Retirement planning is deeply personal. The team guiding your decisions should be people you trust to listen carefully, think strategically, and act in your best interest.
Meet your
retirement leaders
The team behind your retirement strategy
A strong retirement plan starts with strong leadership. Our team brings experience, discipline, and thoughtful strategy to every conversation—helping you make confident decisions about the years ahead.
Advisory
Johnathan Burgess
Owner & Chief Investment Officer
Johnathan founded Big Money Retirement Solutions in 2020 after successfully building and selling a captive insurance agency focused on retirement planning. Becoming a fiduciary was a turning point—one that solidified his belief that independence, transparency, and putting clients first create better outcomes. He built Big Money around best-in-class planning strategies, technology, and investment solutions to give clients clarity and confidence in every stage of retirement. Outside of the office, Johnathan enjoys skiing and vacationing in Palm Beach with his wife, Samantha, and their son, Emmett— especially golf cart rides with Emmett, his favorite way to unplug and be present.
Matthew Hastings
Lead Financial Advisor, WMCP®, CRPC®, NSSA®
With a decade of experience at two of the largest financial institutions in America, Matt recently joined Big Money Retirement Solutions in 2024 as a fiduciary financial advisor. Armed with the WMCP® and CRPC® designations, he leverages a wealth of experience to guide clients towards financial success. Beyond the world of finance, Matt is a family man, married with three children, that live on their family farm together operating a thriving market garden. His interests extend to practicing Jiu-Jitsu, lacrosse and strategic investments in real estate, reflecting a diverse skill set ready to benefit clients.
Edward “Teddy” Heiser
Lead Financial Advisor, NSSA®
Teddy is a Financial Advisor who holds a Series 65 license and a life and health insurance license. Teddy joined Big Money in 2024 where he aims to provide clients with a roadmap to financial success in their retirement. With prior experience in holistic financial planning, he is able to use his wide range of knowledge to make sure clients are on the right path to financial freedom. Prior to joining the finance industry, Teddy played baseball at Erskine College. He and his wife, Megan, have a daughter who they love to spend time with. His hobby of choice is playing golf.
Tyler Decker
Lead Financial Advisor, NSSA®
Tyler brings a unique combination of military and financial expertise to Big Money Retirement Solutions. With eight years as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) specialist, he developed advanced problem-solving, risk assessment, and leadership skills in high-pressure environments. Building on this foundation, Tyler transitioned to a career in finance, bringing over six years of experience as a financial advisor. He is committed to guiding clients through retirement with clarity and confidence.
Luke Maloney-Grimes
Lead Financial Advisor, NSSA®
Luke is an accomplished financial analyst who joined Big Money in 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience as a brokerage stock trader from Auckland, New Zealand. A graduate with top honors in Financial Economics, he excels in investment research and client onboarding. At Big Money, Luke leverages his expertise to deliver exceptional financial optimization services, drawing on his global perspective and analytical acumen to enhance client portfolios and financial strategies.
Kyle Conner
Lead Financial Advisor, NSSA®
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Kyle has called Charleston home for the past five years. Before joining Big Money Retirement Solutions, he gained valuable experience at a Registered Investment Advisory firm and earned his Series 65 license. Kyle is passionate about helping clients approach retirement with clarity and confidence. Guided by his faith, he is committed to building meaningful relationships and serving each client with integrity and care. Outside of work, Kyle is an avid golfer who enjoys spending his downtime on the course. He and his wife, Mollie, love hiking, relaxing at the beach, and exploring Charleston’s vibrant culinary scene together.
Alan (AP) Pedraza
Lead Financial Advisor
Alan (AP) brings a strong work ethic and attention to detail to Big Money Retirement as a paraplanner. Born and raised in Ware Shoals, South Carolina, Alan graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Financial Management and has earned both his South Carolina Life and Health Insurance Agent license and Series 65 license. He supports the team by preparing financial plans, managing client paperwork, and ensuring information is accurately integrated across the firm’s systems. His passion for helping others navigate their financial future drives his commitment to excellence in wealth management.
