Mark Shelby, AIF®
Retirement, with Clarity and Control.
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Serving Clients Nationwide
Retirement, with Clarity and Control.
Areas of Focus
- Estate Planning
- Financial Life Planning
- High Net Worth
- Investment Management
- Retirement Planning
- Social Security
- Taxes
About Mark Shelby, AIF®
Hi, I'm Mark Shelby. I’m a financial advisor who believes that true wealth isn’t just about having money, it’s about having the freedom to live life on your own terms. My mission is to help high-income and ultra-high-net-worth individuals make smart, evidence-based financial decisions so they can work toward personal and financial independence with confidence. Whether you’re early in your accumulation years or transitioning into retirement, my role is to ensure your wealth is managed with precision, care, and purpose.I primarily serve executives, physicians, attorneys, business owners, and other driven professionals who recognize the value of expert guidance over DIY investing. Many of my clients are busy building their careers or businesses and don’t have the time or desire to constantly stress over markets, tax law changes, or complex financial strategies. They delegate those responsibilities to me so they can focus on what they truly care about: family, career, legacy, or simply enjoying life without financial anxiety.
My approach is deeply analytical and evidence-based. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter plans or sales-driven strategies. Every financial plan and portfolio I design is tailored around each client’s unique goals, risk preferences, and tax considerations. From comprehensive financial planning and portfolio management to tax strategy, retirement income planning, Social Security optimization, insurance coordination, and business retirement plans, I serve as a single point of contact for my clients’ overall financial picture. In many cases, I operate as a personal CFO or family office-level resource.
Direct communication and white-glove service are at the heart of my practice. My clients appreciate that I’m candid, math-oriented, and always proactive. I consider it an honor to manage the assets they’ve spent years, often decades, working hard to build. That respect for their effort is reflected in the level of care and diligence I bring to every decision.
And of course, no introduction would be complete without acknowledging our firm’s most beloved team member: Chloe, our Chief Happy Officer, and a distinguished and lovable Yorkie. She may not understand tax-loss harvesting or withdrawal sequencing, but she’s a master at easing stress and lifting spirits, often more effectively than any spreadsheet ever could. Together, she and I make planning for the future not only rewarding, but enjoyable.
Professional Designations
- Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF)
- Candidate for CFP® certification
Affiliations
- The AGC
Primary Location
5252 OldeTowne Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188
Additional Locations
📍 3900 Westerre Parkway, Suite 300 Richmond, VA 23233
Meeting Options
- Video Conference
- In-Person
- Phone
Compensation Methods
- Fee Based
- Percentage of Assets Managed
What to expect in the first meeting
Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above to schedule a free introductory conversation. We'll get to know each other and I'll listen to understand your unique circumstances so we can determine the best way to proceed. I look forward to speaking with you.Offers Investment Management
Yes
About Vertical Wealth Management
At Vertical Wealth Management, we turn financial complexity into a clear, strategic roadmap—designed to protect, grow, and sustain your wealth through every stage of retirement.We help you make smart decisions about income, investments, and taxes, without the sales pitch or confusion. Our process is built for people who want real answers, not a runaround.
We provide personalized financial planning and investment management that’s clear and easy to act on.
✔️ Financial Planning
Making decisions about retirement, income, and taxes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. As fiduciaries, we give advice that’s objective, easy to follow, and always in your best interest.
✔️ Investment Management
Most people want growth, but not at the cost of sleepless nights. Through our partnership with Brookwood Investment Group, we offer strategies that blend institutional research with personal oversight.
✔️ Income Planning
Your income plan should be built to last as long as you do.
We design retirement income strategies that support your lifestyle and adjust as life changes.
✔️ Tax Planning
Taxes can quietly drain your retirement savings if you’re not prepared. We build tax-efficient strategies into your plan to help you keep more of what you’ve earned.
Why Us
As a fiduciary firm, we’re legally bound to put your interests first, offering transparent, fee-based services with both local presence and nationwide accessibility.
We deliver the same personalized financial guidance through secure virtual meetings or in-person consultations.
Education
University of Wisconsin – BS in Business Administration (Finance Emphasis)
Hobbies and Interests
- Family
- Hiking
- Traveling
- Working Out
SEC Lookup
View DisclosureWho We Serve
- Attorneys
- Baby Boomers
- Business Owners
- Corporate Executives
- Dual Income Family
- Entrepreneurs
- Gen X
- Intergenerational Families
- Living in Retirement
- Physicians
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