Marking five decades of serving individuals, families, and business owners with comprehensive, client-centered service, Carter Financial Management (CFM), a Dallas-based financial planning and wealth management firm, today announces a new CEO and two new partners, all at a time when the firm celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Founded in 1976, CFM has grown from a local practice into a firm serving clients nationally, headquartered in Dallas. Throughout its history, CFM has remained committed to an integrated approach to financial planning and investment management designed to support clients through every stage of life.
The firm was established by Bill Carter, a 1969 graduate of Texas A&M University. Carter was a Distinguished Military Graduate and served as student body president at Texas A&M. His leadership background and emphasis on service helped shape the firm’s culture and its long-standing focus on trusted, multigenerational client relationships.
“I founded Carter Financial Management with a simple goal: to help clients make confident financial decisions grounded in thoughtful planning and long-term perspective,” said Bill Carter, founder, chairman emeritus, CFM.
In 1980, CFM expanded its capabilities with the founding of Carter Advisory Services, offering fee-based, independent financial planning at a time when such models were still emerging within the profession. That same year, the firm launched its inaugural Carter Investment Conference, underscoring an enduring commitment to client education and informed decision-making.
CFM has played an active role in advancing the financial planning profession. In 1983, Carter served as president of the International Association for Financial Planning, which later became part of today’s Financial Planning Association. Today, CFM includes more than 10 certified financial planner professionals, and delivers a full-service financial planning process tailored to clients’ goals.
As an independent advisory firm affiliated with Raymond James Financial Services, CFM combines boutique-level service with access to the resources of a global financial organization.
CFM’s work has been consistently recognized within the profession. The firm has been named to D Magazine’s “Top Wealth Manager Teams in Dallas” every year since 2015, when the list was first published. Bill Carter has received a Distinguished Alumni Award from Texas A&M University, and was named to Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list in 2024 and 2025.
As CFM marks its 50th anniversary, the firm continues to operate with the same principles that guided its founding: professional excellence, disciplined advice, and a steadfast commitment to serving clients as trusted partners through life’s financial milestones.
New CEO, new partners
J. Tyler Russell, CFP®, RICP®, began today in his official capacity as CEO for CFM. He is a Certified Financial Planner® and Retirement Income Certified Planner® who advises clients on complex financial decisions with a focus on long-term outcomes.
His work emphasizes separating emotion from financial decision-making, while integrating retirement income planning, tax-efficient strategies, charitable planning, and disciplined investment guidance informed by research on U.S. and global economic trends.
Russell began his career at Fidelity Investments and later joined CFM, where he served as managing senior vice president before becoming CEO. He leads firm initiatives including chairing the CFM management team and chairing Carter Education Partners, which hosts annual investment conferences and client seminars. His financial planning commentary has been featured in The Wall Street Journal.
“Our firm has a long history of every client’s financial plan reflecting the values, priorities and goals of the people it is designed to serve,” said Russell. “That will not change.”
2 new partners add sound, long-term stability to the leadership team
The leadership team announced today also includes two new firm partners, Jonathan Meaney, CFP®, AIF®, and Aaron Hays, CFP®. Both are senior wealth managers at CFM.
Jonathan Meaney, a senior vice president and wealth manager, advises executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs. Clients describe his approach as straightforward and consultative, balancing analytical planning with the emotional realities of financial decision-making.
Meaney joined CFM in 2006. Previously, he worked at Southwest Securities as a financial advisor and assistant branch manager.
“Serving in leadership roles across the financial planning profession has reinforced my commitment to strong standards and putting clients first,” said Meaney.
Aaron Hays also officially began today as a partner at the firm. Hays is a certified financial planning professional focused on wealth management strategies for high-net- worth families, executives, and business owners. With more than 15 years’ experience, he works closely with clients, often across multiple generations, to address complex financial needs through a customized, goals-based approach.
“Sound planning is never about the moment,” said Hays. “It is about the future.” Reflecting on his legacy of service, Carter said: “For nearly five decades, our work has been guided by the belief that disciplined planning and clear strategy are the
foundations of lasting financial success. I am so privileged to have mentored the team that will carry this torch into the future.”
About Carter Financial Management
For five decades, Carter Financial Management has served clients as a trusted partner through life’s financial milestones, guided by a team of dedicated financial planners committed to professional excellence and community service. Every member of the firm completes continuing education beyond professional licensing requirements, adheres to a strict code of conduct, and actively participates in community initiatives.
Recognized for its collective expertise and client-first approach, the firm has been named to D Magazine’s “Top Wealth Manager Teams in Dallas” every year since 2015, the year the list was first published. For more information, visit Carter Financial Management online.
Disclosures
Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. Tax or legal matters should be discussed with the appropriate professional. The CFP® certification marks are owned by the Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
Broker Dealer Disclosure
Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, marketed as Carter Financial Management. Investment advisory services offered through Carter Advisory Services and Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Carter Advisory Services is registered as an investment adviser and is independent of Raymond James. Carter Financial Management and Carter Advisory Services are separately owned and operated and are not independently registered as broker-dealers.
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