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.

Amber Schiffert is a financial advisor and co-founder at TARA Wealth with eight years of industry experience. She holds Series 63, Series 65, and Series 7 licenses. TARA Wealth is a women-owned fiduciary advisory firm, bringing something unique to wealth management: advisors who share your perspective, understand your life transitions, and have no financial incentive other than helping you succeed. TARA Wealth was founded to set a higher standard — one built on trust, independence, and a genuine commitment to the women and families they serve. TARA Wealth financial advisors are happily located in San Diego, CA, and Raleigh, NC, and serve clients nationally.

Amanda DeCesar is a CFP® professional with 19 years of industry experience. She co-founded TARA Wealth in 2023 with Amber Schiffert. Her prior experience includes roles at MML Investors Services and J.P. Morgan Securities. TARA Wealth is an RIA serving individual and high-net-worth clients, couples, and businesses, providing Total Wealth Management, discretionary investment management, and comprehensive financial planning. The firm primarily uses a passive investment approach with index mutual funds and ETFs, delivering financial planning as an ongoing engagement and managing accounts both discretionarily and non-discretionarily.

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.

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.

Joseph Stover is a financial advisor at Reliance Financial Group, Inc. in Durham, NC, holding the PFS™ designation and Series 65 license with 22 years of industry experience. He has been with Reliance Financial Group since 1999. Reliance Financial Group is an independent firm providing discretionary portfolio management, financial planning, and consulting to individual investors, retirement plans, and charitable organizations. The firm emphasizes asset allocation and model-based portfolios, combining fundamental security analysis with long-term investment strategies and periodic rebalancing.

Jennifer Lazarus is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and holds a Series 65 license with 15 years of industry experience. She has been the sole advisor at Lazarus Financial Planning, an independent firm based in Durham, NC, since its founding in 2005. Lazarus Financial Planning is a fee-only advisory firm serving individuals, couples, trusts, small businesses, and retirement plans. The firm offers comprehensive financial planning and discretionary investment management, with a focus on socially responsible investing and a documented planning process that emphasizes asset-class allocation, diversification, and client-approved policy implementation.

John Young is a CFP® with 27 years of industry experience, currently serving as the sole advisor at Cardinal Wealth Partners, LLC in Chapel Hill, NC. His prior experience includes roles at Red Oak Capital Management, Inc and Allen C. Ewing & Co. He is also involved in providing life insurance solutions through the Cardinal Wealth Partners Insurance Agency. Cardinal Wealth Partners is an independent investment adviser offering discretionary portfolio management and comprehensive financial planning to individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, corporations, and select 401(k) plans. The firm manages approximately $13 million across 55 client households, employing diversified portfolios primarily using ETFs and mutual funds, with tailored investment advice and regular account reviews.

Cooper Taylor is a CFA® charterholder with one year of experience at Sounding Line Wealth Management, LLC. Prior to founding Sounding Line, he worked four years at Salem Investment Counselors, Inc., and held investment roles at the University of Michigan Investment Office and Indiana University. Sounding Line Wealth Management is an independent registered investment adviser providing discretionary portfolio management services primarily to individuals and high-net-worth clients. The firm employs a blended investment approach that integrates various analytical methods and offers individualized portfolio management with accounts custodied at Schwab Institutional.

Thomas Figgatt is a CFP® with eight years of industry experience, currently serving as the sole advisor at Portolan Financial Planning LLC in Durham, NC. He previously worked at Bank of America from 2015 to 2017 before founding Portolan Financial Planning in 2017. Portolan Financial Planning LLC offers personalized investment advisory and comprehensive financial planning, including tax preparation services. The firm serves individual clients, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, small businesses, and provides retirement plan consulting, utilizing a primarily technical analysis approach with strategic asset allocation and tax-management techniques.

Courtney Bauke is a financial advisor at Capital Consulting & Investment Group LLC with a Series 65 credential. Bauke has been with Capital Consulting & Investment Group since 2019 and has prior independent advisory experience dating back to 2014. In addition to advisory work, Bauke provides accounting and tax services, real estate advisory, mortgage consulting, and insurance planning through a separate business. Capital Consulting & Investment Group LLC offers investment advisory and financial planning services to a diverse client base, including individuals, families, business owners, and institutional clients. The firm provides personalized, non-discretionary advice across a range of planning areas and investment types, while clients retain final authority over transactions.

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.

Nicholas Seligman is a CFP® with 13 years of industry experience, currently serving as the sole advisor at Center Peak Financial. He previously worked at Edward Jones for 13 years. Outside of his advisory role, he is also licensed as an insurance agent. Center Peak Financial Services is a state-registered investment adviser providing discretionary and non-discretionary investment management, retirement plan advisory, financial planning, and consulting services to institutional clients and individual households. The firm emphasizes strategic asset allocation with tactical flexibility and offers specialized pension consulting and retirement-plan fiduciary services.

John Morgan is the principal of Spectrum Advisers, LLC in Chapel Hill, NC, with 16 years of experience in financial advisory services. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has operated Spectrum Advisers since 2009. In addition to his advisory work, Mr. Morgan manages Fields Consulting LLC, a separate business through which he offers insurance products and real estate services in his capacity as a licensed insurance producer and real estate agent. Spectrum Advisers provides investment advisory and financial planning services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, qualified retirement plans, trusts, charitable organizations, and business entities. The firm combines institutional-level retirement plan management with individualized wealth advisory, employing a broadly diversified, tax-aware global asset allocation approach implemented mainly through mutual funds and ETFs.

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.

Lyle Finley Jr. is a CFP® with 31 years of industry experience, currently affiliated with RJ20, Inc. He has worked at Wells Fargo Bank and Wells Fargo Clearing for three years and served 14 years in the North Carolina National Guard. RJ20, Inc. provides non-discretionary investment guidance and educational tools to participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans through an online platform. The firm delivers participant-level advice using a proprietary modeling process and emphasizes education with a year-long financial wellness program and online workshops.

Sherri Rose is a CFP® and Series 63 credentialed financial advisor at Azimuth Planning Group, LLC with no prior industry experience. She is the founder and managing director of Rose Group CPAs, PLLC, a CPA firm where she oversees auditing, accounting, tax preparation, and business consulting. Rose is also involved in several business ventures, including founding FastFile1040, LLC, providing online tax filing services, and co-founding SageCFO Group, Inc., which offers outsourced CFO advisory services. Azimuth Planning Group, LLC provides fee-only financial planning primarily to solopreneurs, service-based founders, and business owners, focusing on business planning, retirement and estate coordination, tax-aware wealth strategies, and succession planning. The firm delivers written financial plans and investment recommendations emphasizing asset allocation, tax efficiency, and passive investment strategies rather than discretionary asset management.