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.

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.

Amira Ibrahim is a Financial Solutions Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In this role, she focuses on understanding clients’ priorities and developing strategies to help them pursue their short-, mid-, and long-term financial goals. Her services include assistance with general investing, retirement planning, and preparing for unforeseen financial needs. Amira also provides clients access to Bank of America specialists for banking, credit, home financing, and small business solutions. Amira holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Illinois System and has earned professional designations including Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). She is fluent in English and Arabic. Outside of her professional work, Amira is involved with the community organization Feed My Starving Children.

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 with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. With more than 20 years of experience in financial services, he brings extensive expertise in family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, liquidity management, portfolio management, individual and corporate investment strategy, tax minimization, and retirement income planning. His approach centers on understanding clients' values and goals through personalized conversations, ensuring tailored strategies that support their financial and life priorities. Throughout his career, James has worked closely with business owners and real estate investors, leveraging his knowledge to develop wealth plans that consider the impact of closely-held companies on clients' balance sheets. He collaborates with teams across Commercial Banking, Private Banking, and Wealth Planning to provide comprehensive solutions, including M&A advisory and customized financing strategies for direct real estate investing. Prior to his current role, he served as a Wealth Management Private Banker with Wells Fargo Private Bank. James earned his degree from Montclair State University and holds professional designations including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA). Outside of work, he enjoys baseball, basketball, chess, football, golfing, running, and spending time with his family.

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.