Ashley Crane is a financial advisor at Savvy with 16 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 designations. Prior to joining Savvy in 2026, she spent over a decade at First Command in various advisory and planning roles. Savvy provides investment and financial planning services to individuals, trusts and estates, businesses, ERISA plan sponsors, and charitable organizations. The firm builds customized investment plans using a primarily index-based, long-term approach, supplemented by active equity portfolios and tax-aware direct indexing, and integrates third-party sub-advisers and fintech tools.

William Alexander is a financial advisor with CoreCap Advisors in Raleigh, NC, holding Series 65 and Series 66 licenses and having 11 years of industry experience. He has operated WG Alexander & Associates since 2005 and serves as president of the North Carolina Chapter of the National Academy of ElderLaw Attorneys. Alexander is also actively involved in several nonprofit organizations, including board roles with the Roanoke Island Historical Association and the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research. CoreCap Advisors serves individuals, self-directed retirement plans, and institutional clients, offering discretionary investment management, financial planning, and access to third-party sub-advisors. The firm’s relationship-oriented approach emphasizes long-term investment strategies using mutual funds, ETFs, equities, and bonds, with ongoing oversight of sub-advisors and tax-efficient asset management.

Kunal Patel is a financial advisor at Merit Financial Advisors with three years of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation and has worked at firms including Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, LPL Financial, and Fidelity Investments. Outside of advising, Patel has experience in insurance services and real estate rental. Merit Financial Group, LLC is an SEC-registered advisory firm managing approximately $10.6 billion and serving a diverse client base that includes individuals, businesses, retirement plan sponsors, and charitable organizations. The firm employs a long-term, diversified investment approach using model portfolios and customizable strategies, supported by a central investment team and oversight committee.

Blake Paro is a financial advisor at Advisory Services Network with 21 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at firms including Raymond James Financial Services and Olde Raleigh Financial Group. Paro is also employed as a private wealth manager at Paro Wealth Management in Raleigh, NC, where he focuses on financial planning and asset management. Advisory Services Network serves individuals, families, corporations, and charitable organizations through a network of approximately 208 independent Investment Adviser Representatives. The firm offers portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement-plan consulting using a range of investment strategies tailored to client objectives.

Martha Smith is a CFP® professional with 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. She has worked at Credit Union Investment Services since 2018 and also holds roles with SECU Brokerage Services, Members Trust Company, and State Employees' Credit Union. Outside of her advisory duties, she is an independent consultant for skincare and book sales. Credit Union Investment Services primarily serves North Carolina residents with non-discretionary portfolio management, asset allocation advice, and retirement planning, focusing on low-cost mutual funds and ETFs within a credit-union ecosystem.

Austin Winstead is a financial advisor with Credit Union Investment Services, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and four years of industry experience. He has worked with State Employees' Credit Union since 2018 and is also affiliated with SECU Life Insurance Company and SECU Brokerage Services. Credit Union Investment Services serves individual investors and trust clients in North Carolina, providing non-discretionary portfolio management, retirement and financial planning, and a wrap-fee program. The firm emphasizes low-cost, index-based mutual funds and ETFs, fixed-income products, and a goals-based, long-term planning approach.

Eric Zoldan is a CFP® professional with 28 years of industry experience, currently serving at A.G.P. / Alliance Global Partners since 2019. Prior to that, he worked at Calton & Associates, Inc. from 2015 to 2019. He operates E Zoldan LLC, an investment-related entity established in 2006 for his 1099 tax status. A.G.P. / Alliance Global Partners provides advisory and brokerage services to individuals, trusts, corporations, and other entities, offering portfolio management, financial planning, retirement-plan consulting, and capital markets services. The firm is known for its emphasis on international investing and active brokerage and product-distribution activities alongside traditional advisory services.

Mitchell Weiman is a financial advisor at Belpointe Asset Management LLC with 11 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and has been with Belpointe since 2015, concurrently working with Sumner Financial Advisors, Inc. since 2014. Belpointe Asset Management serves a diverse client base including individual investors, retirement plans, corporations, and other registered advisers. The firm offers discretionary investment management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting, utilizing customized portfolios and a variety of investment strategies tailored to client objectives and risk tolerance.

Erich Spoonhour is a financial advisor at Trajan Wealth, L.L.C. with 21 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Wells Fargo Advisors, and Elements Consulting. Outside of his advisory role, he is also licensed as an insurance agent and occasionally offers insurance products to clients. Trajan Wealth serves individual and high-net-worth clients as well as foundations, endowments, and institutional investors. The firm provides discretionary portfolio management, financial planning, and access to alternative investments, with an investment approach tailored to client objectives and documented through investment policy statements.

Joseph Jackson is a financial advisor with Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 32 years of industry experience. He has worked at Capital Investment Advisory Services since 2022 and has prior experience at Capital Investment Group, Inc. and Cape Fear Securities, Inc. Outside of his advisory roles, Jackson is a co-owner of a local car wash business in Fayetteville, NC. Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC provides investment advisory and supervisory services to individuals, retirement plans, corporations, trusts, estates, and charitable organizations. The firm offers customized investment management through discretionary mandates, third-party managers, and private-label model portfolios, utilizing a combination of analytical methods with ongoing portfolio monitoring.

Gerrit Van Schalkwyk is a financial advisor at Credit Union Investment Services with four years of industry experience. He holds Series 65 and Series 63 credentials and has worked at multiple firms including Members Trust Company and Complete Financial Solutions. He also serves as a financial advisory services specialist at State Employees’ Credit Union and as an agent with SECU Life Insurance Company. Credit Union Investment Services primarily serves individual investors who reside in North Carolina, offering non-discretionary portfolio management, asset allocation advice, and retirement planning. The firm emphasizes a long-term, goals-based approach using low-cost index mutual funds and ETFs within a credit-union ecosystem.

