Alex Mathews is a financial advisor at Sanctuary Financial Planning, LLC in Charlotte, NC, holding a Series 65 designation with one year of industry experience. He previously served seven years in the United States Navy and currently serves as an O-3 Lieutenant in the United States Naval Reserve. Sanctuary Financial Planning advises individuals, trusts, estates, and charitable organizations, offering comprehensive wealth management and financial planning. The firm uses an evidence-based, long-term investment approach focused on diversified mutual funds and ETFs, provides discretionary portfolio management, and emphasizes educational, planning-centered client relationships.

Jim Charles, CFP®, CFA is the co-founder of Sanctuary Financial Planning, a flat-fee, fee-only firm specializing in retirement and major life transitions. He brings more than three decades experience in comprehensive financial planning, tax-efficient retirement income design, and evidence-based investment management. Jim is also the co-author of the best-selling book From Work to What’s Next – Designing a Life You Don’t Want to Retire From, a project rooted in his own “failed retirement.” After stepping away from work, Jim discovered firsthand that financial readiness and life readiness are two very different things. That experience inspired him to re-emerge with purpose and ultimately create Sanctuary — a firm dedicated to helping others design transitions that feel meaningful, not disorienting. At Sanctuary, clients receive ongoing financial planning, proactive tax strategy, and integrated wealth management — all for a single, transparent, flat fee. Our work focuses on: • Retirement income planning using dynamic, research-based withdrawal strategies • Tax-efficient portfolio management and multi-year tax planning • Social Security, Medicare, and transition decision support • Coordinated, ongoing financial planning across all areas of life and money Sanctuary’s model eliminates AUM fees, product sales, and asset minimums. Clients receive objective advice, continuous planning, and disciplined investment management designed to support a confident, purpose-filled transition into and through retirement — not just a financial plan, but a roadmap for what comes next.

Sarah Charles is a financial advisor at Sanctuary Financial Planning, LLC in Charlotte, NC, holding a Series 65 designation with 18 years of industry experience. She previously worked at FORVIS Wealth Advisors LLC and DHG Wealth Advisors, contributing nearly 12 years combined at the latter. Sanctuary Financial Planning, LLC serves individuals, trusts, estates, and charitable organizations with comprehensive wealth management and integrated financial planning, emphasizing evidence-based, long-term investment strategies and educational speaking engagements. The firm uses a flat annual fee structure and focuses on planning-centered client relationships.