John Williams

With over 18 years of experience in financial planning, estate management, and investment advisory services, I founded Vineyard Wealth Group to help families, individuals, and non-profits navigate their financial journeys with confidence. My approach combines personalized planning, trusted advice, and innovative strategies tailored to each client’s unique goals and values, with a particular emphasis on Social Security analysis and decision-making as a cornerstone of financial success. Prior to starting Vineyard Wealth Group, I spent nearly 14 years at Charles Schwab, managing a $15 billion complex with over 30 employees, and served as a Senior Financial Advisor at Martha's Vineyard Investment Advisors. These experiences honed my ability to deliver comprehensive and collaborative wealth management solutions. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, I bring advanced expertise in asset management, estate planning, tax strategies, and Social Security planning, along with credentials as an Accredited Asset Management Specialist® and Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor®. My Six Sigma Black Belt certification further reflects my commitment to efficiency and excellence in service delivery. Beyond the numbers, I’m deeply invested in my community. I serve on the board of the Martha’s Vineyard YMCA, actively support local initiatives, and completed the 2023 Boston Marathon, raising over $8,000 for the Doug Flutie Jr. Autism Foundation. Let’s connect and explore how I can help you achieve financial clarity, optimize your Social Security decisions, and enjoy lasting peace of mind.

At Pier 42 Advisors, we understand that successful wealth planning is about more than just plugging numbers into a formula and generating a generic plan. Instead, it’s about taking the time to understand your specific needs and the “why” behind your motivations. Our goal is to serve as your trusted partner by working alongside you to incorporate your values, emotions, concerns and motivations into a tailored financial plan to guide your actions. By focusing primarily on building relationships, trust and understanding, we are better able to help you achieve your version of financial success, whatever that may be.

I grew up watching my parents pour everything they had into building small businesses from the ground up. Their work ethic was unmatched. But despite all their success, true financial security always seemed just out of reach. The missing piece? A cohesive plan to tie it all together. That stuck with me. It’s why I chose this path - to help people like my parents turn years of hard work into lasting peace of mind. It’s work that’s deeply meaningful to me, and one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I partner with clients to turn complex financial questions into clear, actionable strategies—especially around retirement timing, income planning, and tax efficiency. The goal isn’t just to create a plan, but to help you make confident decisions at every stage of life. Whether you are mid-career, nearing retirement, or just looking for a clearer path forward, I offer calm, objective guidance to help you move ahead with confidence. I especially enjoy working with Gen X professionals who are feeling the pressure of catching up—and are ready to take action. If you’re motivated to close the gap and build a secure, flexible future, we’re probably a strong fit.