Murray Duggins Jr. is a financial advisor with Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC, holding a Series 66 designation and 21 years of industry experience. He has worked with Capital Investment Advisory Services and Capital Investment Group since 2017 and also owns a family-operated management company, United Realty. Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC provides investment advisory and supervisory services to individuals, retirement plans, corporations, trusts, estates, and charitable organizations. The firm offers customized investment management through discretionary mandates, third-party managers, and private-label model portfolios, employing multiple analytical methods and conducting regular portfolio reviews.

Erik Babocsi is a CFP® professional with 28 years of industry experience, currently serving at Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC since 2009. He has also worked at Capital Investment Group, Inc. from 2009 to 2017. Outside of his advisory role, he owns a business providing expert witness testimony for asset distribution in divorce cases, involving analysis and mediation support. Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC offers investment advisory and supervisory services to individuals, retirement plans, corporations, trusts, estates, and charitable organizations. The firm employs an individualized approach using discretionary mandates, third-party managers, and private-label model portfolios, with ongoing monitoring and quarterly reviews.

Jacqueline Hall is a financial advisor at Guardian Wealth Advisors, LLC in Raleigh, NC. She holds a Series 65 designation and joined the firm in 2024 after a decade in full-time education. She has no prior industry experience in financial advising. Guardian Wealth Advisors serves individuals—including high-net-worth clients—retirement plans, charitable organizations, trusts, and other business entities. The firm uses a combination of fundamental and technical analysis within a systematic, quantitative framework to manage portfolios primarily through ETFs and mutual funds, offering both discretionary and non-discretionary management.

Paul Cranfill is a financial advisor with Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC in Raleigh, NC, holding the Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and possessing 14 years of industry experience. He has worked at Capital Investment Group, Inc. and Capital Investment Advisory Services since 2012, with prior roles at Sageworks and Cushman & Wakefield, where he is also active as a commercial real estate broker. Capital Investment Advisory Services provides portfolio management and supervisory services to a diverse client base, including individuals, corporations, retirement plans, and charitable institutions. The firm offers customized investment solutions utilizing fundamental, technical, and charting analysis, managing the majority of assets on a discretionary basis.

Martin Hardy is a financial advisor with Guardian Wealth Advisors, LLC in Durham, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 39 years of industry experience. His prior roles include 14 years at Hornor Townsend And Kent, Inc and ongoing work with Penn Mutual Life Insurance since 2007, where he is involved in disability income insurance and life sales. Hardy also provides disability income insurance and long-term care insurance services independently. Guardian Wealth Advisors offers investment advisory, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting to individuals, retirement plans, and institutional clients. The firm employs a systematic investment approach using mutual funds, ETFs, bonds, options, and equities, combining fundamental and technical analysis to manage risk and market participation.

David Misenheimer is a CFP® with 24 years of experience in the financial industry. He is currently with Guardian Wealth Advisors, LLC and previously worked at Aptus Capital Advisors, LLC and Gordon Asset Management, LLC. He also serves as president of ASM Capital Corp., an investment-related business. Guardian Wealth Advisors, LLC provides investment advisory services, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting to individuals, high-net-worth clients, retirement plans, and institutional entities. The firm employs a systematic investment approach using mutual funds, ETFs, bonds, options, and equities, combining fundamental and technical analysis to manage risk and seek market upside.

Tammie Farrell is a financial advisor with Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and bringing 31 years of industry experience. She has been with Capital Investment Advisory Services and Capital Investment Group, Inc. since 2012. Additionally, she owns and operates Farrell Wealth & Associates, LLC, a financial consulting business based in Franklin, NC. Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC provides investment advisory and supervisory services to individuals, retirement plans, corporations, trusts, estates, and charitable organizations. The firm offers a range of services including separately managed accounts, third-party manager referrals, private-label model portfolios, and financial planning, using an individualized process that incorporates multiple analytical methods and ongoing portfolio monitoring.

James Johnson Jr. is a financial advisor with Credit Union Investment Services in Raleigh, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and three years of industry experience. He has worked with Members Trust Company since 2024 and has been involved with Credit Union Investment Services, SECU Life Insurance Company, SECU Brokerage Services, and State Employees' Credit Union since 2022 or earlier. Johnson also serves as a Financial Advisory Services Specialist at State Employees' Credit Union, providing financial services to eligible members. Credit Union Investment Services serves primarily individual investors in North Carolina, offering non-discretionary portfolio management, retirement and financial planning, and a wrap-fee program. The firm emphasizes low-cost, index-based mutual funds and ETFs, fixed-income products, and a goals-based, long-term planning approach, with advisors employed on a salaried basis by the parent credit union.

I’m Carlos Ruiz, founder of Pivot Wealth Advisors based in Boise, Idaho. I was raised by my great-grandmother—a woman who never had a bank account and couldn’t read or write, but somehow understood money better than anyone I’ve ever met. She taught me that true wealth isn’t about chasing more—it’s about using what you have to build freedom, stability, and impact. That wisdom shapes everything I do today. Most advisors start with investments. I start with strategy. My clients are often navigating the complexities of success: higher income, higher taxes, and bigger decisions. I help cut through the noise and simplify the financial side of life—lowering your tax bill, aligning your income and investments with your values, and creating a plan that gives you options. Not just for retirement—but for right now. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and an Air Force Reservist, I bring discipline, clarity, and forward-thinking strategy to every plan—so you’re never scrambling, always prepared. I serve clients across Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and virtually throughout the U.S. My planning process is practical, personal, and built for real life. Everything I do—both in my work and in my own life—is for my wife and our kids. They remind me that the most important kind of wealth isn’t measured in dollars, but in time, peace, and purpose. If that’s what you’re after, I’d love to connect.