Doug Ray, MBA, ChFC, RICP®

Doug has been a financial professional for more than 30 years and specializes in working with those approaching or in retirement. He holds designations as a Chartered Financial Consultant ChFC®, Retirement Income Certified Professional RICP ®,  CLTC and has been recognized as a Top of the Table insurance professional for the last 9 years. These designations have strict educational and ethical standards and are considered top industry credentials.

Born in Winston, Doug graduated from East Carolina University in 1979 then served 8 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy as a combat aviator and instructor. During his instructor tour in Pensacola he completed his MBA with a concentration in finance. He and his family returned to N.C. in 1988 where Doug worked for Merrill Lynch for almost 10 years. In 1998 Doug opened his practice as an independent financial advisor in order to offer his clients the best financial products for their goals without the pressure of corporate financial firms. He has offices in South Charlotte and Clemmons with clients throughout North and South Carolina.

In 2007 Doug created and still hosts ‘The Wealth Guardians’ radio show dedicated to educating the community on current economic factors that could affect their retirement to include social security optimization, taxes in retirement, long term health care planning and college funding strategies.  He is a past contributor to Fox Business. His article, “Not Your Father’s Retirement Plan”, was published in the August 28, 2013 edition and can also be found on our ‘free resources’ tab.

Doug and his wife Sherrie have been married since 1980 and are blessed with two adult sons, a daughter in law and two delightful grandchildren. They are members of Harrison United Methodist Church and have completed the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University Course. Doug has also served as a facilitator of Crown Financial Ministries, a faith based financial program. In the Winston community he has raised funds for the Make a Wish Foundation and continues to give back to his community both financially and by providing educational seminars. His hobbies include golf and following his beloved Green Bay Packers, East Carolina Pirates and of course, the Carolina Panthers.