Who We Are and Our Unique Story

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 (Veteran and Woman Owned). Along the way, we’ve learned 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 heart of Awaken Financial Designs. We created this firm to help people retire earlier, wealthier, and happier. Not just financially prepared, but emotionally grounded and spiritually clear. A place where thoughtful financial strategy meets mindful living. Where money becomes a tool for alignment, not stress.

We intentionally built Awaken as an independent firm: free from hidden commissions, sales pressure, and corporate incentives. So our guidance is always rooted in integrity, transparency, and service.

Our Background & Why This Work Matters

David’s path began in service. As a United States Marine Corps Combat Veteran, discipline, responsibility, and leadership shaped his foundation. After earning advanced Masters Degrees (MBA, MSCJ) and working with nationally recognized firms including Charles Schwab and Merrill Lynch, he saw a pattern too common in traditional financial planning: families paying more, worrying more, and receiving less clarity than they deserved. That realization led him to build a different model, one centered on trust, education, 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 in the top 1% nationwide. With a Master’s in Business Leadership (MSBL), she brings a rare combination of strategic insight, emotional intelligence, and holistic care. She has always believed that clients are not accounts; they are people with values, families, and futures that deserve to be honored.

Together, we recognized that real planning must address more than money alone.

Where Strategy Meets Alignment

That understanding led us beyond traditional financial education and into deeper work around clarity, presence, and nervous system regulation. We are both Yoga Alliance certified in Pranayama (breathwork) and Meditation, and currently completing 200-hour Yoga Teacher certifications.

This may not be common in financial planning, but for us, it’s essential. Real wealth isn’t just about how much you save or invest.
Real wealth is when your finances, health, values, and inner life are aligned.

This philosophy is woven into our Awakened Wealth & Life Alignment Method™, which blends tax-smart financial planning, investment coordination, risk management, and estate awareness with mindfulness-based practices that support calm, confident decision-making.

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 in Cary and across North Carolina, as well as families in Arizona and nationwide through virtual planning.

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 deeply lived.

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