2nd Story Wealth Planners

Tarif Carson, CFP®, serves as the Director of Portfolio Strategy & Wealth Planner at 2nd Story Wealth Planners, LLC, where he blends nearly 20 years of portfolio management expertise with his passion for cultivating meaningful client relationships. He designs and oversees the investment portfolio models that guide clients toward their financial goals, while also working directly with clients to deliver personalized financial strategies that align with their values, aspirations, and long-term legacies. Throughout his career, Tarif has partnered with many clients—from high-net-worth individuals managing significant portfolios to underserved communities striving toward financial independence. His professional journey includes roles as a Senior Lead Planner at Facet Wealth, where he helped clients achieve major life goals such as early retirement, homeownership, and world travel, and as a Senior Financial Advisor at Vanguard, managing over $500 million in assets while collaborating with clients and their tax professionals to ensure tax-efficient decisions. Tarif’s approach to planning evolves as life changes, ensuring clients' financial plans remain flexible and forward-looking. In addition to his technical expertise, Tarif believes strongly in the power of personal growth and financial legacy. His guiding philosophy: "Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny," serves as the foundation for how he advises clients on building lasting legacies for their families. Outside of his professional role, Tarif is focused on planting the seeds of a meaningful legacy for his family and helping his clients do the same—building not just wealth, but values that endure across generations. His commitment to mentorship extends this philosophy, as he is dedicated to guiding and developing aspiring financial planners. Through mentorship, Tarif ensures that the next generation of financial professionals upholds the same standards of integrity, service, and the pursuit of financial empowerment. Tarif earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the first HBCU Cheyney University and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. He is also a member of the Financial Planning Association, Association for African American Financial Advisors and a VITA Volunteer who helps income tax payers accurately prepare and file taxes

Nicole Carson, CFP®, is the Founder and Wealth Planner at 2nd Story Wealth, a boutique, fee-only firm dedicated to helping clients build, manage, and align their wealth with the life they truly want to live. With over 20 years of experience, including leadership roles working with ultra-high-net-worth families, Nicole has guided clients through complex financial decisions involving investments, taxes, equity compensation, and long-term planning. What sets Nicole apart is not just her technical expertise, but how she shows up for her clients. She understands that behind every balance sheet is a person navigating career demands, family priorities, and evolving goals. Her work is grounded in helping clients create clarity and confidence, especially during periods of change, whether that’s a new opportunity, a business transition, family changes, or preparing for retirement. Nicole’s planning style is both strategic and approachable. She breaks down complex topics into clear, actionable steps and partners closely with clients to implement them over time. Her goal is to ensure clients feel organized, proactive, and in control, not overwhelmed. At her core, Nicole believes wealth should create options: the ability to spend more time with family, pursue meaningful work, give back, and build something that lasts. Through thoughtful planning and ongoing partnership, she helps clients move from simply doing well to living well... with intention. Nicole earned her Bachelor of Science in Finance from DeSales University, and went on to earn her Masters in Business Administration at Holy Family University, graduating with Honors. She also holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. Some of her memberships include Financial Planning Association (FPA) and Association for African American Financial Advisors, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. When she is not spending time with her clients, she is spending quality time with her husband Tarif, daughters Karessa and Kennedy, and sons Chris and Michael.