Josh Short

Advisor at OptimalPath Advisors, LLC

Updated today
OptimalPath Advisors, LLC logo

Firm

OptimalPath Advisors, LLC

Location

Church Hill, TN

Credentials

CFP®, EA

Industry experience

< 1 year

About

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.

Demographic focus

Mid-Career Professionals Gen Y/Millennials (Born 1980-1995)

Fee options

Flat

$1,500

Monthly

$250

Quarterly

$750

Other

Three service tiers, all flat-fee. No AUM. No commissions. Pathfinder (One-Time Financial Plan): $1,500. A comprehensive, project-based plan covering your complete financial picture — FI roadmap, Financial Independence Score, investment review, tax strategy, insurance audit, and estate planning checklist. Includes a 60-day implementation window with follow-up support. Navigator (Ongoing Advice-Only + Tax Prep): $3,000/year, billed $750 quarterly. Year-round financial planning with quarterly check-ins, annual FI Score updates, and tax preparation included. You keep managing your own investments — we provide the strategy, accountability, and tax coordination. One-time $1,500 onboarding fee credited toward your first two quarterly payments. Summit (Full Wealth Management + Tax Prep): $4,800/year, billed $1,200 quarterly. Everything in Navigator plus discretionary investment management — portfolio construction, rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, and ongoing oversight. One-time $1,500 onboarding fee credited toward your first quarterly payment. Tax preparation included at no additional cost. Tax prep covers a standard Form 1040 for most households; more complex returns may require separate pricing, discussed in advance. Cancel anytime.

Work history

OptimalPath Advisors, LLC

2025 - Present (1 year)

Eastman Credit Union

2008 - Present (18 years)

Disclosures

Exclamation point means they have disclosures of this type. Check mark means no disclosures of this type were found.

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