- Last Updated: January 2026
Dean Tellone
President and CEO of Tellone Financial Services
Nearly 50 Years of Financial Excellence in Southern California
CFP® Certified Financial Planner
EA IRS Enrolled Agent
Series 2 Securities Licensed
50
Years Experience
$200M+
Mortgage Funds
1975
Founded
$132K+
Charitable Giving
Who is Dean Tellone?
Dean Tellone, also known as Dino Tellone, is the President and CEO of Tellone Financial Services, a company he founded in 1975 in Anaheim, California. With nearly 50 years of experience in financial planning, tax accounting, and mortgage advisory, Dean has built a trusted institution managing over $200 million in mortgage funds while providing independent, client-first financial advice to individuals and families throughout Southern California.
Dean Tellone is a proud Southern California native whose career in finance spans five decades of dedicated service to clients seeking expert guidance in navigating complex financial decisions. As a seasoned financial expert, entrepreneur, and thought leader, Dean has established himself as a trusted authority in the financial services industry, combining deep technical expertise with a genuine commitment to helping clients achieve their financial goals.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dean Tellone has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in financial planning. His approach centers on providing independent, unbiased advice that prioritizes client interests above all else. This philosophy has been the cornerstone of Tellone Financial Services since its founding and continues to guide every client interaction and business decision. Unlike large financial institutions where clients may feel like numbers, Tellone Financial Services maintains the personal touch that has defined its approach since 1975.
Beyond his role as a financial advisor, Dean Tellone is recognized as a thought leader who shares his expertise through multiple channels. He hosts the popular podcast “Mastering Finance with Dean Tellone,” where he discusses topics ranging from tax optimization to wealth management strategies. His insights reach audiences across major podcast platforms including Podbean, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify, extending the reach of his financial wisdom beyond his immediate client base to anyone seeking to improve their financial knowledge and decision-making.
Dean’s commitment to community extends through the Tellone Charitable Fund, which has donated over $132,800 to various charitable organizations supporting education, healthcare, and community development. Recipients include San Antonio de Padua del Canon Church, Catholic Charities of Orange County, Investor Choice Advocates Network, Shine 4 Good Inc, and numerous other organizations aligned with Dean’s values of faith, education, and community service.
He also sponsors three educational scholarships—the Dean Tellone Scholarship, the Dino Tellone Scholarship, and the Tellone Financial Services Scholarship—each providing $2,600 to deserving students pursuing higher education. These scholarships reflect Dean’s understanding of education’s role in creating opportunity and his desire to help remove financial barriers that might otherwise prevent talented students from pursuing their educational goals.
What is Dean Tellone Doing Today?
Last Updated: January 2026
As of January 2026, Dean Tellone continues to serve as President and CEO of Tellone Financial Services, providing expert financial planning, tax accounting, and mortgage advisory services. He hosts the “Mastering Finance with Dean Tellone” podcast, manages the Tellone Charitable Fund, and oversees three educational scholarships supporting students pursuing higher education.
Current Professional Activities
Dean Tellone remains actively engaged in leading Tellone Financial Services, where he oversees all aspects of the company’s operations including financial planning services, tax preparation and planning, mortgage lending, and investment advisory. His hands-on leadership approach ensures that the company’s commitment to client-first service remains at the forefront of every interaction.
- Leading Tellone Financial Services operations in Anaheim, California
- Providing personalized financial planning and tax services to clients
- Managing $200M+ mortgage fund portfolio with four decades of expertise
- Representing taxpayers before the IRS as an Enrolled Agent
Media & Philanthropy
The “Mastering Finance with Dean Tellone” podcast continues to release new episodes covering timely financial topics. Recent episodes have addressed capital gains and their impact on investments, essential financial terminology, and emerging trends in financial services. Dean’s charitable work through the Tellone Charitable Fund remains an active priority.
- Hosting "Mastering Finance" podcast with 15+ episodes released
- Managing Tellone Charitable Fund with $132,800+ donated
- Overseeing three $2,600 scholarships for deserving students
- Active on social media sharing financial insights and tips
What is Dean Tellone's Educational Background?
