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When You ACT,
You Get More

More strategy. More clarity. More of what matters—delivered by a fee-only fiduciary financial planning and investment management firm that puts your interests first.

We help successful families, executives, and professionals simplify complex finances, pursue tax-efficient strategies, and plan for what’s next.

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Who We Serve Best

Your financial life is complex—and moving fast. If you value strategy, clarity, coordination, and expert partnership, you’re in the right place.

Senior Executives Navigating
Complex Compensation

You’re managing a demanding career, and your compensation reflects it—stock options, RSUs, deferred compensation plans, and bonuses that carry real opportunity and real risk. You want to reduce tax friction, align benefits with long-term goals, and make informed financial decisions without pressure or product sales. We help design strategies to address complexity and support your financial goals.

Families Managing Significant Wealth and Pivotal Decisions

You have significant assets or income, growing complexity, and the responsibility that comes with both. You may be navigating major life events—retirement, a business sale, inheritance, or preparing to transfer wealth to the next generation. You want integrated advice that connects investments, taxes, estate planning, and legacy goals. We provide thoughtful collaboration, clear guidance, and a relationship grounded in trust.

Credit Union Executives with
Unique Benefit Packages

You’ve built a mission-driven career and earned benefits like 457 plans or split-dollar arrangements—benefits that require specialized, objective guidance. You want advice that aligns with your values, reduces unnecessary tax exposure, and takes advantage of your Tax Delta™ superpower. We understand the credit union movement and help you uncover opportunities within your current benefits package—so it works as hard for you as you do for your members.

Here’s What You Can Expect — And What You Won’t Get With Us

We guide you with intentional strategies—and never rely on gimmicks, commissions, or shortcuts. Here’s what sets us apart.

What We Do

What We Don't Do

  • We build financial strategy. We don't sell products. Every decision tied to your bigger picture, not to a commission check.
  • We carefully analyze each client’s tax situation for planning opportunities. Buried inside are opportunities most advisors never bother to dig for.
  • We run portfolios lean and mean. Low-cost, transparent portfolios aligned with client objectives. No hidden drag.
  • We specialize in addressing complex financial situations. Complexity isn’t a burden—it’s where the best opportunities hide.
  • We put tech in the driver’s seat. Smarter tools. Deeper insights. Faster answers.
  • We don’t do one-and-done. Financial planning isn’t a transaction; it’s an ongoing relationship.
  • We don’t stay in our lane. We dig in, do the research, and coordinate taxes, benefits, investments—and bring in specialists when it moves the needle.
  • We don’t avoid complexity—we’re built for it, and it’s where we do our best work.
  • We don’t buy Wall Street B.S. or “exclusive” plays. Transparent, broad access and low-total-cost portfolios—not secrets, hype, or club deals.
  • We don’t sell products. No commissions, no quotas, no sales goals—just fiduciary guidance.

Here’s What You Can Expect — And What You Won’t Get With Us

We guide you with intentional strategies—and never rely on gimmicks, commissions, or shortcuts. Here’s what sets us apart.

What We Do

  • We build financial strategy. We don't sell products. Every decision tied to your bigger picture, not to a commission check.
  • We treat your tax return like a gold mine. Buried inside are opportunities most advisors never bother to dig for.
  • We run portfolios lean and mean. Low total cost. No fluff. No hidden drag.
  • We thrive where others tap out. Complexity isn’t a burden—it’s where the best opportunities hide.
  • We put tech in the driver’s seat. Smarter tools. Deeper insights. Faster answers.

What We Don't Do

  • We don’t do one-and-done. Financial planning isn’t a transaction; it’s an ongoing relationship.
  • We don’t stay in our lane. We dig in, do the research, and coordinate taxes, benefits, investments—and bring in specialists when it moves the needle.
  • We don’t avoid complexity—we’re built for it, and it’s where we do our best work.
  • We don’t buy Wall Street B.S. or “exclusive” plays. Transparent, broad access and low-total-cost portfolios—not secrets, hype, or club deals.
  • We don’t sell products. No commissions, no quotas, no sales goals—just fiduciary guidance.

Our Clients Say It Best

These reviews reflect the care, clarity, and professionalism we bring to every relationship. We encourage feedback—but never compensate or edit what’s shared. What you read here is 100% authentic. You can read more of our reviews here. 

  • Amazing group of advisors!

    Christy Smith Avatar Christy Smith
    May 27, 2024

    I have been with Doug English for approximately 20 years and trust Doug and his other advisors completely. When my husband passed away 10 years ago, Doug helped me maneuver all the obstacles that came along and I needed lots of help at that time. Doug and Wes Johnson have always been there to answer any questions I have had, no matter how trivial. I would recommend them to anyone. They really take care of their clients.

