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Our Instructors
COFE was established with a desire to serve and educate people in all areas of retirement and financial health. We are committed to maintaining a robust standard of ethics and professionalism. Each educator has agreed to comply with COFE’s Membership Bylaws, Compliance Guidelines, and to complete a mandatory Instructor Orientation.
Our instructors are licensed in their particular state and area of expertise, and have successfully completed a professional and criminal background check prior to their acceptance as members.
Steven Ahlmer
Steven Ahlmer, founder of Glide Financial Group, has enjoyed helping people prepare, transition, and go through retirement for over 20 years. He specializes in wealth management and tax planning for his clients. Throughout his time in the financial planning industry Steve has created an all-encompassing, team approach to financial planning. He is passionate about ensuring all of the avenues of financial planning come together to give each client an all around picture of how to achieve their goals.
Steve and his family reside in Utah, and he believes that his six children are responsible for his grey hair. He enjoys the mountains and lakes, spending time with his family, and cheering on the University of Utah.
Amber Alguire
Amber Alguire, of Alto Financial Group, entered the financial services industry in 2011. Amber specializes in helping people and families create the legacy they want and have the lifestyle they long for in retirement.
Amber believes that education is a key piece of the retirement process. With so many options and potential paths, Amber provides financial educational classes to ensure that those entering or already in retirement, have the best education and understanding possible. “It’s important to contact a Financial Advisor for the exact reason I stated above, there are so many questions regarding saving and retirement and if it’s not your strong point or what you study and went to school for, it is hard to truly grasp everything you could know and take advantage of that you may enjoy that are out there.”
Amber graduated from Towson University with dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Accounting and Finance. She is an Investment Advisor Representative. Amber lives in Harford County, Maryland, with her husband Jedidiah and their two children.
Matthew Allgeyer
Matthew Allgeyer is a St. Louis native and graduated with honors from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo. He teaches acknowledge the importance and need for Financial Education. He has been teaching classes for many years by discussing with those approaching retirement and preparing for their ‘golden years’.
Matthew’s biggest joy in his life is his family. He spends his free time with his wife and five children, spread from college to pre-school.
Fraser Allport
Fraser Allport is a Fiduciary and Certified Estate Planner ™ with 41 Years of Experience.
Fraser is the Owner of The Total Advisor, LLC, an Independent Retirement, Social Security, Medicare, Income Tax and Estate Planning Firm in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Fraser’s methodology is “Total Money Planning” for Individuals and Business Owners: Like putting together a puzzle, all aspects of your finances need to be integrated into a comprehensive “Life Plan” that will serve both you, you Loved Ones, and your Legacy.
Born in Connecticut in 1959, Fraser graduated in 1982 from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in Washington, D.C., where he studied Business, History, and Economics.
Fraser is devoted to his Family, Community, Church, and Clients. Fraser loves Nature and Animals, The Great Outdoors, all Sports, and Charitable endeavors in his community.
Fraser’s Life Story is simple: He believes in Service to others.
As a member of COFE, Fraser will be offering classes on Social Security, Medicare, IRA/401k Options, Retirement Income Planning, Annuities, Tax Planning for Retirement and Rolling over Your 401k.
Allan T. Argosino, MBA, NSSA
Allan Argosino of Aventine Wealth Management is an independent financial specialist with more than 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry. Allan’s professional experience is unique because he has worked for the oldest and most reputable insurance companies, the top-tier investment banks, leading him to found his own financial planning firm. As both a fiduciary and an educator, Allan is able to present financial education classes in a manner that is understandable and relatable. Allan is passionate about educating and helping people with their investments, insurance and risk management, creative estate planning strategies, tax minimization strategies, and overall financial “fitness.”
Allan grew up in the hopping Metropolis of Wichita, KS, attended college in Atlanta (BBA – Emory University) and graduate school in NYC (MBA – New York University). He currently lives in San Francisco, and has an RIA and financial planning firm with offices in San Francisco and Seattle.
Allan enjoys sports and the everything outdoors, and has participated in over 30 triathlons, marathons, and Century rides – even biking from Prague to Vienna. His proudest role however is being the father to Olivia, his “bestie” and teenage daughter.
Brian Askins
Brian Askins, owner of Secure Insurance Group began his career in the insurance industry In April of 1990. Brian found great success and was named ‘Rookie of the Year’ in 1991. His leadership skills enabled him to advance his team to #1 status. But – Brian wanted to provide a different type of company and in 2014 he started his own independent insurance agency. When Brian started Secure he had one goal in mind: to create the best independent insurance opportunity that an agent could dream of being a part of.
Brian is proud to assist those who are approaching or already in retirement. As an expert in his field, Brian provides adult financial education classes that provide clarity on the many strategies involved in the retirement process. In this complex world, it is important to feel confident about the ‘best years of your life’.
If you were to ask Brian what he considers as his biggest accomplishment in life is – it wouldn’t take long for him to answer. He will tell you that that his family means everything to him. He has been married to his wife Patti for more than 31 years. They have four children, three in-laws, and five grandchildren.
Casy Askins
Casy Askins of Secure Insurance Group has been involved in the financial industry her entire life. Insurance and investments were the mainstay of dinner conversations. Casy attended Evangel University in Springfield, MO, with a focus on education. After working for numerous years in the field of education, she found her way back to the family’s financial services business. With both her educational and financial services knowledge, Casy can combine the best of both worlds through financial education classes. Casy has been a ‘coach’ to students at the high school level and now uses her skills to ‘coach’ those who are preparing for or have recently retired.
When not working, Casy still serves as a volunteer youth coach in multiple sports within her community.
Lisa Asmussen
Lisa Asmussen of Headwaters Health and Wealth LLC , has been in the insurance space since 2018. Her previous position was in public education, where she always helped students learn appropriate financial concepts for their age. She found the service she provides to guide individuals through the Medicare enrollment process, to be highly satisfying, much like the classroom teaching that preceded this work. She is always eager to educate about retirement health insurance and financial options. She can be found in her community working with numerous organizations to inform seniors about their options and benefits for Medicare coverage both through the government and with private insurers. Her eagerness to provide high quality thorough information is evident with her well attended seminars and highly satisfied attendees and customers.
When time permits, she loves to adventure outdoors. One of her long-time passions is river running and enjoying the camaraderie of friends that have similar interests. In the winter she spends time skiing with friends and family or getting away to a warm destination.
Daniel Asti
Daniel Asti, Managing Partner of Alto Financial Group, has over 35 years of experience helping his clients. He began his career in the commercial advertising business setting sales and recruiting records nationwide. In 2006 he entered the insurance and financial services industry when he founded Team Dream Financial, which ultimately grew into Alto Financial Group.
Over the last fifteen years, he has helped over 3,000 clients and developed innovative training systems that have helped our Alto Financial Group agents and advisors understand how to serve their clients better. With an emphasis on education within the community, Alto Financial Group has a goal providing the best possible information to those attending their classes. With advisors and agents nationwide, Alto Financial Group sets a high standard in the field of adult financial education.
Dan holds a Series 65 license and maintains life insurance and fixed annuity licenses in 17 states.
John Badalamenti
John Badalamenti has been in the financial services world for over 22 years. John graduated from Wayne State University and loves that his work gives him the opportunity to travel through his beloved home state of Michigan. John finds himself meeting with clients throughout Michigan and Ohio and finds these trips to be opportunities to explore the wonders in the areas. John loves Mystical Mackinaw Island and – ‘fun fact’ – was actually there in 1979 while “Somewhere in Time” was being filmed.
John says he “chose COFE’s platform since it allows the true facts about money and finance to be taught”. Knowing that education is the key to a secure retirement, he is excited to teach the truth about what is really occurring out there and feels confident that his workshops give you the knowledge needed to make rational decisions for your future.
John and his beautiful and supportive wife Jennifer enjoy spending time with their two boys as well as their eight nieces and nephews! As an avid animal lover, John works with several animal rescue shelters.
Viresh Bawa
Viresh G. Bawa, Senior Advisor at Road to Retirement, Inc., has over 20 years of combined experience in working with many types of insurance products such as long term care, disability, life insurance, annuities, as well as retirement consulting. Viresh has a Bachelor’s degree in Economic Science and is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, a Chartered Enterprise Risk Analyst, and holds his New Jersey Life Insurance License.
Through classes at local colleges, Viresh has educated and enlightened New Jersey residents on retirement planning. He enhances the course material with his own experiences and illustrations of real-life scenarios that help make the content easier to understand.
When he’s not helping clients prepare for their financial future, Viresh spends his time on activities such as assisting those with a disadvantaged background, yoga and golf.
Nohemy Been
Nohemy Been is a seasoned leader in the insurance industry, currently serving as the Agency Owner of Equity Health and Life Insurance Solutions. With an impressive career spanning over 28 years, Nohemy has established herself as a prominent figure in the insurance field.
Throughout her career, Nohemy has effectively managed multiple sales teams, demonstrating her exceptional leadership skills and ability to inspire others. She has developed a reputation for providing comprehensive training and support to large insurance agencies and over 1600 agents in the last five years alone. Her dedication and expertise have helped countless insurance professionals enhance their business growth, improve their proficiency in catering to client needs, and gain invaluable knowledge about the right insurance plans for specific requirements.
Driven by a mission to empower insurance agents, Nohemy’s primary goal is to facilitate their success. By sharing her wealth of experience and industry insights, she aims to equip agents with the tools necessary to thrive in a competitive market. Through her extensive guidance, agents can better understand their clients’ unique needs, ensuring that they make informed and tailored recommendations for the most suitable insurance plans.
Nohemy resides in Phoenix, Arizona and enjoys hiking or walking with her husband and dog on weekends.
Donna Behler
Donna Behler of Post Oak Private Wealth Advisors offers particular expertise in creating plans that mitigate risk and guide people through retirement. Her focus on distribution planning and tax efficiency makes her financial work unique to the industry. What Donna enjoys most is “creating a true and successful written financial plan and to help ensure the plan’s success through specialized risk management.”
Donna believes in the importance of financial education. “I am proud to have been operating in a fiduciary role for each client long before this became a popular catch phrase,” she explains. “This holds us to a particular standard. We know what it takes to create a long-term, successful plan for each client.”
With over 29 years of blue-chip experience, Donna has helped guide employees from many of the country’s biggest employers through successful transition and retirement. Her technical knowledge, passion and attention to detail is reflected in every individualized plan she creates for Post Oak’s clients.
Donna’s understanding of the principles of advanced risk management, coupled with planning expertise makes her advice invaluable.
When Donna has time away from the office, she enjoys gardening and boating.
Bonita K. Bell-Andersen, CLU, CHFC
Bonita K. Bell-Andersen, CLU, ChFC is an author, investor coach, and financial advisor, focusing on the science of investing and financial education. She helps the Freedom Financial Coaching team to create educational experiences and utilize platforms and tools that make Nobel Prize-winning investing processes accessible to all investors and their families, with the goal of transforming their relationship to money
She is the author of “Suddenly Wealthy”, launched in 2021, and two co-authored books “You Are a Genius” (which was an Amazon #1 International Best Seller), and “Secrets of a Stress-Free Retirement (How to Make Sure You Don’t Outlive Your Nest Egg)”.
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she is the mother of three successful daughters and frequently spends time with her ten grandchildren, as well as the thirteen grandchildren on her husband’s side. She has gotten into pickleball, is also a golfer, and a member of the LPGA, enjoying recreational activities as often as allows. She is also an avid scuba diver, enjoying adventures around the world, and now focusing her trips on coral reef restoration projects, her passion related to giving back to the world. She splits her time between the Pacific Northwest in the summer and the St George, UT area in the winter.
Mark Billes
Mark Billes, RICP®, is an Investment Advisor Representative with Horter Investment Management LLC, and is the President and Founder of Safe and Secure Retirement and Insurance Services, with offices in Corona and Huntington Beach.
Through classes at colleges, libraries and businesses, Mark is educating and enlightening area residents on how to help protect, preserve and strive to pass on wealth to their families. He is a longtime financial professional bringing years of experience to the classroom.
Investment advisory services offered through Horter Investment Management, LLC, a SEC-Registered Investment Advisor. Horter Investment Management does not provide legal or tax advice. Investment Advisor Representatives of Horter Investment Management may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered or exempt from registration requirements. Insurance and annuity products are sold separately through Safe & Secure Retirement & Insurance Services. Securities transactions for Horter Investment Management clients are placed through E*TRADE Advisor Services, TD Ameritrade and Nationwide Advisory Solutions.
Timothy Bock
Timothy Bock, President of Summit Portfolio Management, grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. Following his formal education in Engineering at Arizona State University, Tim began his career in the investment industry in San Francisco in 1982 where he focused on tax minimization strategies using municipal bonds.
The following year Tim expanded his practice to include full financial planning services and products and went on to become a Registered Investment Advisor and owner of a qualified plan consulting firm providing administrative services to 401k plans, pensions, and profit sharing plans.
Tim has had the opportunity to meet and learn from the best and the brightest academic researchers in modern finance. He has attended lectures by David Booth, Warren Buffett, Eugene Fama (Sr. and Jr.), Kenneth French, Rex Sinquefield, William Bernstein, Larry Swedroe, and many others. Tim has been a frequent guest speaker at numerous investment conferences including the Financial Planning Association and the American Association of Individual Investors, Boeing, Chevron, Lockheed, and the Southern California Institute Founders Group – an exit planning and succession consulting group.
Tim enjoys the challenge of creating optimal solutions to the complex financial situations commonly faced by high net worth clients. Summit Portfolio Management is one of the few firms nationwide to provide “Portfolio Engineering.” Portfolio Engineering encompasses the best practices in financial planning, with the science of investing that utilizes the most current academic research to enhance portfolio solutions.
Matt Bondurant
Matt Bondurant of H. B. Wealth Management is a Safe Money Planner who has been involved in the financial industry since 1982. His firm has a team of financial advisors, CPA’s, and attorneys. Matt regularly presents financial education classes, recognizing that there is a true need in the community to better understand the steps involved in achieving a safe and secure retirement.
Matt and his wife Mimi have lived in Reidsville, NC all their lives and are active in their church and community.
Edward Botelho
Ed Botelho, a Financial Planner, and the founder of WealthMax Financial Group. After graduating from Johnson & Wale University Ed started his 8 years of experience in the financial industry and has become a trusted advisor to many people and families looking to achieve their financial objectives and maximize their financial future.
Ed has built a team of experienced professionals who share his passion for helping individuals and families achieve financial freedom. Under his visionary leadership and coaching experience, the firm has established itself as a go-to resource for comprehensive financial planning, offering a wide range of services designed to maximize wealth accumulation, preserve assets, and minimize tax liabilities.
In his free time, Ed enjoys traveling, working out, coaching hockey, and boating.
Joshua Bradley
Joshua Bradley, Managing Partner and Financial Advisor, of Capital City Financial Partners has always focused on helping people achieve their retirement dreams through a well-thought-out financial strategy for retirement income.
Josh’s interest in finance and problem solving, along with his desire to make a positive impact on others’ lives, drew him to the financial services industry in 2006. After serving as an independent financial advisor, he decided to form Capital City Financial Partners in 2015.
Josh has worked with all different financial backgrounds and situations, creating holistic financial plans, and recognized that he was in a position to provide financial education classes. These classes provide people with the knowledge needed to approach their retirement with eyes wide open.
Josh is an Investment Adviser Representative who has passed the Series 7, 63 and 66 securities exams and holds insurance licenses in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Ohio, Tennessee, and Massachusetts.
A lifelong resident of the Columbia area, Josh attended the University of South Carolina before joining the South Carolina Air National Guard. He and his wife, who also served in the Air Guard, have three daughters and a son. In his spare time, Josh enjoys being with his family, traveling and cheering on USC sports.
Ceida Branca
Ceida Branca is a financial advisor at Limerick Financial Group. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in financial planning at Temple University and is now on the road to getting additional credentials and her Master of Science in Financial Services at the Institute of Business and Finance.
Before choosing to work in financial services, Ceida loved the idea of being a teacher. By teaching financial education classes, Ceida can combine her passion for financial services and love for teaching in one. She believes it is so important for individuals and families to understand all the obstacles and opportunities they have when it comes to their finances.
Ceida is NASAA Series 65 licensed as well as Certified Annuity Specialist, Certified Fund Specialist (CFS), and Certified Tax Specialist.
Dan Brooks
Dan Brooks is a native of Iowa and after graduation entered the US Navy Nuclear Power Program. Upon discharge he followed in his family’s footsteps by purchasing the family restaurant from his father, a WWII decorated veteran. He opened a second restaurant two years later, selling both in 1991. After a few corporate years in the restaurant business, Dan began his new career in the financial world. He moved his family to Florida in 1998.
Dan’s licensing requires him to be a Fiduciary to his clients, legally compelled to “do what is in the client’s best interest”. In 2004 Dan completed the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®️) curriculum and in 2005 opened a Registered Investment Advisor firm. He holds a Florida insurance license and a Series 65 Securities license. He has counseled literally hundreds of Central Florida clients and worked as a paid consultant to banks, agencies, and CPAs.
Dan has found that education is the key to helping people move toward a secure financial retirement. He considers his time in the classroom extremely rewarding, knowing that he is helping people to better understand the choices available to help ensure that retirement is what they hoped it could be.
