Alfred L. Stratford, III,

For Al Stratford, financial planning and investment management are a family tradition. As a teenager, Al watched his mother, Catherine, lead the advisor training program at Wheat First Securities while he worked in the mailroom, and saw firsthand the difference financial advisors can make. “This is what I have always wanted to do,” he says. “It is what I am supposed to do.”

After graduating from North Carolina State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics and served as a chapter president of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Al launched his own financial advisory career with Wheat First Securities in 1993. He went on to serve as a first vice president at Davenport & Company before joining Morgan Keegan, now part of Raymond James, in 2004. His primary professional goal is to help people successfully navigate the noise, distractions and obstacles that are so prevalent today so they can enjoy retirement on their own terms.

Al has earned several professional licenses and designations, including an Accredited Asset Management Specialist certification from the Institute for Wealth Management and Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor, Accredited Wealth Management Advisor and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor certifications from the College for Financial Planning. He is also a graduate of the Raymond James Institute of Investment Management Consulting.*

Al is a trustee of Collegiate School, The Valentine Museum, and the non-profit SwimRVA, as well as a member of the University of Richmond Estate Planning Advisory Council. He donates time and resources to Goochland Family Services, Christian Children’s Fund, Massey Cancer Center and Smile Train.

Born and raised in Richmond, Al lives just west of the city in Manakin-Sabot with his wife, Karin, and their three children, Kelsey, Grace and Alfred. He enjoys travelling, golfing, reading, visiting his college daughters during football season, and watching his son high jump in track season.

*The Investment Management Consultant designation is awarded to those who complete the Raymond James Institute of Investment Management Consulting program.

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