Sam Martin

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

Opens New Practice on Bay Street
Offering Individualized Financial Planning Services

story by KAREN SNYDER          photos by JOHN WOLLWERTH

For Beaufort resident Sam Martin, helping his clients achieve financial independence is not only a professional goal but also a personal one. Earning his undergraduate degree in business in 2013 from The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina in Charleston, Martin wasted no time and pursued a career as a financial advisor right after graduation. While working, he completed his required coursework through Wake Forest University, and in 2016, he started his journey to becoming a well respected and accomplished CFP™ (Certified Financial Planner).

“My goal is and always has been to know my clients on the deepest level possible, to fully understand their lifestyle and financial goals, and ultimately help them live their lives without worrying about their money,” he explains. “That’s my job!”

Martin holds his Life, Accident, and Health Insurance license, his FINRA series 7 and 66 registrations, and earned the AAMS (Accredited Asset Management Specialist) designation from the College of Financial Planning. Prior to his affiliation with Raymond James, Martin achieved the distinction of limited partner at Edward Jones and was recognized as a top producer at the firm, locally and nationally. He attributes his success to his client-centric devotion, and is driven by discipline and integrity with his financial planning process.

“I am excited about the next step in my career,” he says. “I am confident in the tools at my disposal and the investment lineup offered by Raymond James, knowing that the opportunity to own and operate my firm is the American dream. SJ Martin Wealth Management will remain a pillar in the Beaufort community, and I count it a joy to partner with such a vibrant, established firm with unparalleled research and support.”

Raymond James is headquartered in Saint Petersburg, FL, and has been an industry leader since the early 1960s. “The firm’s foundation was built upon the importance of financial planning and putting client needs first while remaining dedicated to the idea that integrity is the cornerstone of a reputable and successful business.”

“These things align with my own personal philosophy — do the right thing, always,” says Martin. “By affiliating with a large firm in the financial services arena, I am afforded the freedom to run my business tailored to my clients’ needs which is the luxury of utilizing the resources of Raymond James as an independent financial planner.”

According to Martin, taking advantage of financial planning services is critical to being prepared for each stage of your life and your future. “What I like most about what I do is helping individuals meet the goals they have established for themselves.” For Martin, that means taking the time to form strong personal relationships with his clients. “If you’re going to trust me to manage your money, help you achieve your goals, and build and manage your wealth, it is my duty to take time to really get to know you and form a personal relationship with you,” he reassures.

Beyond financial planning, SJ Martin Wealth Management also focuses on asset management, wealth accumulation, and preservation, creating income streams for retirement and legacy planning. “The intelligent investor follows a disciplined approach to achieve the desired end. There are always distractions within the marketplace that threaten to derail a well-constructed plan, leading to emotional distress. Any plan can be derailed if poor decisions are made. Volatility is a real thing — it is ever-present. Emotional fortitude is required,” Martin admits, “and it is important to make educated, calculated decisions to finish the race. Ultimately, how we respond during difficult times makes all the difference.”

Martin’s approach is to rely on the fundamentals of financial and investment management to help his clients achieve their goals. He explains, “There is nothing new under the sun. Investment products may change, but fundamentals remain paramount. It is my job from start to finish to keep my clients on track through diversification of quality investments while ensuring we are adhering to the plan, we, together, set in motion.”

A dedicated family man, Sam and his wife, Paige, were high school sweethearts, and still are! Most recently, they welcomed their third child, Eleanor, born in early February 2022. Sam and Paige also have a son, Emerson, age 2-1/2, and a daughter, Beverly, age 4. A native of Orlando, FL, Sam was raised in both Winter Park, FL and Traverse City, MI.

Martin loves raising his family here in Beaufort. “After completing financial training in 2013 in St. Louis, my wife and I knew we wanted to return to the coast and were excited to move to the Lowcountry.” He continues, “I’m active in my church, Community Bible, and my passion is spending time with my family, friends, and my neighbors.”

Residing along the marshes of the Beaufort River, Martin adds, “We’re close friends with our neighbors. We all have children and enjoy raising our families together. I guess you’d call us an ‘old school’ family. Traditional values and family life are very important to us.”

Excited about his new office location at 700 Bay Street, Suite 105-B, Martin says he appreciates the water view and the park within earshot, where his family enjoys spending quality time. “We love the outdoors and frequent all the parks in Beaufort County.” He says you’re most likely to find him with his family riding bikes, exploring Beaufort’s many parks and beaches, and participating in “adventures” on the river.

Beyond his important personal relationships, Martin adds that he values the professional network he has in place that contributes to the success of his clients and his business. “I’m fortunate to have a strong local network of professionals — from accountants to attorneys. We all lean on each other professionally. We’re competitive by nature, but we each know that if we need answers to assist our clientele, we can get those answers quickly to support one another in our businesses.”

With the opening of SJ Martin Wealth Management, Martin says he looks forward to meeting new clients, whether in person or virtually, and establishing a financial plan that best fits their needs. “My firm will take the full-service approach toward your needs and goals, and create a personalized plan that works best for you.”

To learn more about SJ Martin Wealth Management, visit
sjmwealth.com or call 843-605-9906 for an appointment.