Early in his career, Dan represented several of the country’s largest financial companies. After just a few years of this hand-tying by big business, Dan became independent; never again forced to represent only one company. This independence enables Dan to uncover the best solutions for his clients, without pressure from a company compelling him to offer their limited choices. Dan is committed to this independent style of business, as it allows him to provide his clients access to the finest products, ideas, and strategies. It allows Dan to honor his Fiduciary mandate to:
“Do what is in the client’s best interest”
On a personal level, Dan has been a single dad to his daughter since 2008, who attends Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. Dan enjoys spiritual reading, golfing, hiking, cooking, great wines, canoeing, exploring new restaurants, and traveling. His rescue dog Snitzel is usually at his side.
Investment advisory services offered through Virtue Capital Management, LLC (VCM), a registered investment advisor. VCM and Xexis Private Wealth, LLC are independent of each other.
For a complete description of investment risks, fees and services, review the Virtue Capital Management firm brochure (ADV Part 2A) which is available from your Investment Advisor Representative or by contacting Virtue Capital Management. Information provided is not intended as tax or legal advice and should not be relied on as such. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional.
Michelle Brown, PhD
Michelle Brown is the founder and CEO of Texas Money Maven which was established in 2008. She is also a partner and investment advisor rep of Brown Financial.
Holding a bachelor’s degree in business management and a PhD in education, Michelle’s work with clients is a blend of two worlds—finance and education. As a former high school teacher and counselor, she has chosen to specialize in retirement planning to help reduce clients’ fears about the future and help maneuver the difficulties and anxieties they may face. “I want my clients to feel in control of their financial future.”
Consequently, she has acquired a vast knowledge of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and VA pension strategies. She has become a certified Medicaid Planner, an Accredited Claims Agent with the Department of Veteran Affairs, and a Federal Retirement Consultant.
Her goal is simple – “To provide clarity and specialized knowledge to the financial issues and options of my clients, so they have a partner to give them guidance, tools, and support in taking advantage of opportunities that will bring them closer to reaching their goals.”
Khris Bryan
Khris is a 9-year Veteran of the U.S. Navy, a multi-business owner, managing partner of one of the largest Insurance and financial firms in Oklahoma, a financial & estate planner, senior retirement strategist, radio host and public speaker for over 20 years. Khris has become the “go-to” expert for businesses, pre-retirees, retirees, and individuals that are wanting to insure, protect and save for retirement. Along with his business partner, Khris has been featured in the Kiplinger Report as being innovators in the financial industry for their approach as a Multi-Disciplinary Professional Network. He provides ways for his clients to achieve, not only a solid retirement plan, but a lasting legacy for the second and third generations. Using little-known financial strategies, Khris helps clients make their money work smarter, faster, and better than most “experts” in the industry.
Khris’s life experiences and education have provided him with the building blocks he uses as the foundation for everything he has accomplished, from U.S. Navy BUD/S training, to running multiple businesses and mentoring those seeking their own path for a successful financial future. Khris’s clients range from multi-millionaires to those that are just starting to plan out their financial futures. No matter their current financial situation, Khris strives to help each client achieve the ultimate goal of becoming their own “Wealth Warrior”.
David Buchanan
With more than 27 years of experience, Dave has extensive expertise in retirement and wealth planning, as well as tax-reduction strategies.
Dave understands everyone’s situation is unique, so getting to know the client is essential. He never assumes anything before learning who they are and what they hope to achieve. Having this knowledge leads him to the strategies that best work for each individual. Genuine, caring and committed, Dave always puts the needs of his clients first to develop long lasting relationships.
Dave has the skills and compassion to guide them in all aspects of financial planning and has strategic partnerships with estate planning and tax professionals to provide comprehensive solutions for wealth accumulation and protection.
We operate in a fiduciary capacity and are legally obligated to put the needs of our clients first. To best serve his clients, Dave is licensed in life and annuities, holds his Series 65 Uniform Investment Advisor Law Exam and is an Investment Advisor Representative with CreativeOne Wealth, LLC. Dave honorably served 6 years in the U.S. Army as a communication specialist prior to graduating from the University of Nebraska with a bachelor’s in Finance.
Dave Buchanan offers investment advisor services through Creative One, LLC (Leawood,, KS, 888-798-2360) a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. CreativeOne, LLC and its advisor do not offer render tax, legal, or accounting advice. Trinity Financial Group is is not a registered investment advisor and is not an affiliate of CreativeOne, LLC. Insurance products and services are offered through Dave Buchanan, independent agent.
Andrew Buehler
Andrew Buehler of FYRA Capital Management knows investing and retirement can be an emotional experience. That’s why he deploys strategies that utilize math and statistics to help ease people’s fears. By providing financial education classes, Andrew has the opportunity to help those who are planning , or concerned about their retirement, a chance to learn the facts, as well as great strategies.
A graduate of the University of Nebraska Omaha, Andrew resides in St. Charles, Missouri, with his wife, Erin, and their blue tick beagle, Basil. Most of Andrew’s hobbies involve the outdoors, with golfing, baseball, hunting and fishing among his favorite activities.
Josh Burns
Josh Burns, owner of Capstone Insurance & Financial Group, located in Flowood Ms., has been in the insurance industry since 2008. He has been part of several different great companies through the years, as an Agent, a District Sales Manager, as well as an Exclusive Financial Service Representative and has always found quick success wherever he goes due to his “never let up” mindset. Making the decision to start his own independent insurance agency has been a dream come true. He values the true friendships he has made along the way, and is always looking to become the best at what he does.
Josh believes whole heartedly in providing financial education within his community. As a leader in this industry, he strives to go above and beyond, recognizing that making connections, and providing people with personal attention and information, is the key to success.
Richard Claxton
Rick Claxton of Smith Gillis Financial, is a true “financial guy”! He has always had an intrinsic interest in financial and retirement planning, having opened his very first retirement account before graduating college. After college Rick enlisted in the Army National Guard as a combat medic, shortly thereafter being recommended for Officer training. All the while, Rick maintained his interest in the financial world. So much so, that during his deployment to the Middle East as a Field Artillery Officer, his platoon gave him the call sign “Wall Street.” As a platoon leader, Rick mentored his soldiers and encouraged them all to make smart money decisions and to plan for their future. Rick feels strongly that putting the clients’ needs first is the only way to serve his client’s needs best. His military training and combat experience has given him the ability to formulate strong plans based on calculated decisions in complex environments. This experience has prepared him to navigate through the needs of his clients to formulate a solid plan with a strong foundation.
Rick recognizes the importance and value of financial education and stresses the importance of retirement planning. Rick is proud to offer pro bono financial classes through COFE (Council of Financial Educators) to increase community awareness of the options for retirement and to ensure benefits are maximized to their fullest potential
Rick thoroughly enjoys meeting with clients and evaluating and creating strategies for their Social Security, Medicare, and Retirement Planning.
Rick currently serves as a Major in the Army National Guard. He, his wife Abby, daughter Zoe, son Carter and dog Sadie live in Wallingford.
Cameron Clay
Cam Clay, of Alto Financial Group, is a Pittsburgh, PA. native and a Penn State University alum. His financial services career started in 2011, servicing union workers with supplemental life insurance. Frustrated with limited options for his clients, he joined Dan Asti in 2013, and began working in southwestern Pennsylvania offering life and retirement solutions on a much broader scale.
Cam has the heart of an educator, recognizing that financial education is a key part of financial security. He enjoys providing classes and helping to create customized strategies that meet their specific needs.
When he’s not helping his clients make and save money, he’s serving as an Associate Pastor at Petra International Ministries and spending as much time as possible with his wife and children. He believes that we get the best out of life when we remain committed to help others along the way. Cam received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the Pennsylvania State University.
Timothy Colson
Timothy Colson is the founder & Managing General Agent of LegacyGuard Insurance Solutions. Timothy founded the agency with the intention of bringing a holistic planning experience to those in need of risk management solutions in the Tri-State area & beyond. Timothy has been practicing in the financial industry since 2013 & enjoys educating others on the various financial & risk management strategies available to them.
Timothy resides with his wife, Emily & their children in the Hudson Valley, NY area. He is an active member of his church, holding positions within the marriage ministry & community outreach ministry. He also is an avid New York Rangers fan & loves to coach youth hockey within his community.
Sam Cook
Sam Cook is the founder and President of Regency Wealth Advisors, LLC. As a fiduciary financial advisor, he ensures that the interest of his client is the top priority. He has 26 years of experience of helping his clients transition from their wealth accumulation (working years) to their wealth distribution (retirement years).
Sam’s clients benefit from his expertise in creating customized Retirement Income Plans. Their plans include strategies to maximize their income from Social Security, reduce investment risk to preserve to their wealth, minimize their fees and creating predictable retirement “paychecks” that will last for their lifetime.
As a seasoned veteran, Sam enjoys providing financial education classes to help people to make the most of their finances as they transition into retirement, and achieve the retirement of their dreams.
Sam and his wife Julie enjoy spending time with their four children and seven grandchildren. They also love to travel together to explore new places and experience new adventures.
Investment advisory services offered through Fort Advisors, a Registered Investment Advisor.
Dennis Copland
Dennis Copland of the Enrollment Store brings years of experience to those he serves. Dennis is a seasoned veteran in the financial services field having extensive experience in Supplemental insurance, Medicare, Individual Healthcare and Group Employer Healthcare.
Dennis has the ability to break down the complexities of retirement into easy to understand terms. His Medicare classes ensure that people understand what is available and what best suits their needs.
Dennis and his wife Kim have been married for 47+ years and have 3 grown children. Dennis is involved in his community and his church, serving in whatever ministries have a need.
Trent Cunningham
With over 10 years in the financial and retirement planning industry, Trent’s primary focus is to help families retire with the dignity and comfort they started their careers with. He is a thorough educator of the 4 key elements necessary for a secure well rounded retirement. He is constantly praised, by his clients, for how he simplified and educated on topics his clients weren’t aware of before meeting him. He takes the extra time needed to educate and help clients understand the process. Trent goes above and beyond to create a personalized strategy for each client.
Trent has his degree in Computer Science from University of Maryland, worked in several government facilities setting up database networks. Managed a team of people. Worked in the telecommunications and mortgage industry prior to transitioning to financial and retirement planning. He finds it very rewarding to protect families from any unforeseen life & health problems and be able to tell a client they can retire and not have to worry about a loss of income in retirement.
He’s licensed in PA, DE, MD, DC and VA.
William Curry, CLU, ChFC, RFC, AEP, MBA, JD
As a financial consultant and lawyer, William Curry is a multi-faceted professional capable of helping people with virtually all their financial needs. “My mission” he says, “is to help individuals and families plan, implement and manage every phase of their pre- and post-retirement life, ensuring that their Golden Years are just that – truly golden.” As a financial educator, Bill is able to make that mission a reality.
Bill, a financial professional since 1969, has over four decades of experience guiding clients through the vagaries of the economy. His credentials include a BA in Economics, MBA and JD (Juris Doctor) from Widener University. He’s also earned four certifications – Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) and Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) – which required advanced coursework in taxes, retirement planning, estate planning, investments, risk management and other financial issues.
Bill’s professionalism has brought him numerous industry honors, including membership in the Million Dollar Round Table’s Top of the Table and International Forum, placing him among the top one percent of insurance professionals worldwide. An even greater tribute to him, though, is his loyal clientele, which continues to grow, thanks to clients’ recommendations.
Bill and his wife, Jennifer, have two children and four grandchildren. In his leisure time, he is a sports fan, golfer and avid salmon fisherman. He served his community as Treasurer and Chairman of the Board of Rodney Street Tennis & Tutoring, helping at-risk children. In addition, Bill has served as President of Delaware Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals.
Advisory Services offered through Blackridge Asset Management, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Securities are offered through Peak Brokerage Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Blackridge Asset Management, LLC, Wealth Wisdom Group, Inc. and Council of Financial Educators are separate and independent entities from Peak Brokerage Services, LLC.
Doug Dano, CLU, RFC
Doug has a driving passion to help people achieve their financial dreams and secure their financial futures. Doug has more than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry. Whether you need help with employee benefits, financial planning or retirement and tax planning Doug can bring years of experience to help you find the correct solution.
He is a native Nashvillian, having graduated from East Nashville Senior High School and Belmont University. After his time at Belmont University, he continued his education in the insurance field by obtaining the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation and he has completed the requirements to become a Registered Financial Consultant (RFC).
Doug has worked for, and with, most of the major companies in the insurance industry. He began his insurance career with Metropolitan Life, recruiting and training more than 50 life insurance agents. He went on to establish a multi-line insurance agency which grew to employ 25 people.
Doug is married, has 2 children and 1 grandchild. He and his wife Lois met in church and has been involved in ministry together for many years.
Doug is here to apply his insurance and financial industry knowledge, expertise and creativity to your needs. He is here to help you, whether that means you are an individual, a family or a business, secure your financial future and achieve your dreams.
Brian DeBruin
Brian DeBruin is a graduate of North Carolina State University. Brian began his financial services career in 1996 with LTC Global, a national insurance agency specializing in long-term care solutions. Seeking to expand his practice, he acquired his securities license and began a role as a regional manager within a Guardian insurance agency in 2003. He spent the next decade at Guardian, furthering his knowledge and developing the skills necessary to assist individuals with the pursuit of their financial goals.
In 2014, Brian started a position with Asset Protectors and Advisors as a retirement planning specialist and became a top performer before accepting an offer from BrightPath Retirement Solutions in 2019. An adjunct professor at Wake Tech Community College, his commitment to financial education remains a key component of his career as he strives to help others design a secure retirement.
Brian and his wife Ashley have two daughters, Tyler and Emerson, and currently reside in Holly Springs. He enjoys golf, tennis, fishing, reading, spending time with his family, and is active in his church.
BrightPath Retirement Solutions 5540 Centerview Drive, Suite 200 Raleigh, NC 27606 (919) 434-4751
Ed de la Rosa
Ed de la Rosa of Solid Ground Financial founded his practice with a unique approach. He sets out to help families find money they are losing unknowingly and unnecessarily. Then, Ed uses the found dollars to help solidify their financial future, preferably without impacting their current lifestyle. Ed wants to help regardless of whether you are in your working years, accumulating for retirement, or already in your distribution years. Ed recognizes that opportunities to minimize both market risk and tax risk can be lost and could jeopardize your retirement without a retirement plan. By providing adult financial education, he can help those preparing for that next step to acquire the tools they need for a more secure path forward.
Ed recognizes that people have worked hard for their money and that there is more to be gained by preventing the losses than choosing the winners. As a Certified Financial Fiduciary, he has embraced a higher standard in always serving his clients’ best interests.
Ed and his wife are avid hikers and take several trips per year to ‘conquer’ Mt. Rainier.
Cortney Dial
With over three decades coaching top-tier professionals globally and authoring the acclaimed book “Heretics to Heroes: A Memoir on Modern Leadership,” Cort transitioned in 2016 from executive consultancy to the realm of retirement coaching. Focusing specifically on individuals approaching retirement or those already retired, Cort’s expertise aids those concerned about potential market setbacks, hefty tax burdens, and the daunting possibility of outliving their financial resources. His mission: optimizing the benefits from the hard-earned savings of his clients.
Cort’s unique approach lies in crafting legacies and ensuring a fulfilling retirement lifestyle. He stands out not just for his vast knowledge but for his genuine concern about his clients’ aspirations and his exceptional listening skills. He emphasizes the importance of an informed retirement strategy, drawing attention to the common tendency of individuals to emulate the retirement plans of previous generations out of unawareness of the myriad of options available today. In his words, “Most approach retirement mimicking their ancestors simply because they aren’t acquainted with the diverse opportunities at their disposal.”
Holding a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Oklahoma State University, Cort is now recognized as a prominent Wealth and Retirement Coach. He extends his advisory services through Smarter With Money, LLC. Licensed across numerous states including AZ, CA, FL, GA, LA, MS, MO, NV, OK, PA, TX, and VA, Cort is widely accessible. He currently resides in Round Rock, Texas, a stone’s throw from Austin, sharing his home with his wife, Julie, and enjoying their children Katy, Trent, and Charlie, and their beloved grandchildren Max, Jake, Evie, and Peter.
Stephen Dissette
Stephen Dissette is an Investment Advisor Representative with Horter Investment Management, LLC and is the President and Founder of Stephen D. Dissette and Associates, with offices in NW Indiana and suburban Chicago. He proudly serves as a fiduciary, meaning that his clients’ best interests always come first.
A Certified Financial Educator (CFEd®), and published author of a book on retirement planning, Stephen has educated and enlightened area residents on how to protect, preserve, and pass on their wealth to their families through classes at colleges, libraries and businesses. He enhances the course material with his own experiences as a longtime financial professional and includes illustrations of real-life scenarios that make the content easy to understand.
Stephen is a Northwestern University alumnus and served as an officer in the United States Navy.
Investment advisory services offered through Horter Investment Management, LLC, a SEC-Registered Investment Advisor. Horter Investment Management does not provide legal or tax advice. Investment Advisor Representatives of Horter Investment Management may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered or exempt from registration requirements. Insurance and annuity products are sold separately through Stephen Dissette & Associates. Securities transactions for Horter Investment Management clients are placed through E*TRADE Advisor Services, TD Ameritrade and Nationwide Advisory Solutions.
