Michael Frontera CFP®, RICP®, ChFC®, EA
Why I Specialize in Retirement Planning
I've always been a numbers guy. As a kid, I'd sit with a calculator, try to find patterns in numbers, and practice adding up numbers in my head for fun! When I went to college, I had no idea what I wanted to do so I majored in math because at least I knew I'd enjoy it.
In 2003 my dad, who ran a financial planning firm at the time, encouraged me to become a financial planner. I learned very quickly how interesting and inspiring this line of work was. It was the perfect way to apply my nerdy love for numbers to help real people solve a very real problem. How to assemble the myriad pieces of a client’s financial puzzle to create a comfortable and secure retirement.
What a gratifying pursuit it has been. I get to help people achieve and live out a goal that they have worked on for 25, 30 or even 40 years! People want the comfort of knowing that they can finally afford to reap what they’ve sowed for all those years. It’s a truly high calling to be able to guide them through that.
I’m motivated every day to improve the financial well-being of my clients during their retirement years. With tax laws constantly in flux, product innovations, and evolving research on planning strategies, you have to stay motivated to keep on the forefront. My motivation comes from an innate desire to always be learning and the dedication I have toward my clients. I have also remained actively involved in planning profession, and have served as President of the Financial Planning Association of Northeastern NY.
My knowledge and experience has continued to focus on all aspects of retirement planning. I strive to put my clients in the best possible position to meet their retirement goals, and to keep them there. I find that a comprehensive retirement plan that addresses all areas of a client’s financial life is the most effective approach.
Retirement planning decisions deserve expert guidance. I have earned the following designations and certifications:
The CFP® mark identifies those individuals who have met the rigorous experience and ethical requirements of the CFP Board, have successfully completed financial planning coursework and have passed the CFP Certification Examination.
The RICP® educational curricula is the most complete and comprehensive program available to professional financial advisors looking to help their clients create sustainable retirement income.
The ChFC® program focuses on the complete financial planning process as an organized way to collect and analyze information on a client's total financial situation.
Enrolled agents are federally licensed tax practitioners with specialization in taxation. Enrolled agent status is the highest credential the IRS awards.
Enrolled agents, like attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs), have unlimited practice rights. This means they are unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle, and which IRS offices they can represent clients before.
While I absolutely love what I do, I of course have other interests. I’m a hiker-- a proud “46-R”, having climbed all 46 of NYS’ high peaks in the Adirondacks. I’m an avid bowler (yes there are still some of us out there) and a golfer. I also like to do things that don’t break a sweat.
My wife Ryann and I love to travel. Put us just about anywhere in New England and we'll be smiling. Especially along the coastline of Southern Maine! Most evenings are low key, spent reading, trying new restaurants, going out for ice cream or just spending time with our family.