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What’s Your Financial Story?
You’re writing your own financial story. Even if you don’t realize it.
Here’s a secret that you may or may not know-Every day you make decisions that can have an impact on your financial future. Your personal values, beliefs, and habits are paving the roads that will take you to your financial destiny.
Where are those roads taking you? Where do you want them to take you?
Today’s culture bombards us constantly with information. The financial world is no different. In fact, the financial industry spends over 17 Billion dollars each year¹ to market financial products and services to consumers like you. That’s an extraordinary amount of money spent to market products that are aimed at resolving money issues.
And guess what? The financial industry is very good at marketing. Americans are very good at buying stuff. This seems like it would be a match made in heaven, but there’s something missing. A big something.
That missing ingredient is the fact that our deepest held beliefs and values drive buying decisions. Our souls propel us, whether we realize it or not.
So…shall we begin?
Let’s start with you–the hero of your story. What’s driving you?
Are you concerned about having enough money for retirement?
Are you looking for ways to grow and protect your family’s wealth?
Are you overwhelmed with planning for college and retirement?
When you think about your financial future, what do you imagine?
As Your Story Evolves…
I can promise you this–you are not alone. I’m on this journey myself. That’s right. I may be an experienced and credentialed financial planner, but I’m still learning about myself each and every day.
That’s why getting your personal story right can be so impactful when it comes to your finances. Sure there are financial techniques and strategies that become the tools of the trade, but nothing keeps our engines running like knowing our true motivations and our true selves.
Helping you get that part right is what my life’s work is all about.
The Beginning…
At the beginning of 2013, my business partner and I broke away from a Charlotte-based financial firm and launched our own independent practice that is now based in Fort Mill, SC. Starting a firm from scratch is a leap of faith. Our motivations were simple:
We wanted to create a firm that would put clients first.
We wanted to use a collaborative, team-based approach in serving clients.
We wanted the flexibility and autonomy to grow our business without sales pressure or sales quotas that often come with corporate-based financial entities.
I wake up and continue to be filled with gratitude when I think about how far we’ve come. I’m also extremely optimistic about the future that lies ahead.
My Current Stats
- Husband to Elizabeth
- Father to Madeline and Harrison
- Co-owner of Vertex Capital Advisors in Fort Mill, SC
- Host of The Money Huddle Podcast
- Member & Deacon at First Baptist Church in Rock Hill, SC
- Member of NAIFA, Financial Planning Association, Investments & Wealth Institute, and The Advisor Growth Community
- Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Industry Credentials
Michael holds the CFP® mark, which stands for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. The CFP® designation is awarded to professionals who have completed an extensive study program and passed a rigorous board exam. It represents the industry’s gold standard for experience, ethics, and personal financial planning.
Michael also holds the RICP® designation, which is awarded to professionals that have completed the Retirement Income Certified Professional® program, a unique curriculum offered by The American College that specializes in Retirement Income Planning.
In addition to the RICP® designation, Michael has also attained the RMA® certification offered by Investments and Wealth Institute®. The RMA® certification is an advanced professional education and certification program for advisors who desire to serve their clients with the most sophisticated retirement management knowledge. Learn More
Lastly, Michael has earned the CIMA® certification, which is also offered by the Investments and Wealth Institute®. The Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) is the international certification for financial advisors and investment consultants and one of the only professional certifications in financial services to meet international accreditation and quality standards. Learn more
In May of 2017, Michael was named the NAIFA® Charlotte 2017 Financial Advisor of the Year.
Charlotte Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors granted the 2017 Advisor of the Year award, officially named the Pete Peterson Award. The award is given annually to an individual member for outstanding service and achievement to the association. Qualifications and considerations include: 1) nominee must be a current NAIFA® Charlotte member in good standing; 2) service to NAIFA® Charlotte must be exemplary; support of the Association’s political, public service, and educational activities is heavily weighted; 3) service to other professional and community organizations; 4) all members are eligible except the President and Immediate Past President. Previous recipients are also eligible if five (5) or more years have passed since last receiving. No fee paid to Charlotte Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors to participate.
Michael is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA®), the Investment Management Consultants Association® (IMCA®), the Advisor Growth Community (the AGC®), and the National Association of Insurance Financial Advisors (NAIFA®).