A Fiduciary Approach You Can Trust

Philip is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with a Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning who is passionate about helping people feel confident about their financial future. He blends years of real-world advisory experience with an academic career to guide individuals and families through life’s biggest financial decisions—always with clarity, empathy, and purpose.

Whether it’s planning for retirement, funding a child’s education, or creating a strategy to build and preserve wealth, Philip believes financial planning should be personal, practical, and empowering. His approach combines thoughtful, research-backed strategies with a deep understanding of each client’s goals and values.

In addition to serving clients at Elation Wealth, Philip is a professor and Director of Financial Planning at Winthrop University, where he mentors future financial professionals and leads academic initiatives. His research has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, CNN Money, Reuters, and other national outlets, and he has been recognized by InvestmentNews and the Association of African American Financial Advisors for his leadership in the profession.

Outside of work, Philip enjoys traveling with his family, playing tennis, and spending time outdoors with his wife, two children, and their dog.

If you’re looking for a financial partner who listens, educates, and plans with purpose, Philip is ready to help you chart a confident path forward.

Mark brings a unique blend of academic excellence, industry expertise, and genuine passion for helping people achieve their financial goals. He serves as Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Director for the CFP® Board Registered Financial Planning Program at the University of North Texas, while also working directly with clients as a Financial Advisor at Elation Wealth.

With over 16 years in education and more than two decades in the financial services industry, Mark’s experience spans both the classroom and the real world. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University, as well as an M.S. in Finance and Economics and an MBA from West Texas A&M University. He is an active CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™).

Mark’s dedication to excellence has earned him numerous honors, including the 2024 FPA DFW Chairman’s Award, the 2024 UCAN Award for Outstanding Faculty Advisor at UNT, and multiple 2023 faculty awards for teaching, service, and contributions to the G. Brint Ryan College of Business. His expertise has been featured in MarketWatch, WalletHub, MoneyGeek, and at leading conferences including the CFP Board Connections Conference and the Academy of Financial Services Conference.

Outside of work, Mark is deeply involved in his community, leading pro-bono financial workshops at Gateway Church and other North Texas venues. At home in North Fort Worth, he enjoys life with his wife, four children, their Jack Russell rescue Holley, and Petey the Magical Parakeet. His hobbies include playing guitar, vintage video games, softball, and cheering on the Cowboys, Rangers, Astros, Mean Green, Aggies, and Red Raiders.

Mark’s research explores the impact of natural disasters on financial well-being, as well as consumer behavior and decision-making—insights he brings to his work with clients to help them make informed, confident choices about their financial futures.