Derek Pirruccello

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.

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 serves as a Senior Resident Director and Financial Advisor 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 by utilizing top managers globally. His client focus areas include divorce transition planning, executive compensation, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, and small business strategies. Joe graduated from Providence College in 1989 with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. He began his career as a Naval Aviator, flying two different carrier-based aircraft before transitioning to Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In 2007, he earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) designation, and he also holds the CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC) credentials. He has been named to the Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" list multiple times from 2019 through 2025 and is a member of the McBride Mariani Group, which was recognized on the Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams" list. Joe is involved in his community through participation in organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion. He volunteers with the Waterford American Legion Baseball and serves on the Mitchell College Board of Trustees. He resides in Waterford, Connecticut with his wife, Gwen, and their two sons, Joe and Nicholas. His personal interests include baseball, cooking, and skiing.

Nishant Sahoo is a Wealth Management Advisor and Senior Vice President with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He began his financial services career in 2014 and employs a goals-based approach to assist clients in managing their wealth. Nishant focuses on creating comprehensive wealth management strategies tailored to individual needs by actively listening and collaborating with clients, including families and small businesses, to define and implement both short- and long-term objectives. Nishant’s areas of expertise include divorce transition planning, equity compensation services, family wealth management strategies, legacy and philanthropic planning, personal retirement planning, and portfolio management services. He holds a bachelor's degree in Finance and Economics from Fordham University and has earned multiple professional designations, including Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). In addition to his professional work, Nishant is actively involved in his community. He serves as Vice President and EMT for the Stonington Volunteer Ambulance Corps and participates in several local organizations such as the City of Groton Economic Development Commission, the Mystic Lions Club, and the Southeastern Connecticut Cultural Coalition. His personal interests include biking, cooking, running, and spending time with his family.

Wayne Devoe is a Wealth Management Advisor and Senior Vice President at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has been serving clients and their families since 1988, bringing over 30 years of experience to his role. Wayne assists clients in building wealth management strategies tailored to their individual needs, with a focus on comprehensive planning through attentive listening and informed decision-making. His areas of expertise include college education planning, family wealth management strategies, personal retirement planning, and advising women on wealth issues. Wayne holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut and an MBA from the University of Hartford. He has earned professional designations including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP), Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Wayne resides in Old Saybrook with his wife, Patty, and is a father to three grown children. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys biking, hiking, and swimming.