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.

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 at White Oak Wealth Partners in Raleigh, NC, holding a Series 66 designation with 14 years of industry experience. He has worked at White Oak Wealth Partners since 2015 and has prior experience at Kestra Financial Services, Inc., NFP Advisor Services, LLC, and has operated The Turlington Group, Inc. since 1996. White Oak Wealth Partners provides advisory services to individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and business entities, serving both high-net-worth and non-HNW clients. The firm offers comprehensive financial planning, discretionary wealth management, and portfolio implementation with an emphasis on downside risk management and regular portfolio reviews.

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 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.

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 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.

Jose Maldonado is the principal of CIMA Financial in Raleigh, NC, with nine years of industry experience and a Series 66 license. He has held roles at First Command Financial Planning, MassMutual Life Insurance, and currently serves as president of enFe Business Advisors, a business coaching and consulting firm. Maldonado is also a founding partner of Golden Arrow Properties, a long-term rental and short-term rental business. CIMA Financial offers investment management and financial planning services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, and business owners. The firm uses asset allocation and modern portfolio theory with a blend of passive and active strategies, focusing on tailored portfolios managed primarily on a discretionary basis.

Mark Vitek is a CFP® professional with 23 years of experience in financial advising. He has been the principal of NC Money Management, Inc. since 1996 and also manages his own CPA firm, Mark Vitek, CPA, PA, which he founded in 1982. He divides his time between his CPA practice and his advisory business. NC Money Management, Inc. serves individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and businesses with discretionary portfolio management and financial planning. The firm integrates fundamental, technical, and charting analysis to tailor investment strategies and is notable for its affiliation with the principal’s CPA practice, providing tax-preparation support and consulting services uncommon among independent advisors.

Are you passionate about preserving our Earth, upholding corporate responsibility, and contributing to a just society? If so, you’re in the right place. Do you find yourself thinking: “Where does all my money go, and how can I support causes I care about?” “I want to invest, but I refuse to support fossil fuels or the weapons industry.” “What do we need to do now that we’ve had a baby?” “How do I navigate my company benefits or start a Roth IRA?” “Am I doing the right things?” I see financial planning as a medium to facilitate long-lasting change—not just a way to accumulate “more.” My practice, Just Advising, is an advice-only space designed for environmentally and socially conscious people who want clear guidance without the baggage of commissions, high fees, or someone else managing your money. When we work together, you’ll walk away with guidance while feeling understood and empowered. My first question is not, “how much do you have?”; Instead, it’s “what do you want?” To paraphrase John F. Kennedy, ask not what you can do for money—ask what your money can do for you. Outside of the office, you can usually find me rock climbing (attempting to) or making a great (depending on the day) cup of coffee.

Stephen Reh is the sole advisor at Reh Wealth Advisors LLC in Raleigh, NC. He holds the CFP®, CFA®, and Series 66 designations and has 21 years of industry experience. Prior to founding his firm in 2010, he worked at PerTronix for 18 years. Outside of his advisory work, he is an independent contractor for a golf course design company and serves as president of a design business. Reh Wealth Advisors LLC provides discretionary and non-discretionary investment management, financial planning, and employee benefit plan consulting to individuals, high-net-worth clients, and employer-sponsored plans. The firm emphasizes a goals- and risk-based asset allocation approach, primarily using passive management with index funds and ETFs, and offers retirement-plan consulting services including plan design support and fiduciary oversight.

John Underhill is a CFP®-certified financial advisor with 12 years of industry experience. He is the sole advisor at Acorn & Oak Wealth Management, where he has worked since 2021. Prior to this, he was with Northwest Asset Management and Edward Jones. Outside of advisory work, he is a cofounder of Good Barrels of the Triangle, a nonprofit that organizes events to raise funds and awareness for local nonprofits. Acorn & Oak Wealth Management is a fee-only, state-registered firm serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, charitable organizations, and corporations. The firm emphasizes strategic asset allocation using both passive and active strategies, manages institutional mandates, and incorporates third-party tools for portfolio implementation and digital custody.

Lucid Wealth Planning ("LWP") was founded to improve the lives of others by helping clients make better-informed financial decisions in both their daily lives and long-term plans. We believe our impact provides added security, confidence, and overall joy in the lives of our clients. Given our focus on clients that strive to improve the world around them, such as Health Care Professionals and Academic professors, we anticipate the ripple effect of betterment to be limitless. Education: B.S.B. degree in Finance Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), and Certified Student Loan Professional (CSLP®), and Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA®) Experience: The completion of over 800 comprehensive financial plans for individuals and families since joining the industry in 2006. This includes specialized areas such as student loan analysis, estate planning, tax planning, portfolio management, and cash flow strategizing (to name a few). As a financial planner, my main goal is to help you make well-informed decisions on all financial matters, not just what investments are right for you. I'll always listen to your concerns, devise the best strategy, and treat your financial goals with the same care and interest I devote to my own. I look forward to being your trusted advisor and expert resource as you build a secure, and confident financial life.

Patrick Walsh is a financial advisor with Walsh Capital LLC in Raleigh, NC, holding a Series 65 credential and nine years of industry experience. He has worked at Defender Capital and is a partner at Diligence Group, a private business consulting firm. He also maintains a personal blog to share ideas with family and friends. Walsh Capital provides discretionary asset management and consulting services primarily to individual and high-net-worth clients, focusing on a value-oriented, fundamental analysis approach with long-term holdings and tactical asset allocation tailored to client objectives. The firm offers portfolio construction, retirement-account rollover advice, and planning consultations, and is noted for its educational resources and work with charitable clients, including donor-advised fund management without advisory fees.

Brian Bunn is a CFA® and CPA with seven years of experience in financial services. He is the sole advisor at Brian B. Bunn CPA, PLLC, a firm he has led since 2018. Prior to founding his firm, he worked in tax and accounting consulting as well as financial systems and capital market solutions. He offers tax and accounting services alongside investment advisory, which the firm discloses may present conflicts of interest. Brian B. Bunn CPA, PLLC provides portfolio management and financial planning to entities such as pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and small businesses. The firm integrates various analytical methods and emphasizes long-term trading and diversified asset allocation tailored to clients’ Investment Policy Statements.

Gregory Dunne is a financial advisor at Raleigh Investment Advisors, Inc. in Raleigh, NC, holding a Series 65 designation with eight years of industry experience. Prior to joining Raleigh Investment Advisors in 2017, he was self-employed and worked at General Electric from 2005 to 2016. Raleigh Investment Advisors is an independent firm managing approximately $25 million on a discretionary basis for a small number of individual clients. The firm uses a client-specific and quantitative approach to portfolio management, employing mutual funds, ETFs, stocks, bonds, and other instruments, with custodial services provided through Charles Schwab.