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Life-Long Certified Financial Planning
And Investment Management Solutions

Because It’s Not What You Make

It’s What You Keep


ACCESS YOUR ACCOUNT

GET TO KNOW OUR FIRM

Proudly Headquartered in North Carolina and Serving the Country

The Preferred Client Group, LLC is a fee-based Fiduciary providing comprehensive financial planning and investment management services for individuals and families alike. We’ll help you make well-informed decisions on all financial matters, whether you’re making a career change or preparing for retirement. We strive to be there for every important financial decision you make.

As advocates of actively managing your finances, we rank risk management high on our list of priorities. Working together, we'll address your interests, as well as the concerns that keep you up at night. 

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What’s Your Risk Tolerance?

Creating a balance between your risk and your financial goals can help you develop the confidence you need to live the life you desire.

DISCOVER YOUR RISK TOLERANCE


Develop a Deeper Understanding

Of the Meaning Behind Your Wealth


GET STARTED WITH A FREE CONSULTATION


Offering Education and Understanding As a

Fee-Based

Fiduciary

CFP® Professional-Led

Advisory Firm

Founded to Assist You
In Every Aspect of Your Financial Life

At The Preferred Client Group, LLC, we provide comprehensive and personal service, earning us a reputation for excellence in our industry. For each of our clients, we strive to create financial stability and security to provide long-term financial independence.

We do everything in our power to keep our clients focused on where they want to go, advise them on how to get there and continuously remind them of the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to realizing their goals.

How We Do It


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Build Meaningful Relationships

Our strategies are developed by getting to know you, your financial picture and the aspirations you have in mind for yourself and your loved ones.

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Simplify the Complex

Finances can be complicated as is, which is why we strive to communicate our solutions in a straightforward way that you can easily digest and apply to your circumstances.

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Provide Dependable Solutions

As a firm, we remain committed to being approachable and very responsive. No matter your circumstances, we’ll do our best to ensure your comfortability and confidence in our services.


We Take a Hands-On Approach to Financial Guidance

Our staff consists of experienced professionals who are dedicated to learning more about who you are and how we can best serve you. You'll find our team to be knowledgeable with a commitment to making your dreams a reality. 

Meet the Members of Our Team


Get to Know The Preferred Client Group

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Paul Pittman, CFP®

President and Managing Director
Read Bio

Paul Pittman, CFP®

PRESIDENT AND MANAGING DIRECTOR


Paul is the Founder and Managing Partner of The Preferred Client Group who began his career as an intern for Prudential-Bache Securities in 1983. Paul firmly believes in education and is constantly continuing his own studies to provide his clients with the best advice and guidance possible. He has earned the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) certification in his commitment to that goal. Paul’s practice concentrates on multi-generational planning with client’s entire families built on principles of trust, integrity and understanding. These principles allow him to provide his clients with meaningful guidance that is designed to help achieve clearly defined goals and objectives.

“I am blessed to be able to work daily with some of the most talented Planners and Investment Mangers in the Business. Over the span of my career, I have been fortunate to work with, and learn from, some of the best and most talented Advisors, Analysts, Managers, and Planners in the Financial Industry. I started in the Investment business in college in 1984 as an intern to one of the most nurturing, caring, and knowledgeable mentors in the Financial world. My practice specializes in total financial planning and management of multi-generational families, companies, Trusts and Endowments. My clientele has grown, by referral only, through many years of "paying it forward" and always putting the clients needs first. I would be honored to be allowed to prove this to you.”

Paul earned his undergraduate degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has lived in the Triangle for more than 40 years. He and his wife, Maggie, have two adult children. Paul is also a nationally recognized and sought-after public speaker and humorist.

Certificates/Registrations/Designations/Licenses

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
  • Series 7, 24, 63, 65, Life Insurance

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Erik Ogard CFA

Chief Investment Officer
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Erik Ogard currently serves as Chief Investment Officer for WealthPlan Group, overseeing the management of approximately four billion US dollars. In this role, Erik is responsible for overseeing all aspects of WealthPlan Group's investment management offering.

 

Erik has spent nearly 30 years in the asset management industry managing institutional retirement plan assets for some of the largest global pension plans. He has developed expertise in the areas of security selection, risk management, and asset allocation. He has a passion for the study of the workings of the economy and capital markets. In his past positions, he has managed over seven billion in traditional US equity investments as well as over seven billion in alternative asset investments. Erik has been a featured speaker at industry conferences as well as a guest on CNBC and Bloomberg television.

