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.

Raymond Eustace is a financial advisor at Eustace Advisors in Cary, NC, holding a Series 65 designation with three years of industry experience. Prior to founding Eustace Advisors, he worked at ClearComm Technical Sales from 2003 to 2020 and operated Nadaje Holdings LLC from 2013 to 2022. Eustace Advisors is an independent, fee-only firm that provides advice-only financial planning and investment analysis to individuals and high-net-worth clients. The firm’s approach is based on Modern Portfolio Theory with a focus on long-term, passive investment strategies, and it offers services including financial plan development, project-based planning, ongoing planning, educational seminars, and optional tax return preparation.

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 a financial advisor at Adtigo Investment Advisors, LLC with eight years of industry experience. He has held his current position since 2017 and previously worked at CDR Optimal Consulting Group from 2015 to 2017. Outside of his advisory role, he maintains insurance licensing and is employed in an actuarial capacity. Adtigo Investment Advisors serves a small client base including high-net-worth individuals, pension plans, and business entities, managing approximately $20 million. The firm provides discretionary portfolio management using fundamental analysis and modern portfolio theory, offering both performance-based and standard asset-based fee arrangements.

Brian Bewley is the principal and sole advisor at Aligned Wealth Solutions, LLC, holding a Series 65 designation with 14 years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Virtue Capital Management, Retirement Wealth Advisors, and Horter Investment Management. He also serves as an independent insurance agent and is involved in technology and financial reporting businesses outside of his advisory practice. Aligned Wealth Solutions provides discretionary investment management primarily through model marketplaces and pooled investment vehicles, focusing on portfolios constructed with low-cost mutual funds and ETFs. The firm applies Modern Portfolio Theory and strategic asset allocation, with additional services including financial planning, treasury management, and promoter/referral arrangements.

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 principal advisor at Sovereign Financial Group in Raleigh, NC, holding Series 63 and 65 licenses with 20 years of industry experience. He has led Sovereign Financial Group since 2005. Sovereign Financial Group provides investment advisory and financial planning services primarily to individual and high-net-worth clients through three service programs: Investment, Legacy, and Wealth Management. The firm manages accounts on a discretionary basis, issues tailored Investment Policy Statements, conducts periodic reviews, and coordinates with tax, estate, and insurance professionals at higher service levels.

Carolyn Larsen Wieber is a financial advisor at CLW Financial Planning LLC in Raleigh, NC, with 14 years of industry experience. She holds the PFS™ designation and previously worked at Paraklete Financial and Steward Ingram & Cooper PLLC. In addition to financial advising, she owns a CPA practice that provides 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 integrates discretionary investment management with comprehensive financial planning and tax preparation, using a Modern Portfolio Theory approach focused on long-term, diversified allocations primarily through passive mutual funds and ETFs.

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® certificant with seven years of experience in the financial services industry. He is the sole advisor at Testament Wealth Management and has prior experience with firms including Dimensional Fund Advisors and Beacon Financial Strategies Corp. Testament Wealth Management provides wealth management and comprehensive financial planning services to individuals and high-net-worth clients, as well as retirement plan consulting to employers and plan sponsors. The firm employs a fee-only approach, combining passive and active investment vehicles within individualized asset-allocation strategies, and offers both ongoing portfolio management and limited-scope planning without imposing account minimums.

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® with five years of industry experience, currently serving as the sole advisor at Kelly Investment Management, LLC in Raleigh, NC. His prior work includes roles at Curi Capital, TD Ameritrade, and Scottrade. Kelly Investment Management, LLC provides investment advisory and financial planning services to individuals, families, and small-business owners. The firm offers managed accounts and written investment strategies tailored to client objectives, utilizing both discretionary and non-discretionary arrangements and employing techniques such as asset allocation and technical analysis.

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 the principal of CIMA Financial, an independent advisory firm based in Raleigh, NC. He holds a Series 66 designation and has nine years of industry experience. Prior to founding CIMA Financial, he worked at firms including First Command and MassMutual. In addition to his advisory role, Maldonado serves as president of enFe Business Advisors, providing business coaching and consulting, and is a founding partner of Golden Arrow Properties LLC. CIMA Financial offers fee-only investment management and financial planning services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, and business owners. The firm’s approach is based on modern portfolio theory, utilizing a blend of passive and active investments, and includes services such as business planning, retirement strategies, and tax and risk management.

Adam Vega is a CFP® professional with 16 years of industry experience. He is the principal advisor at Avance Private Wealth LLC and has previously worked at Goldman Sachs, Gladstone Wealth Partners, Mercer Allied Company, CETERA Advisor Networks, and Girard Securities. In addition to advising, he is involved in insurance sales, dedicating approximately 10% of his time to this activity. Avance Private Wealth LLC serves individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, and business entities. The firm manages portfolios primarily on a discretionary basis, utilizing modern portfolio theory, fundamental analysis, and charting techniques, and offers a broad range of investment instruments alongside pension consulting and insurance products.