Our Team
Meet Our Team
Your Partner for Financial Success
As a family business, we take the time to build strong personal relationships with our clients. Our team is dedicated to understanding your unique needs and goals, so we can provide tailored financial planning services that help you pursue your financial goals. With many years of combined experience in the financial industry, our team has the knowledge to navigate even the most complex financial situations. We pride ourselves on providing comprehensive, customized solutions that not only meet your current needs but also position you for long-term financial success.
Kenneth V. Nelson, CRPC, CRPS, AIF®, MBA, AIFA
President, Financial Advisor
(919) 845-1276
Ken has worked in the financial industry for over 27 years. Before co-founding Nelson Wealth Advisors, he was a Financial Advisor with Wachovia Securities, Morgan Keegan & Company, and Sterne Agee Financial Services. He received his BS...
Lisa J. Smith
Branch Operations Manager
(919) 845-1276
Lisa has worked in the financial industry for over 24 years. Before co-founding Nelson Wealth Advisors, her previous positions included registered sales assistant, operations manager and financial advisor with Wachovia Securities, A.G....
Brett K. Nelson
Marketing Executive
(919) 845-1276
brett.nelson@ceteraadvisors.com
Brett has worked in the financial industry with Nelson Wealth Advisors for over 5 years. He is Ken's oldest son and is responsible for the marketing efforts of Nelson Wealth Advisors. His duties include newsletter distribution, seminar...
Take Charge of Your 401(k)
Keep up with your financial needs while avoiding common (and expensive) rollover mistakes. We put together this guide to help you potentially save thousands in taxes and fees, tips for speeding up retirement preparations, and critical mistakes to avoid.

Industry Experience
We have 62 years of combined experience in the investment business. We’ve worked for Merrill Lynch, Wachovia, A.G. Edwards, and Morgan Keegan. Ken Nelson has over 34 years of experience in the industry. Ken has been a branch manager, and provided market commentary on television, in magazines, and on radio. Ken earned his MBA from Duke University and has been a guest lecturer at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. Lisa Smith has over 28 years of experience in the industry. She has considerable knowledge and experience in providing client service to Corporations, Endowments, Trusts, and high net worth individuals.

How We Work
We use our 62 years of combined experience to help provide corporations, institutions & high net worth individuals, with the solutions required to meet their financial goals. This includes monitoring 401(k) plans, defined benefit plans, ESOPs, 529s, discounted stock purchase plans, deferred compensation plans, cash management services, and assisting in public and private financing. We also offer guidance to the senior executives of these firms by helping them with restricted stock transactions, single stock risk management strategies, executive stock options, professional money management, portfolio optimization, and specialized financial and estate planning.
Meet Our Valuable Resource Partners
Our partner groups are comprised of skilled legal and financial professionals. Their consultative approach offers technical and legal advice to assist us in developing your financial strategy across various areas.
Cetera Advanced
Planning Team
One of our primary resource partners is Cetera's Advanced Planning Group, which comprises distinguished professionals in finance and legal services.
Cetera Investment Management Team
The Cetera Investment team offers impartial research and advice to help us better create a personalized investment plan that fits your unique needs.
Cetera Financial Plan Design Team
We utilize Cetera's Financial Plan Design Group as a valuable resource. The team has over 100 years of experience and specializes exclusively in financial planning.
Our Approach
Through personalized planning, we offer insightful recommendations to ensure you can meet all of your financial goals.
Our Services
Our services are customized to your needs so you can pursue your financial goals with confidence.
Contact Us
Contact us to get started with planning your financial future and securing your assets.