Brandon Domenick, AIF®
Brandon Domenick, Managing Partner of Capital A Wealth Management, is committed to providing the financial education that is an integral step in the retirement process. He recognizes the importance of providing clear and easy to understand information, enabling people to make use of the best strategies to reach the retirement they desire.
Brandon is a graduate of Westminster College. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing basketball and being an active member of the community.
David Domenick, Jr.
David Domenick, Jr, Managing Partner of Capital A Wealth Management, understands that education is a key component of preparing for retirement. Recognizing that the process is not always a clear path – David provides financial education courses in his community to assist those who are preparing for the next phase of life.
David is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, receiving his bachelor degree in finance and legal studies. While attending IUP, he earned his Bloomberg Certifications, and upon graduation, began his career in the financial services industry.
In his free time, David enjoys spending time with friends and family and being active in the community.
Joe Dominick
Joe Dominick has been a valued member of Snider Financial Group as a Wealth Advisor since 2017. He has worked on large teams throughout his career, focusing on comprehensive financial planning and investment management for individuals, high net worth families, business owners and institutional clients. Joining Sider Financial Wealth has offered him the ability to continue this work while providing the opportunity to offer financial education in his community, assisting those preparing for retirement with the answers that arise when transitioning into that stage of life.
Joe is a Washington state native who graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle with a B.A. in Business Administration at the Michael G. Foster School of Business in 2002. In addition, Joe has earned the designation of Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), his designation of Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor (APMA®).
Joe and his wife Jennipher, a registered nurse at Horborview Medical Center, reside in Issquah, WA, along with their two daughters, London and Everly. Joe values his time spent with family more than anything and embraces all the wonders and activities that the Pacific Norwest has to offer.
James Donnelly
J.D. is a highly accomplished entrepreneur, which through his strategic vision and unwavering drive for success has built an impressive business portfolio spanning several industries. Throughout his career, James has developed a keen business acumen by establishing and managing (his) businesses from inception to fruition.
Presently, James is the founder and proud owner (operator) of Safe Haven Insurance Agency, located on Long Island. With his extensive knowledge of insurance and astute leadership, Safe Haven has flourished, offering comprehensive insurance solutions tailored to the individual needs of his clients (and businesses). His exceptional customer service and dedication have established client relationships based on trust and loyalty.
Aside from his professional achievements, James’ most cherished role is a devoted father and grandfather. Family values hold great significance to him and he strives to maintain a healthy work-life balance while making meaningful contributions to his community.
J.D.’s conscientiousness, work ethic, and strong moral compass have been the epitome of his success. It’s with these natural/instinctive attributes that he continues to make a significant impact on the business landscape of L.I. and the local community.
Zale Dowlen, JD, MBA
Zale Dowlen is an attorney who understands both Retirement and Estate Planning. Zale has made it his crusade to help as many people as he can understand and control both their retirement journey as well as their ultimate legacy.
Often you will hear Zale quote “There are two (2) tax systems in America, one (1) for the informed and one (1) for the uninformed. Both are legal.” As an attorney with a master’s degree in business, Zale is able to provide financial education to inform people how to use the law to their advantage.
His knowledge and approach enable him to guide those who choose to be informed on how to make both retirement and estate planning make sense. His strategies not only apply to clients’ plans but also the generation who follow them.
Zale and his wife Callie live in Hendersonville and attend church in Goodlettsville.
Chelsea Dusi
Chelsea Dusi of Alto Financial Group has been involved in the financial services field for 10 plus years. Her attention to detail provides those that she works with the tools needed to reach their financial goals. As a financial educator, Chelsea is dedicated to ensuring that complex concepts are presented in a clear and understandable manner, recognizing that retirement planning and financial solutions differ for each individual and family.
Chelsea has been blessed with three beautiful children. Her family has been her number one reason for the WHY in all that she does. She is an active volunteer in her community, always willing to offer service to those in need.
Gregory S. DuPont
Gregory DuPont, founder of DuPont Wealth Solutions, LLC and partner in the law firm of DuPont and Blumenstiel brings a vast amount of knowledge, education, and experience to his adult financial education classes as an estate and tax planning attorney and Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
Greg graduated with an accounting and finance degree from The Ohio State University and obtained his law degree from Capital University Law School. He has been serving clients as an estate and tax attorney since graduating in 1992. He is that rare financial professional who can provide cross-disciplinary solutions from the legal, tax and investment perspectives.
Greg lives in Hilliard with his wife Julia and daughter Sophie. Greg is a long-time fan of The Columbus Blue Jackets, and all things Buckeyes. He is a member of First Community Church where he serves as a Trustee on the First Community Foundation and as the chair of its Investment Committee.
Investment advisory services offered through Horter Investment Management, LLC, a SEC-Registered Investment Advisor. Horter Investment Management does not provide legal or tax advice. Investment Advisor Representatives of Horter Investment Management may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered or exempt from registration requirements. Insurance and annuity products are sold separately through DuPont Wealth Solutions, LLC. Securities transactions for Horter Investment Management clients are placed through E*TRADE Advisor Services, TD Ameritrade and Nationwide Advisory Solutions.
Paul Dyer
Paul Dyer owns and operates US Tax Centers of Bangor as well as several other successful businesses in Bangor, Maine. However his true passion is Tax Planning and Education. Paul and his wife Lisa founded a DAF, Legacycharities.org, and are active in fundraising for multiple causes. They are currently working to help fund their local Chapter of the Red Cross in order to assist with COVID-19 related programs.
Paul has lived in the Bangor area for 50+ years and currently resides in Hampden with his wife Lisa. His son Ben is attending the Maine Maritime Academy and is an accomplished scuba diver. His daughter Claire is at Hampden Academy and is a Flyer on the Cheerleading teams – Go Broncos!
Peter D. Eells
Peter Eells of Engineered Financial Solutions is a financial services professional with an engineering degree from UC Berkeley and over 15 years of experience in engineering, marketing, and sales. He is passionate about helping people achieve their financial goals through creative and reliable planning, bringing a tech-savvy approach and an eye for detail to his work, while providing personalized service to his clients.
As a financial educator, Peter’s focus is to assist people in achieving their best financial selves by awakening them to new possibilities in how they think about money. He is eager to build strong relationships based on trust and integrity and educate people how to win, even in bad economic times.
Peter and his colleagues at Engineered Financial Solutions dedicate themselves to providing an uncommon level of service fueled by skills in listening, understanding, and meeting clients’ needs. There’s no greater success than that of his clients and there is no greater feeling for Peter and his colleagues than the gratitude of someone they have helped plan for and reach important milestones in life.
David Eissman
David Eissman is both an educator and public speaker and presents at over 20 public events each year. He believes wholeheartedly that knowledge of financial topics related to pre-retirement and retirement empowers people to make smart decisions. He recognizes that only through financial education can people truly make the most informed choices for their retirement.
As founder of Eissman Wealth Management, LLC, David educates his students on retirement plans that allow for financial security throughout this important chapter in the lives of retirees and future retirees. He holds the designation of Chartered Financial Consultant. The ChFC requires over 400 hours of study over several years, and it is considered the most extensive educational program of any financial services credential. David’s students enjoy all the benefits of a trusting relationship with a knowledgeable and caring Financial Educator.
In addition, David’s credentials allow his students the extra benefit of learning from an educator who has a broad educational background himself. Students benefit from his registration with the SEC as an Investment Advisor Representative (IAR). This allows him the ability to provide a much broader array of strategies and solutions for retirees and future retirees than many others in his field. David is also an Investment Advisor Representative with Sound Income Strategies, a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA).
West Cobb has been David’s home for nearly 20 years. He’s very active in both the civic and business community.
Investment Advisory services offered through Sound Income Strategies, LLC an SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm. Eissman Wealth Management, LLC and Sound Income Strategies are not associated entities.
Robert Ewing
Robert Ewing of Secure Benefit Options entered the Medicare and Financial Services Industry in 2003. Rob specializes in helping individuals and families create a long term plan to successfully navigate the Medicare and Retirement maze. He ensures that individuals and families can achieve the retirement lifestyle they envision. Rob believes that education is the key to retirement financial success. He teaches Medicare and financial educational classes to ensure that those who are entering this stage of life have a firm understanding and a solid plan to accomplish their retirement goals.
Rob has been married to his wife Johanna for 34 years, and they have 4 grown children. He and his family enjoy hunting and fishing together and spending time at their cabin in the Allegheny National Forrest.
Charles (Chuck) Falco
Chuck Falco is a well-known Financial Advisor and educator in Montgomery County who has been in the financial services industry for 38 years. In addition to many educational workshops and classes that he has conducted, he was the executive producer “Falco’s Financial Strategies” that aired on PCTV for two years.
Chuck received his BA in Finance from Temple University in 1984. After working in the financial industry for two years he realized that he needed to further his education to specialize in the industry. He received his master’s degree from the Institute of Business and Finance (IBF). Chuck also has earned nine designations, three Board Certifications by the (IBF), and has been named to the National Registries.
In addition to his membership with the Council of Financial Educators, he is a current member of the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants and National Association of Active Investment Managers. He is the President and Chief Investment Officer of “Limerick Financial Group, LLC” and the founder and President of “Financial Education Network, LLC”.
Chuck is also a past member of the Ed Slott “Elite IRA Advisors Group” as seen on PBS, National Social Security Advisors and the “H.S. Dent Economic and Demographic Advisory Group”.
Nick Farley
Nick Farley of Alto Financial Group has been active in the financial services area for many years. Nick has had the opportunity to work and volunteer in multiple areas within his community, all of which have focused on helping others. He is a teacher at heart and takes great pride in the financial education classes that he provides, knowing that education is crucial when preparing for a safe and successful retirement.
Nick attended the University of Central Arkansas where he received his B.A. In addition, he attended Covington Theological Seminary, earning his Doctor of Ministry. Nick is proud to be a member of the International Christian Coaching Institute. He has had the opportunity to travel throughout the United States as well as multiple foreign countries providing education seminars and is proud to have been a Pastor for over 30 years.
Nick and his wife have 5 children and 16 grandchildren. Nick’s hobbies all revolve around helping others in his community.
Christopher Ferrara
Chris Ferrara of FYRA Capital Management is a 25-year veteran of the financial services industry. Chris enjoys simplifying complex topics for investors to help them make informed decisions about their financial future. Chris’ experience in the financial services industry has allowed him to see how important financial education is for investors of all ages. He chose COFE’s platform because he feels the content fills a much-needed gap for today’s investor.
Chris graduated from Miami University with a B.A in English Literature in 1995 and went on to receive a Master of Science in Finance from Boston College in 2002.
Chris and his wife, Jennifer, have lived in the St. Louis area since 2005 with their 3 children. When Chris isn’t working with clients, he enjoys visiting Lake of the Ozarks or taking in a St. Louis City SC game.
Paul Ferraresi
Paul E. Ferraresi, Chairman of Founders Group in Houston, Texas is proud to be a Financial Planner who has captured the human side of financial planning. For over 35 years, he has assisted individuals and corporations in all aspects of their finances. He continues to believe in the principles of hard work, honesty, loyalty, and dedication. He understands that while his clients know how to earn money his responsibility is to help them make their money work. Paul maintains a conviction and company philosophy of “striving to be the best to make you better”.
A true believer in the importance of education, Paul provides adult education within his own community. His love of education is evidenced by his past positions of Adjunct faculty member for the College of Financial Planning, Instructor for the University of Houston, Instructor for the American Management Association as well as an Instructor for multiple Fortune 500 companies.
Besides his exciting business life, he is a participant in his local church on various councils. He is an active sports enthusiast involved in baseball, softball, tennis and biking. Paul loves spending time reading, gardening and cooking. His favorite pastime is enjoying the serenity of the seashore. His passion, enthusiasm, humor and knowledge place him in high demand as a consultant to individuals, families, corporations, and, as a speaker and trainer.
Jeffrey Florence
Jeffrey Florence was raised in Warren County, attended Miami University, and has lived in Loveland for the past 29 years. Jeff specializes in insured, protected, and safe investing, creating lifetime income streams that cannot be outlived, and protecting assets from long term care costs. He earned an MBA from Miami in 1987, CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) in 1990, and a ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) in 1994.
Jeff finds that the key to connecting with his class attendees is to provide them with the education that they need in order to achieve their most successful retirement.
Rick Foster
Rick Foster is the President & Founder of Guardian Financial Management. As a retirement income specialist, investment advisor representative and educator, Rick has been helping people protect and grow their assets for more than 20 years in the North Texas and Southern Oklahoma area. Rick likes to educate people about a better way to participate in bull markets while reducing their risk at the same time. Rick calls it “growing your money with guardrails.”
Rick combines his experience with a non-sales approach to retirement planning to help hundreds of clients find the best products available in the market today. By listening closely to each client’s needs, he develops a unique plan that meets their individual goals.
A Texan and a horseman, Rick, and his wife Brenda, raise quarter horses and cattle on their 55-acre ranch in Valley View along with their 3 dogs. They have 3 daughters and 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. When he is not busy raising his cattle and horses, Rick enjoys riding cutting horses, playing golf, and writing. He is a published author.
Disclaimer: Investment Advisory Services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC.(BCM), a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Guardian Financial Management and BCM are independent of each other.
Alison Free
Alison Free is a respected financial professional with an intuitive ability to identify and anticipate client needs. Alison strives to offer solutions that help to meet the needs of those who are approaching or are already in the retirement phase of their life. Alison’s knowledge and expertise as a retirement specialist and Medicare expert has put her in the top 1% of her company nationwide. Her 400+ clients have come to expect her quick response and over and above service that they can count on year after year.
Alison recognizes that the retirement planning process is key to ensuring a safe and secure financial future. Her adult education classes are designed to alleviate some of the stress that arises when facing retirement and to answer real world financial questions. Alison enjoys building personal relationships at her classes by listening to better understand the retirement goals of her students.
Alison has over 25 years’ experience as a trust advisor helping people with the largest and most important decisions in their lives. In addition to her insurance license, she also holds a Series 7 securities license, a Florida Real Estate broker license, certification in Long Term Care and is one of the top life insurance strategists in her area. Alison is a proud mother of four daughters and grandmother to ten adorable grandchildren.
Alison Free is an agent licensed to sell insurance through Bankers Life and Casualty Company. Bankers Life is the marketing brand of Bankers Life and Casualty Company, select policies sold by Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company. Alison Free is a Financial Advisor through Bankers Life Securities, Inc., and provides investment options including variable annuities, mutual funds, and equity and fixed income securities.
Bryan Frutchey, RFC
Bryan Frutchey, Vice President of Retirement Planning with Cascade Brokers Alliance, has over 40 years of experience in the financial services field. Bryan is a Nationally Certified Social Security Advisor, and as a fiduciary, Bryan can be counted on to provide the very best information and advice for those he works with.
He was a member of Fidelity Investments Advisory Council for six years. His personal goal is to impart
Affirmation, Direction, and Hope to those he meets each day and to improve their lives!
His practice focuses on retirement planning. He is a volunteer instructor of educational classes on all aspects of retirement, helping people break complex financial concepts into easy-to-understand steps.
Bryan and his wife have five wonderful daughters, and he is proud to be called “Papa” by his 7 grandchildren.
Michael Gorman, CFP™
Michael Gorman, CFP™, of Liberty Partners Financial Services, has been a Financial Advisor in the Greater Houston area for over 20 years. Shortly after graduating from the University of Houston, he began his financial planning career with a small estate planning firm. From there he went on to work with some of the most well-known companies in the industry. Through the classes he attended while studying for his Certified Financial Planner designation in 2000, Michael came to value the education, logic and reasoning that comes with understanding complex financial matters.
With a focus on capital preservation, reducing taxes in retirement and securing lifetime income, he has been offering financial education classes most of his career. His classes on Social Security, Taxes in Retirement, Long Term Care, and Retirement Income, are consistent with that focus and have resonated with those attending. Attendees leave with a greater clarity in applying solutions and reasoning to some of retirement’s more pressing financial matters
Fee based advisory services processed through and supervised by Liberty Partners Capital Management, LLC (LPCM) – an SEC registered investment advisory firm.
Michael Hainsworth
Michael Hainsworth, President, and CEO of Hainsworth Wealth Advisory, has been serving clients in the financial sector since 1995 and has a diverse background with international experience. However, his true love lies in education. Since returning to the U.S. from his work in Dubai, Mike has dedicated himself to providing financial education to those preparing for or already into their retirement years. Mike recognizes that financial education is a key part of the retirement process.
Utilizing his extensive experience, Mike Hainsworth successfully specializes in retirement planning. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management from Murray State University and an MBA from the University of Alabama.
In the past, Mike has also volunteered as Board and Finance Committee Member at the Faith Assembly of God in North Fort Myers, and with the Big Brother Big Sister Foundation. Michael is a proud father of two lovely adult daughters, Jessica, and Rachel.
David Hardin
David Hardin began his insurance career at Monarch Insurance Company as a life and disability agent in 1977. He quickly earned the honor of “New Agent of the Year”. From there, he became a General Agent with INA Investors Life. David has extensive experience on the consulting level and teaches agents proven means of reaching success with a focus dedicated to serving their clients. David spent several years as Vice President of an insurance brokerage firm, training and coaching a group of national marketing consultants on how to assist independent financial professionals meet their clients’ needs and objectives. David has always believed that focusing on the client’s goals and dreams is the first action in any process.
