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“You don’t need to be a rocket scientist. Investing is not a game where the guy with the 160 IQ beats the guy with a 130 IQ. Rationality is essential.” ~ Warren Buffett


Joel Kelley, CFP®

Founder & Principal,
Woodstone Financial, LLC

Joel Kelley knows firsthand what it takes to be an effective financial planner: years of experience, a willingness to learn, and an aptitude for teaching. “I want people to examine where they want to go in their lives, not simply where they want to invest their money. That’s why we developed our client-centered approach.”

Kelley has accumulated over 25 years’ experience investing in mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and rental real estate. What began as an early personal interest in financial investing eventually turned into the active management for others in the early ‘90s. In 2003, he established Woodstone Financial, LLC as a fee-only planning firm in Asheville, NC and a registered as investment adviser in North Carolina. Kelley is a NAPFA Registered Financial Advisor, a member of the Financial Planning Association, and part of the nationwide network of fee-only planners, Alliance of Cambridge Advisors, Inc.

A passion for education is apparent in Joel’s personal attendance at numerous technical, investment, and financial planning conferences each year. “With a comprehensive wealth management approach, every facet is more complex,” he explains. “The work we do today is highly customized. There’s no longer any boilerplate to follow in personal financial management; each client is unique. And yet, by following a common sense approach to investing time and capital, most financial goals are attainable.”

Kelley lives in Asheville with his wife of 34 years, Leann. He has three daughters and one granddaughter. His firm is a Corporate Underwriter for Asheville’s Public Radio Station, WCQS.

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Joel Kelley at a glance

March, 2006, authorized by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board) to use the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™ and CFP® in accordance with CFP Board certification and renewal requirements.

July, 2004, Passed the rigorous two-day, 10-hour Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) Examination (see the press release by clicking on the "current news" button;

May, 2003, Founded Woodstone Financial, LLC,to offer fee-only investment management and financial planning to clients;

March, 2003, he passed the NASD Series 65 examination and was licensed as a Registered Investment Advisor with the State of NC;

1996-2003, private investor and advisor concentrating on equity and mutual fund analysis;

1990-1996, Teacher and National Science Foundation Program Director in Asheville, NC;

1980-1990, Petroleum Geologist, on project management assignments throughout the western United States. He was responsible for exploration geology, financial analysis, risk management, budgeting and planning for drilling programs;

1979, He began investing as an individual;

1979, Joel earned an Masters Degree in Science Education from the University of Georgia while working as a teacher;

1977, Joel earned a Batchelor of Science Degree in Geology from the University of Georgia;

Married for 34 years to Leann Kelley, with three daughters. As a husband and father, Joel recognizes the need for long-range planning and investing;

Joel is a a member of both the Financial Planning Association and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors;

Corporate Underwriter for local Public Radio Station, WCQS;