​Joe Downs, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional RFPS President and Principal

The son of an autoworker and raised in a blue collar, lower middle income family, Joe learned early on from his parents how to live frugally. Even with technology more readily accessible, he learned that financial literacy needs to be a priority for all – not just made available to the wealthy.
Joe Downs founded RFPS after serving as Vice President of Advisory Services for a credit union in Sarasota, Florida, and has more than 30 years in the financial services industry.  For quite some time, Joe observed an entire demographic whose financial planning needs were neglected or underserved.  He created RFPS to help Real People realize their economic potential.

Affiliations and Background:
  • President and Principal of Reality Financial Planning Services, LLC
  • Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards professional
  • Member of Financial Planning Association (served on Suncoast chapter Board of Directors)
  • ​Volunteer for Junior Achievement – Sarasota/Manatee
  • Since 1983 working in financial services
Reality Financial Planning 
Is a State of Florida Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) Fee-only Fiduciary
RFPS is a fee-only financial planning firm with no minimum asset or net worth requirements. Fee-only means commission and third party compensations are refused. 

​As registered investment advisory firm, and having taken an oath of fiduciary commitment as a requirement of being a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, Joe and his firm have always proudly complied with all fiduciary requirements.  Fiduciary mandates commit financial advisors providing guidance to clients give their advice in the "best interests" of the client, disclose how they are reasonably compensated, and provide appropriate disclosure and transparency about the products and compensation involved – including any potential conflicts of interest.

Our passion is providing independent, objective advice.
RFPS most commonly assists individuals, families and small businesses:​
  • Set clear financial goals
  • Manage your money
  • Measure your progress
  • Achieve financial planning success
  • Cash management
  • Investment selection and management (if requested)
  • Tax planning
  • Retirement planning
  • Estate planning


Real Solutions!
Email or call today. Let’s Get Acquainted
​ 941-366-5700
CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. 
​These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.