Laurie Cortner is a wealth strategist at Waddell & Associates, who helps clients bring clarity and confidence to their financial lives through thoughtful, personalized planning. She has a natural ability to connect with people, working to understand what matters most to them and translating that into actionable, long-term strategies.
Originally from Princeton, Kentucky, Laurie spent her college years in Bowling Green before relocating to Louisville and ultimately Nashville, where she now resides. Laurie earned her bachelor’s degree in finance with a concentration in personal financial planning from Western Kentucky University. Shortly after graduating in 2021, she passed the Series 65 and began her career as a financial advisor at Cerity Partners (formerly ARGI Financial Group), where she developed a strong foundation in building tailored financial plans for a wide range of clients. She later expanded her professional experience in a fast-paced banking environment before finding her home at Waddell & Associates.
Since joining the firm in 2024 as a client service strategist, Laurie has quickly grown into her role as a wealth strategist. She earned her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation and continues to demonstrate both her technical capabilities and a deep commitment to the planning profession.
Laurie thrives at the intersection of relationships and systems. She combines strong interpersonal instincts with a structured, detail-oriented approach, ensuring every client feels heard, organized, and confident in their financial direction. Known for her naturally approachable style and talent for fostering open, comfortable conversations, she helps simplify complex decisions and guides clients through every stage of the planning process.
Outside of the office, Laurie is an avid animal lover with a particular passion for cat rescue and adoption—never missing an opportunity to advocate for a stray in need.