Rebecca Frazier

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.

Sawyer Sams is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and a member of the Smith Conkin Dixon Wealth Management Group. In his role, Sawyer and his team develop personalized wealth strategies for over 500 families across more than 40 states, utilizing a comprehensive planning approach that integrates Merrill's investment and planning resources with Bank of America's banking and lending capabilities. Before joining Merrill, Sawyer worked at a smaller wealth and investment management firm in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he led the firm's investment committee and was responsible for asset allocation strategy and trading activities. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Furman University and has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation as well as the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) credential. Sawyer is a member of the CFA Society of East Tennessee. Residing in Johnson City, Tennessee, Sawyer is involved in his community through membership at First Christian Church. He enjoys spending time with his family and participates in activities such as basketball, cooking, football, and pickleball.

Crystal Bright is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where she has been employed since 2004. She focuses on developing and analyzing portfolio strategies and identifying specialized opportunities to build customized portfolios. Crystal is responsible for the investment analysis and recommendations serving more than 400 families and businesses. She also assists in managing trust and philanthropic planning for clients, integrating charitable initiatives into their investments to support community growth in the region. She holds both a Bachelor's Degree and a Master of Business Administration from East Tennessee State University. Crystal has earned professional designations including Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Crystal is active in her community, volunteering with Girls Inc. of Johnson City/Washington County. She lives in Johnson City with her family.

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.

Sarah Newman is a Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments. She partners with clients to build, implement, and maintain financial plans tailored to their specific financial goals. Sarah has been with Fidelity Investments since 2018, progressing through roles including Financial Representative, Relationship Manager, and Planning Consultant before her current position. Her experience at Fidelity Investments spans several years, during which she has developed expertise in comprehensive financial planning and client relationship management. Sarah's approach focuses on understanding individual client needs to deliver personalized financial solutions. Outside of her professional work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, engaging in activities such as gardening, reading, playing board games, and visiting the beach.