BRIAN J. CUNNINGHAM CFP®

Private Wealth Advisor 

As a valued advisor, Brian Cunningham has helped clients work toward their financial objectives for more than two decades. He has earned respect, confidence, and friendship from those who rely on him to guide their financial future and help them pursue their retirement goals.

A growing number of his clients have relocated to the area upon retirement. They tell us they are pleased to find such a knowledgeable wealth manager with an office close to their new home. Many of Brian's clients are older adults, focused on optimizing their retirement to maintain their desired lifestyles and judiciously distributing their wealth to those succeeding them. He also provides valuable advice to an ever-growing group of younger professionals, helping them plan a lifetime of saving and investing.

Education 

Brian grew up in Cumberland, Maryland. He was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting by Frostburg State University, with a minor in Business Administration. He completed the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ education program at the College for Financial Planning in Denver, Colorado. He continues to update and expand his professional knowledge through continuing education and courses designed to enhance his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation.

Experience

Brian moved from Maryland to Myrtle Beach over two decades ago. He was first recruited by Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, then advanced his career by joining Wachovia Securities. Several years later, he joined Raymond James & Associates. Before establishing VERITAS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, Brian was Senior Vice President – Investments at Wells Fargo Advisors. Brian’s burgeoning client group of high-wealth individuals compelled him to open VERITAS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT in 2019. This client group has grown steadily, and Brian continues to strive to build a reputation for integrity, specialized knowledge, and valuable insight. 

Engagement

When he isn’t in the office, Brian enjoys spending time with his four children and grandson. He is an avid sports fan, particularly interested in professional football and baseball. Brian is an active member of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Myrtle Beach. Brian also enjoys sharing his financial expertise with professional groups and organizations as a keynote speaker.
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Maria Luisa Winkelried

Director of Client Relations

Maria works in close partnership with Brian, focusing on the day-to-day interactions and providing the highest standard of client service. Managing all aspects of the firm’s operation, she enjoys close contact with our clients. Maria instills confidence and trust by providing answers and resolving issues in a friendly and professional manner, making our clients’ concerns her priority. Maria particularly enjoys welcoming our clients who have recently moved to our area and helping them feel at home in their new community.

Education 

Maria was born in Lima, Peru. She graduated from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru in San Miguel with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics. She moved to the United States in 1990 and completed Wells Fargo Financial Training in 2012. She is registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) in General Securities Representative Qualification (Series 7) and Uniform Combined State Law (Series 66) with LPL Financial. 

Experience

Before starting her career in finance, Maria worked in Miami, Florida, managing construction and international shipping firms. After a move to Fayetteville, North Carolina, she joined Wells Fargo Financial and completed the Advisor Training Course. Maria has worked with Brian for the past five years, providing our clients with a consistent and dedicated point of contact. This partnership proved to be so successful that she is now an integral part of the Veritas Financial Management team.

Engagement

Maria enjoys leisure time with her three children, her grandchild, and her three dogs. She also likes to spend time at the beach and working out at the gym. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 
 

  • High-net-worth individuals often face complex financial landscapes that require sophisticated thinking and personalized strategies. At VERITAS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, our generational wealth management goes beyond basic investing; it includes coordinating your estate planning, modifying tax exposure, and structuring trusts. As a dedicated wealth management team in Myrtle Beach, SC, we design disciplined, data-driven portfolios that aim to protect your legacy and align with your deeply held principles.

    LPL Financial Representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company, N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial.

    Veritas Financial Management and LPL Financial do not provide legal advice or services.

    Please consult your legal advisor regarding your specific situation.

  • While financial planning is a crucial service we provide, focusing on calculating insurance needs, risk profiling, and long-term projections, a wealth advisor takes a much broader, holistic approach. When you partner with a private wealth advisor, like Brian, you receive comprehensive guidance that integrates your investment planning, retirement strategies, and complex estate planning. Our approach considers multiple aspects of a client’s financial picture to help manage assets in a manner consistent with stated goals and the scope of the advisory relationship.

  • We believe your financial plan should evolve right alongside your life. We provide timely monthly statements and quarterly performance reports to keep you informed on your progress. However, we highly recommend sitting down with us to formally update your strategy whenever you experience significant life changes, identify new priorities, or when there are shifts in tax laws that could affect your retirement or estate. Brian and Maria are regularly accessible and happy to meet, review your plan, or simply catch up on your latest news. 

  • Complete transparency and immediate accessibility are fundamental to how we operate. We contact our clients throughout the year as often as they prefer. You can expect secure online account access, monthly statements, and personalized quarterly performance reviews. Our goal is to keep you completely informed and confident about your wealth management journey without ever leaving you overwhelmed with financial jargon.