There are not enough wonderful things to say about Gray Pendleton and the business itself…read more Gary Pendleton handled my Mom's IRA for many years and she trusted him completely. When I lost my job, I put my trust in them as well. Gray has invested my retirement funds well, and continues to handle my finances over and above my expectations. He contacts me quarterly to recap past and future needs, asks about the welfare of my family and always makes me feel like his most important client. I value this service and would not consider other options. You should too. You won't regret it.

From the owner: The Proven Success of our Planning Process…read more Every good strategy begins with a structured plan. We use the proven CFP Certified Financial Planner process guides us in building and monitoring your plan Establishing and defining the relationship Gathering data, including goals Analyzing and evaluating current financial status Developing and presenting recommendations and/or alternatives Implementing recommendations Monitoring success

We worked with Grayson, an excellent financial planner. Extremely professional, patient, detailed…read moreand informative! Provided a variety of options, provided good communication throughout the process, gave great advice and helped us weigh the pros and cons of the various choices we had to consider. I would highly recommend this service for financial planning for your future financial success and retirement. Grayson was also helpful in pointing us to other local resources in the area that would be helpful within the financial realm (tax consultant, etc) since we are newish to the area.

We selected Financial Symmetry after researching several fee-only financial planning firms in the…read moreRaleigh area. Chad Smith has served as our advisor since we first contacted the firm in 2016. After reviewing our financial situation, Chad prepared a set of recommendations, considering that we were within a few years of retirement. We then decided to have Financial Symmetry manage our investments on an ongoing basis. Every quarter we are presented with a review, along with a set of recommendations which we must approve before Chad implements them. Chad has always responded to our communications promptly and has addressed any concerns we have presented to him. I am pleased to recommend Financial Symmetry to anyone who requires financial planning services.

Hi, everyone! After thinking about it, I decided to right a review about Online Trading Academy…read more(OTA). If you want a clever advice, do not sign up even for the free classes. I joined the first class, which was free. Then, I paid for another class, which was a couple hundred bucks. During that period, I asked to get out of the class to meet with the campus director. He was super pushy and convinced me to join the academy. Initial investment of almost $30k. They promised me so much. Told me that I would get this and that, that I would be able to pay the classes just with the trades that are shared by the instructors. Please do not believe in these promises! I can tell you that their method is outdated and does not work. I have joined aNother academy, which does not cost me 3% of what I paid OTA and it is so much more efFective. As OTA promises that you pay once but your membership is "lifetime," and after my experiences, I contacted them to get a refund. They will not give me. Now, they have been also sued by FTC. So now who guarantees that you will continue to get the "education" they offer? I have talked to a couple attorneys already, and am about to sue the academy get some of my investment back. I am also opening a Youtube and Instagram page to not just talk about OTA, but also to warn futures students/traders. Please, before you think about joining OTA or any other trading academy, talk to people who are part of their community so you won't make the same mistake I have made. The campus was joined is in Raleigh, North Carolina.

I have been a student of OTA for less than a year. Prior to becoming a student, I had little…read moreinterest and absolutely no knowledge about investing or the world of asset trading. I had allowed others - my husband and financial advisor(s) - to make all my financial decisions. Following a series of unexpected life events which resulted in hefty financial losses, my interest in this incomprehensible world was "piqued". I instantaneously developed a burning desire to learn all that I could, as quickly as I could, to protect my dwindling assets. The solution to my financial ignorance and the skills I need to protect my assets are being realized at Raleigh's Online Trading Academy ! Students of OTA learn from instructors who have proven their skill and exceptional abilities in the world of finance. Like so many others, I have had the privilege to learn from world renowned financial gurus who also happen to be amazing and compassionate human beings and instructors who truly desire and enjoy sharing their knowledge with others to assist in their future financial success. At OTA you are welcomed into a family of people from all walks of life. The comradery experienced among the students is akin to nothing I have ever previously experienced. Fellow students who are more knowledgeable and experienced in this subject matter generously share their time, knowledge, and wisdom gained from their actual trading experiences in an attempt to help each other. Completion among fellow students just doesn't exist here. Raleigh's OTA Center is staffed by some truly amazing people: Renee Shaw, the Center's Administrator is always polite, professional and organized. She, like Leigh Ann Robertson (Student Support Specialist) and Paul Itterly (Student Support Specialist and Instructor) genuinely care about the success of the students and give of their time and energy to assist in the progress of all students. All strive to make Raleigh's OTA an environment that positively facilitates their educational journey. I am continually impressed by their exceptional level of customer service. All have courteously listened to my frustrations, concerns, or suggestions with a non-judgmental attitude. In return, they have consistently rendered constructive suggestions, information, one-on-one tutoring sessions and/or encouragement that is always helpful and useful. This program is educationally sound. The methodology of instruction comes in many forms so that all persons can choose to learn the subject matter using the learning style that works best for them. However, to succeed in this area of finance requires dedication and perseverance on the student's part. It is a journey and does take time and hard work, but the rewards can be life changing. For those who want to have "control" over their lives and pocketbook, please consider Raleigh's OTA. The cost of this fascinating education is not cheap but nothing this superb ever is. .

I have used Chris Marr at the Glenwood Branch in Raleigh N.C several times…read more He is very knowledgeable. responsive and tuned in to my needs. I can't reccomend him enough. Also, the branch has very friendly and helpful front desk people. Give them all a big raise!! Chuck Grantham

I have attempted to contact this branch via telephone three times now with no other option to leave…read morea message which I did each time. I have yet to receive a call back from this branch. This is very poor customer service for such a highly regarded institution.

