Business Details
40 Years
experience
Trusted Fee-Only Financial Advisors in Charleston, SC
Charleston Financial Advisors has been a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm since 1986, prioritizing client interests through transparent, conflict-free advisory services. Our team of Certified Financial Planners delivers comprehensive financial strategies tailored to individual client needs, emphasizing long-term wealth preservation and growth. As NAPFA-registered advisors, we uphold a fiduciary oath, ensuring all recommendations align with clients' best interests without third-party influence.With decades of combined experience, our professionals specialize in holistic financial planning, retirement strategies, and passive investment management grounded in Nobel Prize-winning economic theories. Our independence and commitment to fiduciary standards distinguish us as trusted partners in managing complex financial situations for pre-retirees, retirees, and high-net-worth individuals.
Services
Financial Planning
Investment Management
Retirement Planning
Estate Planning
Tax Strategies
College Savings Plans
Risk Management
Asset Allocation
Wealth Preservation
Passive Portfolio Management
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- Fee-only since 1986 with no product commissions or conflicts of interest
- NAPFA-registered advisors adhering to strict fiduciary standards
- Certified Financial Planners with 25+ years of combined industry experience
- Passive investment strategies based on Nobel Prize-winning economic research
- Comprehensive financial planning addressing retirement, taxes, and estate needs
Associations and certifications
- NAPFA
- SEC Registered Investment Advisor
- Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards
Services
Financial Planning
Our comprehensive financial planning service creates personalized roadmaps for clients with $500,000+ assets. We analyze cash flow, retirement goals, tax strategies, and estate plans to develop integrated solutions. Our CFP professionals ensure every recommendation aligns with your unique financial situation and long-term objectives.
Investment Management
We implement passive investment strategies using Dimensional Fund Advisors' institutional-level funds. Our approach focuses on diversified portfolios engineered to targeted asset categories with periodic rebalancing. This evidence-based methodology minimizes costs while maintaining tax efficiency and risk-appropriate returns for long-term investors.
Retirement Planning
Specializing in pre-retirement and early-retirement planning, we help clients transition from wealth accumulation to sustainable income. Our services include Social Security optimization, pension analysis, distribution strategies, and longevity planning. We create customized withdrawal plans that balance current needs with long-term financial security.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning integrates with comprehensive financial strategies to preserve wealth for future generations. We coordinate with legal professionals to implement trusts, beneficiary designations, and gifting strategies. The service ensures smooth asset transfer while minimizing tax implications and administrative complexities.
Tax Strategies
We develop tax-efficient investment and withdrawal strategies to minimize liabilities. Our approach includes tax-loss harvesting, retirement account conversions, and income timing optimization. These strategies work in conjunction with your CPA's guidance to maximize after-tax returns across market cycles.
People
Diane H. Blackwelder
Principal, CFP
With 25+ years in financial services, Diane specializes in comprehensive planning and client relationship management. She joined Charleston Financial Advisors in 2009 after establishing her own fee-only practice in Mount Pleasant, SC.
Myles B. Brandt
Principal, CFP
Myles oversees investment strategies and financial planning since 2007. Holding a Master's in Applied Economics from Johns Hopkins, he combines academic rigor with practical implementation of retirement and tax optimization techniques for clients.
William C. Prewitt
Founder, CFP
Bill founded Charleston Financial Advisors in 1986 and served as principal until retirement in 2024. With a military background and international executive experience, he established the firm's fiduciary-first culture and commitment to evidence-based investing.
Abby Pease
Client Service Associate
Abby manages client communications and support processes since joining in 2017. She focuses on ensuring seamless client experiences through organized documentation and responsive service coordination.
Grainne Traynor
Paraplanner
Grainne develops financial plans and conducts research since joining in 2024. With a University of Alabama finance degree, she supports advisors through detailed analysis of client portfolios and planning scenarios.
Questions
What services does Charleston Financial Advisors offer?
We provide comprehensive financial planning, retirement strategies, investment management, tax planning, estate planning, and passive portfolio management tailored to individual client needs.
Are you legally required to act in my best interest?
Yes, as fiduciaries, we're legally obligated to prioritize client interests through SEC-regulated advisory services and NAPFA's Code of Ethics.
How are your fees structured?
Fees are either asset-based percentages for ongoing management or fixed rates for specific planning services, with transparent pricing detailed in our fee schedule.
What qualifies your team to manage my finances?
Our advisors hold Certified Financial Planner designations, have 25+ years of combined experience, and implement strategies based on Nobel Prize-winning economic research.
Do you work with clients outside Charleston?
We primarily serve South Carolina residents but may work with clients in other states where legally permitted through our SEC registration.
