Mike Giblin

I became fascinated with the stock market at an early age while growing up in the shadows of Wall Street in central New Jersey. My love of finance grew during an internship while attending The College of William and Mary. After graduating, I worked on Wall Street as a trader for over a decade. My passion for learning led me back to school to earn a master’s degree in economics from NYU.

During this time, I realized that I would be most fulfilled working with people, not just investment portfolios. My focus shifted, and I began helping people achieve their personal and financial goals.

Bonnie, my wife, and I moved to Wilmington, NC. She continued working as a teacher, and I dove headfirst into personal financial planning. First, I earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation. Then, I studied to become a Certified Financial Transitionist (CeFT®). After 25 years in the financial services industry, my transition from a trader to a financial planner is complete.

Wilmington has truly become home. I’ve enjoyed serving on the boards of multiple non-profit organizations, volunteering as a coach and serving as a mentor for business school students at UNCW. Our family attends St. Therese Church in Wrightsville Beach.

As the son of an educator and husband to a teacher, I’ve witnessed the impact of teaching. It’s no surprise I ended up at UNCW, teaching an Investments class as part of the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification curriculum.

My wife and I are incredibly blessed to have two wonderful children. Our son Daniel loves athletics, especially playing ice hockey. He’s an enthusiastic student and a protector and advocate for his beautiful little sister, Maggie. She is an upbeat bundle of energy, a ravenous learner and an absolute sweetie pie. And yes, she's daddy's little girl. Watching them both grow and develop is an absolute delight.

Earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, serving as a mentor to students and teaching preparation classes for the CFP® certification examination helped shape me as a financial planner and a man. One of my core beliefs is that insight comes from being open-minded and continuously learning. That insight is the foundation for helping people make wise decisions.