Michael Frontera CFP®, RICP®, ChFC®
Why I Specialize in Retirement Planning
My initial inclination after graduating college was to follow my degree and become a computer programmer or math teacher. My dad ran a financial planning firm at the time and encouraged me to become a planner. He said something to the effect of “You’re really good with numbers and you’ve got a great personality! You’ll do great!” He was (and is) always very positive. I wasn’t 100% sure but with my ego boosted, courtesy of my dad, I decided to give it a shot!
Well, I learned very quickly how interesting and inspiring this line of work was. Much more so than writing and debugging computer code! Getting to connect with real people and helping them understand and plan their financial lives was incredibly rewarding!
During those early days, I found that helping my clients manage their retirement was a particularly gratifying aspect of what I did. 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. Being comfortable with technology and mathematics doesn’t hurt either!
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.
Along the way, I have earned the following designations:
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.
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 also 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.
I’ve volunteered with the local Alzheimer’s Association chapter, Make-a-Wish Foundation, and I serve as President of the Financial Planning Association of Northeastern NY. In my down time, I enjoy reading, trying new restaurants, and spending time with my family.
Michael is a Series 7 Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative of Equity-Services, Inc. and offers securities in CA, CO, FL, GA, HI, MA, ME, NC, NY, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, and VT. He is also insurance-licensed in FL, HI, MA, ME, NC, NY, PA, TN, VA and VT.