About Our Firm
The families we advise have spent decades building meaningful wealth. As they approach—or move through—retirement, their focus naturally shifts from accumulation to stewardship: preserving what they’ve built, generating reliable income, and ensuring their wealth supports the life they envision.
At this stage, the question is no longer simply “Do we have enough?”—but rather, “Are we making the most of what we’ve built?”
The families we advise are not looking for generic, algorithm-driven portfolios. They are seeking thoughtful counsel, disciplined strategy, and a trusted relationship that brings clarity and confidence to complex financial decisions.
That is the role we serve.
We specialize in retirement income and comprehensive wealth planning, integrating investment management, tax awareness, and legacy strategy into a cohesive plan. The result is a structured, intentional approach designed to support both lifestyle and long-term objectives.
For more than two decades, we are privileged to advise nearly 1,000 families across the country. Our approach is designed for families who value discretion, consistency, and a long-term partnership—families who want to enjoy their wealth with confidence while knowing it is being managed with care and precision.
Our Philosophy
At Petra Benefits, we believe wealth deserves more than management—it deserves stewardship.
We approach every relationship with the mindset of a teacher and a guide, bringing clarity to complexity and structure to important financial decisions. Our role is to simplify, to advise, and to ensure that each element of a family’s financial life is aligned with their broader vision.
Because ultimately, this work is not just about preserving wealth—it is about helping the families we advise live well, provide for those they care about, and move forward with confidence.
Our Perspective
We are often asked what draws us to this work.
The answer is rooted in experience.
Our firm’s perspective was shaped long before it was founded. Prior to entering the financial services industry, our founder, Stephen Foster, worked as an oil and gas trader—an environment focused on performance, but far removed from the impact financial decisions have on real families. During that time, he also witnessed the collapse of Enron from just across the street—an event that underscored the importance of transparency, discipline, and trust in financial stewardship.
At the same time, Stephen and his wife were earning well but lacked a coordinated financial plan. Like many successful professionals, they experienced firsthand how easy it is to accumulate wealth without a clear strategy to guide it.
Those experiences shaped the foundation of our firm—and continue to guide how we serve the families we advise today.
Who We Advise
We advise a select group of families who have built meaningful wealth and are approaching—or living in—retirement.
At this stage, the focus shifts from accumulation to stewardship—preserving what has been built, generating reliable income, and ensuring wealth is aligned with long-term goals and values.
The families we advise are typically:
- Within 5-10 years of retirement or already retired
- Managing significant investable assets
- Seeking coordinated guidance—not fragmented advice
- Looking for a long-term relationship built on trust and consistency
- Interested in simplifying complex financial decisions
We find the best relationships are with families who value thoughtful counsel and are ready to engage in a long-term planning relationship.
What Sets Us Apart
Most firms provide advice.
We provide coordination.
Most firms focus on investments.
We focus on outcomes.
Most firms react to change.
We plan for it.
Our role is to bring clarity, discipline, and structure to every financial decision—so the families we advise can move forward with confidence.
Stephen Foster, CPWA®
Investment Advisor Representative and Registered Principal
Thank you for visiting our site. I own this company and want to ensure you are well served. I'm an Investment Advisor Representative holding securities registrations, including Series 7, 63, and 65, as well as a Life and Health license. I am also a Registered Principal, Series 24. I aim to bring knowledge and experience in retirement cash flow planning. My most significant area of impact is with clients who are retired or nearing retirement. I am a Certified Private Wealth Advisor® professional, which uniquely qualifies me to work with high-net-worth families.
I've been married for over 30 years and a father to 4 wonderful children. I graduated from Texas A&M University (class of '93) with a degree in Agribusiness. I served 13 years in the Texas Army National Guard as a Field Artillery Officer. I'm a member of the Tomball Rotary Club.
Contact me directly at stephen@petrabenefits.com
Daniel Ayala, Jr.
Director of Operations and Supervision
Daniel oversees operations and service support for our clients. In this capacity, he works with our account custodians to establish new accounts, coordinate account transfers, and maintain current account records for the firm's clients. He also assists the advisors in the analysis and implementation of financial plans and investment strategies. As a Registered Assistant and Supervision Delegate, he holds his Series 7, 66, and 24 securities registrations.
Daniel graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in economics. Prior to joining Petra Benefits in 2015, Daniel was an intern and administrative assistant at Integrated Financial Planning Center in Austin, TX. Daniel's interests include spending time with family, and serving in young adult ministry, and watching college sports.
Matthew Zettel, CFP®
Investment Adviser Representative
Matthew provides investment and service support for our clients. In this capacity, he does analysis and implementation of financial plans and investment strategies. Matt is an Investment Advisor Representative with Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., he holds the Series 7 and 66 securities registrations.
Matthew graduated from Texas A&M University (Class of ’19) with a degree in Agribusiness, and a minor in Financial Planning. Prior to joining Petra Benefits, Matthew volunteered at Texas A&M’s Money Education Center, was Vice President of the Financial Planning Student Association, as well as a member of the Financial Planning Ambassador Program at Texas A&M. In his free time, Matthew enjoys spending time with his family, watching Astros baseball, and fishing at the coast.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Tyler Porter, CFP®
Investment Advisor Representative
Tyler Porter is a registered Investment Advisor Representative holding his FINRA Series 7, 63 and 65 licenses as well as Texas Life and Health. Tyler serves our clients with financial planning and investment advice.
Tyler is a graduate of Texas A&M University (class of ’09). Prior to becoming a financial advisor, Tyler was an engineer in the energy industry for over 10 years. He and his wife Mary have four children: Thomas, Luke, Rosie and Jacob. In his free time, he enjoys riding dirt bikes and playing music with his family.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Anita Kontilis
Client Service Assistant
Anita works with Daniel in assisting with client services. Anita supports our clients and advisors by working with our account custodians in establishing new accounts, coordinating account transfers, and keeping client’s account records current. As a Registered Assistant, Anita holds her FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses. Anita is a graduate of Vanderbilt University with degrees in Economics and Math. Prior to entering the financial services industry, Anita was a jr. high teacher and active parent volunteer. She and her husband, Jim, are the proud parents of four children: Karis, Nikolas, Lukas, and Thomas. In her free time, she enjoys trying out new recipes as well as planning game nights with family and friends.
Tabitha Thomas
Client Service Specialist
Tabitha supports our clients and advisors by working closely with our account custodians to set up new accounts, handle account transfers, and ensure clients’ account records are up to date.
Tabitha earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Houston Baptist University and a Master’s of Education in Reading from the University of Texas at Tyler. Before joining Petra Benefits, she spent 14 years as an elementary school teacher. Tabitha and her husband, Rob, are both very musical and creative. She enjoys quilting, trips to Hobby Lobby, anything related to Christmas, and spending time with friends and family.