Dean Tellone’s formal education began at the University of Arizona, where he graduated in 1971 with a degree in Business Administration. The University of Arizona’s business program provided Dean with a strong foundation in financial principles, accounting, and business management that would prove essential throughout his career. His undergraduate education instilled the analytical skills and business acumen that later enabled him to build and lead a successful financial services company.
Following his undergraduate studies, Dean Tellone pursued advanced education at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA). The MBA program at Cal Poly Pomona deepened his understanding of advanced financial concepts, strategic management, and organizational leadership. This graduate-level education positioned Dean to take on increasingly complex financial challenges and eventually establish his own firm.
University of Arizona
Class of 1971
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, providing a strong foundation in financial principles, accounting, and business management that would prove essential throughout his career.
Cal Poly Pomona
Master of Business Administration, deepening understanding of advanced financial concepts, strategic management, and organizational leadership.
Continuing Education and Professional Development
Dean Tellone’s commitment to professional excellence is demonstrated through his pursuit of industry certifications. In 1985, he successfully passed the Series 2 Non-Member General Securities Exam, demonstrating his competency in securities regulations and investment products. This certification expanded his ability to serve clients with comprehensive financial guidance that includes investment considerations.
Perhaps most significantly, Dean Tellone completed the requirements to become an Enrolled Agent (EA) with the Internal Revenue Service. This prestigious designation authorizes him to represent taxpayers before the IRS in all matters including audits, collections, and appeals. The EA designation is the highest credential the IRS awards and demonstrates Dean’s mastery of tax law and his commitment to serving clients’ tax-related needs at the highest level. Throughout his career, Dean has maintained his commitment to ongoing professional development, ensuring his clients receive advice based on the latest developments in financial planning, tax strategy, and investment management.
What is Dean Tellone's Professional Experience?
Teledyne Corporate Offices
Century City, California | 12 Years
Upon graduating from the University of Arizona, Dean Tellone secured his first professional position at Teledyne Corporate Offices in Century City, California. He joined the company as a Financial Analyst, a role that allowed him to apply his academic training to real-world financial challenges. His analytical skills and work ethic quickly distinguished him among his peers.
After two years as a Financial Analyst, Dean transitioned to Teledyne's auditing department. This move broadened his understanding of corporate finance, internal controls, and financial reporting. The auditing experience provided invaluable insights into how organizations manage financial risk and maintain fiscal integrity—knowledge that would later inform his approach to client service.
Through dedication and demonstrated competence, Dean Tellone advanced through the corporate hierarchy at Teledyne. His career culminated in the position of Director of Finance and Administration, a senior leadership role that placed him in charge of six departments. This executive experience taught Dean how to manage teams, oversee complex operations, and make strategic decisions that impact organizational success.
Tellone Financial Services
Founded 1975 | Anaheim, California
After twelve years at Teledyne, Dean Tellone made the pivotal decision to pursue his entrepreneurial vision. In 1975, he founded Tellone Financial Services, establishing the company in a local commercial building in Anaheim, California. The decision to start his own firm reflected Dean's desire to provide personalized, client-focused financial services that prioritized individual needs over corporate interests.
The early years of Tellone Financial Services required Dean to apply all the skills he had developed at Teledyne while building a client base from the ground up. His reputation for integrity, expertise, and genuine concern for client outcomes helped the company grow steadily through word-of-mouth referrals and repeat business.
In 1986, Dean Tellone incorporated the company, officially establishing Tellone Financial Services, Inc. This milestone reflected the company's growth and Dean's commitment to building a lasting institution. By 1992, Tellone Financial Services had grown sufficiently to justify a significant real estate investment. Dean purchased an entire complex of buildings to house the company's operations—a facility that remains the company's headquarters to this day.
