Ronald Edwards

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

Brian Bewley is a financial advisor with Aligned Wealth Solutions, LLC in Raleigh, NC, holding a Series 65 credential and 14 years of industry experience. He has held roles at Virtue Capital Management, Retirement Wealth Advisors, and Horter Investment Management, among others. Outside of his advisory work, he serves as president of NAITECH, a financial reporting and IT consulting firm, and acts as an independent insurance agent specializing in life and disability insurance. Aligned Wealth Solutions is a North Carolina-registered investment adviser that serves pooled investment vehicles, family offices, and other advisors, providing financial planning, treasury management, and solicitor referrals. The firm focuses on fundamental analysis and short-term cash management strategies, primarily investing discretionary treasury accounts in U.S. Treasury bills.

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 is a financial advisor at Bison Wealth Management, LLC in Raleigh, NC, with nine years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and previously worked at Pathway Wealth Management, LLC and various start-ups before founding Bison Wealth Management. Bison Wealth Management provides discretionary asset management and customized portfolio services to individuals, high net worth clients, and trusts. The firm uses both fundamental and technical analysis to create tailored asset allocations focused on capital appreciation and asset preservation.

Thomas Kelly is a CFP® professional with five years of experience in the financial advisory industry. He is the sole advisor at Kelly Investment Management, LLC, an independent firm based in Raleigh, NC. His prior experience includes roles at Curi Capital, TD Ameritrade, and Scottrade. Kelly Investment Management provides investment advisory and financial planning services to individual investors, families, and small business owners. The firm offers tailored portfolio management and written investment strategies, with a notable portion of assets managed on a non-discretionary basis, allowing many clients to retain final trade approval.

Jeffrey Hand is a CFA charterholder and principal of Heron Wealth LLC in Raleigh, NC, with one year of industry experience. Prior to founding Heron Wealth, he was involved in commercial real estate management as the managing partner of Hand Commercial Properties LLC and founded Maxwell Inc., a wedding and event venue where he serves as CFO. Heron Wealth LLC provides fee-only investment management, wealth management, and financial planning services to a diverse client base that includes institutional entities and individuals. The firm offers discretionary portfolio management alongside project-based and ongoing financial planning, employing a blend of active and passive strategies with an option for ESG screening.