Thomas Rutherford

For 20 years, I built a career in banking — 17 of those at Eastman Credit Union in East Tennessee, where I helped families with lending, banking, and their first steps toward investing. In 2018, I discovered Financial Independence, and it changed everything. I restructured our finances, optimized our tax strategy, and built toward FI while still working full time. When we got there, I left banking to build the advisory firm I wish I'd had along the way. I earned my CFP® and became an IRS Enrolled Agent because I wanted to bring financial planning and tax expertise together under one roof. I built OptimalPath Advisors as a fee-only, flat-fee firm because I believe your advisor's cost should reflect the work — not the size of your portfolio. My approach is advice-first and fiduciary. Every client starts with a comprehensive financial plan that includes a Financial Independence Score — a single, clear number (inspired by pension-style funded ratios) that tells you exactly how on track you are. No abstract Monte Carlo probabilities. Just a real number you can act on. From there, you choose the level of ongoing support that fits. Navigator clients get year-round planning, quarterly check-ins, and tax preparation included — while keeping control of their own investments. Summit clients get everything in Navigator plus hands-on investment management, rebalancing, and tax-loss harvesting. Both tiers include tax prep at no extra cost. I work best with FI-minded professionals — DIY investors, early retirees, equity comp recipients, and busy families who want clear direction without product sales, commissions, or percentage-of-assets fees. I live in East Tennessee with my wife, Amanda, and our two dogs, Molly and Peach. We spend as much time as possible outdoors — in the mountains, on trails, and visiting National Parks across the country. Whether you're building toward FI, navigating an early retirement transition, or figuring out what comes next after hitting your number, I'm here to help you move forward — intentionally and in control.

Ethan Godsey is an Investment Consultant at Fidelity, a role he has held since 2024. Prior to this, he served as a Financial Representative at Fidelity in 2024 and was an Associate Advisor at WorthWhile Wealth Council from 2021 to 2024. In his professional capacity, Ethan focuses on understanding clients' financial goals and exploring how Fidelity's services can add value to their financial landscape. Outside of his professional work, Ethan has interests that include football, golf, spending time at the lake, movies, and pets.

Rebecca Frazier is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where she has been serving clients since 2010. She specializes in growing and preserving wealth for individuals, families, and business owners, focusing on areas such as college education planning, family wealth management strategies, retirement income, and socially responsible investing. Rebecca emphasizes integrity, honesty, and professionalism in managing her practice, aiming to help clients achieve both their financial and personal goals. Rebecca began her career in the financial services industry in 1991. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing from East Tennessee State University (1991) and a Master’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in finance from King University (2014). Her professional credentials include the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification, Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC) designation, and Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU) designation. She has been recognized multiple times by Forbes as one of America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors and included on the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list for Tennessee. Additionally, she was named to the 2024 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list as part of The Frazier Group. Rebecca is involved with Therapy Dogs International and resides in Jonesborough, Tennessee with her husband, Tom, and their daughter, Alexandra, who is also part of her advisory team. Outside of work, she enjoys biking, cooking, gardening, hiking, music, running, swimming, traveling, yoga, and spending time with her family.