Brett Tushingham, CFP®
Proactive retirement planning for entrepreneurs.
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Tushingham Wealth Strategies
Brett Tushingham, CFP®
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Advisor
Wilmington, NC
Serving Clients Nationwide
Proactive retirement planning for entrepreneurs.
Areas of Focus
- Choosing a Financial Advisor
- Investment Management
- Owning a Business
- Retirement Planning
- Retiring Early (F.I.R.E)
- Setting Up Retirement Accounts
- Taxes
About Me
Hi! My name is Brett Tushingham. I'm a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP) and owner of Tushingham Wealth Strategies. I've been providing retirement planning advice for almost twenty years and specialize in helping families answer questions such as do I have enough assets to retire, when should I start Social Security, and how do I minimize my taxes.In working with business owners, executives, and physicians one thing has become clear. They have been underserved by the financial services industry, sold products they don't need, and offered little in the way of financial advice. This is why I developed my "Personal CFO" service. The ultimate goal is to provide entrepreneurs with proactive retirement advice and help them obtain better outcomes so they can live their ideal life.
With over 20 years of wealth management and corporate finance experience, I’ve helped manage clients through many market cycles and transitions. After graduating from Pace University with a degree in Finance, I established my foundation on Wall Street where I spent 10 years.
Since 2003, I have utilized my Wall Street experience and CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) certification to manage and grow my financial planning business in Wilmington, NC where I act as a fiduciary for select individuals.
When not serving as a financial advisor for my clients, nothing is better than family time in Wilmington, NC. My wife Kim “sells cancer”, or that’s what my kids say. She’s actually a director in the pharmaceutical industry. My boys, Reece and Ryder, aren’t really boys anymore. They’re both taller than me, love playing guitar and basketball, and like to remind me how grey my hair is becoming.
We love traveling as a family but always enjoy coming home to Wilmington, NC. We’ve lived here since 2010 and absolutely love it. We support the Make-A-Wish Foundation, I can’t think of a better cause, and try and get on our boat every chance we get.
Professional Designations
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
Affiliations
-
CFP Board
- Financial Planning Association
Primary Location
900 Midnight Channel Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403
Video
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vwwrqaftjcqh7w3/instructional%20v4.mp4?dl=0Meeting Options
- Video Conference
- In-Person
- Phone
Compensation Methods
- Fee Only
- Percentage of Assets Managed
- Subscription
What to expect in the first meeting
It all starts with a phone call or coffee to better understand your concerns and goals for financial planning, to tell you a little bit about how we work with clients, and to answer any questions you might have. If we can add value and we're a good fit we will send you a brief online questionnaire. This will help us develop your "free" one-page financial plan which we will discuss at your next meeting. We will explain how to lower your taxes, optimize your investments, and fine-tune your retirement plan. There's absolutely no pressure in making a decision. If you agree that we can provide value and want to work together then we will schedule a planning meeting for a more comprehensive review of your finances. If not, we can help you find another advisor who is a better fit.Offers Investment Management
Yes
About our Firm
At Tushingham Wealth Strategies, we offer proactive retirement planning that encompasses every aspect of your financial life. Think of us as your "Personal CFO".From minimizing your taxes to investing more wisely, and optimizing your income. Our mission is to provide financial advice that helps you obtain better outcomes and simplify your finances, so you can live your ideal life.
We provide value in three ways.
We will first develop a financial plan based on your objective, establish the goals necessary to achieve it, and coordinate the implementation of the plan with our team of attorneys, CPAs, bankers, mortgage brokers, property and casualty agents, and other professionals.
We then develop a portfolio tied to your financial objective and allocated in such a manner that balances your long-term growth needs with a level of risk that you can live with.
We will employ tax minimization strategies such as asset location and tax-loss harvesting and help you coordinate the liquidation of accounts so you receive the income you need and pay as little tax as possible.
We also help you navigate the ongoing planning process by making informed decisions. Planning is a process, not an event. Changes will occur, and when they do, we will serve as a guide in helping you navigate those changes with greater clarity and confidence.
To help determine what value we can add and if we’re a good long-term fit, we offer a free retirement review. Please contact us to experience the difference.
Education
Pace University BBA Finance
Volunteer Experience
Make-A-Wish F3
Awards and Honors
Languages
- English
Hobbies and Interests
- Beach
- Boating
- Exercising
- Family
- Hockey
- Sports
- Traveling
- Volunteering
- Wine
- Working Out
SEC Lookup
View DisclosureFINRA Lookup
View DisclosureWho We Serve
- Business Owners
- Corporate Executives
- Couples
- Divorce
- Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE)
- Healthcare Professionals
- Investors
- Living in Retirement
- Physicians
- Single Women
- Widow
- Women in Transition
- Women Professionals
To make Wealthtender free for readers, we earn a nominal monthly fee from financial advisors and firms in exchange for marketing services (including being featured on this profile page), subject to terms of use. This compensation creates a natural conflict of interest when we favor their promotion over others. Wealthtender is not a client of these advisors or firms. Testimonials may not be representative of other clients’ experiences and do not guarantee future performance or success.
