Nick Faulkner is a native of Pinehurst, NC, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and holds a degree in Business Administration (concentration in Finance) from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Nick is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Integra Wealth, LLC. An independent, fee-only, objective advice oriented comprehensive financial planning and registered investment advisor firm that does not permit the receipt of compensation by commission sales or commission products.
What’s the biggest misconception about your job?
A lot of people think you need to be 65+ and have $1 million saved before working with a financial advisor makes sense. That couldn’t be further from the truth. While we absolutely provide tremendous value to those nearing or in retirement, good financial planning can benefit people at any life stage. Whether you’re early in your career, growing your family, running a business, or navigating a major life change, a fee-only advisor can help you align your finances with your goals — and the earlier you start, the better.
You chose to be a fee-only advisor. What does that mean, and why does it matter?
Being fee-only means we don’t earn commissions or sell products — ever. We’re paid directly by our clients, which keeps our advice fully aligned with your best interests. We also operate as fiduciaries, which means we’re legally and ethically obligated to always act in your best interest. It’s shocking that not all advisors follow this standard — but we believe it's the only right way to serve clients.
What do you wish more people understood about creating a financial plan?
I wish people could see just how detailed and thoughtful the process is behind the scenes. We review everything: tax returns, estate documents, insurance coverage, investment accounts, cash flow, and more. Your financial life is like a puzzle — we gather all the pieces and build a plan that brings the full picture into focus. It’s not one-size-fits-all; it's highly personal and built around your life and goals.
Why is it so important to create a financial plan before getting investment advice?
Great investment advice only works when it's rooted in a solid financial plan. Too often, people think investing is the main event — but it's just one part of the story. It’s like going to the doctor’s office and they give you a full diagnosis of what’s wrong with you while being blindfolded and having noise cancelling headphones – it’s pointless. Your plan should guide your investments, not the other way around. That’s why we start with deep planning — including tax strategy, estate planning, insurance, and cash flow — and then align your portfolio with your goals.
Check Nick's Profile on the following organizations:
LINKEDIN
Fee Only Network
CFP Board of Standards