 

Erik has held the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation since 1999. He earned his BA in Political Science from Pacific Lutheran University in 1988 and his MBA from Willamette University in 1991. Erik enjoys spending time with his family, walking his beloved Golden Retriever "Griffey" as well as staying fit, mountain biking, and snow skiing in his spare time.

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Nick Codola CFA

Senior Analyst
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Nick Codola is a Sr. Analyst and aids in portfolio management for all the strategies.  Nick joined WealthPlan in 2021 after working at Orion Portfolio Solutions and CLS Investments as a research analyst for their AdvisorOne mutual funds and 529 plans. He also served as a due diligence specialist for Orion's Tier 1 strategies. 

 

Nick passed the CFA Level III in September 2021. Outside of work, Nick pursues his first sports passion, skiing, now that he has gotten over that trollop, running. Nick used to be a professional ski instructor (PSIA)

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Sarah McLean

Chief Operations Officer
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Sarah McLean currently serves as the Chief Operations Officer at WealthPlan Group, overseeing day-to-day operations, advisor management, and sales and marketing departments. Sarah joined WealthPlan Group in 2020 after 8 years in the fintech industry specializing in portfolio management software.

 

Sarah graduated at the top of her class at Bellevue University with a degree in Management Information Systems. In her free time, she enjoys time with family and friends, and traveling the world.

Exceptional Service
Motivated By Your Financial Future

Comprehensive Financial Planning
To Help You Build Wealth With Intention

We’re in the business of serving individuals and families by offering focused financial planning. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, changing careers or expanding your family, we enjoy collaborating with you to help you make the most of your wealth in an efficient and forward-focused manner.


Our Planning Services Include


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Retirement Planning

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Tax Planning

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401(k) and 403(b) Planning


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College Planning


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Profit-Sharing Planning


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Money Purchasing Planning



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Estate Planning



Interested in Learning More?

Through an ongoing process, we’ll work with you to better understand how to address your needs.

Discover How It Works

Investment Management That Meets Your Personal and Financial Objectives

As a firm, we don’t choose investments based on performance alone. Instead, we make selections based on your goals, existing holdings, tax strategy and a number of factors that put your needs first.


Customized Investment Solutions That Cover


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Bonds

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Common Stock

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Treasury Bills and Notes


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Brokerage Accounts


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Government Securities


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Annuities


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SEP IRA


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Roth IRA


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Traditional IRA


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Educational IRA

Our Fee Schedule

Account Value
WealthPLAN
Managed Intelligent Portfolios
$0 - $500,000
1.15%
1.15%
$500,001 - $1,000,000
.85%
.75%
$1,000,000 - $2,000,000
.65%
.55%
$2,000,000 and Above
.5%
.35%


Confidence in your investments means being clear about your goals and comfortable with the advice you need to reach them.

Ready to Get Started?

Pursue Financial Peace of Mind
Through a Collaborative Approach

Personalized Service and Holistic Guidance

As we get to know one another, we strive to learn more about your life goals, in addition to your wealth and financial circumstances. By understanding your objectives, both personally and financially, we’re able to work collaboratively as we build your customized portfolio.

With a thorough planning process, you’ll feel confident in the development of a tax-efficient investment plan that is specifically designed to address your needs.

Our Planning Process


Step 1: Discovery Meeting

We’ll begin by listening carefully to understand your financial goals and motivations. With this clarity, we’ll analyze your current situation to identify strengths and weaknesses. By discussing your risk tolerance, tax situation, among other details, we’ll assess your need for a comprehensive or cash flow plan.


Step 2: Gather Data

Once we're well acquainted, our team will dive deeper into identifying your personal values, beliefs and financial vision. As we gather data and analyze your financial situation, we’ll develop a clear picture of your specific needs, assets, liabilities and risk tolerance.


Step 3: Develop a Plan

Our advisors will take into account your needs now and those you may have in the future as we design and present to you a comprehensive strategy.


Step 4: Implementation

Together, we’ll put to work the strategies our team and professional partners have developed to support your individual aspirations and financial goals.


Step 5: Ongoing Monitor and Review

Our team will periodically review your strategy and discuss any specific life changes that may guide upcoming investment plans. We’ll consult with you to make recommended adjustments and work together to ensure your plan remains on track.



Ready to Get Started?

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