Michael Kothakota is a CFP® professional with 20 years of industry experience, currently serving as the sole advisor at Wolfbridge Wealth in Durham, NC. He has been associated with WolfBridge Financial Corporation since 2008. In addition to his advisory role, he lectures at Columbia University and serves as an adjunct professor at New York University. Wolfbridge Wealth provides discretionary portfolio management, financial planning, pension-plan consulting, business valuation, and equity research services to individuals—including high-net-worth clients—trusts, pension and profit-sharing plans, and charitable organizations. The firm emphasizes client education through webinars, white papers, and presentations, and integrates fundamental, technical, and macroeconomic analysis into its investment approach. Michael Kothakota developed Interdependent Integrative Financial Planning Theory. He has sa Masters in Predictive Analytics, and a Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University. He was also the inaugural Head of Research at CFP Board, the governing body of CFP(R) professionals.

I’m Tyler Brown, CFP®, founder of Turnpoint Wealth in Raleigh. I work with professionals in their 50s and 60s who are getting close to retirement or have just made the move, when decisions about income, taxes, Social Security, healthcare and investments start to depend on each other. Most of the people I work with have done the right things for decades. What they’re missing is a clear picture of how it all fits together once the paycheck stops. I build that picture year by year, then help coordinate the decisions as real life replaces the projections: which accounts to draw from first, whether Roth conversions make sense, when to claim Social Security, how to cover healthcare before Medicare, and what to do with company stock or RSUs. I start every meeting by asking what matters most to you before we get to my list. As a CFP® professional and investment adviser representative, I act as a fiduciary when providing financial advice to my clients. Before founding Turnpoint Wealth in 2025, I spent 18+ years at Fidelity Investments, Fisher Investments and Edelman Financial Engines. I’m an NC State graduate, and outside the office I fly, follow hockey and spend time with my wife, our daughter and our two dogs.

Raymond Eustace is the principal advisor at Eustace Advisors in Cary, NC. He holds a Series 65 designation and has four years of experience in financial advising. Prior to founding Eustace Advisors, he worked at Nadaje Holdings LLC and ClearComm Technical Sales. Eustace Advisors is an independent, fee-only advisory firm serving individuals and high-net-worth clients with financial planning and investment analysis. The firm emphasizes a long-term, passive investment approach based on Modern Portfolio Theory and offers planning services without exercising investment discretion or custody of assets.

Mostafa Omar is the sole advisor at Astrelle Capital LLC in Raleigh, NC. He holds a Series 65 credential and has two years of experience in financial advising. Prior to his current role, he spent eight years working in the restaurant industry with Lugano Ristorante, Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, and Hibernian Co. Astrelle Capital LLC serves individuals, households, retirement accounts, trusts, and simple closely held entities with portfolio management and standalone financial planning. The firm emphasizes strategic asset allocation, tax-aware implementation, and risk controls, primarily using exchange-traded funds along with selective mutual funds, equities, fixed income, and cash equivalents.

Naveen Reddy Gollapally is the sole advisor at gnrfunds LLC, an independent registered investment adviser based in Morrisville, NC. He holds a Series 65 credential and has four years of industry experience, including over a decade at Epsilon Data Management LLC prior to founding gnrfunds in 2021. Outside of his advisory work, he serves as treasurer for several day care centers planned to open in 2026 and 2027, and he is president of a UPS store, as well as a database administrator for a technology consulting firm. gnrfunds LLC serves individual investors, high-net-worth clients, and small businesses with discretionary portfolio management and retirement plan advice. The firm focuses on concentrated equity portfolios through fundamental analysis and employs various strategies including long/short positions and derivatives, offering performance-based fee arrangements to qualified clients.

Hi! My name is Ian Bloom. I started my firm, Open World Financial Life Planning because I wanted to serve other nerds, not sell financial products. I focus on systematizing my clients’ financial lives to reduce their stress and worry, so that they can focus on their passions. As a nerd, I understand what it’s like to have hobbies and priorities outside of the norm. Whether your interests lie in gaming, programming, collecting, or something tamer, my goal is to make your financial life much more simple so that you have less stress and more time to focus on your interests. Life shouldn’t be about scrolling through google searches to solve a complex financial question. Your time should be spent doing the things you love and taking care of the people you care about. My philosophy on financial life planning was shaped through my experience getting my CFP® and RLP® designations, my bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and three years of amazing mentorship in the financial industry. Comprehensive financial life planning with my firm combines the skills I’ve developed through my experience and education, the perspective I have as a nerd and Millennial, and the drive I have to increase financial literacy within my community. I chose a fee-only structure for the firm in order to minimize conflicts of interest and make payment as transparent for my clients as possible. Having no product sales involved means I can focus on the perfect solution for my clients, not getting paid. Working with my firm starts with a complimentary first meeting in which we talk through your values, goals, and finances. If we decide to work together we will gather details on your finances, analyze and prioritize your goals, and eventually arrive at a plan through collaboration. I will help with the implementation of that plan, educating you on the what’s and why’s of each checklist item so that you feel comfortable with the changes. At the end of a year, we will review our progress and reassess the plan going forward. On the personal side of things, my passions lie in gaming. I love tabletop games, trading card games, and video games. I specifically love anything that is geared toward difficult strategic decisions. My passion for gaming is what got me so interested in financial strategies! Go ahead and book that first meeting to get started! It’s always FREE. If you're not sure yet, check out my books on Amazon to learn more about my financial philosophy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH5P83

