We've assembled what we think is a group of the brightest and most caring financial planners and investment professionals in the country. They each have an interesting personal story and reason they got into this business. We thought you'd like to get to know them a little better. (take a look at our NAPFA financial planner interview)
My financial services practice opened in February 1999 managing a successful practice with some of the largest firms on Wall Street.
Crisis hit the broader banking industry in September and October 2008. The night of Sunday, September 14, 2008, I sat, legs swinging over the Hudson River on the Jersey side, staring across the river at the empty space of what used to be the twin towers. Just to the right, employees of Lehman Brothers were walking into a tall building empty-handed, only a few minutes later to reappear with a small box of personal belongings. At this moment, I realized there was more to life than money.
I made conscious change to move across the country and learn a fee-only practice. I have studied with some of the most brilliant minds in the financial industry and now my practice solely exists to help people better their quality of life.
I help people plan and live well during retirement, allowing clients to devote more time and energy to what matters most.
One thing I'm doing to help the planet
I'm teaching my baby girl the 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Outside of work, my passions include
Fly-Fishing and outdoor activities, conservation of natural resources, farming and gardening, writing, music and the culinary arts, literacy, culture and the education of future generations.
One goal I'm saving for
I'd like to travel around the world with my family, exploring different culinary and music cultures, whilst fly-fishing in my spare time.
The primary way I'm advancing my career knowledge
Listening to my clients every day and asking, "How can I better help you achieve your dreams?" Inquiring to mentors, "what are my shade areas" in my practice and life and "how can I improve?" Reading the authors that are game changers of our industry and financial world. Continue researching, writing and publishing about different ways to help people enjoy life to the fullest extent.
Essential Planning
Essential Planning makes honest, objective financial planning advice affordable to people with less than $1 million in investments (even those with $0) by charging a low monthly retainer for quarterly financial checkups with a licensed Certified Financial Planner. Learn more. Sign up for a free 15
David DeWolf Financial Advisor and Partner Los Angeles
David provides wealth strategy for a select group of successful executives and business owners undergoing transitions; he ensures that the
Meet David >>
Darius Gagne Partner and CIO Los Angeles
As far back as I can remember I have been asking questions such as “who are we?”, “why are we
Meet Darius >>
Neela Bushnell Financial Advisor Los Angeles
My dad created and sold several large companies in the 70's, netting multi-millions of dollars. Through some bad financial advice
Meet Neela >>
Greg Aloia Financial Advisor Philadelphia
As a young lawyer, I found that the adversarial and confrontational nature of practice was neither in tune with my
Meet Greg >>
Zivia Beniflah Client Service Associate Philadelphia
As a wife and a mother of five children, my primary role for many years was that of nurturer, caretaker,
Meet Zivia >>
Barrett Porter Financial Advisor and Partner Los Angeles
One moment that I'll never forget from my childhood was when my mom suggested to my dad that a college
Meet Barrett >>
Janine Sternleib New Client Steward Bay Area
In 1985, I graduated from Oberlin College with a degree in English literature. I knew nothing about business and
Meet Janine >>
Michael Heller CCO and Internal Counsel Los Angeles
I was four years out of law school (yes, I'm one of those) and, after
spending countless hours conducting research and
Meet Michael >>
Adam Salas Trader Los Angeles
I was very fortunate, and extremely grateful, that my parents were able to pay for my education and allow me
Meet Adam >>
Spencer Sherman Founder and Co-CEO Bay Area
I grew up in Queens, New York. About 90% of my classmates were Jewish. So when I took
Meet Spencer >>
Angela Spirrison Client Service Associate Los Angeles
As a very young single mother raising two girls, I didn’t know what to do, so I did anything and
Meet Angela >>
Brent Kessel Founder and Co-CEO Los Angeles
To understand why I founded Abacus, we need to travel back in time almost two decades. I’m 27 years old,
Meet Brent >>
Barbara Wolf Financial Advisor Philadelphia
During college, I gradually began to realize that I would be on my own financially very soon. Perhaps it
Meet Barbara >>
Ericka Neagley Client Service Associate Philadelphia
Ever since I have been working, my jobs have revolved around finance. In high school I sat on the Native
Meet Ericka >>
Michelle Dench Financial Advisor Bay Area
After nearly ten years in the world of corporate banking I felt drained and used up. There was no personal
Meet Michelle >>
J.D. Bruce President, CPA, PFS Los Angeles
My father was a hippie, so naturally I became a CPA. Being a hippie criminal defense attorney, my father fought
Meet J.D. >>
Annemarie Happee Client Service Associate Los Angeles
I was raised by a very young, single father. When I was three, my father and I moved in
Meet Annemarie >>
Brian Canning Financial Advisor Los Angeles
I remember I was 9 years old and racing into my house, ready to open the case that held the
Meet Brian >>
Jason Cole Financial Advisor and Partner Philadelphia
I took my late grandpa Jesse's advice by majoring in accounting at
Penn State. He said "you will always be able
Meet Jason >>
Kari Jean Glosser Director of Advisor Support Los Angeles
As a young girl, I discovered that even smart people can make bad financial decisions.
My father is one of the
Meet Kari >>
