Brandy Ariza Bio Headshot
Brandy Ariza, CFP® Vice president, Wealth Management Financial Advisor

Brandy has more than 20 years of experience in providing financial advice to people, so there probably isn’t a question or concern she hasn’t come across. She understands, though, that for her clients, it may be their first time facing an important or difficult decision. It’s why she is so devoted to applying her experience to addressing each issue with clarity, care and compassion.

Many of her clients are preparing for or affected by changes in their lives – and as a result are seeking answers to questions like: Can I retire? How much can I safely take out of my retirement? How do I get my fair share from my divorce? My spouse has passed away; what do I do next? I just inherited money … what are my options?

Often, there are more tactical questions, such as: How can I reduce the tax burden on my investments? Is an IRA or Roth IRA better for me? What is a 529 college savings plan – and is it right for my child?

Brandy enjoys evaluating each person’s situation and working together with them, offering her advice and answers, and addressing any important matters they may have overlooked.

She works diligently to personalize an individualized financial plan that fits each client’s life. As a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, she holds one of the most respected financial planning credentials and the recognized standard of excellence in personal financial planning.

Serving her credit union members is her highest priority, and she enjoys creating valued relationships with everyone she works with. She is here for them in every personal situation and market scenario, both good and bad.

“Many advisors will not work with those that aren’t wealthy, but I enjoy working with everyone,” Brandy says. “I find great fulfillment in working with those frequently overlooked by others and who really need and appreciate my guidance.”

During the first 15 years of her career, Brandy had the best mentor ever – her father. She learned under his tutelage and always remembers the mantra he ingrained in her: Members of the credit union will never care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Together, they created a top-producing office at a former firm and then moved to Texas to create an investment program at a Houston credit union, which is also successful. The accomplishments of the father-daughter team caught the attention of Bank Investment Management’s editor, who featured them in the magazine.

With her father’s blessing, Brandy was then recruited by another firm and left to work in a new bank program, feeling ready to spread her wings. In 2023, Brandy was recruited by Raymond James to be vice president of First Community Credit Union.

Brandy earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Utah and her graduate certificate in financial planning from Rice University. As a child of a U.S. Navy officer, Brandy has lived overseas and in several states but has made Texas her permanent home since 2010.

Brandy married into a close-knit Colombian family. She embraces the colorful culture and loves learning to salsa dance and speak Spanish. She and her husband share six children, including twin daughters, and live in Klein. Brandy’s greatest joy is her family and time spent with them and supporting their endeavors.

She and her husband enjoy watching their youngest son’s Saturday soccer games. Their daughter plays clarinet in the high school band, and Brandy has spent countless hours supporting her. Brandy’s husband is a diehard Georgia Bulldogs fan, so they are active members of the UGA Bulldog Alumni Association’s Houston chapter.

Brandy is also passionate about gardening. “I love creating flowerbeds in my yard, embracing the gorgeous flowers that can only be grown in warm climates. My daughter helps me and enjoys learning all about it. I also enjoy vegetable gardening with my son.”

When not helping her members or spending time with her family, Brandy is an active advocate for the Houston Area Parkinson Society, a role she is personally connected to since one of her loved ones has Parkinson’s disease.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, and are not insured by credit union insurance, the NCUA or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the credit union, are not guaranteed by the credit union, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. First Community Credit Union and First Community Wealth Advisors are not registered broker/dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner,  CFP Logo Flame Design and  CFP Logo Plaque Design in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Raymond James does not provide tax or accounting services.

Raymond James is not affiliated with the above organizations and/or charitable causes.