Ryan Wojciechowski is the principal of Adtigo Investment Advisors, LLC and holds a Series 65 credential with nine years of industry experience. He previously worked at CDR Optimal Consulting Group for two years before founding Adtigo in 2017. Outside of his advisory role, he has insurance licensing and actuarial employment connections. Adtigo Investment Advisors serves a small client base including high-net-worth individuals, pension plans, and business entities, managing about $20 million in assets. The firm uses fundamental analysis and modern portfolio theory, employing both long- and short-term trading across a diverse range of investment vehicles while offering performance-based and standard asset-based fee arrangements.

Brian Bewley is a financial advisor with Aligned Wealth Solutions, LLC in Raleigh, NC, holding a Series 65 designation and 15 years of industry experience. He has worked at several firms, including Retirement Wealth Advisors, Inc. and Virtue Capital Management, LLC. Outside of advising, he serves as an independent insurance agent and holds leadership roles in technology and financial reporting companies. Aligned Wealth Solutions specializes in discretionary portfolio management primarily through model marketplaces and pooled investment vehicles, utilizing low-cost mutual funds and ETFs. The firm emphasizes Modern Portfolio Theory and strategic asset allocation, offering financial planning and treasury management services.

Your Trusted Financial Partner and Experience You Can Rely On With over three decades in the financial industry, I've dedicated my career to empowering individuals and families to achieve financial well-being. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional, Dave Ramsey Master Financial Coach and Fee-Only Financial Advisor based in Raleigh, NC, I offer personalized guidance and unwavering support, drawing on my extensive experience to navigate the complexities of the market and tailor solutions to your unique needs. Your Financial Goals, My Priority I believe that everyone deserves to feel confident and in control of their financial future. Whether you're saving for retirement, planning for your children's education, or seeking comprehensive wealth management, I'll work with you to develop a personalized plan that aligns with your goals and values. As a Dave Ramsey Master Financial Coach, I also utilize the proven Dave Ramsey 7 Baby Step process to help you build a strong financial foundation and achieve lasting financial peace. My Fee-Only approach ensures transparency and prioritizes your best interests. Comprehensive Guidance for a Secure Future From investment management to retirement planning, tax strategies to estate planning, I offer comprehensive guidance to address all aspects of your financial life. I'll be there every step of the way, providing reassurance, answering your questions, and adjusting your plan as life evolves. Rooted in the Community As a North Carolina resident and active member of the Wakefield Rotary Club of Wake Forest community, I understand the local landscape and can provide insights tailored to your specific needs. Let's Build a Brighter Financial Future Together Take the first step towards achieving your financial goals. Start with a Complimentary Retirement Review: https://app.rightcapital.com/account/sign-up?referral=3c861414-45bc-4056-8e9d-63371f536cf0&type=client&advisor_id=WyovNSEMqImVmkOBpo0ePA Schedule a Complimentary Consultation: https://calendly.com/getaplan/fee-only-initial-consultation Check out my website as I transparently list how I work with clients and post my fees: https://universityfinancialstrategies.com/ Remember: It's never too late to start planning for your future. With 30+ years of experience, a genuine passion for helping others and the tools of a Dave Ramsey Master Financial Coach, I'm here to guide you every step of the way.

Ryan Emminger is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with 20 years of industry experience. He has worked at Fidelity Investments for 15 years before founding JME Wealth Management, an independent advisory firm based in Raleigh, NC. In addition to his advisory work, he is an independent insurance agent involved in fixed insurance sales and service. JME Wealth Management serves individuals, high-net-worth clients, and small businesses with comprehensive financial planning and portfolio management. The firm employs a blended investment approach that includes active and passive strategies, core-and-satellite construction, and uses derivatives and hedging techniques within separately managed accounts.

Bradley Turlington is a financial advisor with White Oak Wealth Partners in Raleigh, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and 14 years of industry experience. He has worked at White Oak Wealth Partners since 2015 and was previously affiliated with Kestra Financial Services, Inc. Additionally, he has been involved with The Turlington Group, Inc. since 1996. White Oak Wealth Partners serves individuals, high net worth clients, trusts, estates, charities, and business entities by providing financial planning, consulting, and discretionary wealth management. The firm manages approximately $110 million in discretionary assets and advises on held-away assets, emphasizing downside risk management and the use of third-party research and independent managers in its investment approach.

