather than separate entities. This means all our clients receive the same level of service and expertise – we are not operating in silos or with conflicting goals. If one of us is out of the office, the other is fully equipped to step in and assist, providing seamless continuity. Additionally, our staff is cross-trained in multiple areas, further strengthening our ability to deliver exceptional service.
Ultimately, everything we do comes back to one core principle—helping our clients succeed. That’s what makes working at Firm Foundations so meaningful to me.
Dave Simeone serves as a Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor at Firm Foundations Financial Group, LLC
Dave Simeone serves as a Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor at Firm Foundations Financial Group, LLC
Dave brings over 24 years of expertise as a Financial Advisor, with a deep commitment to helping clients achieve their financial goals. He is an Investment Advisor Representative of Creative Financial Designs, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser, headquartered in Kokomo, Indiana. Dave holds multiple professional credentials, including the Certified Retirement Counselor® (CRC®) certification conferred by the International Foundation for Retirement Education (InFRE). He also is a Registered Financial Consultant (RFC®) whose purpose is to provide a professional standard in helping clients attain financial independence and minimize risk. Dave is licensed in life, accident, health insurance and annuities.
Before co-founding Firm Foundations Financial Group in early 2024 with his partner, Scott Lucas, Dave spent 18 years as Executive Vice President at a Pittsburgh-based advisory firm, where he provided dedicated service and expertise. Prior to that, he worked at another financial planning and investment firm, gaining extensive industry experience.
Dave is committed to building lasting relationships by offering comprehensive financial and investment solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. His approach is centered on integrity and personalized service, ensuring that every financial strategy aligns with the client’s goals and aspirations. He takes the time to understand each client’s dreams, interests, and long-term objectives, considering both their current financial situation and the future impact on their loved ones. Through an interactive financial planning process, Dave ensures clients are actively engaged in developing innovative, customized solutions that best suit their circumstances.
Dave earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. Before moving into finance, he spent over 11 years as a process engineer in the chemical industry, where he built a strong analytical foundation. He now applies this expertise to financial planning and investment strategies, helping clients navigate complex financial decisions. His approach takes multiple factors into account, including the impact on investment portfolios, tax liabilities, and risk tolerance, ensuring well-rounded and tailored solutions.
Outside of his professional life, Dave enjoys spending quality time with his wife, two wonderful children, and their three finicky cats. His faith plays a central role in his life; he actively serves at his local church and is passionate about teaching and guiding others in their spiritual growth. His interests include history, airshows, board gaming and Pittsburgh sports.
More about Scott
Financial planning was a natural progression from my previous work in the insurance industry. It made sense to include it as a service for my clients. A better question to ask is why I continue as a financial planner. The answer is simple: I genuinely enjoy helping people. Financial planning can be overwhelming, with numerous variables to consider and clients often feel they may have missed something. Warren Buffet would often say that we’re never hit by the bus we’re looking at. My job is to watch for those buses. Through the planning and investment management we provide our clients we are able to empower them to make wise, educated decisions about their financial future all the while avoiding the many pitfalls along the way.
Then there’s the uncertainty of the future: Will I have enough? Will it always be enough? What do I need to do make sure I have enough? These are questions we answer for our clients every day, and it’s a journey, not a destination. Life happens, and things change. So too should a person’s financial plan. We don’t live in a static world, so we need to be able to respond wisely when life throws us a curve ball. This is the relational component we bring to the financial planning world: we walk side-by-side with our clients, always ready to offer wise counsel. I love the relational part of our business and is the main reason I continue to be a financial planner.
We’ve assembled a team that’s passionate about its mission and vision. Our mission is to relentlessly pursue excellence, continuously innovating to stay at the forefront of our industry. We achieve financial peace by building trust and faith through relationships, planning, and innovation. It’s an exciting combination.
What I love most about our team at Firm Foundations is the deep sense of responsibility we all share. We’re committed to our clients and each other. It’s important to us that people feel valued and that we take our responsibilities seriously. If someone needs help, there’s always someone willing to lend a hand. When it comes to client needs, we prioritize them above all else and feel responsible to both our clients and each other to get things done in a timely manner. This sense of responsibility stems from our understanding that we’re ultimately stewards of the people and relationships God has entrusted to us. This elevates everything we do. It’s not just a job; there’s meaning and purpose.