    Judy Arms Avatar Judy Arms
    September 27, 2023

  • Doug and his team at ACT-Advisors has been our go to for financial planning as well as some "Life" planning. We have worked with Doug for over 17 years, and he has helped us grow our retirement savings to where we will never have to worry about money again. Doug has very high integrity. Act-Advisors does not churn your saving to make money on trades. While not all of our saving is managed by Doug and ACT-Advisors, they still help us manage it responsibly and help us make better decisions for all of our saving whether they earn money from it or not. We have a great "peace of mind" because even during the worst downturns in the past 17 years we have never been hit as hard as the Markets and been able to be confident that we are well protected by sound investments and not by costly products or gimmicks. We have personally recommended Doug and Act-Advisors to our friends and family, and they continue to be loyal members as well. Before we decided to invest with ACT-Advisors we interviewed other large service providers, but none understood us or listened like Doug. To this day Doug and his team know us personally and takes a real interest in what we are doing, how our family is doing and growing and helps us make good long-term decisions for them as well. We expect to continue to work with Doug and his team for many more years and we are looking forward to even a brighter tomorrow because of their help and support.

    Kathi & James Soniat Avatar Kathi & James Soniat
    August 11, 2023

    We have been clients of ACT Advisors since their inception. They continue to assist us with our overall financial planning to include our various retirement accounts in addition to our assets under advisement. The clear, consistent communication and plan we have developed with them over the years have allowed us to transition to retirement with confidence.

    david hart Avatar david hart
    May 27, 2024

I am quite satisfied with LPL and especially my advisor, Doug English, and his staff. They r always prompt and efficient when I have a question or request

Mary V.

Doug and Wes are awesome, down to earth, the take complex issues and break them down into plain English (pun intended) and most of all - I feel safe with... read more

Harry g.

ACT Advisers has managed my money for a couple years as created a sound long term financial plan. The results have been great. They advised me on strategies to save... read more

Steve H.
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These reviews are from current ACT Advisors clients who were not compensated for their feedback. Client experiences may vary and are not indicative of future results. Reviews appear as posted on a third-party site without editing.

Meet Our Team

From your first meeting to every milestone ahead, our team is here to offer steady guidance and exceptional service.

Doug English, CFP®

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

Doug is a fee-only financial advisor with more than 20 years of experience guiding senior executives through complex financial decisions. He specializes in executive compensation and benefit coordination, including 457 plans, equity comp strategies, and split-dollar arrangements. As the founder of ACT Advisors and host of the C.U. on the Show podcast, Doug is a trusted voice in both nonprofit and corporate executive planning.

Learn More About Doug

Wes Johnson, CFP®

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

Wes is a fee-only financial planner who helps families and professionals manage wealth with clarity and care. With over 15 years of experience and a background in executive benefit strategy, Wes focuses on investment management, tax-smart planning, and long-term financial coordination. He leads ACT’s Charleston-area office and serves on the board of the Financial Planning Association of South Carolina.

Learn More About Wes

Pat Latta

Wealth Advisor

Pat is a fee-only financial advisor with more than two decades of experience in retirement planning and wealth management. He works closely with clients at or near retirement to simplify their transition, clarify their options, and build a plan that supports the next chapter with confidence. Known for his thoughtful approach and personal connection, Pat helps clients make meaningful decisions with less stress and more confidence.

Learn More About Pat

Jennifer English

Chief Compliance Officer

Jennifer is responsible for risk management within the organization, and ensures compliance with laws, regulatory requirements, and policies and procedures.

Learn More About Jennifer

Nicolette Speziale, CFP®

Operations Manager

Nicolette is responsible for day-to-day operations and administration of client service, financial planning, and marketing teams.

Learn More About Nicolette

Nate Pierce

Associate Wealth Planning Specialist

Nate is committed to empowering others to work towards their financial goals. With a strong foundation in wealth management and financial planning, he crafts tailored strategies that reflect each client’s unique aspirations.

Learn More About Nate
Meet Our Entire Team

Recent Articles from Your Financial Advocates

See Around Corners. Navigate with Clarity.

How Credit Union Boards Can Use AI to Strengthen Governance and Move Faster With Clear Guardrails

In this episode of C.U. On The Show, Doug English speaks with Deedee Myers and JD Myers about how AI is influencing credit union governance and organizational readiness. They discuss how AI can accelerate both strengths and weaknesses in an organization, why workforce literacy and critical thinking matter in an AI-enabled environment, and how boards can responsibly engage with AI in strategic planning. The conversation covers practical entry points—such as “point AI” tools and vendor-embedded AI—along with longer-term concepts like enterprise AI, AI ecosystems, and the importance of security and explainability for regulated decision-making.

Read More »
February 11, 2026 No Comments

It Starts with a Conversation—Not a Commitment

We don’t believe in sales pressure or one-size-fits-all advice. 
Just a thoughtful conversation about where you are, what’s ahead, and whether we’re the right partner to help. 

See If We're a Fit