Matthew J. Bracciante

Matt’s career as a financial advisor was inspired by personal experience. During his freshman year of college, Matt’s father passed away unexpectedly. In the aftermath, he saw firsthand what can happen when there’s no financial plan or strategy in place. As the youngest of three children, Matt understood that while his family would ultimately recover financially, the uncertainty and emotional toll—especially on his mother—would never be forgotten.

“I’ve always wondered what might have been different if my parents had known about other planning strategies,” Matt reflects. “Maybe they would have used them, maybe not—but at least they would have made an informed decision. That experience shaped my approach with clients. Education and awareness are at the core of everything I do, and it’s vital to me that my clients feel empowered to make confident financial decisions.”

Matt began his career in financial services directly after graduating college in 1997. He spent his first six years with Northwestern Mutual and CitiStreet (a joint venture of Citigroup and State Street Bank), focusing primarily on insurance and retirement planning. While living in Charlotte, he joined Bank of America/Merrill Lynch (BAC/ML) as a financial advisor and later relocated his practice to Cary, NC. After nine years with BAC/ML, Matt transitioned to private practice with Stratos Wealth Partners in December 2011.

In 2011, Matt earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ (CRPC®) designation from the College for Financial Planning. The CRPC® program emphasizes client-centered problem solving and equips advisors with a comprehensive understanding of retirement planning. Topics covered include retirement income sources, savings strategies, employer-sponsored plans, tax considerations, asset management, estate planning, and more.

In June 2022, Matt completed the acquisition of his colleague’s practice, Acorn Investment Strategies – an established investment advisory business with a 25-year legacy. This transition marked a significant milestone in Matt’s career and allowed him to further expand his commitment to providing personalized financial guidance to a broader client base.

Originally from outside Syracuse, NY, Matt graduated from Butler University in Indianapolis in 1997, where he also played Division I lacrosse. He met his wife Megan at Butler, and they married in 2000. They now live in Cary, NC with their two children, Brian and Alexis.

Matt has a deep love for coaching, which led him to join the boys’ varsity lacrosse program at Green Level High School in 2019 as an assistant coach. His passion for the game and mentorship shines through on the field. “It’s an amazing feeling to teach a sport I love while also imparting lifelong lessons about hard work, competition, teamwork, and sportsmanship,” says Matt. In 2024, the team reached a milestone achievement by winning the North Carolina 4A State Championship—an unforgettable culmination of dedication, teamwork, and leadership.