Santino Funaro

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.

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.

Christopher Holloway is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In his role, he focuses on helping clients develop personalized financial plans that address individual goals such as funding education, planning for retirement, and managing long-term family objectives. He aims to provide clarity and transparency in wealth planning and investment management. Christopher holds a Bachelor's Degree from Salve Regina University and has earned professional designations including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). His expertise encompasses portfolio advisory and senior financial advisory responsibilities. He is actively involved in his community and professional organizations, serving on advisory boards such as Catholic Charities of SE CT and Junior Achievement of CT, as well as youth sports boards including East Lyme Babe Ruth Baseball and Old Lyme Little League Baseball. Christopher also contributes as a manager and coach in youth baseball and soccer and volunteers with organizations such as the Salvation Army and the Lyman Allyn Museum.

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.