Karen Dills

Dwayne and I have been working together since 2000, first building our CPA practice and now growing Security Planning Advisors. We got married in 1989, and combining our professional and personal lives has worked well for us. I handle the bookkeeping, tax returns, and assist with client needs as they come up. After 26 years in this industry, I've learned that some people have no idea what they need to retire comfortably, and helping them figure that out is rewarding.

I grew up right here in Weaverville on a farm where my family raised cattle, pigs, and various crops. That upbringing taught me the value of hard work and attention to detail, which translates well to financial work. Funny enough, I still live in the same house I grew up in. It's a full circle kind of thing.

Before joining Dwayne in the financial industry, I worked at an attorney's office and earned my associate's degree from Asheville Buncombe Technical College. Moving into financial services felt natural because I could see how much people needed guidance, especially around retirement. What I enjoy most is talking with clients about their hopes and dreams for the future. Everyone has a vision for what they want their life to look like, and our job is to help them work towards it.  

As Dwayne and I get older, we're scaling back on the heavy tax return deadlines to focus more on financial planning. It's a shift that makes sense for where we are in life.

We have two children, Allison and Chris, who are both married now. We also have a six-month-old granddaughter, and watching her grow has been one of the highlights of this season of life. Family matters to me, and that includes the people we serve through our practice.

When I'm not working, I enjoy making craft items like wreaths and home decor. I love reading and going to movies. I've been involved with Brookstone Church for many years, singing in the choir and serving on the worship team. I'm also part of a women's ministry team called Sprig of Joy. The six other women on that team have become close friends, and we live life together. Sharing faith and ministering to other women is something I care deeply about.