Michelle Disney

Financial Advisor

CFP®

Michelle Disney is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional in Allworth’s Durham, North Carolina, office. A graduate of the highly regarded Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina, Michelle brings a deep understanding of the sophisticated nuances involved in crafting financial plans for retirees and high-net-worth clients. She works closely with clients’ CPAs and estate attorneys to help ensure tax strategies are optimized and legacy goals are thoughtfully fulfilled. At her prior firm, Adams Chetwood Wealth Management—which merged with Allworth in 2022—Michelle held multiple leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and Senior Financial Advisor.

Michelle and her husband, Daniel, spend their free time exploring our country’s beautiful national parks and volunteering with various animal welfare agencies, such as the Humane Society of the United States.

When I meet with a client for the first time, I always begin by asking, “What do you want your money to do for you?” This simple question becomes the foundation for everything we build together. Once we’ve clearly defined their goals, we gather key financial information—account statements, tax returns, and estate planning documents—to create a comprehensive view of their situation. From there, we take a holistic approach to planning, because helping a client reach their goals goes far beyond investment management; we work to minimize taxes, protect their family through thoughtful estate planning, and reduce financial risk through appropriate insurance strategies.

Throughout our partnership, my clients can expect a proactive, hands-on approach. We meet regularly during the year to review and refine each part of their financial plan, making updates as needed based on life changes or shifts in the economic or tax landscape. I also welcome the opportunity to collaborate with a client’s broader advisory team, such as CPAs and estate attorneys, to help ensure their financial plan is implemented seamlessly and aligned across all fronts.

I enjoy building long-term relationships with my clients and being part of their financial journey. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a thoughtfully crafted plan that we’ve built and refined together over the years help them to retire with confidence, purchase a dream vacation home, or send their children to the college of their choice. Many clients come to me unsure about where they stand financially or whether they’re truly on track to meet their goals. Watching that uncertainty turn into clarity and confidence as we map out their financial future is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do.

My job is to find the blind spots clients don’t know they have, fill the gaps in their current financial structure, and make sure all parts of their financial life are working in harmony.

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