Previously overseeing approximately $700 million in assets, family practice Wealth Care LLC brings specialized expertise serving physicians and other healthcare professionals

HB Wealth, one of the nation's largest independent, fee-only registered investment advisers, today announced that Steven D. Podnos, MD, MBA, CFP®, Rachel Podnos O'Leary, JD, CFP®, and Lauren Podnos-Garner, CFP®, have joined the firm. Together, the three advisors establish the firm's presence in Austin, Texas, with Rachel and Lauren based in Austin and Steven dividing his time between Austin and Cocoa Beach, Florida.

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Pictured from left to right: Lauren Podnos-Garner, Steven D. Podnos, Rachel Podnos O'Leary

The trio previously operated Wealth Care LLC, an independent, fee-only registered investment adviser with approximately $700 million in AUM, founded by Steven Podnos in 2002. Before entering wealth management, Steven was a physician specializing in pulmonary and critical care. He continued to practice critical care medicine in the Air Force Reserve until 2023. Steven’s firsthand understanding of the financial complexities physicians face has shaped his specialization in serving physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Together, the father-daughter team integrates comprehensive financial planning and investment management with guidance on tax planning, asset protection, estate planning, and the legal and liability considerations that often accompany medical careers and practices. Beyond their healthcare specialization, the team serves high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families nationwide.

“Joining HB Wealth represents an important next chapter for our clients and our team. It allows us to preserve the independent, fiduciary approach that has always defined our work while expanding the depth of advice and resources we can bring to each relationship,” said Steven Podnos. “Rachel, Lauren, and I have built our practice around understanding the full picture of our clients’ lives, including the distinct challenges physicians and other healthcare professionals face. HB Wealth strengthens our ability to address every aspect of our clients’ financial lives with the same personal attention and unwavering focus on their best interests.”

Leveraging HB Wealth’s sophisticated investment platform, comprehensive planning resources, and family office capabilities, we believe the team is positioned to further elevate the client experience while expanding its physical presence to Texas.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Steven, Rachel, and Lauren, who have built their practice around seeing the complete picture of each client’s life and providing advice that evolves alongside their needs and ambitions,” said Thomas Carroll, CEO at HB Wealth. “Their addition establishes a strong foundation for us in Austin. This team will be pivotal in how we bring a valuable new dimension to the way we serve medical professionals nationwide.”

This addition expands HB Wealth’s national presence, establishing Texas as its seventh market, alongside Georgia, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Advisor Growth Strategies served as transaction advisor to Wealth Care LLC.

About HB Wealth

Founded in 1989, HB Wealth is a national independent wealth management firm providing fiduciary, fee-only wealth advisory services, investment management, and family office services. As one of the country’s largest fee-only registered investment advisers (RIAs), HB Wealth is headquartered in Atlanta with more than 360 employees operating out of 13 offices across seven states, managing over $33 billion for individuals, families, and institutions as of September 30, 2026. With a mission of bringing unwavering financial peace of mind to the clients we are privileged to serve, HB Wealth delivers comprehensive advice and concierge-level care through a fee-only approach. Think of it as the fiduciary standard, elevated. Learn more at hbwealth.com.

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