Ron is an Associate Professor of Finance, and Director of the Personal Financial Planning Program, at Western Kentucky University. For his teaching excellence, he has received several awards, including the Gordon Ford College of Business Faculty Fellow Award (2023) and the Faculty Award for Teaching (2020). He teaches, or has taught, courses in Personal Finance, Applied Investments, Advanced Investments, Retirement Planning, Estate Planning, Money & Banking, Principles of Finance, Business Law I and II, Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Personal Financial Planning, and Financial Plan Development (capstone). Ron has been an investment adviser since 2001, and a Certified Financial Planner since 2005. He currently serves (as of mid-2023) approximately 20 clients (plus family members) and advises upon approximately $25 million of financial assets. Dr. Rhoades is the author of several books, as well as hundreds of articles and blog posts. His blog can be found at: https://ronrhoades.com/. Ron has spoken at numerous conferences of financial and investment advisers. Ron also serves as an estate planning and tax attorney (Member, The Florida Bar) for a select group of clients. Ron is also a nationally known expert on fiduciary law as applied to financial services. He is frequently quoted in national media. He has received awards for his advocacy in Washington, DC, including the "Tamar Frankel Fiduciary Award" from the Institute for the Fiduciary Standard (2020) and the "Fiduciary of the Year Award" from The Committee for the Fiduciary Standard (2011). Ron's fee-only, fiduciary investment advisory firm, Scholar Financial, is now accepting new clients. To learn more, please visit https://scholarfinancial.com.

I believe financial planning should feel personal, practical, and empowering, not overwhelming. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with a Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning, I combine deep academic knowledge with years of real-world advisory experience to help individuals and families make smart, confident financial decisions. On top of that, I value my relationship with my clients. Over the years, I’ve guided professionals, and families through life’s most important financial milestones, planning for retirement, funding education, managing investments, or navigating complex transitions. My approach is grounded in research, but always tailored to your unique goals and values. I take the time to listen, simplify the complex, and create strategies that bring both clarity and peace of mind. Beyond my advisory work, I serve as a professor of finance and associate dean at Winthrop University. Teaching and research keep me sharp, ensuring that the guidance I provide my clients is rooted not just in practice, but also in the latest financial insights. When I’m not working with clients or teaching, you can usually find me on the tennis court, traveling with my family, or enjoying time outdoors.

As both a CPA and CFP professional, I believe financial decisions shouldn't happen in separate conversations. As financial lives become more complex, the impact of taxes, investments, retirement planning, and major life decisions becomes increasingly interconnected. A coordinated strategy can make a meaningful difference over time. Based in Newport Beach, California, I work with individuals and families navigating increasingly complex financial lives. Whether you're building wealth, managing equity compensation, approaching retirement, running a business, planning for a major purchase, or experiencing another significant life transition, I help bring all the moving pieces together into one thoughtful financial strategy. My approach combines tax planning, financial planning, and investment management because each decision affects the others. Looking at only one piece of your financial life can lead to missed opportunities or unintended tax consequences. By coordinating these areas, my goal is to help clients make more informed decisions, reduce unnecessary taxes where possible, and build long-term financial confidence. As a fee-only advisor, I don't receive commissions or sell financial products. My recommendations are objective and designed around your goals, your values, and what makes the most sense for your unique situation. Before founding KCL Wealth Management, I advised high-net-worth individuals and families on tax planning at PwC. Today, I bring that experience into a more personal, collaborative relationship where clients understand not only what we're recommending, but why. My goal is for every client to leave meetings feeling more organized, more confident, and empowered to make smart financial decisions for years to come.

Financial planning is personal because life is personal. Whether you're building a business, preparing for retirement, navigating a career transition, or thinking about the legacy you'll leave, every important decision has financial implications. For more than two decades, I've helped business owners, executives, and successful families make those decisions with confidence through thoughtful planning, objective advice, and long-term relationships. I founded Vonera Wealth because I believe financial advice should be personal, objective, and built around relationships. As an independent advisor, and someone who has built businesses myself, I understand that financial decisions are rarely just about the numbers. They're about balancing opportunity with risk, taking care of the people who matter most, and creating more choices for the future. When we work together, you can expect straightforward conversations, practical guidance, and someone who takes the time to understand what matters to you before offering advice. Outside the office, I'm a husband, dad, entrepreneur, proud SMU graduate, and occasional golfer. I believe money isn't the goal, it's a tool that creates opportunities, provides peace of mind, and gives you the freedom to focus on what matters most.