Prior to the founding of City Center Financial, LLC, David and his son Joel worked together in Hardin Financial Group. The solutions David presents to clients are based on his broad knowledge of products in the market and the individual situations of the clients. He knows that no two clients are exactly alike.
David married his wife Beth in 1976. They have three wonderful adult children and five grandchildren who they try to spend as much time with as possible. When not spending time with his family, you can find this film buff watching movies (at one point doing reviews on local radio), traveling or volunteering at one of several local charity organizations.
Eric Harkins
Eric Harkins of Alto Financial Group has worked in the financial services industry for more than 14 years and is passionate about helping his clients secure their financial future. He is currently licensed in twelve states. He holds a bachelor degree in Law/Justice from Rowan University.
Eric is at his best when breaking down complex financial issues into easy-to-understand information. He enjoys providing classes and helping to create customized strategies that enable individuals to meet their specific needs.
Eric resides in Salisbury, MD. with his wife and enjoys historical research and woodworking.
Paula Harrington
Paula Harrington founder and President of Harrington Insurance Solutions has been in the healthcare insurance industry since 2008. Seeing a need for a different approach, Paula built a business where she could continue to work with employers but also help those individuals and families access affordable healthcare.
In an effort to make the complexities of health insurance understandable, Paula envisioned The Enrollment Store. Since 2014, Paula has helped her staff and agents navigate through the many changes to healthcare, including the Covid-19 pandemic. Paula and The Enrollment Store staff and team of agents have helped nearly 10,000 people enroll in health insurance and access and navigate the healthcare system across the U.S. Paula and her staff take pride in providing a walk-in service, where people in the community can get help navigating the health care system in all seasons of life.
Paula is currently serving on the Board of Directors for her local professional trade association as a legislative key contact chair and membership key contact person. She is involved in monthly legislative updates through the state and national chapters to stay informed of state and federal laws that will impact the industry and advocate on behalf of the consumer. Paula is also active at Gateway Church in Plano TX. In addition, she is also on the insurance advisory board for Collin County Community College, working to expose students to career opportunities in the insurance industry.
Gene Harris
Gene Harris, of Alto Financial Group, has over 30 years of financial, entrepreneurship, service, management & customer relations experience in the financial services industry. Specializing in helping people and families create the legacy they want and have the lifestyle they long for in retirement, Gene takes great pride in providing financial education within his community. He recognizes that education is key, allowing each individual to identify the best path to meet their retirement goals.
Gene is an active member of his community serving as the HOA President for both the community and house associations along with being on the local private swim club board. Gene resides in Montgomery County, Maryland, where he lives with his wife, Theresa, and his son Michael.
Roger Harris
Roger Harris, founder of White Horse Financial, has been actively using his financial planning expertise to help families achieve the lifestyle they’ve always dreamed of. He founded White Horse Financial to shed the “sell this” pressure that comes with a large financial firm. As an independent financial planner, Roger picks and proposes what is best for the client, not the company.
Roger is a true believer in the power of education. He firmly believes that there are MANY ways to save and grow money without risking everything in the Stock Market ‘casino’. His classes provide solid information, options and strategies to ensure those ‘golden’ years are truly golden.
Before his Financial Planner career, Roger spent 21 years in the Engineering Industry as a toolmaker and designer, where he was trained to always seek a better way and to always listen to other’s viewpoint. It is in his blood to always ask why things are done a certain way and what the long-term consequences of a particular strategy will have on the outcome versus the intended purpose. This type of thinking and resourcefulness is exactly what families need from their financial planner. Not handling the end-game properly can be very costly.
Roger grew up in North Carolina, the youngest of five baby boomers in a military family. He is an avid athlete and loves working out, mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and playing tennis. He is also a voracious reader and a lifetime learner.
Roger and his beautiful wife, Jennifer, live in Fayetteville, NC, where they are members of the local Church. They have four grown children and three grandchildren. Faith and family are very important to him.
Bennett Harrison
Bennett Harrison of Ross Advisory Group is passionate about helping clients develop proper money management skills as they work toward their retirement dreams.
Following an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps, Bennett still felt a calling to serve and help people. After meeting with a financial advisor, he quickly realized that many people were just like him in that they spent the majority of their time working and saving but spending very little time actually planning for retirement. “I thought, what better way to help people than in the financial services industry?” Bennett said. He would go on to join Ross Advisory Group, where he devotes himself to helping clients increase their retirement income. According to Bennett, the best advice he can offer clients is to “Live modestly and start planning for retirement as soon as you can. Compounding interest is a beautiful thing!”
Bennett is a financial professional who can offer investment and insurance products and services. He has passed the Series 7 and 66 securities exams and holds life, accident and sickness, and variable insurance licenses. He graduated with honors from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor of Science in psychology.
Outside of the office, Bennett enjoys spending time with his wife, Julia, their son, Jase, and their German shepherd, Tikka. He also likes camping, hiking, hunting, playing golf and long-distance shooting.
Scott Harrison
Scott is an Investment Advisor Representative and Fiduciary originally based in Bellevue, WA. Scott is a veteran advisor with more than 31 years’ experience. He has earned the series 7, 6, 24, 26, 63, 65 securities licenses and is a certified National Social Security Advisor (NSSA).
Scott recently relocated to Summerlin with his wife Vlada and their daughter Tesa. While the primary office remains in Washington, Scott opened a satellite office here in Nevada and commutes between both states.
As a seasoned veteran in the financial services space, Scott recognizes that education is a key step in the retirement planning process. Scott’s 30+ years of experience within the financial services industry has given him a unique perspective regarding truly comprehensive planning.
Cascade Brokers Alliance is a full-service firm committed to supporting the independent, successful advisor community. Our experienced team of affiliated financial advisors are available to provide a full spectrum of financial planning services.
SSI Planning Partners (Social Security Income Planning) is a national group of independent financial professionals who are passionate about helping people in their community get the most from their hard-earned social security benefits.
Via SSI Planning Partners, Scott is continually advising and mentoring financial advisors across the country developing course content and providing ongoing planning support.
Scott recently relocated to Summerlin with his wife Vlada and their daughter Tesa. While the primary office remains in Washington, Scott opened a satellite office here in Nevada and commutes between both states.
Ann Headlee
Ann Headee of the Enrollment Store loves helping people get the RIGHT health insurance. Medicare and ACA can be so complicated, and she finds joy connecting folks with best plan for their needs that meets their budget – paying specific attention to their preferred Doctors and Prescription Drugs. Taking the worry our of Medicare and under 65 insurance options lets her take care of others – what God put us all here to do!
Ann is the mom of three great kids, Jack and his wife Cayla, Audrey and Claire. Ann and her family love the water and spend quite a bit of time at Lake Texoma and any beach they can find. Her kids and husband are very into volleyball, basketball and football so she often attends sporting events and visits live, local music venues.
Shawn Hogan
bio pending
Drew Horter
Drew Horter, President and Founder of Milestone Tax Center has built a reputation for providing strategic tax planning to help navigate the complex landscape of taxation to optimize financial outcomes. With a career spanning over 40 years, Drew’s passion for tax planning goes beyond the numbers, as he understands that taxes are a significant part of financial well-being and takes a holistic approach to financial planning.
Drew has a deep commitment to staying updated with the latest changes in tax legislation, and through the Tax and Income Planning course, local residents learn how to develop a tax-efficient strategies that not only minimize tax liabilities, but also contribute to long-term financial growth and security.
Drew is a member of COFE and a graduate of the University of Cincinnati (1977) with a degree in Political Science (BA) and a minor in business.
William Hughes
William Hughes of KC Medicare Advisors has been involved in the financial services field since college graduation. After graduating from Missouri State University, he knew that he wanted to help others and that insurance was a great fit.
Will enjoys providing adult financial education classes in his community. He knows that there are so many variables when making financial decisions, and that often people are just unaware of the various benefits that are available to them.
In his spare time Will is active in both his community and church, loves to golf and always finds time to follow the Chiefs.
Benjamin W. Hulburt
Benjamin Hulburt, Managing Partner of Alto Financial Group, has over twenty years of entrepreneurial and financial experience. He has founded and grown two successful publicly traded companies into multi-billion-dollar enterprises. Ben brings a unique set of skills to Alto Financial Group which include significant financial markets experience having led two initial public offerings on both the NYSE and the NASDAQ, numerous secondary public equity offerings, private debt offerings, public debt offerings and private equity fund raising efforts, as well as numerous mergers and acquisition transactions over his twenty-year career.
Mr. Hulburt began his professional career as an active duty commissioned officer in the United States Army, leaving the service holding the rank of Captain. He served as a Director of Rex Energy Corporation (NASDAQ) from March 2007 to October 2010, and as Chairman of the Board of Eclipse Resources Corporation (NYSE) from 2015 to 2019. Ben received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Pennsylvania State University. In addition, he was awarded the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2010 in the Western Pennsylvania region and was named to the Top 40 Executives Under 40 by Fortune Magazine in 2013.
As the Managing Partner at Alto Financial Group, Ben has been a big part of ensuring that financial education is offered within the various communities they serve. He recognizes that through financial education, the firm can truly make a difference to those who are seeking the best path to financial security. With advisors and agents nationwide, Alto Financial Group sets a high standard in the field of adult financial education.
Ben maintains life insurance and fixed annuity licenses in 21 states.
Greg L. Hutto, CFP®, CFA®
Greg Hutto is the Founder of Heritage Retirement Advisors, a fee-based, SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm. His firm has approximately $185,000,000 in assets under management as of March of 2022.
Greg comes from a family of educators. His parents’ background influenced his decision to achieve a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Texas A&M University, and a Master’s Degree in Education from Tarleton State University. He was a teacher and coach before entering financial services in 1996.
After 14 years working in the financial services industry for such powerhouses as UBS Paine Webber and Raymond James, he founded Hutto Retirement Advisors LLC in 2010. Greg holds two investment designations, including Certified Financial Planner®, and was awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation in 2007.
Greg remains an educator at heart. His style of teaching combines different presentation methods for different learning styles. He provides illustrations and examples, as well as humor and stories, to keep learning fun!
Greg is married, and he and his wife Angie have three children. He likes to cycle, play golf, and travel with his family.
Greg L. Hutto is an Investment Advisor Representative with the state of Texas and other states and jurisdictions where required. It is important that you do not use e-mail to request, authorize or effect the purchase or sale of any security or to affect any other transactions. The information transmitted herein and any attachments or files transmitted herewith may contain proprietary, confidential and/or protected, non-public information, are covered by applicable state and federal laws and are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity named above as the intended recipient. If the reader of this message is not the above-named intended recipient, or his/her/its agent, be advised that any review, disclosure, dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify the sender by telephone or e-mail and destroy the material forwarded in error. Nothing in this communication shall constitute an offer to sell or solicit any offer to buy a security or any insurance product. Recipients should be aware that all emails exchanged with the sender may be archived and may be accessed at any time by duly authorized persons and may be produced to other parties, including public authorities, in compliance with applicable laws.
Allison Jackson
Allison Jackson, of Integrity Insurance LLC, has been a licensed agent since 2013. Allison received her Bachelor’s Degree from Washburn University. She worked as an Underwriting Supervisor for a Property & Casualty agency for years, but it failed to fulfill her natural abilities to connect with people and make a difference in their lives.
She returned to Medicare insurance in 2021, which nurtures her soul and allows her more freedom. Allison’s unique skills and values ensure that no one is ever stuck in a policy with the wrong doctors or wrong prescription coverage.
In her spare time, Allison loves traveling, camping, and being outdoors. She raises two amazing kids in Kansas with her loving husband.
Sid James
Sid James, Owner of Sid James Insurance, was the 2022 LOA agent of the year for Secure Insurance Group out of Springfield, Mo. Sid has a passion for educating individuals, families, and business owners to solidify and navigate through their financial plans to enjoy the best years of their life. His specialization in retirement planning and Medicare helps ensure his clients are on the best plan for success.
Sid attended Evangel University in Springfield, Mo to play basketball and studied Business Administration. His passion for basketball started Force Elite where he coaches young adults the skills and characteristics it takes to succeed in life and sports.
On a personal level, Sid values family time and enjoys driving his jeep and playing basketball with his friends.
Tommy Jondall
Tommy Jondall of Fort Wealth Management has worked in the financial services industry for more than a decade, in both the planning and carrier side, giving him a unique perspective of being able to serve his client’s best interests. In that time he covered 38 of the 50 states and helped place over 1.5 billion in client assets.
Tommy has found that providing financial education in his community is an excellent opportunity to help those approaching retirement to obtain a better understanding of the retirement process and prepare for that next phase of life. One of his greatest passions is in finding the best possible way for individuals to retire with confidence.
Tommy attended the University of Northern Iowa and married his high school sweetheart Sarah. Together they have four children and 2 labs. Prior to entering the financial field Tommy worked as a welder at John Deere – working 7 days a week, often up to 16 hour days. He learned how to work hard and wants nothing more than to continue to work hard – but smarter. In his spare time, he likes to hunt, fish, and spend time with family.
Crayton Kale
bio pending
Mike Katka
Colonel (Ret) Michael B. Katka is the owner and general manager of Secure Insurance Advisors LLC, which he started in 2020 as a full-service insurance agency under Secure Insurance Group (SIG) of Springfield, MO. Partnering with SIG, he offers more than 50 years of combined experience in the industry. Mike retired from the Air Force in 2012, and a year before his retirement, he started helping clients with their insurance needs.
Mike has carried the Air Force core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do into his business philosophy. Based upon these ideals, Mike finds that offering educational financial classes to the public provides an opportunity to share his knowledge with those preparing for what should be the best years of their lives! With so many options available, those attending his classes find clarity, a strong sense of direction, and a better sense of security for their future.
Prior to starting his business, Colonel Katka was the J6 Architecture Branch Chief, United States Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. He is a command pilot with more than 2,700 hours of flying time, primarily in the C-130E/H aircraft. Colonel Katka is married to his wife of 32 years, Kim, and they have two children, Brandon and Tiffany.
Jeffrey Kauffman
Jeff Kauffman joined Snider Financial Group as a wealth advisor in 2023, bringing 28+ years of investment management experience to the group. Jeff states that one of the things he enjoys most about being a wealth advisor is the opportunity to help people to create goals, dreams, and opportunities that they did not realize were possible through financial planning. The financial classes that Jeff provides are often the catalyst for ensuring that the ‘golden years’ are in fact golden!
Jeff is a Washington state native who graduated from the University of San Francisco with a B.A. in Finance and a minor in Psychology in 1995. Jeff has held senior roles in trading, research and analysis, as well as institutional and individual client servicing.
Jeff and his wife Heidi, a professional equestrian athlete at Hillcrest Training, reside Woodinville, WA, along with two sons and one daughter: Jordan, Camden, and Elli. Jeff enjoys spending time outdoors in the Pacific Northwest, doing various activities with his family and travelling.
Cynthia Kiley-Craig
Cindy has been helping families protect & care for themselves since 2005, as a Medicare specialist, financial advisor, insurance advisor, retirement planner—and even as a nurse. Hundreds and hundreds of families across Wisconsin and the country have Cindy to thank for securing healthcare coverage, tax-free death benefits, guaranteed retirement incomes, and more.
Cindy is proud to assist those who are approaching or already in retirement. As an expert in her field, Cindy provides adult financial education classes that provide clarity on the many strategies involved in the retirement process. In this complex world, it is important to feel confident about the ‘best years of your life’.
Cindy is married to the love of her life & business partner, Jason. They raise their kids, love their dog, and plan adventures in Madison, Wisconsin.
Korey Knepper
Korey Knepper of SDSmith Financial entered the finance industry after being honorably discharged from the US Navy. Korey’s service included one deployment to the Persian Gulf. After the military, Korey attended Maryville University, graduating with his B.S. in Financial Services. Knowing that he still had the heart of service, Korey found himself drawn to the educational aspects within his field. Recognizing that financial planning is key to achieving long term goals, Korey found himself in the position of being able to truly help others to achieve their goals.
Korey, along with his wife Christie and son Adam, enjoy working and volunteering with both veteran and active-duty service members.
James Knott
Buddy Knott, Owner of Harvest Insurance Services, is known as a true ‘people person’. One of the things he loves most about his work is that he is able to help people in both the best and worst times of their lives.
The loss of his father, dealing with multiple financial issues, gave Buddy the incentive to provide classes in his community, ensuring that people had the opportunity to gain the knowledge needed to put their plans for LIFE into the right perspective.
Buddy has been married to his wife Connie for over 25 years and is the father of two. He loves all things sports and outdoors.
Jessica Lanning, JD, CFP®
Jessica Lanning is the “Family CFO,” advising and guiding people through their financial decisions for over 20 years. She is the chief strategist and founder of Lanning Financial Inc. and draws upon her experience with clients to bring real-world scenarios to the classroom.
