Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Johnston.
Hi Victoria, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My path into this career is far from traditional, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite parts of my story. I was eight months pregnant with my first daughter, Presley, when I was recruited to join Edward Jones. Two days after delivering her—still in the hospital—I completed the first of my three interviews. Looking back, that moment perfectly captures the determination and drive that have shaped my career ever since. I officially joined Edward Jones in April 2019, stepping into a profession that felt like both a calling and an opportunity to serve families in a meaningful way.
I began growing my practice in Clayton, where I also founded the Triangle Area Networking Group (TANG) – Johnston County Chapter. I created TANG to be a seat-exclusive networking organization focused on genuine connection, collaboration, and high-quality referrals among local professionals. It quickly became a community where relationships turn into partnerships, and business owners feel supported—not just in their work, but in their lives. Building that group remains one of the most energizing parts of my early career.
In June 2022, I was chosen to take over an established book of business in North Raleigh—an opportunity based on my performance, experience, and reputation within the firm. That transition is what brought my practice to Raleigh, where I now serve a diverse and growing client base, from high-net-worth families to business owners navigating complex financial decisions.
I’ve always been a student of my craft, which is why earning my CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™) designation in 2023 was such a meaningful milestone. The CFP® requires comprehensive training in investments, taxes, estate planning, retirement strategies, and ethics. To me, it represents not only technical expertise but a deep commitment to helping clients align their financial strategies with their life priorities.
In 2025, I earned my CEPA® (Certified Exit Planning Advisor) designation, allowing me to better support business owners through exit and succession planning. This specialty helps me guide entrepreneurs through one of the most important financial and emotional transitions of their lives—maximizing business value and preparing for whatever comes next.
Beyond designations and milestones, my career is woven into my life as a wife, mom, and community member. I’m married to a Garner firefighter, and our two daughters are constant reminders of why I do what I do. I serve on the East Triangle YMCA Board of Directors, and I’m deeply involved in community outreach and philanthropy—because I believe the work we do outside the office matters just as much as the work we do inside it.
Every step of my journey—from interviewing in a hospital room to building a practice rooted in trust, education, and relationships—has shaped the advisor and leader I am today. And the best part is, I still feel like I’m just getting started.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like anyone who has built something meaningful, I’ve experienced my share of challenges throughout my career. One of the biggest was stepping into an entirely new market when I took over the established North Raleigh branch in 2022. Even though I was chosen for the opportunity based on my performance and reputation, it was still a major transition. I was leaving the community where I began my practice, where I had built TANG, and where my roots felt familiar. Starting over—learning a new demographic, building trust with an inherited client base, and redefining my presence in a new market—required patience, resilience, and a willingness to grow in ways I hadn’t yet experienced.
Another challenge was finding the right clerical partner. The person sitting beside me every day plays a critical role in the culture and efficiency of the practice, and for a long time, the “perfect fit” felt elusive. That changed in October 2023, when I found Matthew. He brought stability, professionalism, personality, and a level of partnership that allowed our office to thrive. His presence didn’t just improve operations—it elevated the entire client experience and allowed me to focus more deeply on high-level planning and relationships.
And of course, balancing motherhood with a fast-growing business has been one of the most beautifully complicated parts of this journey. I became a financial advisor with a newborn in my arms. I’ve managed schedules around nap times, school events, breast pumping for a baby between client meetings, and trying to give 100% to both my family and my career. There were seasons where I felt stretched thin and deeply unsure of whether I was doing enough in either role. But becoming a mother didn’t just shape my priorities—it strengthened my empathy, sharpened my purpose, and made me a better advisor. My daughters are the reason I show up the way I do, and they’re also the reminder that success is not just professional—it’s personal.
Every struggle has pushed me to grow, to adapt, and to trust the process. They’ve made my victories sweeter, my relationships stronger, and my perspective deeper. And looking back, I wouldn’t change any of it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At my practice, I focus on helping individuals, families, and business owners create financial strategies that truly reflect the life they want to build—not just the numbers on a page. I specialize in comprehensive wealth management, tax-advantaged planning, retirement strategies, and exit planning for small-business owners. My goal is always to take something that often feels overwhelming or impersonal and turn it into a process that feels clear, collaborative, and grounded in what matters most to each client.
What I’m most known for is the time and care I take to truly understand people—not just their financial goals, but their values, priorities, fears, and the legacy they want to leave behind. I work closely with estate-planning attorneys and CPAs, creating a team-based approach that gives my clients confidence and clarity across their entire financial picture. I believe financial planning should feel supportive and relationship-driven, not transactional. That philosophy guides everything we do.
Earning my CFP® designation allowed me to bring a deeper level of technical expertise to my clients, and earning my CEPA® designation has strengthened my ability to guide business owners through one of the most important transitions of their lives—planning for an eventual business exit. Whether someone is growing a business, selling a business, preparing for retirement, or navigating major life changes, my practice is built to support them through each stage with a strategy that adapts as life does.
What sets my brand apart is the combination of professional excellence and genuine human connection. Clients often tell me that our office feels like a place where they can exhale—where they feel heard, cared for, and understood. That’s intentional. We want every person who walks through our door to feel at home, supported, and confident that they have a partner who is truly invested in their future.
I’m incredibly proud of the environment we’ve created. My clerical partner, Matthew, plays a huge role in that experience—he brings warmth, organization, and a level of service that elevates our entire practice. Together, we’ve built an office culture rooted in kindness, professionalism, and consistency.
Above all, I want readers to know that my work is personal to me. I’m a mom, a wife to a Garner firefighter, and someone deeply connected to this community. My brand is built on integrity, education, empathy, and the belief that financial planning can empower people to focus on their lives—not their worries.
My offering is much more than investment management or retirement strategies. It’s partnership, clarity, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing someone is walking alongside you—through every season, opportunity, and challenge life brings.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is blend of Jesus, family, purpose, and community. We enjoy serving in our church on the Welcome Team, giving back through various charities with either time or resources, and spending time on our boat at Harris Lake.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/victoria-johnston
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victorialeejohnston/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorialeejohnston/
