Wealthtender Wealthtender

Financial Professionals
Sign In / Sign up

Individuals
Subscribe for Money Tips

Wealthtender

Julie Bray, CFP®

Wealth Management for Families Navigating College Costs and Retirement Planning

Connect Cancel

Wealthtender Community Connect helps people discover the best financial advisors for their individual needs through their favorite blogs and podcasts.

Click Here to Learn More
Contact Me
GW Financial, Inc. Julie Bray, CFP®

Serving Clients Nationwide

Wealth Management for Families Navigating College Costs and Retirement Planning

714-850-0534

Website

Areas of Focus

  • Education Funding
  • Education Funding Vehicles
  • Education Needs and Funding Analysis
  • Education Tax Deduction and Credit Planning
  • Education Tax Planning
  • Financial Life Planning
  • Investment Management
  • Retirement Planning
  • Taxes

About Me

I am Julie Bray, CFP®, a dynamic and accomplished financial professional, currently serving as the President and Wealth Manager at GW Financial, Inc. My journey in the world of finance began in December 2010 when I joined Glenn Woody Financial Consultants, Inc. (GWFC). Eager to deepen my expertise, I concurrently pursued the coursework required to sit for the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation, a goal I achieved in early 2012.

Having demonstrated my commitment and aptitude, Glenn and I initiated succession planning, a strategic move that saw me acquire GWFC in June 2014. Since then, I have played a pivotal role in the firm's growth and success. I not only continue to provide dedicated service to the firm's clients but also oversee the day-to-day management and lead the Investment Advisory Panel.

Prior to my role at GWFC, I gained valuable experience at Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO), where I specialized in the municipal bond arena, catering to the unique needs of ultra-high net worth families and clients. My journey also included a significant stint at Brown Brothers Harriman in New York, where I served as a Municipal Bond Trader, Portfolio Manager, and Assistant Vice President.

My educational foundation is solid, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Complementing my academic achievements, I completed my Certificate in Financial Planning through the University of California, Irvine.

Beyond my professional pursuits, I find joy and fulfillment in my family life with my husband Paul, residing in the vibrant community of Reno, Nevada, alongside our three children and two dogs. A passionate advocate for work/life balance, we continually embark on new adventures, whether it's navigating the challenges of parenthood, snowboarding at Mt. Rose, snorkeling in Hawaii, or visiting family in England. As a family, we share a love for golf and pickleball, demonstrating that the pursuit of financial success is harmoniously balanced with the pursuit of a fulfilling and active family life. My commitment to helping families plan for college, retirement, and wealth transfer is not only a professional duty but a personal philosophy reflected in my own approach to life and family.

Professional Designations

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional

Meeting Options

  • Video Conference
  • Phone
Book Intro Call

Compensation Methods

  • Fee Only

What to expect in the first meeting

This call is your chance to understand us better—ask anything and ensure we're the right fit. Partnering with GW Financial, Inc. means entrusting us with guiding you in shaping your family's future through informed decisions about education funding and retirement.

Offers Investment Management

Yes

About our Firm

At GW Financial, Inc., we understand the challenges faced by parents navigating the future of higher education costs for multiple children. Strategically funding these expenses while planning for your own retirement can leave you anxious about the impact on your family's overall financial picture. That's why we strive to guide you effortlessly, supporting you every step of the way with a plan for long-term wealth preservation. Our particular and personalized approach helps ensure that your financial plan aligns seamlessly with your family's aspirations and overall financial well-being.

We are an independent Registered Investment Advisor serving families in the Reno-Tahoe area. If you are like many of our clients, you may feel trapped by the high cost of tuition because you make too much money to qualify for need-based financial aid. You may not know about the other strategies available to fund your children's education. We work with you to help gain:

College funding expertise: We develop specialized strategies to help efficiently cover expenses so that attaining a quality education for your children doesn't overload you.

Tax efficiency: Tax planning is integrated into your financial plan to help reduce tax liabilities and enable you to preserve more of your wealth.

Peace of mind: By providing proactive financial planning, we strive to give you the sense of security that comes with feeling confident that your financial future is in capable hands.

Hobbies and Interests

  • Family

SEC Lookup

View Disclosure

Who We Serve

  • Baby Boomers
  • Corporate Executives
  • Dual Income Family
  • Gen X

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.

Ask an Advisor: How can a person (or couple) in their 60s approach estate planning in a way that balances family needs with charitable giving?
Ask an Advisor: Should we consider setting up a 529 plan or other education savings for our young children’s future at 40?
Get to Know Certified Financial Planners & Find a CFP