Write a Review
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Highly recommend Tushingham Wealth
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Mar 18, 2024
We switched from a financial advisor to Tushingham Wealth about 12 years ago. Brett's holistic approach to wealth management led to some changes back then that netted us hundreds of thousands of dollars and positively changed the long term course of our retirement portfolio. There is no way we would be in our current financial state without his ongoing, active management of our assets. He is extremely honest and is knowledgeable about most things financial, but knows when to call in a team member to complete the picture when needed. He is always available to chat/meet/advise, and communication is awesome. I trust Brett to educate and guide us in financial matters, so I can focus most of my energy on other aspects of life. His guidance has enhanced our lifestyle, and is making our transition into retirement anxiety-free!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
From Start to the Future
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Mar 12, 2024
My wife and I have been with Brett for two years now and have been very happy with his services. He started out by taking the time to get to know our family and the things that are important to us in both the short term and the long term. His approach to total financial planning is hugely helpful and goes beyond my preconceived notion of what financial planners do. Everything from connecting us to the right insurance people, to estate planning, and our retirement investments (having a busy family with two small kids, I suspect I would've put off some of these items). I have been able to bounce investment and business ideas off him and get thoughtful feedback.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Great planner and strategist for wealth and retirement
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jan 22, 2024
We have been with Brett for over 20 years and he has been with us planning each step for our best path in retirement. Now that we are here, ready for retirement, we feel comfortable and confident in what Brett has helped us accomplish. Time goes so fast and these days are here before you know it. He has been more than just a financial planner he has been a friend and partner as well. These are traits you want most in planning your future. So glad we have had Brett beside us all the way! Thank you Brett!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Financial advisor for all income levels
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 13, 2023
My wife and I hired Brett two years ago as our financial advisor and we have been extremely satisfied with him. We are empty nesters in our early sixties with two late twenties children. My wife worked in private preschools and was under-paid. So, I am the primary breadwinner with a modest salary that covers our living expenses but not much more. We have a 401K nest egg that is modest for our age, but certainly not large. What I'm trying to express is that we are from modest means, but we don't feel judged or treated as an afterthought. Brett makes us feel like millionaires and gives us his full attention. He is always a phone call, text, or email away and is very good at responding, which is reassuring as we live two hours away from where he is located. Brett is knowledgeable and is well connected with tax-preparers, estate-planners, and other professionals who have helped us with our total estate, not just with our retirement nest egg that is under Brett's careful watch. More than anything, we feel comfortable with Brett. He's a good person with an easy-going manner that helps diffuse topics that can be complicated and difficult to process. Over the past five years, I've felt increasing anxiety that I needed help landing the family financial plane gracefully onto the retirement runway. This unease was heightened by a special needs child who is in recovery from substance abuse. So, it was time to find a person like Brett. We feel fortunate and grateful to have found not only a competent financial planner, but a caring and empathic human being.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Knowledgeable and proactive advice
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Apr 25, 2023
We have been clients for over 5 years. Brett was recommended by our accountant. Brett is easy to work with and open to ideas. He is knowledgeable, creative and proactive. He is responsive to questions. We have been really pleased as Brett has guided us through the long-term management of our savings and planning for retirement. Where "usual" turns into "exceptional" is when he proactively contacts us to make sure we are current. For example, he has reached out to make sure we have completed issues related to work, or taxes, or insurance. We have had multiple comprehensive meetings where his preparation was obvious. Our experience has been excellent, which is why we highly recommend Brett.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Financial stability and peace of mind!
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Apr 5, 2023
Brett has been our financial advisor for over 10 years. His experience and knowledge across financial planning and investing is second to none! Over the years, his focus on retirement, education, wealth accumulation and general life planning has been extraordinarily helpful!
Brett is proactive in his approach - always one step ahead of the opportunity (and the IRS!) I always appreciate his texts/calls to ensure awareness and alignment around potential opportunities, benefits and risks. I would highly recommend Brett and all of his services!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Brett is a true financial advisor!
