Family Serving Family

Led by father-daughter duo David and Sam Shucavage, Carolina Retirement Planners is all about taking care of our own. Here, we consider our clients our family.

About Carolina Retirement Planners

Dedicated to helping you plan for your best retirement, our team works in comprehensive fashion to bring all aspects of your retirement into one cohesive plan. We're passionate about helping guide individuals and families just like you to the best retirement possible.

David-Shucavage

David Shucavage Founder, President & Wealth Advisor

[email protected]

True, accurate and up-to-date retirement education is severely lacking in America. That’s why I am passionate about helping bring financial literacy to everyone in southeastern North Carolina.

More than just being interested in retirement planning, I have a much more personal connection to my career. In the 1970s, I graduated from Cornell Engineering School and followed the expected path, working for Corning Glass and then Ciba-Geigy. For over 20 years, I worked in engineering and consulting, with the goal of making money for companies.

In 2001, I decided it would be more meaningful for me to help individuals and families. Since then, I have focused on retirement planning. My path from Cornell to today gives me a different mindset, perhaps more skeptical than most others in the financial industry. As an engineer, I love numbers, and the best part of my job is working with them to create strategies with clients to help them feel more confident about their retirement.

I am an Investment Adviser Representative and insurance professional. Every person I meet has a unique set of needs, goals and concerns, and I find it very satisfying to tailor a plan for each family or individual.

I love teaching retirement workshops and courses. I am an instructor and also hold RICP®, CEP and RFC® designations. For 10 years, I have taught retirement classes hosted at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and Brunswick County Community College.

My wife, Sandy, and I live in the historic district of Downtown Wilmington. We have two daughters, Samantha (“Sam”) and Katie. Katie lives in New York with her husband. Sam has joined the family business and is enjoying her ever-expanding role as partner and advisor. I have lots of hobbies including music, pottery, fishing and kayaking. If you want to hear my music, come down to The Satellite on Greenfield Street some Sunday evening; I’ll be the handsome devil playing the hammered dulcimer.

The Certified Estate Planner (CEP) designation is an educational credential that shows knowledge and proficiency in a particular subject matter. It is not a license granted or governed by state regulators, including attorneys, CPAs, securities, or insurance. Neither the firm nor its agents or representatives may give tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult with a qualified professional for guidance before making any purchasing decisions.

Read More
sam-headshot

Samantha “Sam” Shucavage Partner & Wealth Advisor

[email protected]

When my father invited me to join our family business, I didn’t hesitate. I was excited for the opportunity to have a positive impact — like he’s had — on the lives of so many families. He has always demonstrated the importance of being a lifelong learner, having a strong work ethic, and acting with sincerity and kindness. I’m also immensely grateful for the many years of financial knowledge he has shared with me, so that I can offer clients the same level of care and planning.

My approach begins with taking the time to truly listen and understand my clients’ needs, helping them bring their goals into focus. I prioritize building strong relationships and crafting customized financial plans that address each client’s unique situation, ensuring every puzzle piece fits together to create a fulfilling retirement.

I am a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I’m an Investment Adviser Representative (Series 65) and licensed in life and health insurance.

Born and raised in Wilmington, I lived in the Triangle for about 10 years before moving back home to join the family business. My husband, Neil, head brewer for Waterline, and I share our home with our sweet mutt, Jessie. In my free time, I enjoy making pottery, boating, expanding my vinyl collection, traveling and exploring the beautiful areas around Wilmington.

Read More
Amber-Dickens

Amber Dickens Client Care Specialist

Amber uses her lighthearted wit and cheery personality to create an exceptional experience while seamlessly executing and maintaining each client’s unique retirement plans.

[email protected]

Sally-Thompson

Sally Thompson Client Service Specialist

Since joining our team, Sally has adeptly navigated our client family's needs by implementing and servicing their tailor-made retirement plans, all while making many of our clients feel at home with her Jersey accent.

[email protected]

geri-noldin

Geri Noldin Director of First Impressions

Geri became an integral part of our team in 2022. She takes care of the calendar for everyone while extending her signature heartfelt welcome, whether in person or over the phone, that our clients have come to know and love.

[email protected]

Amy-Dresky

Amy Dresky Director of Client Fun

Amy is the heartbeat of our Carolina Retirement Planners family. From planning our most lively events to guiding clients through the ins and outs of attending our retirement classes, Amy makes sure every moment is engaging and memorable. Our clients know they can count on her for an experience that's both fun and insightful!

[email protected]

Kristen-Owen

Kristen Owen Director of Operations

Kristen wears many hats (often fashionable) within Carolina Retirement Planners, alongside her assistant. Her insights and experience ensure our day-to-day is running smoothly, our goals are met and our team is taken care of.

[email protected]

Mary-Sanza

Mary Sanza Client Concierge

Mary's foremost commitment is to help wherever needed, whether it's within our team or our client family. If she doesn't have the answer, she'll find it. She's frequently the go-to person for inquiries about our events and classes.

[email protected]

yeti

Yeti Barketing Assistant

Yeti has been working hard at the office since 2018, proving that being deaf doesn’t stop her from staying laser-focused on the job. And true to her name, she never misses a treat break as she works toward her retirement!

Tiberius

Tiberius Operations Pawssistant

Growing up within the business has finely tuned Tiberius' abilities, enabling him to expertly herd us through even the toughest of situations.

donna

Donna Client Care Pupresentative

Even without prior work experience, Donna has become a cornerstone of our team, excelling in ensuring our clients feel completely at ease as they navigate their journey.

Dogma

Dogma In Loving Memory

Our team continues to love and remember Dogma, our youngest and most dedicated team member, who took his job of protecting the office with all the seriousness his little heart could muster — unless, of course, there was popcorn or treats involved.

Dogma's leisure time was filled with adventures, including his cherished visits to the Dog Club of Wilmington, where he confidently mingled with the big dogs, fully convinced that his small stature was just a minor detail. He also had a soft spot for Friday evening visits to the River Club with Wilmington Water Tours, where his cuteness was rewarded with plenty of cheese.

Dogma's spirit and enthusiasm brought joy to everyone around him. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will continue to bring smiles to our hearts.

Our Office Feels Like Home …
Because It Used to Be One

Carolina Retirement Planners is located in an elegant building in historic downtown Wilmington, North Carolina.

Originally constructed in the 1920s as a personal residence, the building has served as “home” for our offices for over 10 years. Our clients often tell us they find this environment to be more welcoming and relaxing than the customary office building. Take the virtual tour below to see inside!

When our guests and clients visit, they are welcomed by our warm staff, a cup of tea or coffee and, of course, a friendly nod from one of our mascots, Tiberius, Donna or Yeti.

Call Now Button