Client Success
Nancy Dhillon
Client Onboarding Specialist
Originally from India, Nancy moved to the United States in 2013 after traveling extensively around the world. She joined Big Money in February 2025, bringing over a decade of client service experience. Previously, she worked as a Product Owner at a leading wealth management firm, where she honed her ability to understand client needs and deliver exceptional service. Outside of work, Nancy is a devoted mother to her son and daughter. She treasures quality time with her children, whether exploring new places, embarking on adventures, or enjoying life’s simple moments. Passionate about giving back, she actively volunteers and seeks opportunities to make a meaningful impact in her community.
Chris Jennings
Tax Advisor (Enrolled Agent)
Chris Jennings is an Enrolled Agent with the IRS who is dedicated to helping our clients reduce their tax bills as much as possible through proactive tax planning. In his free time, he loves the rodeo scene and spending time with his beloved dogs. Chris joined Big Money in 2024, bringing with him a wealth of expertise and a passion for optimizing tax strategies. He ensures that our clients fully understand their tax opportunities, working tirelessly to secure their financial well-being. Outside of work, Chris enjoys participating in rodeo events and caring for his dogs, balancing his professional dedication with his personal passions.
Elizabeth Mungo
Client Success Advisor & Financial Advisor
Elizabeth joined Big Money in 2025 as a Client Solutions Specialist. Elizabeth holds a Series 65 License and brings a strong foundation in business with a degree in Finance, Marketing and Entrepreneurship. She takes pride in her ability to communicate clearly and make complex information easy to understand. Whether guiding clients through questions or providing day-to-day support, she is dedicated to making each client feel informed, heard, and valued. Outside of the office, Elizabeth enjoys running, cooking, and creative pursuits in art, sewing, and interior design.
Caleb Owens
Client Success Representative
Born and raised in South Carolina, Caleb Owens is a 2026 graduate of Bob Jones University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. He is passionate about financial planning and wealth management and is eager to grow professionally while helping clients work toward their long-term financial goals. During his time at Bob Jones, Caleb was a member of the university’s basketball team. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active through sports, playing guitar and drums, and enjoying quality time with his significant other. Caleb values continuous learning and enjoys building meaningful relationships with the clients and colleagues he serves.
John Obeck
Executive Vice President of Compliance
John serves as our Chief Compliance Officer and Head of Compliance. He brings over two decades of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining our team, he was the Chief Compliance Officer at one of Fifth Third’s broker-dealers. John was also the Chief Compliance Officer at TIAA-CREF and has many years of compliance experience with other large financial institutions. He holds the FINRA Series 7 and Series 24 licenses. John and his wife have three boys and they have recently relocated to Charleston South Carolina.
Operations
Jeremy Shory
Vice President of Operational Excellence
Jeremy brings more than two decades of experience with leading financial custodians to his role as Executive Vice President of Operations at Big Money Retirement Solutions. Drawing on a deep background in supporting wealth management firms, along with his Series 7 and Series 63 licenses, he is instrumental in designing and implementing operational strategies that deliver a client-first experience. His leadership is grounded in a commitment to excellence, ensuring every client interaction reflects the firm’s standard of elite service. Outside of the office, Jeremy values time with his wife and twin children, and is deeply invested in his community. He actively partners with local pastors on faith-based outreach initiatives and leads a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing faith-centered sports programs for both youth and adults.
Mael Jacquemin
Senior Paraplanner
Born in Nantua, France, and raised in Greenville, SC, Mael brings a unique international perspective to financial planning. Currently a Senior at Clemson University, Mael is pursuing a degree in Accounting and is set to graduate in May 2025. Mael supports the team with detailed financial analyses, strategic planning, and client-focused solutions. Beyond the world of finance, Mael is a dedicated semi-professional paintball player, competing in tournaments across the country.
Emily Sandidge
Executive Assistant
Before joining Big Money Retirement Solutions in August 2024, Emily worked closely with top executives at Jeff Bezos’ environmental philanthropy, the Bezos Earth Fund. Now at Big Money, she provides invaluable support to our fearless leader, our team, and our clients. Emily is deeply passionate about both travel and helping others—so far, she has explored nearly 60 countries across six continents!