Ryan Moak is a financial advisor with XYPN Sapphire, holding Series 63 and Series 65 designations. He has been with XYPN Sapphire and Quinncore Financial, LLC since 2026. Prior to entering the financial advisory field, Moak worked for Lloyds Banking Group for 13 years and was involved in home care and venture activities. XYPN Sapphire provides investment management and financial planning to individuals, trusts, estates, business entities, and retirement plans. The firm’s investment approach is long-term and risk-based, utilizing diversified portfolios and incorporating both discretionary and non-discretionary management, with a pilot program for digital-asset management.

Patrick Schulte is a financial advisor at XYPN Sapphire with a Series 65 credential and one year of industry experience. He previously worked at Wanderer Financial LLC for nine years and joined Rudder Financial a year ago. XYPN Sapphire provides investment management and financial planning services to individuals, trusts, estates, business entities, and retirement plans. The firm follows a long-term, risk-based investment approach informed by Modern Portfolio Theory and offers services including discretionary portfolio management, integrated financial planning, and a pilot digital-asset management program.

Jeffrey Baumgartner is a CFP® professional with one year of industry experience. He currently serves at XYPN Sapphire and J.B. Wealth Strategies, LLC. Prior to his advisory roles, he worked at First International Bank & Trust, Accredited Investors Wealth Management, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. XYPN Sapphire provides investment management and financial planning services to individuals, trusts, estates, business entities, and retirement plans. The firm follows a long-term, risk-based allocation strategy informed by Modern Portfolio Theory and supports nearly 50 affiliated advisors through a centralized corporate RIA model.

Matthew Nadell is a Series 65-licensed financial advisor with 16 years of industry experience. He is currently affiliated with XYPN Sapphire and Nadell Wealth, LLC and has prior experience at Avatar Securities, LLC and Great Point Capital, LLC. XYPN Sapphire provides investment management and financial planning services to individuals, trusts, estates, business entities, and retirement plans. The firm utilizes a long-term, risk-based allocation approach informed by Modern Portfolio Theory and supports a network of affiliated advisors through centralized back-office, compliance, and model portfolio services.

Brian Muller is a financial advisor at XYPN Sapphire with 29 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 63 designation and has previously worked at Edward Jones and Total Wealth Advisors, LLC. Outside of his advisory role, he serves as Executive Director of the Amie Muller Foundation, a nonprofit supporting families affected by pancreatic cancer. XYPN Sapphire provides investment management and financial planning services to individuals, trusts, estates, business entities, and retirement plans, with an emphasis on long-term, risk-based allocation using diversified portfolios. The firm supports affiliated advisors through centralized back-office and compliance services and offers unique programs in digital-asset management.

Marianne Poon is a CFA® charterholder with two years of experience in financial advising, currently affiliated with XYPN Sapphire. Prior to her current role, she worked at Onyx Financial, XYPN Invest, and Woodmont Financial Partners LLC. Outside of finance, she serves as Director of Music Education for iMusicMe and is self-employed as a piano technician specializing in tuning and repairs. XYPN Sapphire provides investment management and financial planning services to individuals, trusts, estates, business entities, and retirement plans. The firm employs a long-term, risk-based investment approach using diversified portfolios and offers both discretionary and non-discretionary management, as well as financial planning and sponsored TAMP services.

Deivanayak Balakrishnan is a CFP® and Series 66 registered advisor with four years of industry experience. He currently works at XYPN Sapphire and WBI Advisory LLC and has prior experience at Certified Insurance Corp, Certified Advisory Corp, Fortune Financial Services, and Siemens Energy Inc. Outside of his advisory roles, he is involved in insurance sales with Certified Insurance Corp. XYPN Sapphire provides investment management and financial planning services to individuals, trusts, estates, business entities, and retirement plans. The firm employs a long-term, risk-based investment approach utilizing diversified portfolios and offers both discretionary and non-discretionary management, with an emphasis on human oversight and digital asset management initiatives.

Joel Harvard IV is a financial advisor at XYPN Sapphire with a background in accounting and client management. He has previously worked at M. Jeffrey Martin CPA LLC, Harvard and Associates, CPA, and Ernst & Young. Although new to the financial advisory industry, he has experience overseeing client communication in a CPA firm setting. XYPN Sapphire provides investment management and financial planning services to individuals, trusts, estates, businesses, and retirement plans. The firm emphasizes a long-term, risk-based allocation strategy and offers tailored plans supported by a corporate RIA structure and innovative digital-asset management initiatives.