Jessica has provided financial education to 800+ investors as well as continuing education courses for lawyers, financial planners, and insurance professionals. Her classes provide a down-to-earth, tell-it-like-it-is approach. Her advice is practical, achievable, and delivered with thoughtfulness and laughter. She believes you start where you are, do the best with what you’ve got, make mid-flight corrections often to stay on course, and use the money you have to live a life that brings joy and meaning to you.
Jessica lives in San Francisco, is a mom to two teenagers, and enjoys downhill skiing and making art.
Robert Laughlin
Bob Laughlin is a graduate of U.C. Davis. After a successful 15-year career in sales and marketing in Silicon Valley he entered the financial services industry in 2000. Over the past 22 years Bob has enjoyed helping people safely navigate through their most significant financial decisions, including those for real estate finance, wealth and estate management. He currently specializes in retirement and estate planning as a team member of Engineered Financial Solutions in Folsom California, with a special interest in helping those either approaching or already in the retirement phase of their life. Throughout his time in financial services, Bob has focused on helping people identify and formalize their needs and goals, providing both a grounded understanding of their current financial health and knowledge pivotal to the successful enjoyment of both their personal and family estate goals. He is passionate about understanding his client’s goals, effectively communicating and applying the tested principals of financial planning and providing his clients independent access to the best solutions available.
Bob and his wife, Barbra, reside in Northern California near their two grown children, Tyler and Emma. He enjoys outdoor sports, including golf and tennis and the natural beauty of the surrounding Sierra Foothills.
Fields Leake
Fields Leake, Futurity First Wealth Management, has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. Fields and his team engage clients in a unique planning process founded on practical experience gained from working in a collaborative approach dedicated to discovering the core values held by clients regarding their money. “Creating a ‘legacy’ is not just a matter of good stewardship of assets,” says Fields, “it is also the clarity that comes with understanding the client’s values and the life history that created them.”
This planning approach is what Fields shares in his Financial Education classes, knowing that the future is of paramount importance for attendees and their families.
Fields believes that incorporating the client’s attorney, CPA, and any other key advisors into a proactive advisory team – focused on serving the client’s best interests – maximizes value-added results. Courage and passionate conviction are the “bricks and mortar” that builds his credibility – clients and our humility are what sustain it.
Fred Lowry
Fred Lowry of Brightpath Retirement Solutions is a true financial professional who believes in the power of education. Having witnessed friends and family struggle to find the help they needed to map out their financial future, Fred felt called to provide adult financial education in his community. Fred and his team are confident that with their understanding of personal finance, coupled with their training as financial professionals, they can help people better prepare for the future. After years in the business, they have developed a reputation for educating individuals in an easy-to-understand manner so they can grasp personal finance and use those concepts to pursue their financial objectives.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Fred began is financial services career in 2011 and quickly began running, and training, a team of financial educators across the country. A natural educator, Fred’s knowledge and experience ensures that those attending his classes will walk away with sound financial information.
Fred and his wife Jessica have two children, Wilson and Adeline, and currently reside in Raleigh. He enjoys working out, playing board games with friends, and spending time with family.
Alene Maag
Alene Maag of AM Financial Solutions is originally from Anchorage, Alaska. Now, as a resident of the Greater Houston, TX, area, she has been serving clients since 2018 in several States, with life, health, and safe retirement strategies.
Alene enjoys teaching others financial literacy, developing debt action plans, providing Infinite Banking concepts, supplying final expense policies, and creating wealth strategies for her clients. She is now serving Medicare beneficiaries through The Infinite Partners Agency. All of these services she provides with exceptional customer care, personalized to meet the individual needs of each client.
Cynthia Maze
Cindy Maze of the Enrollment Store has been helping people with their insurance needs since 2006. As the Education Coordinator for the Enrollment Store, Cindy knows how important communication and education are when making important decisions. She finds that providing Medicare education classes is rewarding in so many different ways. Cindy’s role as a Medicare educator gives her the opportunity to both inform and assist those who are making decisions on their healthcare plans, providing answers that can make a huge difference in a person’s life.
Cindy lives in Plano with her husband Tracy and their 2 Australian Shepherds, and 2 cats. Animals, art and literature are all important parts of her life. She states that there is nothing like reading a good book while your 50 pound dog lays all over your lap!
Shaun McCarty
Shaun McCarty of Alto Financial Group is focused on education and helping families achieve their desired retirement lifestyles and create their legacies. Shaun is great at this role because he cares about their personal needs and goals. His clients repeatedly state how he broke down their retirement into simple, discernible ideas. He is dedicated and driven, overcoming any obstacle that has been put in his way to make sure that his clients are well served. Shaun comes from a restaurant management background, where pennies really do count. He learned budgeting by costing out menus for multiple restaurants as well as working on monthly profit and loss sheets. He is a constant student of his craft and never stops pushing himself to learn the ever-changing industry of finance.
Shaun and his wife Jennifer, along with their teenage daughter, live in Maryland.
James McClenny
Jamey McClenny is an Investment Advisor Representative with Trek Financial LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor; he began his career in financial services over 25 years ago.
A member of the Council of Financial Educators, Jamey has taught retirement planning workshops at FSU & Tallahassee Community College since 2015. He was recently selected to serve as an advisory for CPalms, a joint initiative between FSU, the Learnings Institute, and the State of Florida to improve financial literacy among Florida high school students.
Jamey has hosted two regional radio shows, Financial Safari and Cover Your Assets that aired on multiple stations in the Tallahassee and Panama City markets; Cover Your Assets can be heard on The Morning Show with Greg Tish Tuesday mornings from 8:30 to 8:45 on Real Talk 93.3. He has been quoted in Forbes Magazine and Fiduciary News & has been the keynote speaker on a variety of retirement and estate planning topics at universities, trade associations, churches and retirement centers throughout Florida and Georgia.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina, Jamey and his wife Dr. Carolyn McClenny reside in Tallahassee; they are founding members of Saint Peter’s Anglican Church and they also attend RedHills Church. Jamey has served on the Board of Directors for The Florida Cattlemen’s Association Foundation, Tallahassee Hunting Retriever Club, Retrieving Freedom, and Grace Mission.
David McEntire, NSSA®
David McEntire of Provision Retirement specializes in navigating the intersection of Medicare, Social Security, and other retirement accounts, while recognizing the importance of quality service. David gives clients a trusted voice and peace of mind during their retirement years by taking an abundance of complex information and packaging it into a retirement plan tailor-made for the client.
David was born and raised in the metroplex and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas. He lives in Celina, TX, with his wife Laila, their 3 children and 3 doodles. He enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and watching his San Antonio Spurs!
David is registered with FINRA with a Series 65 and his insurance license through the Texas Department of Insurance. He has also met the requirements to be a National Social Security Advisor (NSSA) certificate holder. David serves clients locally and virtually.
Jay Mehta
Jay Mehta of Veraz Advisors brings over 20 years of professional experience to the classroom. Jay feels strongly that financial education is key to creating a solid retirement plan.
Jay has earned 2 MBAs, one from the Haas School of Business at University of California, Berkeley and the other at Columbia University, where he also taught entrepreneurship as part of an elite teaching team. Jay is a fiduciary who specializes in retirement planning, with a focus on putting client’s best interests first.
Through local classes, taught at colleges and community centers, Jay is educating and enlightening bay area residents on how to help protect, preserve and strive to pass on wealth to their families in a way that helps promote peace of mind and confidence.
Jay is also the co-host of the popular Bay Area talk show Finance 2 Freedom, which covers strategies designed to minimize market losses, increase income, lower taxes and protect & growth wealth for individuals, families and businesses owners. Seen on KRON4, CBS and the CW.
Investment advisory services are offered through Veraz Advisors, LLC, 2355 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 204, San Ramon, CA 94583. Additional information about Veraz Advisors, LLC is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Insurance products are offered through Veraz Insurance Solutions, LLC, California License#: 6000822.
Dwight Mejan
Dwight Mejan, Founder and President of 360 Capital Management, has been in the financial services industry since 1994. He began his career working for a nationally known insurance company where he specialized in working with pre-retirees and retirees. Six years later he was promoted to manage a branch location in Raleigh, NC, where he enjoyed 7 years of building and growing a territory location of 20 counties and managing a large staff.
In 2010 Dwight decided to go out on his own and become independent to provide a broader spectrum of solutions for his clients. Dwight enjoys working with a diverse group of clients from all walks of life and equally enjoys the opportunity to work with members of his family in helping to build fundamentally sound retirement solutions for their clients. Through financial education classes, Dwight can provide answers to the questions that concern so many who are entering retirement.
Dwight grew up in the Midwest in a suburb of Chicago. He and his bride Dawn moved to NC in 1994, and together they have a family of 3. Dwight graduated in 1991 from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a minor in Finance.
Much of his success in personal investing at an early age he credits to his father’s advice growing up. He would often say, “Create a budget, live within your means and save for a rainy day!”. Both parents modeled character and integrity and he is grateful to them for instilling a set of core values and giving solid advice through the years. In his free time he enjoys traveling with his family, fly fishing, golf and relaxing in the mountains in western Carolina.
Thomas Melburn
Thomas Melburn of Cardinal Capital Partners has been in the financial services industry for over eight years, with an extensive background in both traditional wealth management and alternative investment solutions. Through teaching thousands of students at seminars over the years, Thomas has a solid proficiency at communicating financial literacy to a wide range of students. His classes empower each and every attendee to uncover the best-in-class alternative investment strategies curated for the entrepreneurial minded investor.
In his free time, Thomas enjoys spending time with his son Harrison and volunteering his time helping be of service to those in his community. Thomas is an active Ultrarunner, Ironman Foundation athlete, and is always looking to broaden his understanding of the world around him so he can best be of service to his clients, family, and friendships created in his practice.
John Merkel
John Merkel has been educating people about retirement strategies since 1996. In the last 27 years he has helped thousands of individuals develop plans that ensure an abundant high quality lifestyle in their golden years.
John serves on the advisory council at the University of Texas at Tyler. Alongside his wife Lori, and daughter Lindee, John enjoys pouring into the community and others around him through philanthropy and volunteerism. John grew up in an orphanage in west Texas, overcoming immense adversity to become the successful, loving father he is today.
John delivers timely education that addresses both modern and future needs. What tomorrow holds is uncertain, that’s why John believes that “Leaving a legacy that matters starts today.”
Timothy Meyer
Tim Meyer of Engineered Financial Solutions has been consulting with individuals and small businesses in the Financial Services field for the past 20 years. He has taken a comprehensive approach to planning and has included aspects of risk management, college planning, tax planning, and retirement cash flow optimization with his clients.
Over time, Tim has seen the true need for financial education. He recognizes that there is no one size fits all approach as people near retirement, and enjoys providing both the basics, as well as various strategies involved in achieving the right path for those looking at their retirement options. After experiencing the loss of his wife of 30 years, Amy, Tim personally understands the difficulties associated with the loss of a spouse and helps people navigate those tough time and put plans in place to reduce the uncertainty.
Prior to that, he worked for over 13 years in engineering roles including R&D, manufacturing, and Supplier Quality Engineering for semiconductor equipment companies, including Applied Materials and Novellus System as well as several startup companies.
Tim has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Union College and returned to complete all of the technical requirements for a BS in Physics.
Tim lived in Folsom, California, for 22 years with his wife Amy where they have raised five children. Tim currently lives in El Dorado Hills where he enjoys biking, open water swimming, ultra-running, and mountain climbing.
Joshua L. Millard
Josh Millard of Millard Financial Group is a fiduciary committed to act in the best personal and financial interests of those he assists. In addition, as a member of the National Social Security Advisor’s (NSSA), he is dedicated to serving an aging America.
Recognizing the precarious state of Medicare and Social Security, Josh provides financial education covering comprehensive retirement management, with a focus on addressing the distinctive financial needs of those nearing retirement and those who are already retired. As a retirement planning specialist, Josh focuses on helping people as they transition from working to their retirement years, knowing that the goals and objectives of a retiring client are more geared toward safety and risk elimination, peace of mind, developing income options and tax savings strategies, avoiding probate, and reducing or eliminating the potential for loss to a nursing home.
Josh has been married to his beautiful wife, Natalie, since 2005, and has two awesome teenage boys, Braxten, and Lucas. He spends most of his free time coaching football for his boys and volunteering at Forgotten Children Worldwide, a not-for-profit orphan care ministry.
John Miller
John Miller moved to St Petersburg, Florida from Rochester, NY in 1992. He worked in corporate America for the first half of his career. John and his clients saw the value and flexibility of being an independent advisor so in 2014, John decided to launch his own business as president of JD Miller & Associates. John has now dedicated his career to provide unbiased, big picture retirement planning including social security education, income and expense planning, Medicare understanding and advanced estate planning.
John has been married to his wife Shelly since 2000 and they have three children in the Seminole school system.
Rod Moore
Rod Moore of Moore Tax and Financial Services has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. As an educator, Rod brings a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to those attending his classes. Knowing that planning is the key to achieving retirement goals, Rod has made it his goal is to ensure that people know how to protect their assets and ensure that they have the income they need in order to meet their retirement goals.
Rod has 3 adult children and 10 grandchildren. Rod enjoys playing golf, and fancies himself an amateur cowboy artist, and enjoys oil painting when he has spare time.
Andrea Morgan
Andrea Morgan of Ethixs Insurance and Advisors Group , entered the insurance and financial services industry in 2012. Andrea specializes in helping companies provide benefits and retirement strategies for their employees. She also personally assists clients in planning and protecting their retirement by providing out of the box strategies to provide lifetime income with no risk to their legacy.
Andrea believes that education is a key piece of the retirement process. With so many options and potential paths, Andrea provides financial educational classes to ensure that those entering or already in retirement, have the best education and understanding possible.
Andrea resides in Katy, TX with her husband Mark “Rhyno” Morgan and children. She loves family, church/community, outdoors and traveling.
Michael Morgan
Mike Morgan, President of Total Benefit Services, has been helping clients in the greater Fort Worth area work toward their retirement dreams through well-thought-out strategies for retirement income since 1983.
Mike firmly believes that education is the first step in the process of achieving a secure retirement. He assists people from all walks of life and all income and wealth levels to achieve what we all want — a more financially successful retirement and the accurate information, planning and tools we all need to build a strategy to achieve that goal.
Mike holds a Series 65 securities registration as well as insurance licenses in Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana. In addition, he has earned the Chartered Financial Consultant designation. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas Tech University.
A proud member of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Mike lives in North Richland Hills, Texas, and enjoys hunting and fishing in his free time.
David Ocasio, ChFC
David Ocasio is an Investment Advisor Representative with Horter Investment Management, LLC and President and Founder of Ocasio Financial Services, with offices in Northern Virginia. David is also a Charter Financial Consultant with the American College of Financial Services as well as a National Social Security Certified Advisor. With 20+ years of experience in financial services he delivers strong solutions with substantial proven results for those he works with.
David brings a unique blend of experience and knowledge to his financial education courses. He takes pride in using his expertise to help people to grow, protect, and achieve their financial goals.
Insurance Services offered through Highland Capital Brokerage.
David lives in Loudoun County, Virginia, with his wife, Marina, and three lovely daughters, Sofia, Alicia, and Bianca. David and Marina’s life revolves around their family, and they love taking RV trips whenever possible. David also enjoys biking, taekwondo, and occasionally mountain climbing.
Investment advisory services offered through Horter Investment Management, LLC, a SEC-Registered Investment Advisor. Horter Investment Management does not provide legal or tax advice. Investment Advisor Representatives of Horter Investment Management may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered or exempt from registration requirements. Insurance and annuity products are sold separately through Highland Capital Brokerage. Securities transactions for Horter Investment Management clients are placed through E*TRADE Advisor Services, TD Ameritrade and Nationwide Advisory Solutions.
Nicole Orton
Nikki Orton, of Impact Legacy Group states that “she loves meeting people and helping them to find the very best solution for their Medicare needs”. As a financial educator specializing in Medicare she is confident that with education, people are able to make the best decision for their situation.
Nikki is a native of Minnesota and moved to Florida in 2011 with her husband and 2 boys. As a family, they are active in their community and love the area.
Kenneth Osiwala, AIF®
Kenneth Osiwala, President and CEO of Modern Wealth Management, brings almost 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, to his Adult Financial Education classes. Ken has extensive experience in providing strategies to retirees and pre-retirees to help protect and preserve their principal. His goal is to deliver unparalleled personalized service to each individual as he helps develop comprehensive financial plans based on their individual needs.
Ken recognizes the importance of financial planning, and in addition to his online and in person financial education classes, Ken co-hosts the “America’s Wealth Management Show” every Sunday from 5 to 6 pm on WJR Radio. The program provides investors an opportunity to hear from various industry professionals regarding strategies that could have a profound impact for the financial future of many near term retirees as well as current retirees.
Prior to starting the firm, Ken was an accountant for one of the largest accounting firms in the world, Ernst and Young. Ken has previously passed his Series 6, 7, 22, 26, 63 and 65 securities exams and his exams for Life, Health and Variable Annuity insurance products. Ken is also an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®).
Ken serves on the Board of Directors for a non-profit organization in the Community, Promise Village Home for Children. Ken has been married to his wife Beth for 29 years and counting they have three children. He enjoys spending time with his family, boating, fishing, kite boarding and is actively involved in his church.