Throughout the company's growth, Dean Tellone has prioritized building a strong team. He recognized early in his entrepreneurial journey that employees can make or break a company. As a result, he has invested significant time and resources in recruiting, training, and retaining talented professionals. Some of his team members have been with Tellone Financial Services for over twenty-five years, a testament to the positive work environment Dean has cultivated.
What is Tellone Financial Services?
Tellone Financial Services stands as a testament to Dean Tellone’s vision of providing comprehensive, client-centered financial services. For nearly five decades, the company has served individuals and families throughout Southern California, helping them navigate complex financial decisions with confidence. The company’s longevity reflects its consistent delivery of value to clients across multiple generations.
The firm operates from its headquarters in Anaheim, California, where Dean Tellone and his team provide personalized attention to each client’s unique financial situation. Unlike large financial institutions where clients may feel like numbers, Tellone Financial Services maintains the personal touch that has defined its approach since 1975. The foundation of Tellone Financial Services is a commitment to independent, client-first advice. Dean Tellone built the company on the principle that financial advisors should serve their clients’ interests above all else.
Financial Planning
Comprehensive strategies for achieving your financial goals including cash flow analysis, goal setting, and actionable plans tailored to each client's circumstances.
Tax Accounting
Expert tax preparation and planning services. As an Enrolled Agent, Dean can represent taxpayers before the IRS in audits, collections, and appeals.
Mortgage Advisory
Over $200M in mortgage funds managed. Four decades of experience guiding clients through real estate financing complexities.
Estate Planning
Protect your legacy with guidance on wills, trusts, and estate planning instruments that minimize tax implications and honor your wishes.
Retirement Planning
Analyze current positions, project future needs, and develop strategies for comfortable retirement including Social Security optimization.
Private Lending
Alternative financing solutions for borrowers who need faster access to capital or may not qualify for conventional financing.
What Are Dean Tellone's Professional Credentials?
Certified Financial Planner
The Certified Financial Planner designation represents one of the most respected credentials in the financial planning industry. CFP professionals must meet rigorous education requirements, pass a comprehensive examination, and commit to ongoing continuing education. CFP professionals are held to a fiduciary standard, meaning they must act in their clients’ best interests at all times.
Enrolled Agent
Dean Tellone’s Enrolled Agent status represents the highest credential awarded by the Internal Revenue Service. Enrolled Agents are authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS in all matters, including audits, collections, and appeals. This designation requires demonstrating special competence in tax matters through either IRS experience or passing a rigorous three-part examination.
Enrolled Agent
Dean Tellone’s Enrolled Agent status represents the highest credential awarded by the Internal Revenue Service. Enrolled Agents are authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS in all matters, including audits, collections, and appeals. This designation requires demonstrating special competence in tax matters through either IRS experience or passing a rigorous three-part examination.
What These Credentials Mean for Clients
Dean Tellone’s combination of credentials—CFP, EA, and Series 2—positions him uniquely to serve clients’ comprehensive financial needs. Whether a client needs help with financial planning, tax strategy, IRS representation, or investment guidance, Dean has the credentials and expertise to provide informed, professional assistance. This combination of credentials is relatively rare in the financial services industry and reflects Dean’s commitment to comprehensive client service.
What is Dean Tellone's Expertise in Tax Planning?
Tax Planning Philosophy
Dean Tellone approaches tax planning as an integral component of comprehensive financial strategy. Rather than viewing tax preparation as an annual compliance exercise, he helps clients develop proactive tax strategies that minimize liabilities while ensuring full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Effective tax planning requires understanding each client’s complete financial picture, including income sources, investments, business activities, and long-term goals. Dean’s approach integrates tax considerations into broader financial planning, ensuring that decisions in one area support objectives in others.
IRS Representation
As an Enrolled Agent, Dean Tellone can represent clients before the IRS in various matters. If a client receives an audit notice, faces collection actions, or needs to negotiate with the IRS, Dean can serve as their authorized representative. This capability provides clients with professional advocacy during potentially stressful interactions with tax authorities.
