I formed JSFA because I found it nearly impossible to do the right thing for clients when there is a complex corporate structure (and sales pressure) telling me what to do/not to do for clients. Let me be your guide to establishing a financial life plan that allows you to live life looking forward without fear. I do my best work with: • Recent (or soon to be) widow or widower. • Couples within 5 years (before or after) of retirement. • Total assets (excluding primary residence) of at least $1,000,000. • Your spouse handled all the money decisions; and now you need a guide to help you evaluate & prioritize financial decisions. • You need/want a thinking partner to help you clarify & organize your financial life. I do not work for an insurance company or investment firm. It’s just me and you. In fact, I will put in writing that I am a fiduciary and will put your interests first. I charge a fixed, flat fee for financial planning and investment management which is very different from most others in the financial business. Although I’m normally near the beach in Eastern Monmouth County, New Jersey or on a ski slope in Vermont, I can work remotely with clients regardless of geographic location.

Joseph Vecchio is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and has dedicated his professional life to the finance and accounting professions. Joe started his career in public accounting where he established a solid accounting foundation. As a full-time professional trader, he has cemented his belief in the efficient market theory and the futility behind stock-picking strategies. He has strategically forecasted and adapted to tremendous regulatory, technological and competitive pressures on a pro-active level to achieve a competitive advantage for over two decades. Joe was introduced to fee-only, tax-focused comprehensive financial planning in 2000 when he retained a fee-only financial planner for his personal finances. Joseph was enlightened by the value that it brought to his financial and personal well-being. His experience as a tax professional, financial market expert and small businessman has inspired him to serve as your personal financial bodyguard against threats, debts and the IRS. Joseph holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Montclair State University. Joseph graduated Magna Cum Laude, Omicron Delta Epsilon-The International Honor Society for Economics, and Beta Gamma Sigma-The International Business Honor Society honors. On the football field, Joseph was a two-year captain for the Muhlenberg College Football Team, as well as a two year All-American football player. Joe resides in Monmouth Beach, NJ with his wonderful wife Colleen, three beautiful girls Grace, Morgan, and Riley, and three loving dogs. He enjoys striper fishing, Texas Hold-Em, college football, and caring for his saltwater reef aquarium and koi pond.

John Nelson is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He focuses on serving the wealth management needs of successful entrepreneurs and medical professionals and their families. John works closely with this select clientele to personally understand their financial goals and assist them in making work optional while preserving their lifestyle for future generations. He also helps clients navigate various financial transitions and has a special interest in supporting veterans and those in the medical profession. John has been in the financial services industry since 1985 and joined Merrill Lynch in 2011. His experience includes nearly two decades in senior leadership roles involving branch management, supervision of billions in client assets, and coaching financial advisors to improve client service. This extensive background has enabled him to develop a defined consulting process to help clients make informed financial decisions. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Franklin & Marshall College and several professional certifications, including Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA), Certified 401(k) Professional (CKP), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). Outside of work, John is involved in community organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America Jersey Shore Council and the Night Stalkers Foundation, and participates in philanthropic efforts supporting military families, medical research, and community aid.

Scott Pinheiro is a Senior Consultant with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing extensive experience to his role since joining the firm in 2015. He has been involved in the financial services industry since 1979. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Thomas Edison State University and professional designations including Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) from the American College of Financial Services. Scott specializes in working with executives and retirees from major banks and insurance companies, managing client accounts typically ranging from $500,000 to $5,000,000. His expertise encompasses a disciplined financial process tailored to clients’ unique situations, including college education planning, family wealth management, retirement income, tax minimization, and socially responsible investing. As a Senior Portfolio Advisor, he also builds and manages customized investment strategies utilizing Merrill model portfolios and third-party investments. In addition to his professional work, Scott is committed to community involvement through his participation with the local Optimist Club. He resides near Princeton, New Jersey with his wife of 40 years and their Yorkshire terrier. Personal interests include cooking, fishing, golfing, reading, and traveling.

