our team
Meet Ascent Financial
Who We Are
Clear Planning, Built for Complex Financial Lives
Ascent Financial Group was founded in 2020 to serve executives, business owners, and high-earning professionals whose financial lives extend beyond basic portfolio management. Many of the families we work with need coordination across investment strategy, tax planning, retirement modeling, and legacy goals—not disconnected advice from multiple sources. We built the firm as a boutique wealth management practice so clients receive direct access, clear communication, and integrated planning. Today, we serve households across Richmond and beyond with a model designed for long-term advisory relationships.
OUR MISSION
Coordinated, Planning-first Advice
Deliver coordinated, fiduciary wealth guidance that brings clarity to complex decisions and supports lasting financial confidence.
OUR VISION
Intentional and Steady Relationships
We want to build enduring advisory relationships where sophisticated financial decisions are made calmly, strategically, and with full alignment across your finances
OUR philosphy
Clarity, Transparency, and Integrity
You’ll always understand what we’re doing and why. We explain complex strategies in clear, actionable terms and remain accessible whenever questions arise.
Together, Mike and Dustin are the dynamic duo of Ascent Financial—combining Dustin’s knack for cracking big financial puzzles (while juggling three energetic daughters) with Mike’s journey from corporate burnout to advisor, fueled by golf swings and guitar strings. Together, they blend sharp strategy with a refreshingly human touch, making wealth management feel less like a boardroom briefing and more like a conversation with friends who’ve got your back.
At Ascent Financial, we combine the best of both worlds—corporate expertise and personalized wealth strategies.
Meet Dustin
Meet Mike
Education & Designations
- James Madison University – bachelor’s degree in Finance
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
Outside of Work
Dustin lives in Charlottesville, VA with his wife and their three daughters. He enjoys taking full advantage of life—spending time at the beach, getting out for a round of golf, and catching waves whenever he can.
Financial advisor
Dustin Newton, CFP®
Dustin began his career helping companies navigate complex mergers, acquisitions, and all things strategic finance—think endless spreadsheets, high-stakes decisions, and just the right amount of caffeine. The work was exciting and fast-paced, and it taught him how to solve big financial puzzles under pressure.
Over time, he realized he wanted to apply those same skills in a way that felt more personal. Dustin made the leap from advising corporations to guiding individuals and families, launching a boutique wealth management firm in the process.
Today, Dustin helps clients make smarter decisions with their money—whether they’re planning for retirement, building a business, or simply trying to make sense of their financial lives. He brings a clear, strategic mindset to every conversation while leaving the jargon and 100-slide PowerPoint decks behind.
When he’s not optimizing portfolios or building personalized financial strategies, Dustin is likely serving as the designated snack provider for his three daughters, searching for the perfect cup of coffee, or convincing himself that spreadsheets are a perfectly acceptable hobby.
Financial advisor
Mike O'Shaughnessy, CFP®
Mike spent the early part of his career in corporate investment management, corporate finance, and technology management. The roles were challenging and intense but after years of managing large teams and burning the candle at both ends, Mike hit a wall. On paper, everything looked successful, but he found himself wanting to find more meaningful work, built around personal relationships and not corporate balance sheets.
Years before joining the team at Ascent Financial Group, Mike and his wife became clients of Ascent Financial Group. With hectic work schedules and a lack of time to keep their long term goals on track, they found a team at Ascent with a refreshingly human approach to wealth management. It clicked immediately. After experiencing the clarity and peace of mind the Ascent process brought him, Mike realized he didn’t just want to be a client—he wanted to be part of the mission.
After a few conversations—and a couple of friendly rounds of golf—Mike made the transition from client to advisor, teaming up with Dustin to help take Ascent to the next level. When he’s not thinking about markets, financial plans or client goals, Mike can usually be found spending time with his family, enjoying time on the golf course or strumming a guitar.
Education & Designations
- James Madison University – bachelor’s degree in Economics
- University of Connecticut - Masters of Business Administration
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
Outside of Work
Mike lives in Richmond, Virginia with his wife Peyton, daughter Millie and their 11-year-old yellow lab, Winston. They are very active in both golf and tennis at Willow Oaks Country Club in Richmond, enjoy spending time outdoors and time with family.
Credibility at a Glance
Proof In the Practice
When you’re choosing a wealth management firm, credentials and consistency matter. Here’s a transparent look at the experience, structure, and measurable indicators behind Ascent Financial Group.