Navigating Complex Tax Laws
Tax laws change frequently, and staying current requires ongoing attention and expertise. Dean Tellone’s commitment to continuing education ensures that his tax advice reflects the latest regulations and opportunities. Whether changes come from new legislation, IRS guidance, or court decisions, Dean helps clients understand how developments affect their situations.
What is Dean Tellone's Expertise in Mortgage Advisory?
Mortgage Industry Experience
Dean Tellone’s involvement in mortgage lending spans the entire history of Tellone Financial Services. For over four decades, the company has helped clients finance home purchases, refinance existing mortgages, and access equity in their properties. This extensive experience provides Dean with deep insight into mortgage markets, lending practices, and the factors that influence real estate financing. The company’s management of over $200 million in mortgage funds demonstrates the scale and sophistication of its mortgage operations. This substantial portfolio reflects the trust that borrowers and investors have placed in Tellone Financial Services over the years.
Real Estate Market Analysis
Understanding real estate markets is essential for making sound mortgage decisions. Dean Tellone helps clients analyze market conditions, property values, and economic factors that influence real estate investments. His decades of experience in Southern California real estate provide valuable perspective on market cycles and long-term trends.
Private Lending Services
In addition to traditional mortgage products, Tellone Financial Services offers private lending options. Private lending can provide solutions for borrowers who may not qualify for conventional financing or who need faster access to capital. Dean’s expertise helps clients evaluate whether private lending suits their situations and navigate the terms and conditions involved.
Client Guidance Approach
Dean Tellone’s approach to mortgage advisory emphasizes education and informed decision-making. Rather than simply processing loan applications, he helps clients understand their options, compare alternatives, and select financing that aligns with their broader financial goals. This consultative approach ensures that mortgage decisions support clients’ overall financial well-being.
What is the Tellone Charitable Fund?
Philanthropic Philosophy
Dean Tellone believes that financial success carries a responsibility to give back to the community. The Tellone Charitable Fund represents his commitment to supporting organizations that make meaningful differences in people’s lives. Through strategic charitable giving, Dean extends his impact beyond his professional practice to benefit causes aligned with his values.
Focus Areas
The Tellone Charitable Fund’s giving reflects several key focus areas. Religious and faith-based organizations receive support, reflecting Dean’s personal values. Educational institutions and scholarship programs demonstrate his commitment to helping young people access educational opportunities. Healthcare-related charities address medical needs in the community. Veterans’ organizations honor those who have served the nation.
Organization
Donation
San Antonio de Padua del Canon Church
$35,000
Catholic Charities of Orange County
$25,000
Investor Choice Advocates Network (ICAN)
$20,000
Shine 4 Good Inc
$13,950
Kamakani Komohana
$12,000
Junípero Serra High School
$6,500
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
$5,000
Wounded Warrior Project
$5,000
With Hope Foundation
$5,000
International Life Services
$1,000
Total Charitable Giving: $132,800+
What Scholarships Does Dean Tellone Offer?
Dean Tellone supports three educational scholarships, each offering $2,600 to deserving students: the Dean Tellone Scholarship, the Dino Tellone Scholarship, and the Tellone Financial Services Scholarship. These scholarships demonstrate his commitment to education and supporting the next generation of students pursuing higher education and career development.
Dean Tellone’s scholarship programs reflect his understanding of education’s role in creating opportunity. Having benefited from quality education at the University of Arizona and Cal Poly Pomona, Dean recognizes how educational access can transform lives and careers. Through these scholarships, he helps remove financial barriers that might otherwise prevent talented students from pursuing their educational goals.
Dean Tellone Scholarship
$2,600
deantellonescholarship.com
Dino Tellone
Scholarship
$2,600
dinotellonescholarship.com
Tellone Financial Scholarship
$2,600
tellonefinancialservicesscholarship.com
“Mastering Finance with Dean Tellone” is a podcast where Dean shares professional-grade financial insights covering tax optimization, wealth management, real estate trends, and strategic financial planning. Available on Podbean, Amazon Music, and major podcast platforms, each episode delivers the same caliber of financial wisdom that has guided clients for nearly 50 years.