David Lowenthal is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He brings over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, working with high net-worth individuals, foundations, endowments, and family offices. David focuses on global asset management with an emphasis on real and after-tax growth, wealth transfer strategies, and risk management. He collaborates with clients and their trusts, estates, and tax planning professionals to develop comprehensive retirement, estate, and philanthropic plans. David's approach integrates behavioral finance, psychology, and proprietary financial models to provide tailored strategies aligned with clients’ risk tolerance, time horizons, liquidity needs, and investment objectives. He maintains a hands-on role in implementing clients’ financial plans and monitoring ongoing progress, prioritizing trust and personalized service. His work includes estate planning, trusts, retirement planning, real estate, hedge funds, and asset management. David holds a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Rabbinic and Talmudic studies from Beth Medrash Govoah. He is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and communicates fluently in English and Hebrew. He lives in Lakewood, New Jersey, with his wife and six children and is active in local community events.

Michael Remey is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional who specializes in tailoring investment and advanced planning strategies to help clients achieve their life goals and objectives in business and retirement. Michael focuses on clients’ needs throughout both the accumulation and distribution phases of retirement, developing financial strategies that align with their individual circumstances. His areas of expertise include college education planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, philanthropic planning, portfolio management services, small business strategies, individual and corporate investment strategy, and tax minimization. Michael holds a bachelor's degree from Colgate University, where he concentrated in economics and studied abroad in Russia. He also holds the designations Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Outside of his professional work, Michael is involved in his community as a soccer coach with the Middletown Soccer Club. He enjoys golfing, skiing, hiking, ice hockey, running, tennis, and spending time with his family. Michael and his wife, Aimee, live in Rumson, NJ, with their three children.

James Krakowski is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He brings over 20 years of experience in financial services, focusing on a comprehensive approach to managing wealth that begins with understanding each client's goals and values. James specializes in areas such as family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, liquidity management, managing new wealth, portfolio management services, small business strategies, individual and corporate investment strategy, tax minimization, and retirement income. Before his current role, James served as a Vice President and Wealth Management Private Banker at Wells Fargo Private Bank. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Montclair State University and has earned professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA). James emphasizes collaboration with clients to define what matters most as they prepare for various life stages, addressing key life priorities such as family, finances, health, home, leisure, work, and giving. Outside of his professional work, James enjoys baseball, basketball, chess, football, golfing, running, and spending time with his family. He resides in Brielle, New Jersey with his wife and two children.

Patrick Preston is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has developed expertise in creating personalized financial strategies that address the complex needs of individuals, families, and businesses. Patrick emphasizes a client-centered approach, aligning his services with the principle that "the client's needs come first." He collaborates with a team of specialists and coordinates with clients' attorneys and accountants to integrate investment management with tax minimization, wealth transfer, and estate planning. Patrick joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 1991 after earning his bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he was a student-athlete on the men’s soccer team. He was promoted to Resident Director of the Freehold office in recognition of his client commitment and service delivery. Patrick holds professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Residing in Freehold with his three children, Patrick actively contributes to the community through board memberships and volunteer work with organizations such as the YMCA of Western Monmouth, Graeme Preston Foundation for Life, Freehold Soccer League, and the Lake Topanemus Park Commission. His personal interests include gardening, golfing, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Mark Villani is a Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments, a position he has held since 2020. Prior to this role, he worked as a Financial Solutions Advisor at Bank of America-Merrill Lynch from 2011 to 2020. With many years of experience as a financial consultant, Mark focuses on developing financial strategies tailored to his clients' goals and aspirations. He emphasizes the importance of building trust and understanding his clients and their families to support sound financial planning. Outside of his professional work, Mark enjoys board games, concerts, football, outdoor adventures, and spending time with his pets.

Jennifer Noone is a Senior Financial Advisor for The Noone Group at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In her role, she manages client relationships and focuses on client acquisition. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of forming strong relationships with clients based on understanding, clear communication, and mutual respect. She is motivated by a family connection to wealth management and aims to help individuals and their families achieve their financial goals through goals-based wealth management. Jennifer holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship from the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University and a B.A. in Psychology and Mathematics from Syracuse University. She is registered with FINRA Series 7, 63, and 66 and holds a life insurance license. Additionally, she has earned professional designations including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Committed to community involvement, Jennifer volunteers with the American Cancer Society and the Boomer Esiason Foundation. She has chaired and co-chaired fundraising events such as the 2014 and 2015 Monmouth County Cancer Balls and was honored at the American Cancer Society Jersey Shore Golf Classic in 2017. Her interests include boating, fishing, golfing, hiking, music, photography, running, spending time with family, traveling, and yoga.