Who We Are and Our Unique Story

Full credentials, experiences, and professional details at the bottom.

For more than 20 years, we’ve walked life side by side, as husband and wife, parents, partners, and now co-founders of Awaken Financial Designs. Along the way, we’ve come to understand something essential:

True wealth isn’t measured by numbers alone.
It’s measured by peace, freedom, love, and the life you’re able to fully live. That belief is the foundation of our firm.

We created Awaken Financial Designs to help individuals and families retire earlier, with greater clarity and confidence, not only financially prepared, but emotionally grounded and aligned in how they live.

A place where thoughtful financial strategy meets mindful living. Where money becomes a tool for alignment, not stress.

Why We Built This Firm Differently

We intentionally built Awaken as an independent firm free from hidden fees, sales pressure, and asset-based fee structures. This allows our guidance to remain focused on what matters most:

• clarity
• transparency
• long-term alignment

Our Background & Experience

David’s path began in service. As a United States Marine Corps Combat Veteran, discipline, responsibility, and leadership shaped his foundation.

After earning advanced degrees (MBA, MSCJ) and working with firms such as Charles Schwab and Merrill Lynch, he observed a pattern that was difficult to ignore: families often paid more, worried more, and still lacked clarity in their financial lives.

That realization led to building a different model, one centered on education, thoughtful planning, and long-term alignment. His work has been recognized nationally for excellence in client relationships and service.

Ashley’s career was built in executive relationship advising, where she consistently ranked among the top performers nationally. With a Master’s in Business Leadership (MSBL), she brings a rare combination of strategic insight, emotional intelligence, and operational clarity. Her perspective has always been rooted in one belief:

Clients are not accounts, they are people with lives, families, and futures that deserve to be understood and supported.

Where Strategy Meets Alignment

Together, we recognized that meaningful financial planning must extend beyond numbers alone. This led us into deeper work around clarity, awareness, and how people make decisions under pressure.

We are both certified in Pranayama (breathwork) and Meditation through Yoga Alliance, and are currently completing our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training.

These practices are not financial strategies, they are tools that support:

• clarity
• emotional steadiness
• thoughtful decision-making

Real wealth is not just accumulation. It is alignment, between your finances, your values, your health, and your life.

Our Approach

This philosophy is reflected in our Awakened Wealth & Life Alignment Method™, which integrates:

• tax-aware financial planning
• investment coordination
• risk and protection strategy
• estate awareness
• mindfulness and awareness practices

into one unified, thoughtful approach.

Our Commitment

Awaken Financial Designs is a Veteran and Woman Owned firm supported by a trusted network of CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and Trust & Estate Attorneys.

We serve clients locally across North Carolina, as well as individuals and families in Arizona and nationwide through a virtual-first planning model.

Our mission is simple and deeply personal:

To help people create financial freedom with clarity, integrity, and peace, so life is not just successful, but fully lived.

(Full credentials, experience, and professional details are provided below.)