Acie Clayborne III

Why did you decide to become a financial advisor?

At an early age I witnessed firsthand how financial stress can impact families and limit opportunities. Growing up in a household living paycheck-to-paycheck and burdened with debt, I saw how a lack of financial literacy could derail aspirations and create cycles of instability. Later, as I navigated my own challenges, it drove me to commit to a term of service with Americorp State and National in a local community college coaching students on how to navigate higher education and student loans. I realized how many others face similar barriers—especially in underrepresented and economically underserved communities. That realization inspired me to pivot careers in my late 20s and pursue financial planning as a way to empower others with the knowledge and tools they need to create security, possibility, and freedom.

What experiences do you bring to your work helping clients?

As a career changer, I bring a unique perspective that blends resilience, empathy, and technical skill. My path wasn’t linear, spending time in both the private and public sectors, most recently in DEI. That journey strengthened my ability to adapt, persist, and problem-solve, which now helps me guide clients through the complexities of their own financial lives. Clients value that I listen deeply, translate complex ideas into clear strategies, and partner with them to make decisions with confidence. Whether it’s helping a family retire securely, empowering a young professional to take a more values-aligned career path, or supporting a client to manage transitions with clarity, my focus is always on aligning money with life’s deeper goals.