Doug BazleyCFP®, CPA, CRPC®

What sparked your interest in financial planning?

I bounced around the industry a bit working in estate settlement at a very large bank to retirement consulting for large employer retirement plans. These jobs provided great experience, but when assisting clients, I noticed that most individuals needed a more holistic viewpoint to make better financial decisions. I truly enjoy showing folks how a decision can affect their long-term plan, whether it be asset allocation or what to consider when naming beneficiaries.

What do you value most in your client relationships?

I love the relationships with my clients, and I love learning from them. There are so many ways people can live successfully, which is measured differently depending on the client. I love meeting with their kids to talk about their own goals and to show them how things like compounding and living within or below their means can help. I am also very aware that circumstances can change quickly and that we need to be prepared. I have a loved one who has had a major medical event. I’d like to believe they feel comfort knowing they have a resource in me, knowing that I want to help, like I would for any of my clients. It’s great that we are fiduciaries because I always want to do the best for my clients.

What fuels you every day in your work?

I have a passion for helping people prepare financially for the big milestones in life and explaining sometimes confusing concepts in layman’s terms. If you are facing a financial decision (big or small) such as: When can I retire? What’s the best way to fund my child’s college education? How does a renovation or the purchase of a second home affect my financial plan? Can we afford to move into a continuing care retirement community? I can guide you and help you understand how to navigate those decisions.

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?

I grew up in central Florida in a town called Lakeland where I played soccer, tennis, and swimming. Although I enjoyed Florida, the mountain biking trails and beauty of Asheville, NC, were too hard for me to resist. I moved here in 2003 and met my beautiful wife and together we now have three amazing daughters.