Meet The Team
The team behind Burns Estate Planning & Wealth Advisors is made up of qualified financial professionals who are passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their ideal retirements.
Ernie Burns President, Chief Executive Officer, Registered Investment Advisor, Master Certified Estate Planner
Ernie M. Burns Jr. has over 25 years’ experience in the retirement income planning industry.
Ernie hosts “Total Retirement,” a TV show in which he and his team of financial professionals cover all things financial while focusing on conservative retirement strategies. He has been published or quoted in Fortune magazine, Entrepreneur magazine, Money magazine and Bloomberg Businessweek.
Ernie’s television and radio shows, coupled with his appearance in many publications, have led Ernie to be a prominent authority in retirement planning along the Gulf Coast. He has informed the public with his seminars across Southern Louisiana, working with over 2,000 individuals.
Erin Berglund-Burns Annuity and Life Insurance Agent, Certified Estate Planner
Erin Berglund-Burns Annuity and Life Insurance Agent, Certified Estate Planner
Erin Berglund-Burns grew up in Kentwood, Louisiana, and graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University. She has been with Burns Estate Planning & Wealth Advisors since 2007 and is a licensed insurance agent. Erin works side by side with Ernie, analyzing financial strategies.
Erin held the titles of Ms. Louisiana United States 2013 and Ms. Baton Rouge 2012. Her platform charity is Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), for which she diligently continues to raise awareness, as well as donations, to support the worthy cause.
Outside of work, Erin stays very busy with her son, Brayden, and playing with her two Labradors. She enjoys traveling, reading, working with her plants, and spending time with her family and friends.
David Burns Master Certified Estate Planner, Registered Investment Advisor
David Burns Master Certified Estate Planner, Registered Investment Advisor
David Burns is a senior partner of Burns Estate Planning & Wealth Advisors and has over 28 years’ experience in the insurance industry. His knowledge in estate planning and personal retirement income planning through Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company complemented his study through the National Institute of Certified Estate Planners, where he became a Master Certified Estate Planner (MCEP).
Chris Burns Certified Retirement Counselor, Financial Advisor, CCO
Chris Burns Certified Retirement Counselor, Financial Advisor, CCO
Christopher Burns is a Louisiana resident who graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2005, obtaining a degree in finance. He joined our team in 2014 as a General Securities and Investment Adviser Representative. Chris has passed the Series 7 and Series 66 securities exams and is a class C licensed insurance agent. His main focus is in developing, recommending and delivering financial plans to help our clients work toward their retirement goals. One thing that Chris enjoys most about his role is being able to help our clients prepare for one of the most important times in their lives, their retirement years. He truly believes that everyone deserves a secure and independent retirement. Chris is a proud veteran of the U.S. Army who dedicated four years of service.
CHRISTIAN CLAUSEN, CFP® Financial Advisor
CHRISTIAN CLAUSEN, CFP® Financial Advisor
Christian graduated from Louisiana State University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in finance. While at LSU, he received multiple NCAA Honorable All-American mentions in swimming.
Christian has worked in the financial industry over 12 years and is registered with the SEC as an Investment Adviser Representative. In addition, he has taken extensive exams to receive his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional designation. Christian also has passed the Series 66 securities exam and is a Class C licensed insurance agent.
Christian joined Burns Wealth Advisors in 2016 as a financial advisor and CFP® professional. His main goal is to deliver a vast array of resources to his clients in a way that helps them pursue their financial goals. He also aims to help his clients preserve and grow their wealth.
Christian is originally from Sweden and is proficient in five languages. He resides in Prairieville, Louisiana, with his two daughters.
J. Scott GwatneyFinancial Advisor, Portfolio Manager
J. Scott GwatneyFinancial Advisor, Portfolio Manager
Scott is a 2007 graduate of Louisiana State University and has over 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. He has passed the Series 7, 31 and 66 securities exams and is a Class C licensed insurance agent.
Scott joined Burns Wealth Advisors in 2019 as a financial advisor and portfolio manager. His goal is to offer objective guidance that fits each individual client’s particular situation and to help build each client’s wealth while preserving their assets.
Scott lives in Prairieville, Louisiana, with his wife and daughter.
Alex AstinFinancial Advisor
Alex AstinFinancial Advisor
Alex is a graduate of Piedmont College in North Georgia where he played baseball as an undergraduate student before completing his master’s degree in 2017. Alex has passed the Series 7 and the Series 66 securities exams and is a Class C licensed insurance agent. After graduating, Alex returned home to the Gulf Coast of the Florida Panhandle to help serve the needs of retirees in his hometown. Alex believes that one of the most impactful ways to serve the community is assisting those who are uncertain of their retirement plan. His drive is to make sure that before a client leaves the office, they have a better understanding and clarity on how their retirement plan will work for their individual needs and wishes.
When Alex isn’t focused on getting the best retirement for his clients, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their son on the beach, hiking, or fishing.
Nicole Higgens Smith New Business Processor, Assistant to Erin Berglund-Burns
David Wasson Senior Director of Marketing and Advertising
Kacey Bonnette Financial Advisors Assistant and Servicing Specialist
Charles J. Fulda IVAttorney at Law, Consultant
Lily Ory Director of First Impressions, Data Input
Lisa CappaertLaw Clerk
Ashley Terrell
Director of Operations & Processing for Assets Under Management
Krista Riley Office Controller
Kimberly Artmont Assistant Director of Operations & Compliance for Assets Under Management
Nicole BenoitFinancial Advisors Assistant & Product Manager
Lindsey PorterMarketing Assistant and Head of Digital Marketing
Ready to Take The Next Step?
For more information about any of the products and services listed here, schedule a meeting today or register to attend a seminar.
