Shane Clarke

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.

Jaden Stefanski is a Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments, a position held since 2024. Prior to this role, Jaden advanced through several positions within Fidelity Investments, including Workplace Planning Consultant III, II, and I, as well as Workplace Planning Associate, demonstrating a progressive career within the firm since 2022. In his role, Jaden focuses on collaborating with clients to understand their unique financial needs and goals, developing personalized strategies aimed at pursuing lifetime financial objectives. He holds insurance licenses in Arkansas and California, supporting his professional capacity to serve clients in these states. Outside of his professional work, Jaden enjoys boating, fishing, golf, and skiing.

Robert Guiry is a Planning Consultant with a background in coaching and education, which he integrates into his work with clients. He focuses on educating clients about their options and partnering with them to efficiently work towards their financial goals. Robert aims to build long-lasting, professional relationships that help clients feel confident in their financial plans. His professional experience includes serving as Vice President of Investments at David Lerner Associates from 2021 to 2023, and as a Life Insurance Advisor at Charter Oak Financial from 2019 to 2021. These roles have contributed to his expertise in investment and insurance planning. Outside of his professional work, Robert has interests in the beach, comedy, food, football, movies, and theater.

Christopher Holloway is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He holds the professional designations of Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Christopher's role involves providing financial planning and investment management services tailored to clients' unique goals and priorities. He earned a Bachelor's Degree from Salve Regina University. Christopher has served in various leadership roles, including Senior Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor, and Portfolio Advisor, demonstrating his expertise in wealth management and retirement planning. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Christopher is actively involved in community organizations. He has contributed to the Catholic Charities of SE CT Advisory Board, East Lyme Babe Ruth Baseball Board of Directors, Junior Achievement of CT Advisory Board, Old Lyme Little League Baseball Board of Directors, and the Salvation Army of New London Advisory Board. Additionally, he volunteers as a coach and manager for youth baseball and soccer teams and participates in fundraising and classroom activities with Junior Achievement and the Lyman Allyn Museum.

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.