Tom Osman
Executive Vice President of Finance
Marketing
Samantha Burgess
Vice President of Marketing
“Samantha Burgess is the Chief Editor of PROSPER, the editorial and lifestyle publication of Big Money Retirement, focused on wealth, legacy, stewardship, hospitality, and intentional living. Her work blends editorial storytelling, brand development, and community culture through thoughtfully curated content centered around family, home, philanthropy, business, and modern legacy-building. In addition to leading PROSPER, Samantha contributes to the broader creative and strategic vision behind the Big Money Retirement brand ecosystem, including media, events, client experience, and community initiatives. Her editorial perspective is rooted in the belief that true prosperity extends beyond financial success into the ways people gather, give, build, and live. Through PROSPER, Samantha is helping shape a modern publication that documents the evolving intersection of wealth, lifestyle, family, and culture.”
Lindsey Martin
Director of Events
Born and raised in Upstate of SC, Lindsey brings both professional expertise and a personal touch to her role as Director of Marketing. With over a decade of experience in customer service, she understands the importance of clarity, trust, and meaningful connection in every client interaction. Since joining the firm in 2023, Lindsey has led the way in shaping the client experience—overseeing all marketing, social media, events, and communications—while also fostering a strong, positive culture within the team. When she’s not creating meaningful experiences for clients, Lindsey is making memories with her two young sons—whether at the park, in the mountains, or at the beach.
Mari Shamburger
Marketing Coordinator
Mari joined Big Money in 2025, bringing over two decades of experience in marketing, sales, and customer service. She excels at helping businesses grow through strategic planning and creating impactful client experiences. As our Marketing Coordinator, she spearheads Wine & Wisdom gatherings, assists with dinner events, and coordinates team-building activities. Outside of work, she’s often on the sidelines cheering for her son at soccer games or planning her family’s next Caribbean cruise!
Mia Sheyner
Marketing Coordinator
Mia is originally from the Boston area and graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in Finance. She is currently pursuing her SIE and Series 65 certifications. In her role, Mia assists with client outreach and supports the advisors by preparing meeting materials, conducting preliminary research, managing scheduling, and coordinating follow-up communication. Her attention to detail and dedication to client service make her a valuable member of the team.
Sam Bezy
Content Videographer & Editor
Sam is a visual storyteller and digital marketing professional with over 10 years of experience in the field. He joined in June 2025, where he focuses on helping clients share their stories through compelling media and creative strategy. With a background in videography and digital content creation, Sam specializes in crafting narratives that connect with audiences in authentic and impactful ways. Prior to his career in media, Sam played baseball at Anderson University, an experience that instilled in him the value of teamwork and discipline. Outside of work, Sam enjoys playing baseball in a local men’s league, spending time with his son, Reeves, and their dog, Titan.
A letter from our founder,
Johnathan Burgess
When I first started working in this industry, I quickly realized something important: retirement planning isn’t just about numbers. It’s about people. It’s about the decades of hard work that got someone to this point, the family they care about, and the life they hope to live in the years ahead. Over time, I saw how many people approach retirement with uncertainty—even after doing everything right. They’ve saved, they’ve worked hard, and they’ve built a strong financial foundation. But when the time comes to turn those savings into a plan for the rest of their lives, the decisions can feel overwhelming. That’s where the right guidance makes all the difference.
At Big Money Retirement, our goal is simple: to help people retire with clarity and confidence. We believe the decisions you make in this stage of life are some of the biggest you’ll ever face, and they deserve thoughtful strategy, honest conversations, and a team that takes your future seriously. We also believe retirement should be bigger than just avoiding mistakes. It should be about living intentionally—having the freedom to spend time with the people you love, pursue the experiences you’ve worked for, and move forward without constantly worrying about whether you’ll be okay.
That philosophy is what drives our team every day. We take the responsibility of guiding someone through retirement seriously, because behind every financial plan is a life that someone spent decades building. If you’re here exploring what the next chapter could look like for you, I’m glad you’re here. Our hope is that the work we do helps you move into retirement with confidence, clarity, and a plan built around the life you want to live.
Signed,
Johnathan Burgess