Alexa Ashi is a financial advisor with XYPN Sapphire, holding a Series 65 designation and one year of industry experience. She has worked with XYPN Invest and XY Planning Network since 2024 and has previous experience at Investment Advisory Services Group LLC and other firms. Outside of advising, she is involved with ASAP Support Services LLC. XYPN Sapphire provides investment management and financial planning services to individuals, trusts, estates, businesses, and retirement plans. The firm utilizes a long-term, risk-based investment approach based on Modern Portfolio Theory and supports affiliated advisors through centralized compliance and model portfolio services.

Moshe Green is a financial advisor with XYPN Sapphire in Jackson, NJ. He holds a Series 65 designation and has been a student since 2016. XYPN Sapphire provides investment management and financial planning services to individuals, trusts, estates, business entities, and retirement plans. The firm employs a long-term, risk-based investment approach using diversified portfolios and integrates adviser-tailored plans with oversight of AI tools and emerging digital-asset management programs.

John Jenkins is a CFP® professional with 27 years of industry experience. He currently serves as an advisor at XYPN Sapphire and Dove Valley Wealth Management, LLC. Previously, he worked at GWFS Equities, Inc. and Advised Assets Group, among others. In addition to his advisory roles, he provides part-time tax preparation services as a seasonal tax preparer. XYPN Sapphire provides investment management and financial planning to individuals, trusts, estates, business entities, and retirement plans. The firm employs a long-term, risk-based investment approach based on Modern Portfolio Theory, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management along with integrated financial planning and sponsored TAMP services.

Kimberly Bridges is a CFP®-designated financial advisor with four years of industry experience. She is currently with XYPN Sapphire, joining the firm in 2026 after prior roles at Bright Women Financial LLC, BOK Financial, Commerce Trust Company, Aspyre Wealth Partners, and Stoker Ostler. Kimberly is based in Buckeye, AZ. XYPN Sapphire provides investment management and financial planning to individuals, trusts, estates, business entities, and retirement plans. The firm employs a long-term, risk-based investment approach informed by Modern Portfolio Theory and offers both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management alongside integrated financial planning services.

Grant O’Bryan is a financial advisor at XYPN Sapphire with a Series 65 credential and one year of industry experience. Prior to joining XYPN Sapphire, he worked at Alchemy Wealth Management and has served as a commissioned Public Works Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve since 2017. His military role involves planning, resourcing training, and preparing educational materials. XYPN Sapphire provides investment management and financial planning services to individuals, trusts, estates, business entities, and retirement plans. The firm utilizes a long-term, risk-based investment approach grounded in Modern Portfolio Theory and offers discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management along with integrated financial planning.

Michael Finn is a CFP® and ChFC® with 12 years of industry experience. He is currently affiliated with XYPN Sapphire and has previously worked at One Charles Private Wealth, Journey Wealth Partners, Royal Alliance, LPL Financial, LLC, and Columbia Management Investment Distributors Inc. XYPN Sapphire provides investment management and financial planning services to individuals, trusts, estates, business entities, and retirement plans, employing a long-term, risk-based investment approach grounded in Modern Portfolio Theory. The firm supports nearly 50 affiliated advisors through a centralized corporate RIA model and offers specialized services including digital-asset management and model portfolios to other independent RIAs.

Mark Evers is a CFP® with 12 years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at XYPN Sapphire. He has held previous roles at firms including Elation Wealth, Imperium Wealth Management, and Strategic Financial Concepts. Evers is also a Clinical Assistant Professor and Financial Planning Program Director at the University of North Texas. XYPN Sapphire provides investment management and financial planning services to individuals, trusts, estates, business entities, and retirement plans, emphasizing a long-term, risk-based allocation approach. The firm operates as a corporate RIA with nearly 50 affiliated advisors and offers services such as discretionary portfolio management, financial planning, and a digital-asset management pilot.

Shana Bennett is a financial advisor with XYPN Sapphire holding a Series 66 credential and two years of industry experience. Her prior work includes roles at HighTower Securities LLC and the University of Southern Maine, as well as service in the U.S. Navy. XYPN Sapphire provides investment management and financial planning services to individuals, trusts, estates, business entities, and retirement plans. The firm uses a long-term, risk-based allocation strategy informed by Modern Portfolio Theory and offers both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management along with sponsored TAMP services.