Artem Rusakov

I came to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic when I was 11 years old. As an immigrant, I had to learn two languages: English, and money. I did not learn personal finance concepts at home or in school, so I can relate to professionals who are advancing in their careers as they plan for their futures, yet feel a certain inadequacy around money. Seeing my parents' journey to create a better life for us inspired me to do better, not only for myself, but for others looking to build a better financial future for themselves. I personally observed how much harder it can be for women. My mother had to do very physical jobs her whole life, while also raising 6 kids (me, my brother, and four sisters) and taking care of elderly parents. She also outlived my dad, which further compounded the need for her financial security. I became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional in order to help other First Gen wealth creators like myself pursue their goals. I do my best to keep it simple, so no fancy jargon or investment terms. It’s all about your vision of success and how I can help you on your way to building a better financial future. I look forward to meeting you and learning more about your goals and aspirations. Luis Rosa is an investment advisor representative registered with Savvy Advisors, Inc. (“Savvy”). All investment advisory services offered by Luis Rosa are offered through Savvy. Build a Better Financial Future LLC is an independent marketing brand name used by Luis Rosa for advertising and marketing purposes only. Build a Better Financial Future LLC and Savvy are not related or affiliated. For more information about Savvy, please visit our website. All advisory services are offered through Savvy Advisors, Inc. (“Savvy Advisors”), an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Savvy Wealth Inc. (“Savvy Wealth”) is a technology company and the parent company of Savvy Advisors. Savvy Wealth and Savvy Advisors are often collectively referred to as “Savvy”.

Paul Biafore is the Senior Resident Director at Merrill, where he provides personalized wealth management strategies tailored to clients' individual goals and aspirations. He works closely with clients to develop flexible financial plans that adapt to changing market conditions, offering access to Merrill's investment insights and Bank of America's banking and lending solutions. His client focus areas include college education planning, family wealth management, legacy planning, philanthropic planning, retirement income, and services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits. With a background that includes senior roles in the gaming industry and experience as a college basketball manager, Paul serves a diverse client base that includes C-suite executives, professional and college basketball coaches, retirees, and non-profit organizations. He collaborates with clients' CPAs, estate and tax attorneys to provide comprehensive strategies that address managing risk, creating legacies, and helping clients pursue long-term financial goals. As a qualified Portfolio Manager, he builds and manages customized investment strategies, which may include individual securities, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party strategies, sometimes managing portfolios on a discretionary basis. Paul earned a bachelor's degree in Business Management from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, where he served as Senior Student Manager for the men's basketball team that won the 1990 NCAA Championship. He was honored as the 2011 Lee Business School Alumnus of the Year at UNLV. Additionally, Paul holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations. He supports community organizations such as the National Youth Sports Organization and the UNLV College of Business. Outside of work, his interests include basketball, golfing, music, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Mark Ventresco is a Managing Director and Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has more than 30 years of experience advising business owners, executives, retirees, and multi-generational families on significant financial decisions such as transferring or selling a business, optimizing executive compensation, tax-minimization strategies, and legacy planning. Mark and his team focus on providing a customized and coordinated approach that addresses the complexities of significant wealth, allowing clients to concentrate on their personal and professional priorities. Mark has worked in financial services since 1993 and joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2013. He holds an M.B.A. in business management from Pepperdine University, where his capstone project focused on transition planning for privately held business owners. His professional designations include Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA). He is also a member of the Graziadio Alumni Network and the Pepperdine University Alumni Association. Outside of his professional role, Mark enjoys renovating homes, classic cars, and rock and roll. He and his wife Amy have one daughter, Lauren.

Jose Castruita is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in personalized money management strategies. He focuses on areas such as family wealth management strategies, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, small business strategies, and retirement income. Jose holds a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and completed a non-accredited certificate program at Riverside City College. Fluent in English and Spanish, he emphasizes understanding clients' personal priorities to create financial approaches tailored to their unique goals and life circumstances. Outside of his professional role, Jose enjoys baseball, cooking, golfing, and softball.