Scott Lucas serves as a Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor at Firm Foundations Financial Group, LLC
Scott Lucas serves as a Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor at Firm Foundations Financial Group, LLC
Scott brings 16 years of experience in the financial industry, providing personalized guidance to help clients achieve their financial goals. He is an Investment Advisor Representative of Creative Financial Designs, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser, based in Kokomo, Indiana. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Certified Kingdom Advisor®, Scott also holds licenses in life, accident, health insurance and annuities. He has extensive experience assisting clients with Medicare transitions and Social Security claiming strategies, helping them navigate these critical aspects of retirement planning with confidence.
Before co-founding Firm Foundations Financial Group, LLC with his business partner, David Simeone, in early 2024, Scott owned and operated Lucas Wealth and Insurance Planning. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President at a boutique advisory firm in the greater Pittsburgh area, where he led the firm’s wealth management division. Over the years, Scott has developed a passion for working closely with clients, crafting tailored financial plans that ease the complexities of retirement preparation. His thoughtful and approachable style has helped individuals and families plan, prepare, and transition smoothly into retirement.
Scott earned his Master of Education from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, in 2001 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA, graduating in 1995.
Scott met his wife, Shari, in 1992, and they have been inseparable ever since. Shari is an active presence at company events, where clients often have the chance to meet her. The couple has lived in the Greensburg, PA area for over 25 years. In their free time, they enjoy day trips to Presque Isle in Erie, PA, or Pymatuning Reservoir, and can often be found walking the scenic trails around their community. Their faith is the cornerstone of their relationship and serves as a guiding principle in both their personal lives and professional endeavors.
More about Ashley
What does working at FFFG mean to me?
Working at Firm Foundations Financial Group means being part of a team that not only provides expert financial services but also prioritizes integrity, trust, and faith-based values in everything we do. It’s about making a meaningful impact on our clients’ lives by understanding their unique needs, offering personalized solutions, and helping them achieve financial peace of mind. I take pride in being a part of a company that strives to exceed client expectations and build long-lasting, value-driven relationships. It’s a rewarding experience knowing that my work directly contributes to helping others succeed, both financially and personally, with a firm foundation of support.
Ashley Walsh, Payroll Services
Ashley Walsh, Payroll Services
Ashley serves as the Billing and Payroll Manager at Firm Foundations Financial Group, overseeing the firm’s billing, payroll, and related administrative financial operations. She works behind the scenes to help ensure internal processes are accurate, efficient, and well organized, supporting the day-to-day operations of the firm. Ashley’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence help provide a strong operational foundation that allows the team to remain focused on delivering exceptional service to clients.
Ashley is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. With a diverse professional background, she has worked in banking, life insurance, data analysis, and has extensive experience as a Financial Paraplanner.
Driven by a deep passion for serving others, Ashley has participated in several mission trips to El Salvador, where she founded a shoe ministry for underprivileged children. She also serves her local community by teaching Sunday school and volunteering with VBS at her church. When she’s not working or volunteering, Ashley enjoys gardening and spending quality time outdoors with her husband, Sean, and their two children, Sophia and Isaiah.
More about Andrea
What does working at FFFG mean to me?
Working at Firm Foundations Financial Group means being part of something bigger than just day-to-day tasks. In my role as Client Services Associate, I’m able to build relationships with clients and be someone they can trust and rely on. I love that I get to help people feel confident and supported in their financial journey, whether I’m answering questions, scheduling meetings, or making sure their paperwork is handled smoothly. I take pride in knowing that the work I do behind the scenes helps everything run seamlessly for our clients and the team. I also enjoy contributing to our marketing content—it’s a creative outlet that lets me showcase what makes our firm special. At the end of the day, working here means being part of a team that’s committed to excellence and genuinely cares about the people we serve.
Andrea Halfhill, Client Services Associate
Andrea Halfhill, Client Services Associate
Andrea is one of our Client Services Associates and serves as the primary point of contact for client needs and workflow management at Firm Foundations Financial Group. She is responsible for handling and resolving client inquiries, scheduling meetings, processing paperwork, and contributing to marketing content creation. Her keen attention to detail and ability to see tasks through to completion ensures the seamless back-office performance that defines top-tier financial firms. Andrea also attends client meetings with Scott and Dave to assist with record-keeping and facilitate smooth operational processing.
Andrea brings a wealth of professional experience from both the private and governmental sectors, where she has worked extensively with individuals and organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from PennWest California (formerly California University of Pennsylvania). With a strong background in the environmental field, Andrea has honed her skills in client assistance, customer service, technical writing, report preparation, environmental permitting, research, and fieldwork.