Investment advisory services offered through Barber Financial Group Inc., dba Osiwala Group, an SEC registered investment adviser. Securities offered through Mutual Securities, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Barber Financial Group, Inc. and Osiwala Financial Group are not affiliated with Mutual Services, Inc. Supervisory office located at 13550 W. 95th Street, Lenexa, KS 66215. Osiwala, BFG and MSI are not affiliated companies.
Joseph Palimino
Joseph Palimino is a Managing Partner of Capital A Wealth Management. Joseph joined the firm in 2015 and manages the Medicare and Insurance part of Capital A. As an active part of the community, he finds great satisfaction presenting Medicare classes within the local area. While Medicare may be something that everyone will get, Joseph recognizes the complexity and breaks the process down in easy to understand terms.
A graduate of Penn State University, Joseph loves spending time in the community, participating in local activities with his wife and three children.
David Parker
David Parker, Owner and managing partner of Retirement Plan Consultant, LLC, has been in the financial services industry for over 30 years. With his vast experience, David finds financial education classes particularly rewarding. David recognizes that the path to retirement needs to be clearly defined in order to achieve the most secure future possible.
David and his wife have been married for 39 plus years with 3 children and 8 grandchildren. They have been active members of East Heights Baptist Church in Tupelo for over 33 years, where David works with both the Praise Team and mission work.
Canaan T. Penland
Canaan Penland, of Advanced Retirement Planning, educates investors and retirees on how to maximize the value and security of their retirement assets and long-term income plans. He states, “Being a financial advisor is not a matter of telling people how to invest, but listening to their concerns and circumstances and educating them on the best available options.” Canaan strongly agrees with the sentiment of one of the most successful pioneers of global investing, that the four most dangerous words of investing are “this time is different.” The only thing that you can consistently rely on in the financial markets is inconsistency. As a financial educator and advisor, Canaan has witnessed investors repeatedly make the exact same mistakes as they near retirement, frequently leading to a negative impact on their retirement outlook.
Now residing in Southern California, Canaan is originally from Virginia, where he graduated summa cum laude with honors from Roanoke College with a concentration in finance. His interests in the financial markets and portfolio design began well before becoming an advisor, with years of experience in complex market research and the development of securities analysis software.
Canaan is very passionate about educating others on the modern financial system and the influence significant market volatility has had on investment decisions and retirement income planning. “There must be a great deal of understanding and confidence between an advisor and a client. It is a partnership…” says Mr. Penland. “The long-standing theory of ‘buy and hold’ has become ‘buy and hope’ with little understanding of the risks involved. ‘Hope’ should never be a component of any investment strategy, and certainly not a retirement plan.” As a member of COFE, he greatly enjoys educating individuals, couples, and business owners on the best options available to them, adding superior value and security to their financial future.
Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and Advanced Retirement Planning are independent of each other. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM, but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents.
Harvey Perle
As a Medicare Advisor, Harvey Perle, an accomplished Minnesota Insurance Producer certified in ten distinct carriers, utilizes his unique background as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator to deliver comprehensive and tailored Medicare insurance solutions through his agency, Perle & Co., employing an engaging, educational approach to clarify complexities and optimize client understanding.
John W. Pickard, CFP® CIC, CSSCS
John Pickard, owner of Webb Pickard Retirement Services, has been working in the Financial Services field since 1987. John recognizes that it takes both planning and preparation to ensure that those ‘golden years’ are truly golden.
As a CFP his expertise is in planning in all the financial areas, Social Security, Investment Planning, Tax Planning, Insurance Planning and Estate Planning. John has the unique ability to help those who are preparing for retirement to look at the big picture. His motto, “Never Lose,” is the foundation of his retirement management concepts with the goal of never outliving one’s retirement.
John is an active member of his community, sponsoring children through the Candle Wishes Foundation as well as the Barnabas Vision Christmas sponsorship program, providing Christmas gifts to struggling families. He believes that offering financial education classes is just another way to give back.
Phillip Pickle
Phillip Pickle, Managing Partner Anchor Financial Group has been in the insurance and retirement planning field for over twenty years. Right out of college, he started as a sales agent for a Fortune 500 company. Immediately, he set himself apart and became the top producer in his division. He held that distinction for his entire tenure with the company. After several years, numerous production awards, extra training certifications, and several offers of managements positions he soon realized he missed being in the field, helping clients.
In 2008, Phil left that company and opened his own firm, AFG, with his business partner. Since then, he has been doing what he loves–meeting with clients and helping them with their basic insurance and retirement planning needs, educating them on how to meet their retirement goals, and providing them with several safe and unique options for financial growth. Phil works with clients from all age and income ranges. One of the things he enjoys most in his work is providing financial education classes. He finds that people often have what he refers to as “lazy money”. Money they’d like to see grow, providing additional security for their future.
Hunter Powell
Hunter Powell, owner of Senior Benefits Plus in Kansas City, is on a mission to spread the importance of financial literacy and to positively impact as many lives as possible. With his father working in the financial services industry, Hunter grew up learning and living the insurance and financial services.
Hunter received his bachelor’s degree in Finance from Missouri State University. He is a committed life-long learner, knowing how important it is to continue learning so that he can always provide the most up-to-date and current information.
Hunter has been holding Medicare educational workshops to assist individuals as they transition into Medicare. What he found was that by the time someone reaches Medicare age, oftentimes, they have already made decisions that could adversely affect their finances during retirement. He is thrilled to be educating his community on ways to take control of your finances before and during retirement.
During his free time, he and his wife, Abby, enjoy traveling the country to visit national parks and spending quality time with family.
Samuel Pretz
Samuel Pretz, of Senior Benefits Plus in Kansas City, has always wanted to help people understand a complicated subject. He chooses to fulfill that passion by helping the best generations among us understand the Medicare benefits they had access to. Sam graduated from Missouri State University with a degree in Finance and stayed to get his MBA with a focus in management.
Sam has helped expand Senior Benefits Plus into the premier Medicare agency in the City of Kansas City. Sam hosts Medicare workshops around Kansas City, giving Medicare beneficiaries an entertaining and knowledgeable perspective on how to maximize their Medicare.
In his free time, Sam loves to spend time outdoors running or playing golf. He is always welcoming new members into his Medicare family!
Jean Priest
Jean Priest of J Priest Solutions Retirement & Insurance is an independent associate of Tarkenton Financial, with a focus on the financial concerns of the senior market. Built upon Jean’s personal experience and passion for helping and serving seniors, she strives to empathize and understand the needs of both students and clients, providing Financial Education that focuses on the realities and necessity of planning and preparing for the future.
Jean has hundreds of hours of study and certifications in Medicare, long-term care, and retirement planning. Her primary goal is to help people to understand what they have, and how it might work harder for them. Jean finds that by offering Adult Financial Education classes, she can assist those planning for retirement with important and timely information essential to making those BIG decisions. Since retirement planning is the primary objective of those attending her classes, attendees can better define their goals and create an action plan.
On a personal note, Jean is product of the sandwich generation, having two boys 18 and 24 years old and a Dad who is age 96. Jean lost her Mother at age 87 to Alzheimer’s. She was diagnosed in 2001 of this long, slow progressive debilitation disease. Jean knows firsthand how an unexpected illness can emotionally and financially impact one’s family.
“I can’t change my family’s situation…but I can help others who are in the same situation,” Jean says. “I know my Mother would be proud of me.”
Munira “Molly” Rangwala
Munira/Molly Rangwala of the Enrollment Store began her journey in the health insurance field by helping people within her community. She spent the time to learn what resources were available at lower costs for people who struggled to afford health insurance. Molly continues to share her knowledge and expertise with both individuals and through classes.
Munira/Molly is married to Shams Rangwala. They have 2 sons, Danish and Shehmir. Molly was born in India, Mumbai( Bombay) where she completed her Master’s program in Business. Molly and her family moved to Unites over 25 years ago. Molly is multi-lingual and speaks Hindi, Urdu, Gujrati.
Tony Rizzo
Tony Rizzo, CFP® is a gifted communicator and educator, who considers financial education to be the key to achieving retirement goals. His ability to take complex retirement challenges and break them down into easy to overcome obstacles make Tony’s classes a must for those who are nearing retirement, or who have already retired.
As a Certified Financial Planner™ and fiduciary, Tony recognizes that every individual is different. His in-depth understanding of how to achieve long-term financial goals helps his students develop strategies to meet their
unique needs, and plan for retirement income for years to come.
Fort Worth, Texas is his home, where he lives with his wife and two children. Tony’s hobbies include photography, sports, and spending time in the great outdoors with his family.
Stephen Robinson
Stephen Robinson, founder of Neuse Consulting Group, has been a part of the financial industry for almost 20 years. After working for several well-known corporations over the years he founded Neuse Consulting Group to better serve his clients instead of companies. As an Independent group, Stephen and his staff are able to cater to the individual.
Stephen saw the need to be able to offer all plans and to provide an educational approach to Medicare and Senior Insurance planning. Recognizing the confusion within the processes involved, he takes pride in providing a sense of relief through financial education.
Stephen lives in Wake Forest with his wife, Sheridan, and daughter, Brooke, who is currently attending Baylor University.
Stephen enjoys spending downtime with his two golden retrievers and pulling for his NC State Wolfpack. Stephen also enjoys fishing with his family and golfing with his dad and friends.
Joshua Rockwood
Joshua Rockwood of Rockett Growth Strategies, is an insurance professional with a focus on customer service, and doing what is right for the client. He states that he wants the people he works with to be his client ‘for life’.
With so much information available out there, Joshua recognizes that making the right choices, to meet your personal needs, can become confusing. In order to ensure that people have all the most current and accurate information, Joshua offers Medicare classes in the community.
Joshua has been married to his lovely wife Stefanie for 14+ years and the couple homeschool their 3 children. When not busy working, Joshua loves to travel.
Matthew Rogers
Matthew Rogers of Infinite Partners is a north Texas native with a background in multiple industries including logistics, distribution, and healthcare.
Matthew began his career in the insurance industry in 2019 and had been serving Texan’s need to protect their lives, families, and livelihoods ever since. Currently, he is licensed in life and health insurance in over 15 states and has daily conversations with folks from all over the country. Their wants, needs and concerns range widely and provide Matthew with the opportunity to help find the most comprehensive solution for everyone’s unique situation. His conviction and passion for working with people to foster their personal and professional growth allows for his own development which is both empowering and satisfying.
Ben Rolfes
bio pending
Kevin Ross
Kevin Ross of Ross Advisory Group is dedicated to helping clients and their families pursue their financial goals by doing whatever it takes to design unique plans tailored to each client’s situation.
Wanting to help people with their finances and financial planning, Kevin started his own firm in 1997. He focuses on assisting clients in developing strategies for guaranteed retirement income. Coming from a family of teachers, he is especially passionate about helping with Georgia teachers’ retirement income options. According to Kevin, the most important advice he can share with clients is to “Figure out the most important thing in your life. Once you do that, then your overall financial plan will reflect that.”
Kevin is a financial professional who can offer insurance and investment products and services. He has passed the Series 7 and 63 securities exams and holds life, health, annuity and long-term care insurance licenses. He earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the University of Southern Mississippi.
A past president of NAIFA Georgia, Kevin is also a Kansas City Life Insurance Company Hall of Fame member, a member of the Million Dollar Round Table and a recipient of the National Quality Award.
“My family is the most important thing in my life,” Kevin says. He, his wife, Rachelle, and their daughter, Annie, love traveling the world together.
Qualifying membership in the MDRT is based on minimum sales production requirements and gross business generated within a year. Each MDRT status designation is granted for one year only. All members must apply every year to continue their affiliation with the Million Dollar Round Table.
Robert Rothrock, CRC®
Robb Rothrock, of Rothrock Retirement Solutions, has been advising clients on retirement strategies for over 15 years. However, Robb is an educator at heart and believes that quality education is the key to making sound financial decisions. Robb has a practical knowledge of financial planning and the experience that comes from his many years of growing and running his own multi-million-dollar business prior to his insurance career. Robb has the ability to break down complex topics and teach them in a practical way. As a fiduciary, Robb takes pride in putting his clients’ needs first (as it should be).
Robb recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution out there. “The most rewarding part of my job is getting to really know the people I meet, so I can properly assist them with the right strategy for a long and happy retirement.”
Robb has been married to his wife Janette for 29 years and has two children, Alyssa, and Robbie. Robb spent 11 years coaching youth sports, and enjoys golf, football, and a good cookout with friends and family.
Robb is a Certified Retirement Counselor®, an Investment Advisor Representative, and holds a Series 65 and Insurance License.
Investment advisory services offered through American Elite Advisory, a registered investment advisor. American Elite Advisory and Rothrock Retirement Solutions are independent of each other. Insurance products and services are not offered through American Elite Advisory but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents.
Anthony Ruggieri
Tony Ruggieri has been in the financial services profession for more than 10 years. Tony’s practice is devoted to empowering his clients and addressing the financial challenges that retirees and those planning to retire are facing today.
Obtaining his degree in 1990 from San Diego State University in San Diego, CA, he immediately entered the world of teaching where he spent most of his time teaching math and science and coaching High School Football and Baseball. It is through teaching that he developed the belief and passion that when one can empower a person, real growth and real results take shape. His passion for teaching and helping individuals develop real and tangible goals for themselves, their financial lives and their future makes Tony an excellent financial education instructor. Being an educator and applying sound fundamental techniques to planning and goal setting is what empowers people and enables success.
Tony, along with his wife Inma, live in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area of Arizona and they have two teenage daughters, three dogs and love spending time with them all. Tony strongly believes in pre-planning and reviewing “your life plan” since things change in life and we should always be prepared!
Prashant Sabapathi
Prashant Sabapathi, Vice President and Co-Founder of Elite Income Advisors, Inc., believes in using a comprehensive approach to financial planning that revolves around education. As both a trusted advisor and respected adult financial educator, Prashant offers classes that attempt to simplify complicated financial planning concepts, so that people may be empowered to take actionable steps forward in planning their retirement.
As a lifelong Marylander, Prashant graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.A. in Economics. In addition, he currently holds both a life and health insurance license, as well as a Series 65 license. Prashant specializes in helping individuals create, manage, and protect wealth throughout retirement, while employing tax-efficient strategies.
Prashant currently lives in the Baltimore area with his wife Alyssa, love to play golf in his free time, and serves on the Planned Giving Advisory Council for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
Investment advisory services offered through Elite Income Advisors, Inc., a State-Registered Investment Advisor located in Ellicott City, Maryland. Elite Income Advisors, Inc. does not provide legal or accounting advice. Investment Advisor Representatives of Elite Income Advisors, Inc. may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered or exempt from registration requirements. Registration is not an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators and does not mean the advisor has achieved a specific level of skill or ability. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Annuity guarantees are subject to the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Insurance and annuity products are sold separately through Retirement Planning Services, Inc.
Gary Saitowitz
Gary Saitowitz has been in financial services since 1992. He enjoys working with clients and educating them on how money works. Gary’s goal is to help clients build a plan that ensures they can retire on their own terms. Gary resides in Atlanta GA and is married to Vanda and they have 4 children. He currently holds his license in GA, AL, CA and MD.
Mary Salmon
Mary Salmon of the Enrollment Store has been in the insurance industry since 2002. In addition, Mary is partnered with a Fortune 500 company, allowing her to utilize the latest and best technology for enrolling and communicating with her clients. She has specialized in the voluntary benefit market and has worked with various carriers for several years.
Mary believes in being a trusted advisor to her clients by presenting real solutions that solve real problems. As a Certified Benefits Counselor, Mary utilizes a consultative selling approach, educating employees on their options so they can make the best decisions for their family. She prides herself on her customer service with clients and policyholders.
Mary is a native Texan and lives on a 45-acre ranch in north Texas with her husband. She has three daughters and two grandchildren She loves to read, garden, crochet and travel when she has time.
Rick Sandberg
Rick Sandberg, founder of RS Retirement Services, is a seasoned veteran of 15 years in the financial services field. As such, Rick recognizes that education is a key step in the retirement planning process and his experience has given him a unique perspective regarding retirees in comprehensive planning and protection of assets.
Rick’s planning process provides his clients with a myriad of options to maximize retirement savings and planning, also to not be subject to outliving their nest egg. With his knowledge, Rick helps implement simple solutions and guarantees to ensure protection, security, and peace of mind with your financial goals. His goal is to Under Promise and Over Deliver to your financial needs.
A 46-year resident of Washington, Rick lives in Tacoma with his wife Danielle and their four children.
Mark Schnizer
Mark Schnizer, of Sentinel Advisory Group, has been in the insurance and financial services profession since 1988. Mark provides clients with his expertise in insurance products and solutions with a specific emphasis on retirement planning and asset protection. Prior to that, Mark spent twenty-two years with John Hancock Financial Network. During his tenure, Mark focused on assisting clients with their long-term care planning needs.
In addition to helping individuals, Mark also works with a number of educational institutions and small businesses in the arena of long-term care planning. Mark knows that without proper financial education, retirement can be overwhelming. His classes enable the attendees to feel confident in their choices.
Mark graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1987 with a degree in business. Mark lives in Mt. Washington with his wife Jennifer and their two sons, Joseph and Ryan. Mark enjoys golf, antique cars, and tennis. He attends Bellarmine Chapel on the campus of Xavier University.
