Matthew Carney

I help small business owners & pre-retirees navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence. My goal is to provide comprehensive, personalized guidance that empowers clients to make smart choices around taxes, retirement, investments, charitable giving, estate planning, and business transitions. My approach is fee-only and education-driven. Clients can work with me through a transparent subscription-based planning model or, when appropriate, traditional investment management. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions—my work is tailored to each client’s income, assets, and life goals. I specialize in helping clients who are in major financial transitions, such as preparing for retirement within 10 years, selling a business, or managing complex taxable accounts. I also work with high-income DIY investors and first-generation wealth builders who want objective advice without the conflicts of interest that come with traditional asset management. What sets me apart is my ability to combine technical expertise with behavioral insight. I help clients uncover the underlying habits and beliefs that may be holding them back, then design strategies to optimize lifetime taxes, plan charitable giving, implement Roth conversion strategies, and build comprehensive estate plans from scratch. I enjoy working with clients who value clarity, long-term planning, and a collaborative partnership. My goal is not to sell products but to provide actionable guidance that gives clients confidence in their financial decisions today and peace of mind for the future. Whether you are a solopreneur, business owner, educator, or high-earning professional, I tailor my services to meet your unique needs and help you achieve financial goals on your terms.

At Always Ready Financial Planning, our mission is to serve those who’ve served—empowering Senior Military Officers, Veterans, and their families to confidently navigate the transition from military to civilian life. Founded by Coast Guard veteran Joseph Brown, our firm is built on 25 years of service, guided by the motto Semper Paratus—“Always Ready.” We understand that financial transitions are deeply personal, especially after a career of selfless service. Inspired by stories of fellow officers facing retirement uncertainty—including homelessness and hardship—Joseph became a Certified Financial Planner® and Military Qualified Financial Planner® to make a difference where it matters most. Our values shape everything we do: • Service Above Self – Your mission becomes ours. • Preparedness as a Promise – We plan ahead, so you’re never caught off guard. • Family First – We align your finances with what matters most. • Focus on What Matters – Tune out the noise, take control of your future. • Money as a Tool, Not a Goal – Let your values lead your financial decisions. We provide comprehensive, values-driven financial planning tailored to your unique journey—whether that means maximizing military benefits, preparing for retirement, or building a lasting legacy. Our process begins with a no-pressure consultation and continues with personalized support every step of the way. Our vision is simple: to be the trusted financial partner for military families transitioning to their next chapter—providing clarity, purpose, and peace of mind, one plan at a time.

Santino Funaro is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, based in the Mystic, Connecticut office. He began his tenure with Merrill Lynch in 2022, bringing four years of experience in the financial services industry from East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Santino specializes in working with families and businesses to develop tailored financial plans that focus on retirement planning, college education planning, and family wealth management strategies. He collaborates closely with clients' accountants, other advisors, and attorneys to coordinate comprehensive financial planning. Santino holds a Bachelor's Degree from Roger Williams University and is a member of professional organizations including Beta Alpha Psi and Beta Gamma Sigma. He also holds the designations of CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Outside of his professional work, Santino enjoys an active and healthy lifestyle, engaging in activities such as basketball, boxing, hiking, and interior decorating. He values spending time with his family and has interests that include music, traveling, watching movies, and writing.

Joseph Mariani is a Senior Resident Director and Managing Director with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He specializes in capital preservation and growth strategies, including wealth-management services, asset allocation, investment selection, options and hedging, and income tax minimization for individuals and business owners. He also focuses on asset management, utilizing top managers worldwide. Joseph has been recognized multiple times on the Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams" and "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" lists as a member of the McBride Mariani Group. Joseph began his career as a Naval Aviator after earning a degree in Political Science from Providence College in 1989. He later earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ designation in 2007 and holds several professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). He is a member of professional organizations such as the VFW and American Legion. He lives in Waterford, Connecticut with his wife and two sons. Joseph participates in community activities including Waterford American Legion Baseball and serves on the Mitchell College Board of Trustees. He follows the Merrill tradition of community involvement and volunteering.

Cynthia Guertin Gileau is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She has been in the financial services industry since 2000, focusing on developing financial strategies for high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses to help them achieve both short- and long-term financial goals. Her areas of expertise include college education planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, women and wealth, and retirement income. Cynthia holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned her Bachelor's Degree from the Florida Institute of Technology. She also completed her high school education at Plainfield High School.