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jan 30, 2023
I have known Brett for over ten years. He continually asks the question, which is most important: how can I/we achieve your goals so you can enjoy the life you desire. He works with you to determine your life strategy . . . and focuses on how to make that happen. He's a fabulous resource and I highly recommend his wholistic services!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
A Forward Thinking Advisor with Integrity
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jan 15, 2023
We've been with Brett as a CFP advisor since the beginning of Tushingham Wealth Strategies and even a few years prior to that. He's been rock steady all that time and is somebody on whom we can always depend. In current times, when it seems that "anything goes" in business and politics, we know that we can always count on the straight story from Brett and that he takes as much care in advising all his clients as he would his own family. Unlike many advisors in large firms who are operating primarily to place investments where they will earn the largest commissions, Brett's independent services are fee-based, and he looks for the investment or service that is best for his clients. One of the great advantages of working with him is that he offers "cradle-to-grave" service; he will help you plan for your child's college education while that child is still an infant, simultaneously helping you plan for retirement and what will eventually happen to your estate. We know that we don't have to watch the markets everyday or be concerned about how the latest tax law changes affect us because he does that for us proactively. Our daughters have grown up knowing Brett, who also advises them. Unlike many of their generation, they already have, and know the value of, 401k plans, Roth IRAs, and Health Savings Accounts. We wholeheartedly endorse Brett and recommend his services unreservedly.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
A Full Service CFP that exceeded all of my expectations
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Nov 30, 2022
My wife and I have been working with Brett since 2010. He was recommended to us by our long time accounting firm when we made the decision to find a new CFP in NC after relocating from Chicago. Brett has not only provided us with his comprehensive services and expertise, just as importantly he has worked to get to know us on a personal level which I believe is critical to the success and understanding of all aspects of our financial wellbeing. Working with Brett, he has insured "all our papers are in order" - by that I mean he has provided us with not only guidance but coordinated all aspects of us actually putting in place estate planning (including the establishment of legal trusts for both myself and my wife), insurance (home, auto, LTC, life), Medicare, tax planning, PPP loan for my business, 529 plans for my grandkids - really everything - and I have come to trust reply upon him and his expertise in all matters concerning our financial health. I have worked with other CFP's over the course of 42 years and can tell you that Brett, by virtue of the type of person he is and his knowledge, experience and expertise and they way he treats us as clients and friends, has exceeded all others.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Recommend Brett for your Retirement Planning
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Nov 28, 2022
I have known Brett for over 10 years and highly recommend him for your retirement planning. He is extremely thorough taking time to understand what is important to you and your family today and in the future. He makes himself accessible for any questions as life presents itself and wants to be involved in items such as your annual benefit enrollment along with your employer available plans.
Brett understands your spending number by reviewing your total expenditures, your cash flow and how it influences your savings rate, portfolio allocation, insurance needs, tax planning and overall money management strategy.
Brett wants to know you, your family and be there as life changes so he can help navigate you through these life events. I trust him explicitly and know he always has our best interest forefront, thereby ensuring we are set up for a great retirement.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Support to new in practice physician
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Nov 14, 2022
Brett was recommended by a senior colleague of mine, shortly after I was hired to my first faculty position after training. It took me a few years to actually get in touch, and I wish I had done it sooner. Brett is so knowledgeable about my employer's retirement options and quickly identified missed opportunities for savings and assessed my insurance coverage, helped me optimize student loan payments and other liabilities. He has kept me informed and actively educated me as we develop a long term financial plan, with such personalization and care to how I want my money to be available over time. I really can't imagine working with anyone else - and I did have initial consultations with other firms and independent planners - but Brett is someone I trust explicitly and his accessibility is bar none.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
A "Full Service" Financial Advisor
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Nov 11, 2022
Brett has been our expert in all things financial for many years. After dissatisfaction with a previous firm and a subsequent extensive search, it was apparent that Brett could provide the attention to detail that we were looking for.
He truly makes us feel like we are his most important client(s). He is very proactive and his follow-up is beyond even our demanding expectations. His interactions with investments and planning were the reasons we chose his services but his participation and advice in selling/buying property, tax planning, medical insurance, rental properties, etc. were more than we could have imagined that we needed and verifies his claim as a "personal CFO".
Our accountant is extremely satisfied with Brett's multiple interfaces to make sure we are properly prepared prepared for reporting the current year and properly prepared for what we need to do in the upcoming year to maximize our savings and investments.
Brett has even visited with our adult children to answer questions they may have as they face early-life investment situations. He goes the extra length to understand what our family needs might be beyond the typical investment and retirement planning books. We highly recommend his personal commitment and attention to anyone searching for financial planning advice.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
From Neighbor to Financial Advisor to Friend
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Nov 9, 2022
My husband passed away in 2020, he took care of everything financial including real estate investments, Stock market, 529 accounts,etc.
Without him I knew I needed help. Brett Tushingham gave that help - he actually took me under his wings and explained, taught and stood
by my side until so very many issues were resolved, changed and finally understood my be to move forward.
I am thrilled with my portfolio..he still explains, stays in touch and looks for the best strategies for myself and my family. Above all, Brett is so very trustworthy, so honest. He gives 100 % to his clients in time, advice and caring.
He is a fantastic Financial Advisor.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Current Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
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