,CFP®, CAP®, AIF®
Michael has decades of experience in the financial services industry and in wealth management. He has a particular interest in helping families who are busy accumulating their wealth to grow, maintain and preserve their assets for the benefit of current and future generations. Michael believes that clear communication and a solid partnership with all involved are essential to helping his clients and their heirs understand and trust the strategies and planning required to help them achieve their financial goals and ultimately attain peace of mind.
Prior to joining Modera Michael worked as a financial planner at Highland Financial Advisors, LLC and before that at Raymond James Financial Services. Michael began his career within a variety of roles on Wall Street including positions at Swiss Bank Corporation, Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns.
Michael earned a B.A. in Management Information Systems from Pace University as well as a financial planning certificate from New York University. Michael is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®, and has earned the AIF® – Accredited Investment Fiduciary® professional designation. He is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and has earned the NAPFA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) certificate. Michael is frequently quoted in local as well as national media in the areas of personal finance and retirement planning. His media credits include The Wall Street Journal, Money Magazine, USA Today, Smart Money online, CNBC.com, the NBC Nightly News, and The Nightly Business Report.
He is an active leader in his community and currently serves in a leadership role for the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). He served as the Governance Chair for the NJ Metro Multiple Sclerosis Society Board of. He served as 2010 Chairman of the New Jersey Financial Planning Association and 2011-2013 Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the NJ Metro Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Michael lives in Union City, New Jersey with his wife, Susan and their dogs, Frank and Zoe.
What do you value most in your client relationships?
The trust they have in us. We strive to make certain our clients understand that we are not stockbrokers. Rather, we are fiduciary financial planners who provide valuable services to help coordinate their financial lives while always keeping their best interests in mind. As an industry, we need to overcome the stigma inherent in financial services and it takes a lot to gain someone’s trust. We work hard at doing this, and when we form an ongoing relationship, the trust becomes greater.
What sparked your interest in financial planning?
My parents were dealing with a broker who was not treating them well. It was very cookie cutter and you can tell he was just dialing it in. He would send a birthday card every year, but he would never proactively reach out otherwise unless he was trying to sell them something else. The birthday card was so insincere.
What do you enjoy most about working at Modera?
The culture. I enjoy coming to work every day, collaborating with colleagues and helping solve client issues.
When you retire you’re going to…?
I left Wall Street almost 20 years ago because I did not want to retire in the traditional manner. I wanted a career that I continue beyond the typical retirement age and still provide value. Financial Planning is fulfilling that desire. I’ll continue to do it as long as I can contribute meaningful advice.
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®, Accredited Investment Fiduciary®, NAPFA Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Certified
Pace University, B.A., Business Administration
New York University, Certificate in Financial Planning
Serves in a leadership capability for the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)
New Jersey Metro Multiple Sclerosis Society Board of Trustees
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