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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.

See If We're a Fit

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. 

  • Doug English has been our financial advisor for over 20 years not only with our personal portfolio but also our company's profit sharing retirement account and other company investments. He is always available to quickly respond to any questions. He also has an excellent staff for support. They all go beyond any expectations. We have the upmost confidence with his management of our investments. He also has been an excellent advisor on other financial issues. He is very willing to help and discuss any financial situations. His knowledge and expertise are remarkable. We feel very confident investing with Act Advisors. Joye and Hubert S

    Hubert Shuler Avatar Hubert Shuler
    August 8, 2023

    Doug English and everyone at ACT Advisors are simply the BEST!!! They are incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of the financial arena and investing. Doug has spent his entire career in this profession and it shows. I doubt there is anything that he doesn't know. His team is personable, professional and super easy to work with. I feel so fortunate to have been referred to this amazing team. I am super happy to be their client and highly recommend them without reservation. These folks are the BEST...!!!

    Jody Ferrill Avatar Jody Ferrill
    January 14, 2024

  • Doug English and ACT Advisors have been my financial advisors for almost 18 years. ACT performed as a true fiduciary always putting my financial interests as a first priority. ACT has a competent team of market analysts supplemented by outside consultants. I have experienced long-term positive financial results during my experience with ACT Advisors - highly recommended. This is a TRUE 5 STAR financial services organization. The prior rating was not correct.

    Gerry Katz Avatar Gerry Katz
    May 27, 2023

    Over a decade ago , I decided it was time to get over my stock market phobia and I began to work with Doug English . It was one of the best decisions I have ever made ! He and the team at ACT advisors have been able to invest my money in ways that were profitable yet within my risk tolerance. They are always available for advice on “all things financial “ .. Buying a house ? Going solar ? Insurance ? Really ? Yes , really . They are there for you . Thank you Doug and ACT Advisors , you’re the best !

    Ann Malphrus Avatar Ann Malphrus
    May 27, 2024

Amazing group of advisors!

Christy S.

We first heard Doug English when he was working at the SCFCU and gave a knowledgeable and understandable presentation about investing. When he began his own company my husband and... read more

Anne R.

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.
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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

Ruth Hays

Financial Advisor

Ruth is a fee-only financial advisor who works with professionals and families to bring clarity and structure to complex financial decisions. She focuses on coordinating key areas of financial planning—aligning investments, tax considerations, and long-term goals into a cohesive strategy. With deep roots in Asheville and a long-standing connection to the firm, Ruth is committed to building thoughtful, lasting relationships grounded in trust and clear guidance.

Learn More About Ruth

Pat Latta

Financial 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

Jerri Moran

Client Service & Compliance Specialist

Prior to joining ACT Advisors, Jerri gained experience in the financial services industry, where she excelled in customer service, mortgages, and commercial lending. She is committed to delivering outstanding service to ACT Advisors® clients.

Learn More About Jerri

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.

May 2026 Market Update: Strong Stocks, Modest Bonds

April was a strong month for stocks and a more modest month for bonds. Because portfolios generally include a mix of both, results were positive overall for many allocations, but varied depending on how each portfolio is structured.
In this month’s update, Doug walks through the market drivers behind those results and how to think about what you may be seeing across your accounts. It’s a helpful reminder of how different parts of a portfolio can behave in different environments—and why allocation matters.

Read More »
May 1, 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