During college, I bought my first stock, which ignited a lifelong passion for investing. I immersed myself in learning everything I could about investments and personal finance, reflecting on some of my family’s financial decisions. I couldn’t help but wonder how different their journey might have been if they had the guidance of a trusted advisor to help them make informed choices.

This realization changed my career path. Instead of pursuing a career in law, I decided to focus my studies on becoming a trusted financial advisor.

I have a clear mission: to guide clients in making impactful financial decisions so they can enjoy what matters most to them. This passion drives my commitment to continually expand my knowledge and refine my planning process, because when my clients succeed, I succeed.

I began my professional journey in 1996 as a Legal Assistant at Clark & James, PA. While I gained valuable experience in the legal field, my passion for finance eventually took center stage. After completing graduate school in 2001, I transitioned into the financial services industry as an Investment Representative with Edward Jones.

Six years later, driven by a desire for greater autonomy and the ability to serve my clients with more personalized strategies, I decided to leave Edward Jones and establish my own firm, Haines Financial, LLC, which is now known as The Wealth Plan Company. This step fulfilled my dream of becoming a trusted Independent Financial Advisor, allowing me the freedom to build a practice focused on helping clients make informed and confident financial decisions.

Degrees, Certificates and Designations

– BS in Social Work from East Carolina University in 1998
– MBA from East Carolina University in 2001
– AAMS® – Accredited Asset Management Specialist from the College for Financial Planning in 2004
– Certificate in Financial Planning from the University of Georgia in 2007
– CFP® – CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation from CFP Board in 2009
– AWMA® – Accredited Wealth Management Advisor from the College of Financial Planning in 2010
– AIF® – Accredited Investment Fiduciary from FI360 in 2019

I began my journey at East Carolina University in 1994 with the intention of playing football, but I soon found myself spending most of my time on the bench. While I did excel in that role, I decided to put away my pads and explore new opportunities. This decision led me to join the cheerleading squad as Pee Dee the Pirate, ECU’s mascot. This life-changing experience introduced me to Erica, a member of the ECU Dance Team. We married in 2001 and are now proud parents of two sons, Thomas and Mitchel.

As a family, we are involved in Scouting, soccer, rugby, golf, surfing, and snow sports. We especially enjoy long road trips and deeply love the mountains.

We are also active members of the First Baptist Church of Wilmington, where Erica and I serve as deacons. I am proud to be on the Executive Board of the Cape Fear Council of Scouting America. Additionally, I hold several leadership positions in Scouting, including Committee Chair for Cub Scout Pack 219, Charter Organization Representative for Troop 1219, and Assistant Cubmaster for Troop 19. Outside of my work with Scouting, I am honored to serve as President-Elect of the Cape Fear Rotary Club.