About Russ Thornton

Seeing women live great lives — before and after retirement — is the most important part of what I do.

Based in Atlanta, GA, I'm fortunate to serve women and their families across the country. As a financial advisor, much of my work revolves around money and finance — but the ultimate goal is to help my clients live a wonderful life without regret.

My Story

What led me here...

My name is Russ Thornton. I've been delivering personal financial advice to clients and families for more than 30 years and have helped countless women get ready for retirement, care for their families, protect their wealth — and most importantly, live great lives.

When I was a young man, my Mom went through a divorce. Despite being a smart and hard-working woman, the divorce led to some significant financial challenges — including being forced to declare personal bankruptcy. What she needed was someone in her corner to help her navigate financial uncertainty and look out for her best interests. Unfortunately, I was too young to help her then.

As an adult, I devoted my career to becoming a champion for women like my mother. That's why I started Wealthcare for Women: to empower you to make financial decisions that enable you to live a great life — without having to worry about money.

Russ Thornton, financial advisor and founder of Wealthcare for Women

My Philosophy

What I believe

After 30 years in this work, I've learned that the most important things about financial planning have very little to do with finance.

Purpose before products

I don't start with your portfolio. I start with why money matters to you in the first place. Without that foundation, a financial plan is just math looking for a purpose.

The plan is not the point

A financial plan is essential — I'll build you a good one. But the value lives in the ongoing relationship: the conversations, the adjustments, the course corrections we make together over time.

No shame, no blame

Money carries stories — pride, guilt, fear, regret. I'm not here to judge decisions you made twenty years ago. I'm here to understand where you are now and help you move forward.

Retirement is a beginning, not an ending

The question isn't just "do I have enough?" It's "enough for what?" That's where the real planning starts.

You're allowed to enjoy your money

After years of saving, some people struggle to actually spend what they've built. I believe in giving yourself permission to enjoy the life you've built — intentionally, not recklessly.

Beyond the work

A little more about me...

I love music

Playing it, listening to it, thinking about it. Acoustic guitar is my instrument of choice — I'm no virtuoso, but that's not really the point.

I'm a family man

My wife Elizabeth and our dog Zilly mean the world to me. We spend as much time as we can together in Atlanta and at our place on Lake Oconee — and if there's a little fishing involved, all the better.

I believe in giving back

Elizabeth and I volunteer with Angels Among Us Pet Rescue. I also serve on the board of trustees for the Georgia Eye Bank, which recovers and distributes corneal tissue to restore sight in patients around the world.

I keep my client list small on purpose

Not because I'm not ambitious — but because this work requires real relationships, and real relationships require time and attention. I'd rather do meaningful work with fewer people than shallow work with many.

Is this a fit?

Who I work best with

This is an intentionally small practice. I work with a limited number of clients so each one gets real attention — not just portfolio reviews, but a genuine relationship built over time.

If you're not sure whether we're a good fit, the best thing to do is have a conversation. I'll be honest with you if I don't think we're the right match — and I'll do my best to point you in the right direction if we're not. If you'd like to see exactly what working together looks like, here's how the process works. And if you'd like to see the specific areas we review together — including some conversations most advisors never have — take a look here.

Within 1-2 years of retirement, or already there
You've built real wealth and want to make sure you don't outlive it or mismanage it
Done with complexity — you want a financial life you can actually understand
Looking for a thinking partner, not just someone to manage a portfolio
Going through a transition — retirement, divorce, widowhood, an inheritance, or simply a sense that it's time to get things right

If this resonates, let's talk.

The first step is a simple conversation — no pressure, no obligation. Just a chance to see if this feels like the right fit.

Let's see if we're a fit

Not sure yet? Read what 63 clients say → Or read our guide to retirement planning for women →