First Carolina Bank inherited funds from another financial institution without notifying me that…read morethose funds were transferred nor received. I have attempted to contact them several times without acknowledgement but everyone seems very efficient at failing to accept responsibility and passing the buck (pun intended) even speaking to a supervisor, agent #113714 who said someone would contact me in 24 - 48 hours. Of course, that never happened even after providing me name, b-day, SSN and email address.

If you are looking for a bank that treats you as a person they know and care about, First Carolina…read moreBank is the place to go. I discovered them in 2020 when we needed a construction loan for our new house. Other, larger banks turned us down because my husband is retired and I work as an independent consultant. Jose Fuentes worked with us and the bank was willing to include our substantial retiremet/investment portfolio and the value of the house/property we lived in at the time in determining our eligibility. We received the loan, our house was built (Hayes Barton neighborhood), and I moved all our bank accounts--MMA, checking, business, etc--to FCB. I have continued to be extremely pleased with the amazing team at the Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, branch. Jose continues to assist me with banking decisions, such as investments. This is the best bank I have ever chosen!

I've had the pleasure of working closely with John O'Connor and the CareerPro Inc. team, both as a…read morecolleague in the career and placement space and as someone who has personally benefited from their approach to relationship-driven career development. John has a rare ability to connect people thoughtfully and purposefully. Through his network, I've been introduced to professionals, ideas, and conversations that genuinely elevate how we show up in this work. His advanced jobseeker trainings are especially strong--practical, current, and grounded in real hiring dynamics rather than theory. Participating in these sessions sharpened my perspective and expanded my visibility in meaningful ways. What stands out most is John's generosity as a collaborator. He doesn't just build networks, he activates them. He creates space for others to grow their presence, credibility, and influence, and he does so with integrity and consistency.

Paid a great deal of money to help find a job and not once got an interview or job opportunity. Now…read morenever hear from CareerPro on anything.

We have used Bowers Private Wealth Management for years and are very pleased with the preparedness…read morewe have for upcoming retirement. Our portfolio has been expanded and managed through the ups and downs of the markets expertly. Highly recommend.

From the owner: Tax-focused financial planning for Small-Business Owners & Equity-Compensated IT and Biotech…read moreProfessionals in the Sandwich Generation: Navigating the Complexities of Caring for Loved Ones While Planning for Your Future

Very agressive and rude. I did not feel like customer. I felt like a slave. Give up on…read morecommunication. Will not have anything with them.

It looks like doing business with Brian Raleigh will cost me for the rest of my life. I was put…read moreinto an annuity without being told the entire story. I was told that it would protect my money. I was not told that it wasn't my money and what it would cost to use any of it. However, that is not why I am writing today. This practice is common and not worth the time to write. I am writing because after Brian's firm got my money I was cut off and this has put me in a position where I will never make up the loses and well into my retirement I am still paying out, not getting back I was old enough to take money out without IRS penalties and needed some money. I called the office to ask Brian about it. He had always been so nice before he had my money. I was told that I couldn't talk to him I had to go to the annuity company and did so. That is when I learned about the annuity penalties. That was bad enough, but a few years later I learned that I could have gotten the money in a way that didn't cost penalties. If Brian had spent 10 minutes talking to me, he could have steered me in a different direction. But he wouldn't do it. I not only lost that money, but because I had no advice, I got a lot of extra taxes, both federal and state. If Brian had talked to me those could have been avoided. If Brian had spent 10 minutes talking to me, that could have been avoided. A while ago I wrote him a letter, it wasn't going to change the situation, but I wanted him to know. I paid to have it sent registered, signature required. I told him the whole story in more detail. Brian Raleigh, ignored that and I have the receipt that he got the letter. He used to have a radio show, may still have it, and it makes him look like a big expert. Do know that that is just paid advertising. I have lost all my money and more, thanks to Brian Raleigh's not giving me 10 minutes and a bit of advice. But he had all my money by then so I can only guess that he was no longer interested.

We had many changes this year so decided to get our taxes done here. Very fast service at a…read morereasonable price. They get super busy (as all CPA offices do during tax season) and there was a bit of confusion with my tax returns and the response times were a bit inconsistent, but ultimately everything was filed successfully.

Bob Stewart has been doing my taxes for many many years. He has always been there for me in the…read moregood times and in the not so good years. His staff is very good at explaining things and are help over the phone if I should run into a glitch in preparing for my review with Bob. He is the best ever!...thanks BOB!

Don't do business with this bank - they will steal your money via fraudulent "fees."…read more Bad for personal finances, bad for business. I opened accounts (checking and savings) with First Citizens so that I could transfer my funds from a state-limited Credit Union and have more flexibility in my banking options. Later I became a small business owner and opened a business account with First Citizens. I deposited a small amount of money into the business account and I left it alone while I worked on other aspects of the business. Time passed and I tried to log into my account. Each time I tried to log in their system asked me to reset my password. I only log into my account from one device, from home so I don't understand why the system has such difficulty validating my device. When I finally accessed my account, I discovered that it had been drained of almost 70% of my funds! Where did the funds go? The bank took the money via fees for a second user. Who is the second user? The bank! The only entity doing "business" in my business account was First Citizens Bank, bleeding it dry with their made-up fees. When I went to close all my accounts and complain to the bank, they (staff at the branch) acknowledged the "error" and refunded $22.50 in fees but not all the fees. If they acknowledged the error why not return ALL the funds?

I have the pleasure of working with Laura Frushone and her team and I highly recommend them to…read moreanyone who is in need of a high level of expertise in addition to being of the utmost professional and effective investing!