about us

We are you-focused.

Being a fiduciary and fee-only Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) firm means that we serve you with the highest level of care.

We serve you by providing bespoke and diligent financial advice, and we align our interests with you by never accepting commissions or incentive payments of any kind.

Our financial expertise is only matched by our loyalty to you.

Charlotte, NC fee only financial advisor, fee only financial advisor

Advice that is aligned with you.

Being 'fee-only' means that we only get paid by you - not by mutual fund or insurance companies.

Why is being fee-only important?

Because you know that our advice is not influenced by companies that are willing to pay us commissions to sell financial products to you (which is, unfortunately, a very common problem in our industry).

Charlotte fiduciary financial advisor, fiduciary financial advisor

The best advice for your life.

As a fiduciary, we are required to put your interests first by providing the best advice for your particular needs.

Doesn't every financial advisor put your needs first?

Unfortunately not. Only Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firms are fiduciaries that are required to do so by law. We are proud to be an RIA firm.

Charlotte, NC certified financial planner, certified financial planner

Certified financial planning.

CFP® certification is the gold standard for financial planners.

We are proud to be among the true financial planners who carry the CFP® designation.

Not only does the CFP® designation imply a level of expertise in financial planning, it lets you know that the planner abides by the CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct.

Need help finding a great financial advisor?

Learn how to ask the very best questions to any financial advisor.

We are a one-on-one financial planning firm.

Ryan Kaysen, CFP® & Founder

I’m more than just a financial planner—I’m a guide for small business owners preparing for the next chapter of their lives.

While I hold an MBA in Financial Planning and a CFP® designation, my most valuable lessons have come from real-world experience. I’ve navigated diverse financial challenges and opportunities that shaped my approach to helping others succeed.

From paying off student loans through disciplined budgeting to managing and eventually selling a property for profit, I’ve applied what I learned in my own life to guide others. Working in corporate finance gave me insights into managing large institutions, but my time at my father’s small business truly shaped my understanding of the challenges business owners face. There, I handled everything from managing finances and employee benefits to overseeing a defined contribution plan.

Currently, I’m helping my father design an exit plan for his business, ensuring his legacy supports a comfortable retirement. This firsthand experience informs how I assist my clients as they navigate similar transitions.

Starting my own firm was a natural next step. I wanted to create a space where small business owners could find not just financial expertise but also a trusted partner to help them build and preserve their legacy. I act as a financial quarterback, coordinating a team of professionals to provide comprehensive, personalized guidance so my clients can focus on what matters most—whether that’s running their business today or planning for their future.

On the personal side, my family is a big part of why I’m passionate about what I do. My wife, Katie, is an estate planning attorney whose work has inspired my curiosity and dedication to helping clients leave meaningful legacies. Our two-year-old daughter, Olivia, keeps us on our toes and often reminds me that she’s already smarter than me. And then there’s Harley, our dog and my best friend, who reminds me daily of the simple joys in life.

My passion is simple: helping others achieve financial confidence as they transition from business ownership to a fulfilling retirement while building a legacy that matters to those they love most.