We are a close-knit team of licensed financial professionals and administrators who have more than a century of collective experience in financial planning. We have a seasoned track record of working with individuals, business owners, trusts, and foundations.

Our financial advisors possess a broad base of experience from across the financial industry. We believe this distinct intersection of talents, expertise and viewpoints allows us to collaborate as a team to deliver better, more well-rounded plans and solutions for our clients.

Led by our senior advisors, our team of dedicated professionals has the knowledge, expertise and credentials to help design suitable financial plans for our clients. We are driven by overall results and seek ways to add value to every relationship.

 


 

Allen R. Taylor | QFP, RFC, AIF®

President
205-397-3333

A philanthropic leader in the Birmingham community, Allen Taylor founded Wealth Strategies, LLC, in 2002. While he brings over 30 years of finance experience and an education from Birmingham-Southern College to the table, it's his devotion to his clients and the value of each relationship that is the catalyst for Wealth Strategies' success. As a member of the International Association of Qualified Financial Planners (IAQFP), a Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF), his extensive knowledge in the field helps a little bit too.

James A Waters Jr.

Financial Advisor
205-397-3333

Jimmy Waters graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in finance that concentrated on Investments and Institutions. After graduating, Jimmy started his career at Merrill Lynch in 1994. He further served as Vice President/ Senior Financial Advisor at Ameriprise Financial before joining Wealth Strategies in 2017.

Don Hall | AAMS

Financial Advisor
479-675-6089

With more than 40 years of experience in the financial services industry, Don continues to assist families and individuals that are nearing retirement to prepare for what should be some of the best years of their lives.  Don joined Wealth Strategies in October of 2011 and single-handedly holds down the fort in the Booneville office.

Becky Wilder Ruthven CFP®, MBA

Financial Advisor
713-621-7563

Joining Wealth Strategies in 2021, Becky Wilder Ruthven brings to the team her passion and dedication to cultivating close client connections, over 20 years of industry experience, and she holds an MBA in Finance from the University of St. Thomas and a CFP from Rice University. She is deeply committed to helping others–especially women–learn how to manage and accomplish their financial goals in life. Over the years, Becky has spearheaded 13 investment clubs for women of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. She believes education and collaboration are key to successful investing.

Marcus Woods

Financial Advisor
205-397-3333

Marcus Woods joins Wealth Strategies with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry.  During the last two decades, Marcus has provided business development mentoring to wealth management practices and one-on-one coaching for individual financial advisors of one the largest wealth management firms in the independent space.  In that role, he leveraged his unique abilities and passion to connect and nurture relationships that led to unparalleled growth within his clients’ practices.

Adam Smith

Associate Wealth Representative
205-397-3333

Adam Smith joined Wealth Strategies as an associate advisor in 2021. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Auburn University and multiple securities and insurance licenses, Adam brings a solid educational foundation to his role.  He is also currently studying for his Certified Financial Planner® professional designation.

Aiden Pierce

Associate Wealth Representative
205-397-3333

Aiden Pierce, the most recent addition to our financial advisor team, graduated from Auburn University with a degree in marketing. Armed with a solid education and leaning into his long-time interest in the financial services industry, Aiden has been using his background to help market Wealth Strategies while simultaneously progressing his practice to becoming a financial advisor.  Aiden is currently enrolled in a course of study to obtain his Certified Financial Planner® professional credential.

Kendra Smith

Office Manager
205-397-3333

Since 2008, Kendra Smith has served as the Office Manager for Wealth Strategies, LLC. Kendra is skilled at keeping things orderly and systematized, and she enjoys helping fellow administrative assistants do the same.

Terry Calloway

Registered Assistant
337-477-3721

Terry has been an essential part of Wealth Strategies, LLC, since 2007. As a Registered Assistant with Lion Street Financial Securities, Terry holds Series 6, Series 7, and Series 63 licenses. While her primary role is keeping Allen well organized when he is in Lake Charles, Terry also provides administrative support to our other offices via our internet-based systems. As the first face people see when they walk through the door to the Louisiana office, Terry loves developing and maintaining relationships with clients.

Haley Balkovic

Receptionist
205-397-3333

Haley Balkovic joined the Birmingham office of Wealth Strategies in January 2024.  New to the firm and to the role of receptionist, Haley is invested in learning and developing in her position.  She is becoming more familiar with processes and clients with every passing day.  It is Haley's goal to become familiar with each client and extend hospitality to every person who calls or visits our office.

Outside of work, Haley enjoys spending time exploring botanical gardens around the area, eating out at favorite restaurants, and spending time with local friends.