Michael Hays

Michael Hays joined Waverly Advisors in November of 2024 following the acquisition of Buckingham Advisors by Waverly Advisors, LLC. As a financial planner at Waverly, Michael brings several years of experience in investment management, retirement planning, Medicare and insurance planning, and tax planning. Michael finds great fulfillment in assisting his clients with developing and accomplishing their financial planning goals. While the quantitative and technical analysis of a person’s plan is essential, Michael believes the most meaningful financial plans are built around the human side of money, such as values, goals, relationships, purpose, and peace of mind.

Michael is a former school teacher and believes in providing clear explanations for complex topics. He believes it’s the role of the financial planner to explain any and all topics so clients understand everything clearly and can articulate the plan in place.

[email protected]

326-220-2163

Dayton, OH

Specialization

Areas of Expertise

Portfolio Construction & Asset Allocation

Customized portfolio design aligned with risk tolerance and objectives.

Tax-Managed Equity Strategies

Tax-efficient investing including direct indexing and tax-loss harvesting.

Holistic Wealth Planning

Integrated financial planning across investments, taxes, estate, and risk.

Retirement Planning & Income Strategies

Retirement income optimization, withdrawal strategies, and Social Security planning.

Tax Optimization & Mitigation

Year-round tax planning, projections, and strategy implementation.

Estate Tax & Gift Planning

Federal and state estate tax mitigation and annual exclusion gifting.

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 client’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. Waverly’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

Wright State University, M.A.

Ask Me About

Comprehensive Financial Planning
Tax Planning
Retirement Planning