Husband and wife duo, Brian Burkett and Alyson Burkett,  take the fear out of finances for East Cobb residents.

Talking about money can be an anxiety-inducing task. It’s more like having an intentional conversation with a friend over coffee for Alyson Burkett, CRPC®, CFP® and Brian Burkett. 

Alyson and Brian launched 21 Goats Financial Planning in December 2021, with Alyson serving as financial advisor and Brian as  director of operations. Alyson holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation as well as the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. Together, they offer services through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. 

Alyson and Brian love to see clients achieve financial goals. 

“It’s exciting to celebrate the wins,” Alyson says. 

Alyson Burkett, formerly Alyson Skodack, was born in East Cobb and grew up in West Cobb. She graduated from Harrison High School and earned bachelor’s degrees in economics and finance from Auburn University. Alyson has been an independent  financial advisor for 14 years. Texas born Brian Burkett received a bachelor’s degree in economics from  Colorado State University and moved to Atlanta upon graduation. 

Alyson and Brian met in 2009 while working at Waddell & Reed – an American asset management and financial planning company that was acquired by LPL Financial in 2021.  They married in 2015 and had their first  child, a son named Watson, in 2018.  Three years later, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alyson and Brian kickstarted 21 Goats Financial Planning  company and welcomed their daughter Lillian into the world.  

Alyson and Brian wanted the name of their business to stand out in a sea of boring family-named financial  corporations. Level14 Marketing, also  local to East Cobb, helped them create a business name and brand that is unique. The number 21 auspiciously  falls upon significant Burkett family birthdays and anniversary dates. As for goats, Brian puts it best, “Goats  are just cool.” Plus, the animal is known for its intelligence, curiosity, and ability to climb to great heights by making calculated decisions a perfect mascot to represent Alyson and Brian’s approach to financial planning.  

Atlanta-based artist Cece Page, gave life to the 21 Goats mascot a playful goat that pulls at your heartstrings. The Burkett’s celebrated their brand’s one year anniversary on June 21.  

Alyson and Brian serve around 150 households from their office on 570 W Crossville Road in Roswell. From grand parents to grandchildren, all 21 Goats clients receive a custom-tailored financial plan. Most people who seek these services are undergoing a big life transition such as retirement, a career change, death of a spouse, or even divorce.  

“It’s our job to provide financial education and guidance,” Alyson says.  

21 Goats takes the guesswork out of projects such as small-business planning, debt management, and investment decisions.  

Outside of office hours, the Burkett  family loves spending time together at East Cobb Park or trail running at Kennesaw Mountain. 21 Goats is a  family affair. “The amount of things we have accomplished in the last year and a half is so much more than I could have ever done by myself,” Alyson says. 

Learn more about building financial confidence and a plan for your future at 21goatsfp.com, emailing goathelp@21goatsfp.com, or calling Alyson directly 470-377-7231.  

21 Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered  investment advisor, Member FINRA/ SIPC 

Article written by Marie Muir.