By: Maria Williams
Many of the most accomplished individuals utilized challenges as stepping stones to greatness. Christian E. Urbina, CFP®, President and Chief Investment Officer of Prosperitus Wealth Advisors, is one of those people who have been through adversity and turned it into motivation. His story is an inspiration for others to persevere in securing their financial futures.
Urbina was born in Managua, Nicaragua, into a family of business owners. Lamentably, political instability and war forced his family to seek a new life elsewhere. “My family had to give up everything—businesses, land, and a home my mother sold for next to nothing,” he shares. Urbina was only four years old when they arrived in the United States. His family, stepping into an uncertain future, lived an experience common to immigrants—seven people packed into a small apartment in South Florida, struggling to make ends meet.
“We started from scratch. Our financial struggles shaped my perception at a very young age. I understood how important it is to build wealth, be stable, and leave a legacy for future generations. That became my passion. I wanted to help others achieve that security,” Urbina states. This very passion became the driving force behind the founding of his Registered Investment Advisory Firm, Prosperitus Wealth Advisors, in 2020. This financial planning company offers investment management, tax strategies, estate planning, small business growth consulting, and retirement planning services.
Before Urbina could build a firm that guides clients toward financial success, he first had to carve his path. Needless to say, it required immense dedication, discipline, and hard work.
Urbina excelled academically, graduating from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in 2000. Pursuing higher education was the obvious next step, but he decided to enlist in the US Army instead. “I needed a little shaping up,” Urbina admits. “I was good in school, but I went through a rebellious phase. Scholarship opportunities slipped out of my hands because of my actions. My family couldn’t afford to send me to college as well. But since I had always wanted to serve the country that gave us so much, I thought the military path made the most sense.”
Joining the Army did make sense; it became a defining chapter in his life. He rose through the ranks and earned commendations, graduating as the Distinguished Honor Graduate of his Advanced Individual Training (AIT) class. Yes, this journey shows his dedication and skills, but more than anything, his time in the military formed his unshakable work ethic and sense of accountability. “It was the foundation that gave me the confidence to pursue bigger goals in life,” Urbina supplies.
After completing his enlistment, Urbina continued his education. Leveraging the GI Bill (an education benefit from the Department of Veterans Affairs for military service members), he attended Florida State University and earned degrees in Finance and Applied Economics, specializing in Advanced Economic Analysis. “I knew that if I wanted to make an impact, I had to arm myself with the right tools. That meant studying, excelling, and making sure I had the expertise to help others,” he shares.
Urbina did set out to help others build prosperous lives and started a career in financial services. Ever committed to refining his expertise, he obtained the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation in 2012, illustrating his commitment to comprehensive, ethical financial planning. Today, Urbina is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level 3 candidate, working toward one of the respected investment management credentials in the industry.
Overall, Urbina’s military experience, advanced financial education, and certifications have enabled him to reach a level of expertise beyond an average investment advisor. Through Prosperitus Wealth Advisors, he continues his mission of helping others become financially successful. “No matter how wealthy you are, no matter your relationship with money, you need a financial plan and a knowledgeable advisor,” Urbina stresses. “Our approach is all about building meaningful relationships, understanding what drives our clients, and creating tailored strategies that help them achieve their goals.”
Interestingly, the firm has developed a unique niche in serving high-level executive women who have found success in their careers, are financially independent, and are seeking a trusted advisor to help them manage their growing wealth. Urbina shares that this focus is influenced by his relationship with his mother. “My mother is the strongest person I know,” he shares. “She raised two boys on her own before remarrying, and she worked incredibly hard to provide for us. I think that shaped my inherent respect for strong, independent women.”
Another personal mission of Urbina that influenced Prosperitus Wealth Advisors’ approach is his experience raising a child on the autism spectrum. He’s well aware of the concerns that parents of special needs children face, especially when planning for their future. This understanding motivated him to help families with special needs financial planning, empowering them to place the right structures to provide for their children long-term.
Prosperitus Wealth Advisors has already expanded nationally, and it’s well-positioned for international reach. Still, its primary focus remains on attracting clients who share the firm’s values.
Besides growing Prosperitus Wealth Advisors, Urbina is committed to giving back. He’s involved in financial literacy initiatives for immigrant communities and underserved populations. As a board member of the Financial Planning Association of Miami, he leads pro bono efforts to provide financial education to those who need it.
Christian Urbina describes his work as a calling. He remarks, “I love knowing that I’ve helped people become financially secure and have peace of mind. That’s what drives me every day.”
Published by Tom W.
