RESOURCES
Below you will find information about our services and other helpful resources as you make important decisions about your financial future.
We work with families and individuals to create and implement a financial plan that addresses all areas of our clients' financial lives. Our goal is to replace financial stress with the knowledge that a client has considered every aspect of their financial life and has developed a personal plan to pursue their goals. We serve each client with integrity and outstanding service to build lasting relationships.
12 Financial Areas:
We Offer:
Investment Services
Credit Review
Financial Organization
Qualified Retirement Plans
Rick Management Plans
Tax Planning
Titling of Assets
Estate Planning
Lifetime Charitable Giving
Charitable Giving at Being
Stock Option and Restriction Stock Plans
Business Succession Planning
Bonds
Common Stock
Government Securities
Roth IRA
Business Retirement Plans
Traditional IRA
Annuities
Mutual Funds
Real Estate Investment Trusts
Unit Investment Trusts
Financial Planning
Retirement Planning
Tax Plans
College Plans
Estate Plans
Profit Sharing Plans
Income Planning
Retirement
College Savings
Financial Organization
Business Planning
Life Insurance
Long Term Care Insurance
401k Planning
FAQ's
1
What is your investment philosophy?
Our investment philosophy is rooted in creating a personalized, comprehensive financial plan that reflects your goals, priorities, and long‑term vision. We believe in building relationships based on service, integrity, and understanding. By focusing on what matters most to you, we help reduce financial stress and give you clarity and confidence in your financial future.
2
How do we get started?
Getting started is simple. Just reach out to us to schedule an appointment with one of our advisors. We proudly serve clients across 32 states, and as fiduciaries, we are committed to always acting in your best interest.
3
What happens during our first meeting?
Our first conversation is informal, and all about you. We take time to learn about your goals, financial situation, and what you want your future to look like. We use this meeting to determine if you and our firm feel we are a good fit for each other without any pressure. From there, we begin building a personalized, comprehensive plan to support your long term success.
6
How often should I update my financial plan?
Your financial plan should evolve as your life changes. We take a dynamic, long‑term approach, working alongside you to adjust your plan as new goals, opportunities, and challenges arise.
4
Do you coordinate with CPAs, attorneys, or other professionals?
Yes. When needed, we collaborate with CPAs, attorneys, and other trusted professionals to ensure your financial plan is cohesive, well‑rounded, and aligned with every area of your life.
5
What is included in a comprehensive financial plan?
Our financial plans are tailored to your unique needs and may include:
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Cash‑flow planning and budgeting
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Retirement and income‑for‑life strategies
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Life, disability, and long‑term care planning
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Education funding
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Investment planning and asset allocation
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Tax planning
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Estate and wealth transfer planning
7
What is estate planning, and do I need it?
Estate planning helps ensure your assets are passed on according to your wishes. Our estate planning services include trust support, succession planning, charitable giving strategies, and guidance for multi‑generational wealth planning.
8
What does wealth management include?
Our wealth management approach integrates financial planning, investment management, tax strategy, and estate planning. We monitor your accounts, provide ongoing guidance, and help you stay aligned with your long‑term financial goals.
9
How do you determine the right investment strategy for me?
We begin by understanding your goals, risk tolerance, and overall financial picture. From there, we build a personalized investment plan with a thoughtful asset allocation strategy, monitor your portfolio, and make adjustments as needed to keep you on track.
We feel it is important that you get to know a little about our staff and who to call for questions. We each look forward to speaking with you soon and getting to know you as well.
Chris Key, AAMS | LPL Financial Advisor
Chris has been a financial advisor for over a decade and spends most of his free time with his family, which includes his wife Nicole and their children Becca, Angie, Rylie and Jackson. He also enjoys woodworking, sports, working in the yard, and everything N.C. State.
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Chris handles all investment changes and questions, as well as financial planning, insurance, and other investment matters.
Tonya Maness | LPL Financial Advisor
Before starting at Acera Wealth Management, Tonya Maness spent many years as a social worker working with the aging population. She provided emotional and informational support to patients and their families, along with resources and guidance to help ensure healthcare and long-term needs were understood and addressed.
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Tonya is excited to work with clients to help them understand the importance of setting financial goals and beginning the planning process early. She helps clients explore retirement options while ensuring long-term healthcare considerations remain an important part of their overall plan.
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Tonya is also a devoted member of her church, is active with Professional Women of Chatham and Orange Counties, and serves as Director of the Board for Quiltmaker Cafe. She is married to Jody Maness and is the proud mother of two daughters, Gracie and Kaylee.
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​Tonya is the author of Caring for You as the Memories Fade Away and co-hosts the podcast The Good, Bad, and the Funny: The Southern Girl and Jersey Girl, where she shares thoughtful and relatable conversations rooted in real-life experiences.
Rhonda Allen | Customer Services Manager
Rhonda has worked in the financial services industry for 25 years. She has three lovely cats, Stormy, Tito, and Boo. She enjoys outdoor activities including riding her motorcycle, jet skiing, and spending as much time in her Jeep with the top down as much as possible.
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Rhonda works with clients to complete all paperwork, distributions from accounts, questions with statements, online account access and other service matters.
Cecelia Spivey | Scheduling and Event Planning
Cecelia Spivey is a proud native of Florida who has made Johnston County her home for over 18 years.
She has a fondness for horses, is captivated by flamingos, and holds a special affection for Winnie the Pooh.
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With more than 20 years of experience in finance and accounting, Cecelia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her field. Her extensive background demonstrates her commitment and dedication to the profession.
We chose the Bosnai Tree as our logo because the creation and care of a bonsai tree reflects the 3 principles that form the foundation of our firm
RELATIONSHIP
Not only does it take years of practice to learn to sculpt the bonsai tree, but it also takes years of care and attention to form a single tree. We believe it is the same with the service that we provide our clients. We continually educate ourselves and our clients on the financial industry and new ways we may be of service. We spend as much time as needed with every client to create and implement an in-depth financial plan for their family or business.
INTEGRITY
When sculpting a bonsai tree a master practitioner does not choose the shape of the three, the tree dictates the form that is chosen. The master allows the true form of the tree to guide each decision or cut that is made. As we work with our clients, their unique goals and interests guide our recommendations and actions.
SERVICE
The art of bonsai is a process where the tree both guides and is guided by the practitioner. Often this practice and the tree are passed on through many generations. We will partner with our clients in a long term, dynamic relationship that is flexible to change but built to last.