Outside of the office, Andrea is deeply passionate about God’s creation, with a strong love for animals and a commitment to caring for the environment. She volunteers with a local dog rescue, a cause close to her heart—so don’t hesitate to ask her about it! Andrea is also a certified Pennsylvania Master Naturalist and enjoys transforming her yard into a haven for wildlife. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband and their three rescue dogs.
More about Renee
What does working at FFFG mean to me?
Within just a few months of Dave and Scott founding Firm Foundations Financial Group, it became clear to me that the company’s values went far beyond what is typically seen in the financial industry. The firm’s unwavering commitment to excellence, its genuine relationships with clients, and its faith-centered approach created an environment that I was eager to contribute to. Since joining FFFG, my experience has been incredibly rewarding. I am deeply dedicated to supporting our clients while learning from a team that holds integrity and trust in the highest regard. As a Client Services Associate, I find great fulfillment in interacting with clients, collaborating behind the scenes with Dave on financial planning, and applying my creative perspective to enhance the business. Being part of a company that aligns so closely with my own values and continually challenges me to expand my knowledge in new ways each day is both motivating and inspiring.
Renee Simeone, Client Services Associate
Renee Simeone, Client Services Associate
Renee serves as a dedicated assistant to Dave and his growing list of clients, playing an integral role within the Firm Foundations Financial Group team. Her responsibilities include scheduling meetings, preparing for client review sessions with Dave, and maintaining clear, consistent communication with clients via phone and email. Renee’s organizational skills and client-focused approach contribute significantly to the seamless delivery of personalized financial services.
Bringing a unique creative perspective to the team, Renee’s background is deeply rooted in the visual and performing arts. She earned her BA in Dance Performance from La Roche University and spent the past seven years dancing professionally both across the U.S. and abroad. Her career highlights include touring Off-Broadway and teaching dance to students of all ages. Renee’s
passion for new challenges has led her to take on leadership roles where she gained experience organizing, overseeing, and developing community dance programs. In addition to her dance career, she recently founded her own art business, where she has nurtured her self-taught painting skills and creative expression.
Renee credits all her past and future successes to God’s work in her life. She has a heart for serving others and engaging with people from all walks of life. Whether mentoring and teaching students in Pittsburgh or sharing God’s love and light through dance in underserved communities abroad, Renee’s commitment to making a positive impact is unwavering.
Renee is honored to work alongside her father, Dave, and is excited to serve God and others as part of Firm Foundations Financial Group.
Shari Hohol, Medicare Liason
Shari Hohol, Medicare Liason
Empowering Futures Through Education and Healthcare Guidance
Shari is a valuable asset to our team at Firm Foundations bringing an interesting mix of education and healthcare knowledge to bear. She has been a school counselor for over 27 years and therefore has a unique perspective when working with clients. She has extensive knowledge in post-secondary education issues (FAFSA/student aid, scholarships, workforce planning/trade school options, etc.). Her passion for education, coupled with her growing expertise in financial and healthcare planning adds a welcome depth to our service deliverable.
Shari has been assisting people navigate the complexities of Medicare healthcare coverage for over 10 years, helping to ensure informed decisions tailored to client needs.
Her skills in planning and event organization enable her to create impactful, community-focused experiences. People will often see her at Medicare events where she is answering questions or signing people in.
With a commitment to compassionate client communications, Shari builds lasting relationships, offering personalized guidance with education and Medicare planning.
More Than Credentials: A Commitment to Excellence
Our team holds a number of respected designations that reflect both our professional qualifications and our values:
The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation is the foremost certification in the advisory profession.
CFP® professionals have met extensive training and experience requirements, and commit to CFP® Board’s ethical standards that require putting their clients’ interests first. Partnering with a CFP® professional gives consumers confidence today and a more secure tomorrow.
The Certified Kingdom Advisor® designation intertwines an advisor’s christian faith with their practice.
When you choose a CKA®, you are selecting someone who has demonstrated themselves to be a principled, competent, biblically wise financial professional who is passionate about providing biblically sound financial advice.
Registered Financial Consultant
The RFC® designation is awarded to financial professionals with at least three years of full-time financial planning or financial services experience who meet high standards of education, ethics, and professional service.
Certified Retirement Counselor®
CRC® certificants are an elite group of qualified retirement professionals. The CRC® designation enhances a professional’s understanding of retirement planning concepts and demonstrates a commitment to the retirement planning profession. It is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).