The podcast addresses a wide range of financial topics relevant to individuals and families seeking to improve their financial well-being. Episodes have covered capital gains and their impact on investments, essential financial terminology and concepts, innovations and trends in financial services, retirement planning strategies, tax optimization techniques, wealth management approaches, and real estate market analysis.
What Are Dean Tellone's Personal Interests?
Dean Tellone’s scholarship programs reflect his understanding of education’s role in creating opportunity. Having benefited from quality education at the University of Arizona and Cal Poly Pomona, Dean recognizes how educational access can transform lives and careers. Through these scholarships, he helps remove financial barriers that might otherwise prevent talented students from pursuing their educational goals.
Fitness & Health
Dean Tellone's commitment to personal health and fitness is evident in his daily life. He built a gym inside his office building, creating convenient access to exercise facilities for himself and his employees. This investment reflects his belief that physical well-being supports professional effectiveness and overall quality of life. Running is Dean's favorite form of exercise. The discipline and endurance required for running parallel the qualities that have made him successful in business—persistence, consistency, and the ability to maintain focus over long periods.
Music
Music has been a lifelong passion for Dean Tellone. Earlier in his life, he played in a band, an experience that provided creative outlet and community connection. Recordings of his musical performances can be found online for those curious about this aspect of his life. To this day, Dean continues to sing and play piano. Music provides balance to the analytical demands of financial work, engaging different aspects of creativity and expression. This ongoing engagement with music reflects Dean's appreciation for well-rounded living.
Work-Life Balance
Dean Tellone’s attention to fitness and music illustrates his understanding of work-life balance. While his professional achievements are substantial, he recognizes that sustainable success requires attention to physical health and personal fulfillment. This balanced approach has contributed to his longevity in the financial services industry and his continued enthusiasm for his work.
Why Choose Dean Tellone for Financial Services?
Experience
With nearly 50 years in the financial services industry, Dean has navigated multiple economic cycles, tax law changes, and market conditions. This depth of experience provides perspective that newer advisors simply cannot match.
Credentials
Dean's combination of CFP designation, EA status, and Series 2 certification demonstrates comprehensive expertise across financial planning, tax matters, and investment considerations.
Independence
Tellone Financial Services operates independently, free from the conflicts of interest that can arise at large financial institutions. Recommendations are based solely on client interests.
Track Record
The company's longevity and the loyalty of long-term clients speak to consistent delivery of value over time. Some team members have been with the company for over 25 years.
Community Commitment
Dean's philanthropic work through the Tellone Charitable Fund and scholarship programs demonstrate values that extend beyond profit to genuine community investment.
Personal Touch
Unlike large financial institutions where clients may feel like numbers, Tellone Financial Services maintains the personal touch that has defined its approach since 1975.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dean Tellone
Who is Dean Tellone?
What is Dean Tellone known for?
Where is Dean Tellone located?
What services does Dean Tellone offer?
Is Dean Tellone a Certified Financial Planner?
How long has Dean Tellone been in business?
What is Tellone Financial Services?
How can I apply for a Dean Tellone scholarship?
What is Dean Tellone's podcast about?
How can I contact Dean Tellone?
Related Dean Tellone Websites
- DeanTellone.org
- DeanTellone.net
- DeanTelloneScholarship.com
- DinoTelloneScholarship.com
- TelloneFinancialServicesScholarship.com
Contact Dean Tellone
To contact Dean Tellone for consultations, workshops, or speaking engagements, visit his official website at deantellone.com or reach out through Tellone Financial Services in Anaheim, California. Follow Dean on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Instagram, YouTube, and Medium for expert financial tips, insights, and updates on his latest activities.
Dean Tellone welcomes inquiries from individuals seeking financial planning, tax services, or mortgage advisory assistance. Initial consultations provide an opportunity to discuss financial situations and explore how Tellone Financial Services might help achieve financial goals.