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 Mattiello is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In his role, he helps successful individuals, families, and business owners make informed financial decisions that support their long-term goals. His expertise includes investment management, personalized financial planning, retirement and income strategies, business owner solutions, tax-efficient planning, and legacy and estate planning support. Michael's approach integrates customized portfolio construction, retirement and estate planning strategies, risk management, and multigenerational wealth planning. He collaborates closely with specialists across Merrill Lynch to provide clients with comprehensive resources and personalized advisory care. His professional designations include CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA), and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA). He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Ithaca College. Outside of his professional work, Michael participates in community volunteering and enjoys personal interests such as baseball, drawing, hunting, music, reading, singing, skiing, spending time with his family, traveling, and writing.

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.

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.

Louis Gorini is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In his role, he works directly with clients to define their financial goals and develop personalized portfolio strategies aimed at achieving those objectives. He provides ongoing advice to help clients adapt their investment plans as their personal circumstances evolve. Louis brings a focus on managing diverse financial priorities, including saving for education, purchasing homes, and planning for healthcare needs. He holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned a Bachelor's Degree from Seton Hall University.

Valbona Capri is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management specializing in tailored financial planning for women, professional athletes, entertainers, and non-profit organizations. She focuses on delivering personalized strategies that support financial growth, security, and long-term success. Valbona’s expertise includes family wealth management, philanthropic planning, small business strategies, socially responsible and ESG investing, tax minimization, and addressing the unique financial challenges of clients in sports and entertainment industries. Valbona holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from St. John’s University and has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification, the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™) designation, the Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ (SE-AWMA™) certification, and the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) credential. She serves as the recruitment chair for the Merrill Women’s Exchange and participates actively in various professional and community organizations, including the NexGen Leadership Council and the National Association of Women Business Owners. Valbona contributes to financial literacy initiatives through mentoring women entrepreneurs, guest lecturing at Rutgers University, and volunteering with the Girl Scouts financial literacy programs. Residing in Manalapan, New Jersey, with her husband and three daughters, Valbona maintains an active lifestyle that includes endurance sports, golf, hiking, and marathon running. She is committed to advancing financial clarity and confidence for her clients while supporting community causes such as the Cherie Blair Foundation, FulFill Food Bank, and the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore.