Barbara Traylor Smith

I'm a fiduciary, fee-only financial planner and advisor who founded Fruit of the Vine Financial in 2023 after having worked at two other financial firms. I offer service in three main areas: - comprehensive financial planning to first help people better understand their current financial circumstances and second to provide them an optimal route to meet their financial needs and reach their financial goals, - investment management, providing a choice between general investing and Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI), which is a way to invest in funds that more closely align with Christian principles, - help with setting up business retirement plans and/or serving as a fiduciary advisor to 401(k) plans. Because I'm always trying to improve how I can help my clients navigate their financial lives, I obtained several advanced certifications. I earned the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) certification and Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designation following programs at The American College of Financial Services. And the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) certification followed from a program through the Yale School of Management. Outside of work, I enjoy kayaking, Bible study, playing my violin, and spending time with my three grown children and with friends. Not only do I have the financial education and professional experience, I also bring the knowledge gained from personal financial experience. From sorting all the finances after the death of a spouse, to helping kids through college, to riding the roller coaster of a major recession, and to starting and running a business, I understand the highs and lows that sometimes accompany the numbers. It helps to partner with a financial professional who's been there and can help you through the ups and downs of your life's journey.

Brian Ziarnick is the owner and president of Ziarnick Financial LLC, a state-registered investment adviser based in Wimberley, TX. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has 13 years of industry experience. In addition to his advisory role, he provides bookkeeping services for two small businesses. Ziarnick Financial LLC primarily operates as a solicitor for Austin Wealth Management and as a life insurance agency. The firm employs a top-down investment process using fundamental, quantitative, charting, and cyclical analysis but does not currently exercise investment discretion or hold client assets.

James Mahan is a financial advisor with South Texas Capital Advisors, LLC in New Braunfels, TX, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and possessing 14 years of industry experience. Prior to joining South Texas Capital Advisors, he worked at Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Mahan is also the managing member of NB Capital LLC and serves as manager of Solms Landing Development LLC, a non-investment real estate business. South Texas Capital Advisors, LLC provides portfolio and asset management services to high-net-worth individuals, non-profits, and small businesses. The firm uses a combination of fundamental and technical analysis along with third-party research to create customized asset allocations and offers both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management.

Jason Grohman is a financial advisor at PLW Financial in New Braunfels, TX, holding a Series 65 designation with eight years of industry experience. He has been with PLW Financial since 2017 and also serves as an active firefighter with the New Braunfels Fire Department. Prior to his advisory role, he was involved with Neighborly Lawn Care. PLW Financial provides financial planning, discretionary investment management, tax preparation, and ERISA plan advisory services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, and small businesses. The firm employs a primarily passive, long-term investment approach using low-cost, diversified index funds and ETFs, and it serves corporate and small-business clients alongside individual investors.

Benjamin Hooper is a CFP® and ChFC® credentialed financial advisor with 16 years of industry experience. He is the principal advisor at Comal Wealth Management, an independent firm he has led since 2020. Prior to founding Comal Wealth Management, Hooper worked with USAA in various roles related to investment management and financial planning. Comal Wealth Management provides financial planning, consulting, and discretionary portfolio management to individuals, families, and high-net-worth clients. The firm primarily uses a passive, long-term investment approach with mutual funds and ETFs, while offering customization through individual stocks, ADRs, alternative assets, and digital assets, and maintains a distinct practice of executing trades individually rather than in aggregate.

Ralph Boschert is a financial advisor at Arrowhead Asset Management with 37 years at the firm and nine years of industry experience. He holds a Series 63 designation and is based in Wimberley, TX. Arrowhead Asset Management is a fee-only money manager serving individuals, families, small business owners, and an institutional retirement plan for higher-education professionals. The firm offers discretionary portfolio management tailored to clients’ goals and risk tolerance, employing both technical and fundamental analysis, and emphasizes socially conscious investment screens in its process.