1Up Financial Advisors

RYAN BANNISTER, CPA

FOUNDER & WEALTH ADVISOR

Licensed CPA in NC #41212
QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor
Gusto Payroll Certified
My story with 1Up started in 2020 – in my small corner of the internet on Twitch playing video games. Though my love for film & videography goes way back, Twitch is where I connected the dots between my passion and my career. After streaming for a few months, I’d casually mention I was a CPA by day and eventually streams turned into full-blown conversations over money and finances. That’s when I realized two big problems: 
  1. Creators needed real financial advice.
  2. The financial industry wasn’t serving them.

Traditional firms were ignoring creators because they didn’t have big investment portfolios. So, I decided to change that. At 1Up, I work as a fee-only, fiduciary advisor – which means I answer to you, not a brokerage or bank. My mission is to set the standard in the creator industry for excellent client care by delivering advice that’s clear, honest, and built around your goals. I love working with every single one of my clients and consider it a privilege to do so. I’m proud to serve the creative minds whom I view as the future of media and entertainment as a whole. I’m inspired by the experience we’ve created for clients at 1Up, and am glad to be setting a new standard for client service – one where we value people over portfolios.

I’m grateful to contribute to the creator and financial space as:

I’m also a proud member of:

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
  • XY Planning Network Associate Member
  • Wealthtender

👪 Family: Born, raised, and still call Raleigh home. I’m married to my wife, Kathleen, with one son, Charles.

🎢 Travel: When I’m not in the office, there’s a very high chance we’re at Disney World. Workwise, you may see me at TwitchCon, VidCon, and other cons around the country!

🌱 Community: As an NC State alum and undergrad mentor, I’m deeply invested in this city. I support the incredible people of this state in every way I can through local businesses, cheering on our sports teams, and events like the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk.

Accountants, Attorneys, and other Professionals

In a sense we serve as a client’s financial concierge where they can direct any and all financial questions. If we don’t know the answer and/or we need to bring in other experts, we will carefully coordinate and collaborate with other professionals such as accountants, attorneys, insurance agents, bankers, etc.

Accountants

Attorneys

Insurance Experts

Mortgage / Banking Experts

If this sounds like a team with whom you would enjoy working, read Who We Serve to see if you are potentially a good fit for our firm.