Meet our team at Solutions First Financial Group.
An independent Scottsdale firm led by Joe Donti, a Series 65 Investment Adviser Representative, delivering Prep Better All-Weather Planning for retirees and pre-retirees across Arizona.
From contractor to retirement planner — built on durability and trust.
Joe began his professional career in the contracting business in the early 1980s, where he learned firsthand what it means to work hard, solve problems, and take care of people. In the late 1990s, he transitioned into the financial services industry and has spent more than two decades helping clients move from "hoping it works out" to having a clear, actionable plan for their future.
At Solutions First Financial Group, Joe and his wife, Patty, work together to deliver a truly client-focused experience. Their "Prep Better All-Weather Planning" approach is designed to help clients navigate growth potential, income, and protection in all kinds of market conditions — with an emphasis on clarity, education, and straight talk instead of jargon.
Joe holds life and health licenses in Arizona and California and has passed the Series 65 exam, serving as an investment adviser representative. Whether he's helping someone close to retirement or already retired, his goal is the same: to help them feel more confident, more prepared, and more in control of the next chapter.
Meet Amanda Johnson — your guide to a seamless client experience.
Amanda Johnson serves as Director of Client Relations at Solutions First Financial Group, where she is dedicated to delivering an exceptional client experience and helping individuals and families feel confident, informed, and supported throughout their financial journey.
With a background in client relations and operations support, Amanda focuses on scheduling, paperwork coordination, and day-to-day communication so clients feel welcomed and organized at every step. She does not provide investment, insurance, or financial advice.
Known for her warm, approachable nature and attention to detail, Amanda strives to make every interaction seamless, informative, and focused on each client's unique needs and goals.
Amanda believes that strong relationships are the foundation of financial success. She takes pride in helping clients feel comfortable asking questions, understanding their options, and navigating each stage of their financial journey with confidence.
A proud Arizona native, Amanda has spent many years coaching high school diving, an experience that reflects her passion for mentorship, personal growth, and helping others achieve their goals. Outside of work, Amanda can often be found exploring Arizona's trails with her dog, Cash, working on a pottery or painting project, or getting lost in a great book. She enjoys balancing creativity, adventure, and continuous learning in both her personal and professional life.
Amanda is proud to be part of the Solutions First Financial Group team and is passionate about helping clients build confidence in their financial future.
Solutions first, to help ensure your future isn't left to chance.
Solutions First Financial Group was built around a simple idea: your most important money decisions deserve more than guesswork. After starting his career in the contracting world in the 1980s, Joe Donti brought that roll-up-your-sleeves mindset into the financial services industry in the late 1990s.
Today, the firm focuses on helping pre-retirees and retirees move from "I hope this works" to having a clear, written plan for income, taxes, and protection — grounded in real conversations, not jargon.
A client-first experience at a pace that feels comfortable.
Joe and Patty are committed to a truly client-first experience: taking the time to listen, educate, and walk you through your options. No pressure, no rush, and no "one-size-fits-all" recommendations.
That means transparent conversations about risk, reasonable expectations about income, and ongoing follow-through as markets, tax laws, and your own life continue to evolve.
Prep Better All-Weather Planning.
"Prep Better All-Weather Planning" is a planning approach designed to help address more than just the perfect scenario. Joe starts with discovery — your income needs, tax picture, healthcare concerns, legacy goals, and what "enough" really looks like for you.
From there, he designs a strategy intended to help support reliable income*, manage downside risk, and look for smart tax efficiencies — so more of what you've saved is working for your family, not just for the IRS.
*"All-Weather Planning" is the name of our planning process and is not a guarantee of any particular outcome. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal, and no financial strategy can ensure a profit or protect against losses in a declining market. Insurance product guarantees are backed solely by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
About Joe & Solutions First
- Mon – Thu9:00a – 5:00p
- Friday9:00a – 2:00p
- Sat – SunBy appointment
All times MST · By appointment only
Speak with our team to schedule your private consultation.
A private, comfortable place to plan your next chapter.
Meetings are held in our Scottsdale office by appointment only, or by secure video for clients who prefer to meet remotely. Every conversation is private, unhurried, and focused on your plan.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
United States
- • No cost covered garage parking on the north side of the building.
- • Enter through the main lobby and take the elevator to the 3rd floor.
- • Follow signage to Suite N330 — check in at reception.
- • Please arrive 5 minutes early so we can start your appointment on time.
Advisory services offered through Joe Donti as an Investment Adviser Representative. Insurance products offered separately. No cost, no obligation for an initial strategy session.
Putting solutions first so your future isn't left to chance.
We help retirees and pre-retirees move from "I hope this works" to having a clear, written strategy for the next chapter. Real wealth is feeling prepared, flexible, and confident enough to enjoy the people and moments that matter most.
Book Your Strategy Session