Kenneth Schrauben
Kenneth Schrauben, President and Founder of Retirement Capital Services, a Registered Investment Advisory Firm, is committed to bringing financial education to the public. Ken brings over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry to the classroom. He specializes in retirement and strategies to avoid financial anxiety and stress. Through classes at local colleges, Ken is educating and enlightening area residents on how to help protect, preserve, and strive to pass on wealth to their families in a way that helps promote peace of mind. With his vast experience with educating on retiree issues he has become an expert in income planning, risk assessment, social security, Medicare, estate planning and long-term care issues.
Ken and Angela, his wife of over 25 years, are very involved in their three children’s lives as well as local charitable organizations to make a difference in their local area.
Linda K. Schreiner
Linda Schreiner of Integrity Insurance is an Independent Medicare Broker who loves the challenge of finding the “Best Fit” Medicare plan for those she works with.
Recognizing that there is an overwhelming amount of information, Linda provides educational classes for those who are new to Medicare or who are looking to change their existing plan. Her classes provide an opportunity to understand how the various parts of Medicare work and provide the guidance and assistance to navigate what can often be a daunting process.
Linda is proud to be married to her husband of 40 years, a Marine Corp veteran. In her free time, she loves walking her 2 dogs, gardening and hiking.
Stephen Schwesinger
Stephen Schwesinger of SGS Wealth Management is an experienced and knowledgeable Investment Advisor Representative and Fiduciary. He realized at a young age the sense of peace, security, and dignity that successful financial planning, budgeting, saving, and investing can provide. This inspired him to enter the financial services industry and help people feel confident in their financial situation and give security to their families.
Stephen is a strong advocate of adult financial education and presents classes regularly in his community, with an emphasis on helping individuals to make the most informed decisions possible for their situation.
A graduate of Duquesne University, Stephen has spent his life in Pittsburgh where he lives with his wife and children.
Eric Scott
Eric Scott of Eric Scott Financial has been part of the financial services industry since 1983. From the beginning, Eric recognized that in order to help those he serves, he needed to create a comprehensive approach. The team at Eric Scott Financial provides an all-inclusive methodology to financial planning, ensuring that every step of the financial picture is covered. As a fiduciary, he provides a level of service that is always in the best interest of the individual.
Eric shares that one of the joys of being a financial Advisor is the opportunity to both TEACH and EDUCATE. With the right information and a map to follow, attaining the financial goals to create the retirement you want is attainable.
Investment advice is offered through APO Financial Services, LLC (“APO”) 10155 Westmoor Drive, Suite 175 Westminster, Colorado 80021-2627. Please contact your investment advisor representative if there are any changes in your financial situation or investment objectives. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Additional information pertaining to APO’s registration status, its business operations, services and fees and its current written disclosure statement is available on the SEC’s Investment Adviser public website at https://www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. APO or its affiliates do not provide legal or tax advice.
Patrick Seelye
Patrick K. Seelye has been in the financial services industry for over 20 years. He has been married to his wife Tammy for 30 years and has two young children, Madison and Matthew.
Pat is a United States Air Force Gulf War Era veteran.
In 2005 he became President of a national financial services company working with financial professionals all over the country for over a decade. As the needs of Americans living in or preparing for retirement evolved, Pat believed there was an obligation to update the methods and tools used to support their evolution.
Pat founded Financial Life Matters LLC in Lawrence, KS to provide independent, education-based retirement income planning. It was important to Pat to create a company that is independent of outside influence to act solely in the best interest of his clients. Education is the foundation for guidance, eliminating outdated concepts and approaches.
Matthew G. Sherman, Sr.
Matthew Sherman, Founder and President of Transition Into Retirmement, has always had a passion for helping others. A natural teacher, Matt loves teaching adult financial education classes to those in his community. His classes and speaking engagements give him the opportunity to share innovating ways to retire safely and with peace of mind.
Matt concentrates on providing retirement solutions to individuals of all income levels who are looking to elevate the performance of their retirement assets and also aspire to a secure and lasting lifestyle through Safe Money Planning and Solutions.
Matt was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida and continues to live there with his wife of 40 years, Carol. Matt and Carol have two grown children and one grandchild. A true Floridian, Matt is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys boating, fishing, camping and golf.
Casey Short
Casey Short is the President of Provision Retirement, a company specializing in developing strategies and income plans for individuals and families who are nearing retirement or have already retired. With a degree in finance and a Series 65 license, he is also a sought-after consultant and educator, and has traveled the country helping numerous organizations and individuals. He works with a network of certified financial planners, income strategists, money managers, and tax planners, giving him the ability to share a share a wide-array of knowledge during his courses. With the heart of a teacher, Casey can take complex financial topics and share them in a way that is easily understandable for his audience. He is also a financial advisor with Provision Asset, LLC.
Casey, his wife, and their three children make their home in Little Elm, Texas. He enjoys fly fishing, woodworking, mission work and spending time with his family.
Dan Simon, CLU®
Dan Simon joined Daniel A. White & Associates, LLC in 2016. He co-operates Dan White’s second office in Middletown, Delaware alongside Andrew Wood. Dan and Andrew have known each other since they were three years old and have remained life-long friends.
Dan has a myriad of experience in the fields of Finance and Insurance. He has worked extensively with financial professionals across the country developing and promoting Retirement Planning concepts. These concepts are based on his belief that risk management is critical to a sound financial plan. Dan understands the importance of taking the time to identify and truly understand a client’s goals and objectives before creating a plan.
Dan earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Insurance, and Business Law from Virginia Tech. He earned his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) from The American College of Financial Services in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Dan is also an Investment Advisor Representative and offers Investment Advisory Services through CoreCap Advisors, LLC a Registered Investment Advisor.
Dan currently resides in West Chester, Pennsylvania with his wife, Jaime and their three children, a son Carter and twin daughters, Emily and Elsie. He is an avid Philadelphia sports fan and loyal Hokie Alumni. When time permits, he enjoys playing golf as well as spending time during the summer with his family in Avalon, NJ. Advisory services offered by CoreCap Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. CoreCap Advisors and Daniel A. White & Associates are separate & unaffiliated entities
Advisory services offered by CoreCap Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. CoreCap Advisors and Daniel A. White & Associates are separate & unaffiliated entities.
Alison Slezak
Alison Slezak takes great pride in her ability to multi-task. She creates comprehensive operations and marketing strategies that successfully navigate the Dan White Team on a daily basis. She has been training and studying retirement planning strategies alongside Dan White for the past seven years. This has given her a solid platform to help assist individuals with creating customized plans that will be beneficial to meeting their retirement goals.She considers Dan as her greatest mentor and her best resource when helping individuals with their financial plans. In addition, Alison provides Dan’s existing clients with continuous services and annual account reviews.
Alison holds a Bachelors Degree in Business from Drexel University. She also holds a Life, Accident, and Health Insurance License in the state of Pennsylvania, as well as the Series 65 registration. Alison is an investment advisor representative with CoreCap Advisors, LLC. She is currently pursuing the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) Designation from The American College in Bryn Mawr.
Alison is a native of the West Chester area. She continues to reside in West Chester with her husband Pat, their two daughters, Devyn and Maddie and their son, Ryan. Alison and Pat both graduated from Unionville High School and their daughters are currently enrolled at Saint Maximilian Kolbe Elementary School. Both Pat and Alison come from large families, so most of their spare time is spent with them and close friends.
Alison strongly believes Dan White and the entire team is bringing tremendous value, both personally and financially, to each client they meet with. She truly loves coming to the office, working with Dan, the team, their clients, and meeting new retirees each day. Alison even has a sign hanging behind her desk that reflects her beliefs “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life”.
Advisory services offered by CoreCap Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. CoreCap and Daniel A. White & Associates are separate & unaffiliated entities.
Jere Smith
Jere Smith, founder of Northern Way Wealth Management, has been involved in the financial services industry for 15+ years. Jere helps individuals and families near or in retirement find their personal route to their next stage of life. He also understands healthcare professionals’ challenges face when retiring and integrates strategies to address their unique needs. By utilizing his trademarked process, “The Northern Way Retirement GPS,” Jere sees the benefits of those who create a ‘plan’ and the peace of mind it provides. As a Certified Financial Planner and Charter Life Underwriter, two of the most esteemed designations in the industry, as well as his many years as a Financial Planner, Jere is dedicated to educating people into and through their retirement.
Growing up on a dairy farm, Jere experienced firsthand what it was like to see his parents and grandparents struggle through financial issues. He learned the inherent value of hard work. In addition, this created a fire within him to learn all he could about finances to not only ensure stability within his own family but also to help others to achieve financial security. Providing financial education classes enables him to take complex financial strategies and make the information easy to understand and implement.
Investment advisory services offered through Bookstone Wealth Advisors, LLC (BWA), a registered investment advisor. BWA and Northern Way Wealth Management are independent of each other. Insurance products and services are not offered through BWA but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agent.
Shawn D. Smith
Shawn D. Smith of SDSmith Financial always states that even after 36 years of experience in the financial industry – “I ABSOLUTELY LOVE WHAT I DO!” Shawn has found that his work enables him to meet and work with some of the most interesting and successful people in the world. Having the opportunity to learn about how so many people formed the values and lifestyles which helped them to become, or begin the road, to financial independence, is inspirational. Specifically, because this means they can work where, how and when they want. Shawn loves that his job is to figure out how to protect and grow people’s dreams based on their individual needs.
Shawn completed his undergrad degree in Economics at University of MO/Columbia. He received his MBA from Washington University in 2009.
Shawn is proud to be a part of people’s road to financial independence by providing financial education classes. Assisting people to find their own path to financial security is one of the many areas of his job that he finds so rewarding.
Steven G. Smith
Steven G. Smith, founder of Smith Gillis Financial, has built a flourishing family business by treating people like family. His philosophy is that “Taking care of you and your family is our #1 goal. Why? Because you’re now part of our family”.
Steve recognizes the importance of financial education, knowing that it is the cornerstone of financial security. The classes that Steve offers within the community provide clarity and insight to those who are seeking a secure financial future while preparing for retirement. His classes provide an opportunity to understand the difficult and complex strategies involved in the retirement planning process.
Steve and his wife Lynn have been married over 39 years, living in Wallingford, CT for most of that time. They have raised three wonderful children and are now enjoying the role of grandparents.
Kiersten Spitzenberger
Kiersten Spitzenberger spent three years learning side-by-side with Dan White and Alison Slezak, as the Assistant Director of Operations and Marketing. She self-studied and was awarded her Life and Health Insurance license in 2019. She also assisted in hosting educational seminars for world renowned Retirement Planning Experts – Tom Hegna and Ed Slott. With the tools and knowledge she obtained, she joined Mutual of Omaha to establish her own business as an Independent Agent in 2020. She wanted to get a better understanding of the financial planning industry, outside of the retirement world. She proceeded to earn her first award within three months of being with the company and has held her Honors Club ranking for the past two years.
In 2022, she rejoined Dan A. White & Associates as their Medicare Specialist. Since then, she has come to the decision that Retirement Planning is in her blood and where she would like to nestle her career.
Kiersten attended West Chester University where she graduated with a degree in Professional Studies with two minors in Mathematics and Elementary Education.
Johnny Stamper
Johnny Stamper of Anchor Financial Group recognizes the difficulties facing Medicare consumers. As a user of the Medicare program himself, he recognized a need to provide workshops, helping those who may not have come from a financial background, to navigate the system and make the most of the benefits available. His classes break the process down into easy-to-understand steps, enabling attendees to understand what they do and don’t need and how to evaluate the options available.
Johnny has been married to his wonderful wife Cherie for 45+ years. When not working, he loves spending time with his grandchildren and also enjoys being on the lake.
Debra Starkey
Debbie has been serving clients in the greater Northwestern states for more than 26 years. She holds a Series 7 Securities license along with Investment Advisor Representative and Life and Annuity licenses which allow her to counsel clients in all aspects of their financial plans. Debbie’s expertise is truly listening to the client’s goals and concerns, paying special attention to the details that are so important to them. She has many years of experience in helping clients from the public sector, government sector, the self-employed and small business owners. She understands and takes seriously the very important role she plays as the financial professional in the lives of her clients. It is important to Debbie that her clients understand the full ramifications of each financial decision they institute. Debbie is active in many volunteer positions at her church and in the local community. Debbie resides in Lincoln County, Washington and enjoys the great outdoors with her husband Bob and her kids and 5 grandchildren. As an Investment Advisor Representative, advisory services are offered through Encompass More. Encompass More is not affiliated with Alto Financial Group. She maintains her life insurance and annuity licenses in Washington, Oregon, Texas, Colorado, Tennessee, and Connecticut.
Radon Stancil, CFP®
Radon Stancil is a best-selling author and The Founder of Peace of Mind Wealth Management, a firm committed to helping individuals retire with excellence. As the Co-host of the ‘Secure Your Retirement’ podcast his insights have been featured in Forbes, Newsweek, Fox, ABC, NBC, and the Wall St Journal. With over 25 years of experience, Radon is an award-winning advisor who is highly sought after to work with executives, business owners, engineers, pharmaceutical professionals, and more.
Radon’s father was 52 years old when he was born. Having an older father that was born during the great depression had a great impact on how he thinks. His father shared stories of what it was like to see a car for the first time and the privilege to have ice delivered to the house. Radon’s father instilled in him a work ethic and an understanding of the value of saving for the future.
Investment Advisory Services provided by POM Investment Strategies, LLC., dba Peace of Mind Wealth Management.
Shane Stevenson
Shane Stevenson of Winston & Companies entered the financial services industry to help others feel secure in retirement. He enjoys seeing clients’ satisfaction as they uncover a sense of direction, which pushes him to help even more clients achieve their dreams.
Although officially joining the family firm in 2019, Shane has been helping his father, Winston Stevenson, behind the scenes for years with marketing and other operational tasks. Shane graduated from the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona, earning a degree in business administration and marketing.
He is proud to be part of his family business, and he loves building relationships with clients. Away from the office, Shane likes to travel and go sailing.
Winston P. Stevenson
Winston Stevenson is an Investment Advisor Representative, President of Winston & Companies and an FAA instrument-rated pilot. He believes order and planning are necessary to deliver desired results, and he has a track record of doing just that, helping numerous clients and passengers skillfully reach their destinations through proper preparation. As a COFE Instructor, Winston recognizes that financial education is an opportunity for those preparing for retirement to begin their preparation.
A Chartered Federal Employee Benefit Consultant, Winston is uniquely trained to assist federal employees in maximizing their benefits to reach their ultimate retirement goals. That remains his goal for all clients he works with every day. As an Investment Advisor Representative, Winston is held to a fiduciary duty of care, which means he is legally required to work in his clients’ best interests when providing investment advice. When providing insurance recommendations, at the regulatory level, Winston is held to the suitability standard, which requires that recommendations meet clients’ stated financial needs and objectives.
Winston has passed the Series 65 securities exam and holds licenses in life, accident and health insurance in Arizona and California (License #0C45881), as well as a life settlement broker license in Arizona. He has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance and annuity industry and holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Western Kentucky University.
Winston has been married to Millie since 1989. They have two adult children, Shane and Sarah, and enjoy spending time together as a family.
Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and Winston and Companies are independent of each other. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents.
Robert Szymanski, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, MPAS®
Robert E. Szymanski is celebrating his 37th year in the financial service industry. He is the founder of Szymanski Financial Group (LLC) and Georgia Financial Education Institute. Bob knows that Adult Financial Education is essential and has been presenting classes to the public for many years. Recognizing that retirement decisions have long lasting effects, Bob enjoys providing retirees and pre-retirees with the information necessary to make the important decisions.
As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), and as a Master Planner Advanced Studies (MPAS®), Bob has attained the many advanced financial planning designations available. In addition, with his focus on pre retirees and retirees, Bob has also earned the Chartered Retirement Planner Counselor (CRPC®) and is a National Social Security Advisor certificate holder. As a result, he is qualified to handle every aspect of his client’s retirement challenges, including to help protect their life savings, developing an effective income strategy and passing on a financial legacy. He currently holds the FINRA Series 65 and is licensed in Georgia Life, Accident & Sickness insurance. He graduated from The Citadel with a BS in Business Administration, Sam Houston State University with an MBA, and the College for Financial Planning with a MS degree in Personal Financial Planning.
Bob lives in Suwanee, Ga. with his wife Pam.
Lauren Tanksley, CFP®, MBA, CDFA®
Lauren Tanksley, Vice President of Compass Financial Management Group, started her career in the financial services industry with Morgan Stanley in 2004. She joined Compass Financial in 2017 as Vice President and Investment Advisor Representative. Lauren’s experience in the areas of financial planning and investment management enables her to provide financial education classes to those who are planning or already in retirement.
Lauren is a confident educator who can provide the answers and guidance that are such an important part of the retirement process. Her goal is to always ensure that people understand the various options available and have an opportunity to explore what works best for their specific needs.
Lauren and her husband, James, live in Atlanta, Georgia with their three children. Her passions, besides financial planning, include cooking, volleyball, being outdoors and volunteering in ministries involving families affected by divorce and addiction.