James Spirko is the sole advisor at Sovereign Financial Group in Raleigh, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 65 designations with 21 years of industry experience. He has been with Sovereign Financial Group since its founding in 2005. Sovereign Financial Group provides investment advisory and financial planning services primarily to individual and high-net-worth clients through programs that include portfolio management, financial planning, and coordination with tax, estate, and insurance professionals. The firm is notable among solo independent advisors for sponsoring a wrap-fee program and focuses client intake mainly on its Wealth Management offering.

Carolyn Larsen Wieber is a PFS™ credentialed financial advisor with 15 years of industry experience. She founded CLW Financial Planning LLC in 2018 after prior roles at Paraklete Financial and Steward Ingram & Cooper PLLC. In addition to her advisory work, she owns a CPA practice providing tax compliance and consulting services for small business owners and their families. CLW Financial Planning LLC is an independent, fee-only advisory firm serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, and small businesses. The firm combines discretionary investment management based on Modern Portfolio Theory with comprehensive financial planning and integrated tax preparation services.

Pomeroy Smith II is a financial advisor at Bison Wealth Management, LLC in Raleigh, NC, holding a Series 66 designation with 10 years of industry experience. He has worked at Bison Wealth Management since 2018 and previously at Pathway Wealth Management, LLC from 2016 to 2019. Bison Wealth Management provides discretionary asset management primarily to individuals, high net worth clients, and trusts, focusing on customized portfolios and active asset management. The firm uses both fundamental and technical analysis to guide asset allocation, emphasizing capital appreciation alongside asset preservation.

Peter Platt is the sole advisor at Platt Investment Counsel, LLC, an independent firm based in Cary, NC. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 designations and has 12 years of industry experience, having led his firm since 2013. Platt Investment Counsel provides discretionary portfolio management to individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and business entities. The firm employs a tactical asset allocation approach using a proprietary model, managing portfolios primarily with exchange-traded funds and no-load mutual funds, and offers institutional-style custodial and reporting services uncommon among similar independent advisers.

Nicholas Faulkner is a CFP® professional with seven years of experience in the financial services industry. He is the sole advisor at Testament Wealth Management, an independent firm based in Cary, NC. His prior roles include positions at Dimensional Fund Advisors, Beacon Financial Strategies Corp, and Mutual of Omaha. Testament Wealth Management provides wealth management and comprehensive financial planning to individuals and high-net-worth clients, as well as retirement plan consulting for employers and plan sponsors. The firm offers both ongoing portfolio management and project-based planning without imposing a minimum account size, using a combination of passive and active investment vehicles tailored to client goals.

Brian Marshburn is a CFP® professional with 21 years of industry experience. He is the sole advisor at Brevity & Associates, an independent firm he has been with since 2013. His prior experience includes roles at Anthem Wealth Management and Abiding Wealth Advisors, as well as operating Marshburn Properties, LLC. Marshburn also works as an independent insurance agent. Brevity & Associates serves individuals, businesses, trusts, foundations, and charitable organizations by providing discretionary portfolio management and standalone financial planning across retirement, estate, tax, education, and insurance areas. The firm emphasizes equity-focused allocations using mutual funds, ETFs, stocks, and bonds within a buy-and-hold framework, and occasionally employs options, REITs, and private placements to enhance diversification.

Thomas Kelly III is a CFP® professional with five years of industry experience, currently operating Kelly Investment Management, LLC in Raleigh, NC. His prior experience includes roles at Curi Capital, TD Ameritrade, and Scottrade. Kelly Investment Management, LLC provides investment advisory services and financial planning to individuals, families, and small-business owners, with a focus on tailored advice based on client objectives and risk tolerance. The firm offers both discretionary and non-discretionary managed accounts, written investment strategies, and fixed-fee standalone planning services without commissions or referral fees.

Jim Wyatt is a Series 65 licensed financial advisor with 17 years of industry experience. He is the principal of Wyatt Financial L.L.C. and also owns Wyatt Family Office, L.L.C., where he provides tax and planning services, spending up to 30% of his time on this practice. His career includes over two decades as a CPA through his own firm, Jim K Wyatt CPA. Wyatt Financial L.L.C. is an independent, single-advisor registered investment adviser managing approximately $39 million for about 56 clients. The firm offers discretionary portfolio management to individuals and various institutional clients, using customized investment policies and a range of securities including equities, mutual funds, ETFs, REITs, and bonds.

Jose Maldonado is a financial advisor with CIMA Financial in Raleigh, NC, holding a Series 66 designation and nine years of industry experience. He has worked at firms including First Command Financial Planning and MassMutual Life Insurance Co. In addition to advising, Maldonado is president of EnFe Business Advisors, a business coaching and consulting firm, and a founding partner of Golden Arrow Properties LLC, a rental and short-term rental property business. CIMA Financial provides fee-only investment management and financial planning services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, and business owners. The firm employs a modern portfolio theory approach with strategic asset allocation, combining passive and active investments, and offers planning advice covering retirement, tax, risk management, and business exit strategies.