Austin Abernathy | Financial Advisor

As a Financial Advisor with Shoemaker Financial, I help young professionals, newly married couples, families, and business owners make confident financial decisions and build a strong foundation for the future. From budgeting and debt management to investing and retirement planning, I work with clients to create personalized strategies that support both their current priorities and long-term goals.

I am especially passionate about working with young professionals and newly married couples as they navigate some of life's most important financial decisions. Whether it's creating a budget, building an emergency fund, managing student loan debt, developing a debt repayment plan, purchasing a first home, or beginning an investment strategy, I enjoy helping clients gain clarity and confidence in their financial future. Too often, people think they need to reach a certain milestone before working with a financial advisor. I don't believe that's true. Even if you have $50 to your name, there are steps we can take today to help you build toward the future you want. I believe the financial habits you build early on can create opportunities for years to come.

My approach to financial planning is detailed, analytical, and centered around what matters most to each client. I believe building wealth is less about trying to perfectly time the market and more about creating a plan, staying consistent, and remaining focused on long-term financial goals. My goal is for every client to feel heard, understood, and confident that the recommendations we discuss are aligned with their best interests and aspirations.

Quick Facts

• Financial Advisor with Shoemaker Financial since 2025
• Earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Business Management from the University of Memphis
• Holds SIE, Series 7, Series 66, and Life & Health insurance licenses
• Active member of the Germantown Chamber, Oakland Chamber, and Fayette County Chamber

Outside the Office

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you work with young professionals and newly married couples?

Absolutely. Many of my clients are navigating major life transitions and looking for guidance on questions like:

• How should we combine finances after marriage?
• Should I pay off student loans or start investing?
• How much should I have in an emergency fund?
• Can I buy a home and save for retirement at the same time?
• Am I on track to reach my long-term financial goals?

My goal is to help clients create a plan that balances today's priorities with tomorrow's opportunities.

I'm just getting started. Do I need a certain amount of money to work with a financial advisor?

Not at all. Many people believe they need to reach a certain level of wealth before they can benefit from financial planning. I believe the opposite. Whether you're managing student loans, paying down debt, building your first emergency fund, saving for retirement, or starting to invest, having a plan can help you make meaningful progress toward your goals.

How should newly married couples combine their finances?

Every couple's situation is unique, but open communication around money is one of the most important foundations for financial success. Reviewing goals, creating a budget, addressing debt, establishing a savings strategy, evaluating insurance needs, and developing a long-term financial plan can help couples move forward with confidence.

Should I pay off debt or start investing?

The answer depends on your personal situation, goals, and the type of debt you have. In many cases, it's possible to make progress on both at the same time. Creating a plan can help you strike the right balance between debt repayment, saving, and investing for the future.

What financial planning services do you provide?

I help clients with comprehensive financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, insurance planning, estate planning, wealth transfer strategies, college planning, and business succession planning.

What's the most important financial advice for young professionals?

Don't wait for the "perfect" time to start. Building wealth is rarely about making one big financial decision. More often, it's the result of small, consistent habits repeated over time. Starting early and staying disciplined can make a meaningful difference in the long run.

What can clients expect when working with you?

I want every client to feel heard, understood, and confident in the recommendations we discuss. My goal is to build lasting relationships based on trust, communication, and a genuine commitment to helping clients pursue what matters most to them.