Business

Meet Jim Tucker: Helping Late Career and Early Career Professionals Avoid the Big Financial Mistake

Published

3 years ago

February 4, 2022

Wealth advisor, Jim Tucker, is co-founder of Tucker Bria Wealth Strategies, LLC, a wealth advisory firm in Durham, North Carolina. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist®. His focus is on both professionals and business owners preparing to retire as well as those just beginning their careers.

Tucker’s 15 year business career prior to joining the wealth advisory profession makes him uniquely qualified to understand the professional and financial pressures of his clients.

Jim began his business career in finance, working as both a commercial banker, for a regional bank in Washington, DC, as well as an investment banker, for storied investment banking firm, Drexel Burnham Lambert. He then joined a team to oversee the regional mall real estate investments for a subsidiary of The Prudential.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Tucker jumped to the west coast to lead the expansion of privately-held, mall based, specialty retailer, Natural Wonders. Once public, Jim left Natural Wonders and returned to corporate America and the east coast, joining the North Carolina regional office of the British spirits and food retailing company, Allied Domecq. Declining a move to the Washington, DC area with Allied Domecq, Jim connected with a Charlotte, NC start-up real estate technology firm, AvidXchange, which went public in 2021.

Deciding that constant business travel did not suit a father with 2 young children and a wife who also worked, Tucker entered the wealth advisory profession. Initially, he worked for the Wall Street firms of UBS, Smith Barney and Morgan Stanley. During this time Jim picked up the professional credentials of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist®. However, Tucker was once again drawn to the entrepreneurial side of the business. So, in 2013, he formed Tucker Bria, an independent wealth strategy firm, with longtime friend and fellow competitive swimmer, Patrick Bria.

“The two core client bases that I enjoy working with and with whom I feel I can add value, are those who are within 10 or 15 of retirement and those early in their career,” says Tucker. “Both groups yearn for financial education and direction, one group to set up their retirement strategy and the other to establish great financial habits to carry them through their life.”

Education has become a driving force of Tucker Bria and Jim’s focus. Jim is a licensee and instructor for Retirement Planning Today®, an educational course for individuals aged 50-70. Tucker also developed a young adult seminar to educate young professionals on the foundations of a sound financial strategy.

“The reason why I like working with those approaching retirement and individuals beginning their careers is because it’s so important for each group to avoid making the BIG MISTAKE. Each period has a number of decisions which, if not addressed properly, may derail the achievement of their financial, and thus, life goals.”

So, from Tucker’s perspective, financial education is critical to his mission of helping his clients avoid the big mistake.

Jim Tucker, CFP®, CRPS® is a financial advisor located at 3100 Tower Blvd, Suite 117, Durham, NC 27707. He offers securities and advisory services as a Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative of Commonwealth Financial Network^®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Jim can be reached at 919-381-5780 or at jim.tucker@tuckerbria.com

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

2 weeks ago

January 23, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Running a successful business in today’s fast-paced world requires a sharp focus on growth, strategy, and efficiency. However, managing the day-to-day operations can often become overwhelming. That’s where virtual assistant (VA) companies come into play. These companies specialize in providing skilled professionals who can handle everything from administrative tasks to customer service, marketing, and beyond, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on what they do best.

With so many VA companies on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 virtual assistant companies to watch in 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a busy professional, these companies offer top-tier solutions to meet your needs.

1. Assist World – The Gold Standard in Virtual Assistance

At the top of our list is Assist World, a U.S.-based company renowned for its personalized approach to matching clients with virtual assistants. Assist World goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” model by taking the time to understand your unique needs and connecting you with highly skilled VAs who align perfectly with your business goals.

What Makes Assist World Stand Out?

Personalized Matching: Assist World matches clients with virtual assistants based on their specific requirements, ensuring the right fit every time.
Comprehensive Onboarding Process: The company’s seamless onboarding process streamlines communication and ensures VAs hit the ground running.
Client Success Management: Dedicated client success managers oversee the relationship, providing ongoing support and ensuring smooth operations.
Flexibility and Scalability: Assist World caters to businesses of all sizes, offering flexible plans that can scale as your business grows.

Who Is It Best For?

Assist World is ideal for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses seeking a reliable, high-quality VA service that delivers consistent results.

Pricing:

Pricing is customized based on your needs, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.

2. Time Etc – Affordable and Efficient

If affordability is your priority, Time Etc is a strong contender. This VA company specializes in administrative tasks and offers services at competitive rates. With a team of experienced professionals, Time Etc focuses on helping clients boost productivity without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Dedicated VAs with extensive experience.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Focused primarily on administrative and organizational tasks.

Who Is It Best For?

Time Etc is a great choice for solopreneurs and small businesses looking for cost-effective virtual assistance for basic tasks.

Pricing:

Plans start at $29 per hour, with discounts available for bulk hours.

3. Belay – A Leader in Remote Executive Assistance

For those in need of executive-level support, Belay is a premier option. This company specializes in matching clients with highly skilled remote assistants who can handle complex tasks such as calendar management, bookkeeping, and project coordination.

Key Features:

Focus on executive and specialized assistance.
Rigorous vetting process for VAs.
Excellent client support.

Who Is It Best For?

Belay is ideal for CEOs, executives, and high-level professionals who require top-tier assistance.

Pricing:

Premium services come at a higher price point, starting around $2,000 per month for part-time support (45 hours a month). For 85 hours a month, pricing sits around $3,800.

4. MyOutDesk – Virtual Assistants for Real Estate

Real estate professionals, take note: MyOutDesk is the go-to VA service for your industry. Specializing in real estate operations, MyOutDesk provides skilled VAs who can handle lead generation, transaction coordination, and CRM management.

Key Features:

Expertise in real estate processes.
Comprehensive training programs for VAs.
Proven track record with top real estate agents.

Who Is It Best For?

Realtors, brokers, and real estate teams looking to streamline their operations and focus on closing deals.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $1,750 per month for full-time assistants.

5. Boldly – Premium Virtual Assistant Services

If you’re looking for high-quality, premium VA services, Boldly is worth considering. This company offers subscription-based plans that provide access to experienced VAs skilled in a variety of disciplines, including marketing, customer service, and project management.

Key Features:

Highly experienced professionals.
Flexible subscription plans.
Focus on long-term client relationships.

Who Is It Best For?

Businesses and individuals willing to invest in premium services for comprehensive support.

Pricing:

Plans start at $39 per hour, with monthly subscriptions available.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant Company

When selecting a VA company, consider the following factors:

Your Business Needs: Identify the tasks you want to delegate and choose a company that specializes in those areas.
Budget: Assess how much you’re willing to invest in virtual assistance and find a provider that aligns with your budget.
Flexibility: Look for companies that offer scalable plans to grow with your business.
Support: Choose a company with excellent client support to ensure smooth communication and problem resolution.

Why Assist World Is the #1 Choice

While all the companies on this list offer excellent services, Assist World stands out for its personalized approach, exceptional client success management, and flexible solutions, and most importantly, their fair pricing. At Assist World, prices generally fall between $1,500 – $2,000 a month for a full-time dedicated executive assistant. With a proven track record of helping businesses thrive, Assist World is the ultimate partner for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to scale efficiently and effectively.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a free consultation with Assist World today and discover the difference a high-quality virtual assistant can make.