Our firm

Independent by design. Aligned by principle.

Aggregate Financial Services is an independent, fiduciary registered investment adviser in Navarre, Florida — built to give advisors the freedom to own their practice, and families advice that always answers to them.

What we stand for Get in touch

Why we exist

A firm built around ownership.

Too much of this industry is built to serve the institution first — with the advisor and the client somewhere further down the list. We set out to flip that order.

Aggregate Financial Services was founded on a simple conviction: advisors do their best work when they truly own their practice, and families are best served by advice that has no agenda other than their own. Independence isn't a feature we offer — it's the foundation everything else is built on.

For advisors, that means real freedom — your own brand, your own client relationships, a straightforward payout model, and the freedom to leave at any time without penalty. For the families those advisors serve, it means working with a true fiduciary who is structurally free to recommend what's genuinely right.

We're deliberately built to stay aligned: no parent company pulling in another direction, no proprietary products to push, no incentives that quietly work against the people we serve. Just a clear model, modern tools, and a team that picks up the phone.

Mission & vision

What we're working toward.

Our mission

To empower advisors to grow their business — and the families they serve — through freedom, low cost, and simplicity.

Our vision

An industry where independence is the norm, and where advice always answers to the client.

Our values

The principles behind every decision.

Four values guide how we build the firm, work with advisors, and serve the families who count on them.

Owner Mentality

We treat the business — and every client relationship — as if it's our own, because for the advisors we partner with, it is. Ownership drives how we show up.

Client First

Not a slogan, but a standard we're held to. As fiduciaries, the client's interest comes before our own — every recommendation, every time.

Growth Mindset

We're built to help advisors and families grow — and we hold ourselves to the same standard, always learning and improving how we work.

Simplicity

One clear model. One straightforward agreement. We strip away complexity so the people we serve can focus on what matters.

People, not a platform

When you work with AFS, you reach a partner — not a call center.

We're an independent, founder-led firm. That means real relationships, direct access, and decisions made by people who know your name — not a distant institution. It's the way we'd want to be served, so it's the way we serve.

Meet the founders

Three partners, one standard.

AFS is founder-led by three advisors who built the firm they'd want to work with — and the kind of advisor they'd want for their own families.

Taylor Retherford

Chief Compliance Officer

Co-Founder & Financial Advisor

A University of West Florida graduate with a background in regulatory compliance, Taylor brings a rigorous, detail-driven approach to advising — centered on lasting relationships and a personalized roadmap for every family he serves.

My journey into the financial sector has been driven by a singular passion: to be of maximum value to the families and friends I serve. This is where I need to be, where my dedication to helping others achieve their goals and educating them on the path to financial success truly comes to life.

My educational foundation was laid at the University of West Florida, where I earned a degree in Healthcare Administration. This academic experience, combined with a career in regulatory compliance within the medical device industry, has honed my ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. I've found these skills to be invaluable as I transitioned into the realm of financial advising, guiding friends and families towards securing their financial futures.

At the heart of my practice is a dedication to cultivating meaningful, long-lasting relationships with clients. Recognizing that each individual has distinct financial needs and aspirations, I focus on creating personalized roadmaps that align with your vision for the future. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, my nuanced understanding of risk and opportunity empowers you to make well-informed financial decisions.

When I'm not delving into financial strategies, you'll find me spending quality time with my family, rooting for our local sports teams, or staying active with Crossfit. As a life-long learner, I find joy in continuously expanding my horizons. These experiences shape my approach to advising, reminding me that at the heart of every financial plan is a person or family with their own passions, challenges, and dreams.

James Baccarini

Chief Growth Officer

Co-Founder & Financial Advisor

A University of West Florida finance graduate with over a decade of experience in financial services, James is dedicated to understanding each client's goals and building a strategy tailored to their aspirations — from retirement to investments to protecting wealth.

I'm James Baccarini, your dedicated financial advisor, ready to guide you towards a secure and prosperous financial future. I take immense pride in my academic journey, graduating from the University of West Florida with a degree in Finance. With over a decade of invaluable experience in the financial services industry, I've had the privilege of helping numerous clients achieve their financial goals and navigate the complexities of the financial world.

Beyond my passion for finance, I am deeply committed to giving back to the community. Volunteering in a youth ministry has allowed me to impart crucial life skills to young minds, empowering them to make sound decisions as they embark on their own journeys. Additionally, my love for sports has led me to coach travel and high school soccer teams, where I instill the values of teamwork, discipline, and responsibility in our talented athletes. In my personal life, I find unwavering support from my loving wife, Hannah, who shares my enthusiasm for making a positive impact in the lives of others.

As your financial advisor, my priority is understanding your unique financial goals and creating a tailored strategy that aligns with your aspirations. Whether you're planning for retirement, managing investments, or safeguarding your wealth, I am here to provide expert guidance every step of the way. Together, we'll navigate the financial landscape, and with my knowledge, experience, and genuine care for your financial well-being, we'll build a brighter financial future for you and your loved ones.

Christian McCants

Chief Financial Officer

Co-Founder & Financial Advisor

Holding a BBA and MBA in Business Analytics from the University of West Florida, Christian believes financial literacy is the key to making your hard work count — easing the stress of planning and educating clients every step of the way.

My desire for becoming a Financial Advisor comes from my passion for helping people, and what better way to do that than making sure my friends, family, and clients find financial security in life. The bedrock of my financial education comes from my time at the University of West Florida, where I completed both my Bachelor in Business Administration and MBA with an emphasis in Business Analytics. From my time in and out of college, I have developed a strong pull towards working in the financial sector and becoming an invaluable resource for families in the Pensacola area.

I spent my first four years outside of college in the banking industry helping people achieve the dream of home ownership. I then moved into a human resources position in the medical device industry where I get to help people every day with problems that are big and small. At my core, I want to help people. I believe that financial literacy and competency is the key to making sure that all of your hard work in life is not wasted. I know that tackling financial challenges and planning for the future can be a stressful topic, so I hope to be able to ease some of that stress and educate you along the way.

In my off time, I cherish spending time with my wonderful wife, Angie, and our two cats, Kai and Nala. I enjoy reading in my backyard, spending time at the beach, and making memories with my tight knit family and friends. Also, I am always looking for a good movie recommendation! I look forward to getting to know you and helping you in your financial journey.

At a glance

Who we are, in brief.

Est. 2022

Founded to put advisors and families first

Independent RIA

Registered with the State of Florida

Navarre, FL

Independent & locally rooted

Begin the conversation

Let's talk about what's next.

Whether you're an advisor exploring independence or a family looking for advice that answers to you, we'd be glad to talk. No pressure, no commitment — just an honest conversation.

Get in touch