Thomas Thalman, CFP®
Tom Thalman has always been involved in “people helping” careers. After graduating from Bowling Green State University in Ohio with a degree in psychology he worked in a counseling center in Cleveland for several years. Following this he moved back to his hometown of Dayton, Ohio, attended Sinclair College, and embarked on a career in respiratory care where he worked in hospitals in Ohio and later in North Carolina.
It’s somewhat of a leap that Tom found an interest in finance and financial planning in the mid-90s. He obtained all of the licenses necessary to work in the industry in less than a year. During this time he was in medical sales and quickly transitioned to be an investment representative and financial advisor full time. Joining two large investment firms and gaining valuable experience in both companies over the next 18 years, he decided to become an independent financial planner and associated with Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. in 2012.
This affiliation affords Tom far more independence in working with his clients and he is not bound by certain products or shareholder wishes. He credits his interest in planning from his health care background because a good health care practitioner has a care and treatment plan for the patient. Why should it be any different with someone’s life savings? The next obvious step in his career was obtaining the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification to round out his education and annual continuing education.
In the last 25 years, Tom has evolved into a Financial Life Planner. This behavioristic model is especially suited for people who want to focus on family, spirituality, and the freedom to roam and experience life in a context they never imagined. Tom is married to Jan, who recently retired from Duke University Medical Center after serving as Director of Respiratory Care for 39 years. Tom and Jan play outside a lot and enjoy living in the country in Wake Forest. While Jan does her gardening, arts, and crafts Tom plays drums and does various chores on their lot. Motorcycling and boating are also at the top of their activities list.
Disclosure “Advisory services are offered through Lifestyle Freedom Advisory Group, LLC, an investment adviser in the state of FL. Insurance products and services are offered through Lifestyle Freedom Safe Harbor, LLC., an affiliated company. Securities offered through Colorado Financial Services Company, Member FINRA/SIPC. Lifestyle Freedom Advisory Group, LLC and Colorado Financial Services Company are separate entities, independently operated.
Daniel Thomas
Dan Thomas loves making complex issues of finance understandable to a wide range of people. He spent 21 years as a news broadcaster, most recently as the evening anchor for the Fox and CBS affiliate covering North Texas and Southern Oklahoma. Dan has also been an investigative reporter and has even chased a few storms in his day. He brings that tenacity for research and fact gathering to his new role as a Financial Advisor for Provision. Dan is a series 65 fiduciary who grew up working in a small family appliance store. He knows how hard it is to make and (as his Dad would say) more importantly keep a dollar.
Dan, his wife and their two children live in Grayson County, Texas. He enjoys boating with the family and teaching his son and daughter to water ski in between activities at church.
Marvin Thornton
Marvin Thornton of the Enrollment Store, is a licensed Health and Life Insurance agent. Marvin thrives on building relationships and enjoys assisting individuals and families choose the best possible health insurance plan. In addition, Marvin truly enjoys providing Medicare classes and helping Seniors navigate the confusing world of Medicare.
Marvin’s hobbies include gardening as much as is possible in the Texas heat. He loves both playing and watching tennis. He is a member of both the McKinney and Melissa, TX Chambers of Commerce. He has enjoyed volunteering with the Feed My Starving Children organization and the Network of Community Ministries in Richardson, TX.
Murs Tariq, CFP®
Murs Tariq is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a Partner at Peace of Mind Wealth Management. With over a decade of expertise in retirement planning, Murs is dedicated to helping clients pursue their ideal retirement. As an author and co-host of the ‘Secure Your Retirement’ podcast, Murs speaks on investing with risk management, income planning and tax planning for and during retirement.
As a first generation American, Murs was brought up with a different perspective on the value of the dollar and the importance of proper budgeting, saving, and overall financial planning. It is this upbringing that led him to his Finance degree from North Carolina State University and eventually finding his passion in shaping the financial future of others.
Investment Advisory Services provided by POM Investment Strategies, LLC., dba Peace of Mind Wealth Management.
Peter Tychsen
Pete Tychsen, President and Founder of Preservation Financial Group in Tallahassee has been helping local residents plan their retirement since 1987. He is a licensed insurance agent and licensed financial advisor. His practice, which he opened in 1996, focuses on the areas of IRA/401(k) distribution, tax strategies, asset protection, and retirement income planning. Pete offers adult financial education classes regularly, covering a variety of topics. He recognizes the importance of learning the very best ways to protect and preserve what people have worked hard to save.
Pete lives in the Tallahassee area with his wife, LeAnne, and they have five children: Andrew, Anna, Arden, Christopher, and Sarah. When not working to help plan the financial future of retirees, he enjoys involvement at his church, fishing, hunting and spending time with his family.
Pete Tychsen is an Investment Advisor Representative of and offers advisory services through Retirement Wealth Advisors, Inc., a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance and other financial products are offered separately through Pete Tychsen D/B/A Preservation Financial Group. Retirement Wealth Advisors, Inc. and Preservation Financial Group are not affiliated companies.
Amanda Vaughn
Amanda Vaughn, managing partner of Vaughn Legacy Group, has worked in the healthcare field for 10 years. Amanda specializes in helping individuals, families, and business owners secure their legacy for themselves and their families. Amanda previously worked in a senior focused healthcare practice where she discovered the need of insurance education. Amanda and her team work to educate their clients and the population on what insurance options they have along with other options such as safe money retirement. She is passionate about helping all understand what insurance they currently have. Amanda works to assess her client’s needs to see if their current insurance is meeting all of their standards.
Amanda graduated from Anderson University with a Bachelor’s degree in biology. She then received her Master’s degree from Louisiana State University in Health Administration. Amanda lives in Greenville, South Carolina with her husband, Cody, and son.
Joy Vidheecharoen
Joy Vidheecharoen of the Enrollment Store is uniquely qualified to provide Medicare education. As a registered pharmacist of over two decades, Joy specialized in serving underserved communities and the elderly throughout her career. As a healthcare provider, Joy brings a level of knowledge to those she assists from both the provider and patient’s point of view. Education has long been a part of Joy’s professional life, having taught at Richland College in the Pharmacy Technician program for eight years.
Joy was born and raised in St Louis, MO and attended the St Louis College of Pharmacy. She moved to Dallas in 1995 after graduating with a B.S. Pharmacy. In her spare time, Joy and her husband volunteer with various animal rescue organizations to help end feral cat overpopulation in Dallas.
Jeff Viveros
Jeffrey M. Viveros is the President of Strategic Financial Services and has been helping people become educated on their financial options for over 32 years. To forward his mission of bringing education and knowledge to American retirees and pre-retirees, Jeff was involved with his brother in founding Educators Financial Services and Safe Harbor Financial. Jeff and his brother Eric have also spent over 2 decades working with teachers to help them navigate through the maze of financial options that are available to them. Because teachers are important to the future of our country, by educating our future leaders, Jeff has a passion about helping them maximize the opportunities available to them. Due to years of training and education in his profession, as well as the coveted training and title as an Ed Slott Master IRA Advisor, Jeff takes an educational approach with everyone he works with.
As someone who considers himself a consumer advocate, Jeff knows that retirement should be a rewarding time to spend doing what you enjoy with family or friends. But for many it can be confusing and worrisome not knowing if you will have enough money to make it through retirement. Jeff approaches each conversation and meeting through an educational method. He assumes nothing and addresses each person’s needs and goals as unique to them.
Jeff does community outreach educational programs with local colleges to help people understand retirement planning as well as educational workshops to let people know about various options that are available to them to maximize their social security benefits. Jeff’s personal policy is to consider each person or family he works with as part of his family and he treats them accordingly.
On a personal note, Jeff is a Christian and his donations go to his Church and the schools he is involved with. When Jeff is not working with clients or delivering educational workshops, he is spending time with his lovely wife and daughter. He has a strong family of 3 brothers and a courageous mother whom he is very fond of.
Barbara Walker
With over 18 years of experience in the financial services industry, Barbara Walker-Green, of BLG Financial and Insurance Services, possesses not only the ability, but the passion to place the best interest of her clients above her own. Specializing in retirement, estate planning, investment advisory services, and strategic financial planning, she provides state-of-the-art financial services to hundreds of organizations, families, and individuals. Her expertise has helped clients place themselves at their optimum financial position without compromising their immediate cash needs. Coupled with her unparalleled expertise is a genuine concern for providing superior service, long-term financial security, and ultimate success. Barbara recognizes that financial education is a key component to ensuring that those ‘golden years’ are truly golden.
Barbara’s holds a Doctorate in Business Management, a master’s degree in Finance, is an Investment Advisor Representative. Dr. Walker-Green has been featured in industry and public publications such as Black Enterprise Magazine, Forbes, and graced the cover of Senior Market Advisor Magazine.
Advanced Wealth and Retirement Planning Concepts is a financial planning and investment advisory firm committed to providing financial strategies and planning services to optimize wealth and ensure the proper transfer of wealth for generations to come. Through comprehensive financial reviews, asset protection strategies, investment advisory services, retirement planning, estate conservation, and insurance and annuity advising, they strive to bring wholeness to your financial life and give you peace of mind knowing you have financial security. Their ultimate goal is to work with you and for you to develop customized strategies and road maps to suit your ultimate financial vision.
Investment Advisory Services offered through TLG Advisors, Inc. Registered Investment Advisor.
Daniel P. Weisenbach
Daniel P. Weisenbach is an independent financial specialist with more than 35 years of experience, insight and wisdom, dedicated to investment, retirement, tax and estate planning strategies.
Dan helps clients using safe, proven, time tested tax saving ideas and unique “risk-controlled” investment strategies designed to create, preserve, and maximize assets, income, prosperity, and legacy.
Dan started in the financial industry in 1982. In 2006 he decided to take 20 plus years of corporate and industry knowledge and share it with his clients becoming a Registered Investment Advisor in 2009. In 2017 Dan started DPW Financial, LLC.
Dan has continued to “pay it forward” by teaching financial educational classes helping individuals learn what they can do, so they can know what they should do.
Investment advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AE Wealth Management). AE Wealth Management and DPW Financial, LLC are not affiliated companies.
Timothy Whisler – CRPC®, CLTC®
Tim Whisler, CRPC®, CLTC®, President and Founder of The Whisler Agency has been serving clients full-time since March 2004. His focus is to help people avoid taking unnecessary risks in retirement. He provides information and shares resources to help people make informed and educated decisions for their retirement income planning.
Tim holds the designations of Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, Certification for Long-Term Care, and Certified Financial Fiduciary®. Honoring these codes of conduct holds him at the highest standards of professionalism while he serves clients with a fiduciary responsibility.
He is currently a member of the Elite IRA Advisor Group with Ed Slott & Company. Being a member of this group requires the completion of requisite training, attending semiannual workshops, and passing mandatory exams. Tim shares current, cutting-edge IRA information in service to his clients and clients’ families.
He shares additional content on his podcast “Whisler While You Retire.”
Tim and his wife Ronda are lifelong Central Illinois residents. They make their home in Morton Illinois along with their two sons. In addition to being a wonderful wife and mother, Ronda serves the community as a registered nurse.
Investment advisory and financial planning services offered through Simplicity Wealth, LLC, a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Subadvisory services are provided by Simplicity Solutions, LLC, a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance, Consulting, and Education services offered through The Whisler Agency. The Whisler Agency is a separate and unaffiliated entity from Simplicity Wealth and Simplicity Solutions.
Ashlyn White
Ashlyn White of NexGen Insurance is a natural with Medicare solutions. Coming from an insurance family, she has the ‘natural knowledge’ that comes from growing up in the business. A true advocate for those she works with, Ashlyn is tireless in finding the perfect fit for everyone’s Medicare and Insurance needs.
Ashlyn is a native of Madison, IN and is the proud dog mom of Doc.
Dan White, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP®
Dan White is a Financial Specialist in the tri-state area who focuses his practice on income and transitional planning. As a highly regarded professional in the industry, Dan has been published both nationally and locally. Nationally, you can find him in Fox Business News, Forbes, CNN Money, U.S. News & World Report, Market Watch from Dow Jones, Wall Street Journal, Philadelphia Business Journal, The Delaware County Daily Times, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. Locally, he is known as an expert financial contributor in Kennett Square Neighbors, Garnet Valley Living, Middletown Neighbors, Chadds Ford Neighbors, and East Bradford Neighbors magazines.
In addition, Dan hosts a weekly radio show on WDEL (101.7 FM / 1150 AM) every Sunday morning at 7am called “On the Money”. He can also be heard on the WDEL Rick Jensen show, on Wednesday afternoons, with the “Dan White Retirement Tip of the Day”.
Dan was born and raised in Delaware County, only separating during his college years at State College. Dan and his wife Cindy have been married over 38 years. They have four children: Jessica, Justin, Dylan, and Zachary. Dan is an active member of his church, and a very passionate sports fan! In his spare time, when he isn’t riding his motorcycle through Chester County, you can find him at a Phillies Baseball Game or Penn State University cheering on the Nittany Lions. Dan and his family also enjoy spending their summers at their beach house in Ocean City, New Jersey.
Wayne Wilson
Wayne Wilson of Wilson Financial has over 20 years of experience in the financial industry. He developed his business by maintaining close trusting relationships with his clients, providing straight answers, and always looking out for their best interest. His mission is to help people grow, protect, and preserve their life savings, while planning for secure, stable & sustainable retirement income that cannot be outlived.
Wayne is a true believer in the power of education, recognizing that people have questions regarding their retirement! His classes provide answers to help ensure that those ‘golden years’ truly are golden.
Wayne and his wife Ashley live in Thomson, Georgia, and are blessed with 6 wonderful daughters. Wayne is a longtime softball coach and mentor to young athletes and donates his time extensively to the Briarwood Academy sports programs.
William Wilson
William (Bill) Wilson, President and Founder of Wilson Financial Group, celebrated his 40th year in the financial services industry. As an advisor, Bill believes that whether an individual is a “do-it-yourselfer” or has a financial advisor, their money is simply too important to NOT take the time to see if there are better ways to accomplish their financial goals.
Providing financial education classes enables Bill to share concrete information and strategies that enable those approaching, or already in retirement, to create the retirement they truly deserve.
Bill is a member of the National Ethics Association, a member of the Business Consumer Alliance in CA and the Better Business Bureau. His business ethics have earned him an AAA rating with Business Consumer Alliance and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, the highest in BBB’s ratings.
Prior to becoming a financial advisor, Bill served as a member of the United States Army Parachute Team “The Golden Knights” stationed in Fort Bragg, NC.
Andrew Wood, RICP®
Andrew Wood joined Daniel A. White & Associates, LLC in 2016. He co-operates Dan White’s second office in Middletown, Delaware along with Dan Simon. Andrew and Dan Simon grew up next door to one another in Glen Mills, PA, and since then have remained life-long friends.
Andrew possesses a wealth of knowledge in a wide range of financial products including mutual funds, annuities, life insurance, and ETFs. Over the years, Andrew has assisted and educated other Financial Professionals across the country in creating financial plans that meet the specific and unique needs of their clients. He has in-depth knowledge of Social Security filing strategies, and has presented at a multitude of educational seminars. Andrew is passionate about helping retirees and pre-retirees create financial goals and individualized plans for their retirement.
Andrew holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Economics from Ursinus College. He earned his Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) from The American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Andrew is also an Investment Advisor Representative and offers Investment Advisory Services through CoreCap Advisors, LLC.
Andrew and his wife, Katy, reside in Wilmington, Delaware. He is a Philadelphia Eagles fan, loves the outdoors, and golfing with friends. Andrew and Katy enjoy vacationing in the beautiful lakes of Maine, as well as spending time at the beach in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina where his parents reside. In September of 2019 they welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Mackenzie Grace, into the world.
Advisory services offered by CoreCap Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. CoreCap and Daniel A. White & Associates are separate & unaffiliated entities.
Brett A. Wood
Brett Wood of TBS Retirement Planning grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma but moved to Texas after his first round of college. Brett has been in practice since 2004 and specializes in tax-advantaged saving strategies and tax-efficient retirement income planning. In other words – making sure you keep your money and that your retirement is everything you want it to be. Brett enjoys providing adult financial education classes, recognizing that knowledge is power!
Brett earned a BBA-Finance with a concentration in personal Financial Planning from the University of North Texas. He also earned an advanced certificate in Financial Planning from Kaplan University.
Brett lives in Highland Village with his wife, two sons, and their pets. He enjoys doing home improvement projects with his family, outdoor living, and activities with his sons’ Boy Scout Troop.
Carolyn Zalta
Carolyn Zalta of the Enrollment Store brings her health and life insurance expertise from personal experiences, having purchased and managed both health and life insurance policies throughout her family life with her husband and children. Having children with special needs has gifted her with the ability to maneuver state and local systems offering resources for children and adults with disabilities, both in medical and mental health fields. As a Medicare expert and an Affordable Care Act (ACA, also known as Obamacare) specialist she educates, researches and enrolls clients in appropriate best-fit policies for each individual client. Carolyn thoroughly enjoys her insurance career takes full-service care of her clients.
As a Subject Matter Expert on Dual Eligibles (those utilizing both Medicare and Medicaid), Carolyn has extensive experience working with LIDDA organizations across Texas and assisting Group Home Managers and Authorized Representatives attain insurance policies that best benefit their residents’ needs. With a working knowledge of Texas Waiver Programs, Carolyn can assist in getting the best benefit possible.