Waverly Advisors
Partner, Wealth Advisor
CFPยฎ

Christopher J. McGarvey

Chris McGarvey is a Partner and Wealth Advisor at Waverly Advisors. He has been with the firm since December 2022, when Wall Advisors, LLC merged with Waverly. Chris grew up in Fort Lauderdale, FL and came to Lakeland to pursue a B.S. in Finance at Southeastern University. After graduation he started his financial career as a client manager at T. Rowe Price in Tampa, FL. Chris has experience in retirement and portfolio planning as well as knowledge in a variety of investment vehicles. He received the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERโ„ข Practitioner Certification in December 2018. As a CFPยฎ, Chris focuses on financial planning and portfolio management. ย Outside of the office, Chris serves in various community organizations and his local church. Chris and his wife Paola reside in Lakeland with their three children Maya, Valentina, and CJ.

Areas of Expertise

The framework is organized intoย six primary pillars, each with detailed sub-specialties that advisors can select as self-identified areas of expertise.ย 

Investment strategy & portfolio management

Comprehensive investment oversight across public and private markets.

Wealth Planning & Strategy

Holistic financial planning and multi-generational wealth stewardship.

Private Markets & Alternative Investments

Access to private equity, private credit, real estate, and real assets.

Family Enterprise & Business Advisory

Business transition, succession planning, and family governance.

Tax, Estate & Legacy Planning

Tax optimization, estate structuring, and multigenerational legacy design.

Specialized Clients Needs

Customized solutions for unique life events and complex situations

Serving with Purpose

A Culture of Connection

Waverly takes its name from a meadow of quaking aspen trees, an ecosystem where individual trees are connected by a shared root system. Since 1999, that idea has inspired our firm: strong relationships, shared values, and the belief that we are better together.

Comprehensive Wealth Management, Connected by Design

Like an aspen grove, every part of a clientโ€™s financial life is interconnected. As an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), we bring together investment management, financial planning, tax strategy, trust and estate planning, and family office services to create coordinated solutions that simplify complexity and support long-term success.

A Culture Rooted in Service

Our culture of stewardship is guided by Integrity, Family, Grace, Team, Drive, Empathy, and Community. These values shape every client relationship, every decision, and every interaction. They are the foundation that keeps our people connected and ensures a consistent, high-touch experience across the firm.

The Difference Is Our People

While many firms offer financial advice, our greatest differentiator is our people. Waverlyโ€™s advisors, planners, investment professionals, tax specialists, and support teams work together to deliver thoughtful guidance and personalized solutions. It is this collaborative approach, and our commitment to serving clients with excellence and care, that transforms financial advice into lasting relationships.

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Finance- Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL

Community Involvement

  • Access Church Lakeland
  • Leadership Lakeland Class 37
  • Lakeland Kiwanis Club
  • Options for Women Pregnancy Help Clinic, Board Member
  • Emerge Lakeland, Past Treasurer
  • United Way of Central Florida, Community Investment Team

Ask Me About

  • Retirement Planning
  • Investment Management
  • Charitable and Family Gifting
  • How I met my wife
  • My favorite outdoor sport