Our Team

A philanthropic leader in the Birmingham community, Allen Taylor founded Wealth Strategies, LLC in 2002. While he brings over 30 years of experience to the table with education from Birmingham-Southern College, it’s his devotion to his clients and the value of each relationship that is the catalyst to Wealth Strategies’ success. As a member of the International Association of Qualified Financial Planners (IAQFP) and a Registered Financial Consultant (RFC), his extensive knowledge in the field helps a little bit too.

When he’s not in the office, you can find him spending quality time with his wife, Donna, and their two daughters. Having a pilot’s license gives him the freedom to fly the skies at his leisure, as well as volunteer with both Angel Flight and EAA Young Eagles.

Because of his passion and commitment to his profession, Allen often shares his extensive knowledge of finance by teaching other financial professionals the ins and outs of investments and retirement planning. He also partners with Auburn University to help the next generation of young professionals through workshops, classes and guest speaking. An active member of the faith community, Allen devotes much of his time to serving on the finance committee of his church, where he plays in the orchestra and teaches Sunday school class.

An honest and empowering leader, Allen strives to ensure the success of everyone around him.

Jimmy Waters started his career as a Financial Advisor in 1994 at Merrill Lynch, and most recently served as Vice-President, Senior Financial Advisor at Ameriprise Financial before joining Wealth Strategies in 2017. He graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in Finance with a concentration on Investments and Institutions.

Jimmy started in the business with the simple notion of trying to make people’s lives better. Through communication, education, and service which exceeds their expectations, clients are inspired to achieve lasting wealth. Rather than simply providing solutions, Jimmy strives to engage in a dialogue that emphasizes goals-based planning to ensure that clients fully understand what is required to achieve their objectives. Personalized service, trust, and uncompromising integrity are the foundation of every client relationship.

Jimmy lives in Birmingham with his wife, Kate, and their daughter, Virginia. A former collegiate tennis player, Jimmy is an avid golfer, and enjoys running and biking. He and his family are active members of Independent Presbyterian Church, where he has served on the Focus on Faith Committee and as Moderator of the Board of Deacons.

After more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Don joined Wealth Strategies, LLC. in October of 2011. As a Financial Advisor* of Lion Street Financial Securities, Don assists families and individuals that are nearing retirement and prepare for what should be some of the best years of their lives.

Using a proven process, Don sets up a blueprint that his clients can follow in retirement.  He customizes and monitors each strategy and commits to meeting with his clients regularly to review their goals and progress. Over the last three decades, Don has worked with clients to solve a wide variety of financial issues. He appreciates and values having long-term relationships and has become well known for his personal commitment to each client. As a former educator, Don specializes in simplifying complex ideas and presenting them in a clear and compelling style.

Don is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University, Northwestern University, Mid-South School of Banking, and the American Bankers Association Trust School. Don has been on and presided over numerous faith based, charitable, civic, and community organizations throughout his lifetime.  He enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife, three children, and five grandchildren.

Joining Wealth Strategies in 2021, Becky Wilder Ruthven brings to the team her passion and dedication to cultivating close client connections, over 20 years of industry experience, and she holds an MBA in Finance from the University of St. Thomas and a CFP from Rice University. She is deeply committed to helping others–especially women–learn how to manage and accomplish their financial goals in life. Over the years, Becky has spearheaded 13 investment clubs for women of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. She believes education and collaboration are key to successful investing.

Although she was born in San Diego, CA, Becky spent most of her formative years living in Hawaii. She now resides in Houston, TX, with her husband. She and Donald have four sons and seven grandchildren. Becky enjoys reading mystery novels, regularly exercising and traveling with her husband. In another life, she may have been a travel agent, as she has a knack for planning creative, entertaining and offbeat trips that tie into her travel companions’ hobbies and passions.  

Becky strives to find the joy in any situation. She is able to laugh at herself, and she knows when not to take life so seriously. Because she is someone who desires to build other people up, Becky takes the time to deeply connect with people, actively listening to their hopes and dreams, and offering her wisdom, positivity and encouragement as they reach to meet their potential.