Outside of work, I’m a big foodie, so I love going out to local restaurants and bars. I also enjoy my Harley Davidson Fat Boy that I’ve been riding had since 2006. I appreciate all the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, concerts (mainly rock and country), shooting sports, and snowboarding when I can find time.

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I am from the little town of Homer about 30 miles south of Syracuse. I have a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in finance from UB. The sole reason I chose UB and moved to Buffalo is because I am a die-hard Bills fan!

When I’m not dispelling many of the financial misconceptions people have, I enjoy golfing, vacationing with my wife, and playing with my dogs. I was born in Illion, NY and raised for most on my life in Greece, NY. I love the relatively short commutes wherever traveling in Rochester, where people enjoy a lower cost of living over other major cities.

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I’ve been married 13 years. My wife is a Speech Language Pathologist and I’m very proud of the work she does and the difference she makes.

What I do goes far beyond investing and Insurance work. It’s looking at the whole picture and filling in all the gaps in-between that makes the real difference. It’s great being part of the “ah-ha moment” when someone really sees the solution that I am able to provide. Knowing that they have a better understanding of their situation and their options and that their minds are set at ease is very gratifying.

During my off hours, I love spending time with my family, cooking, playing music, tennis, and golf. This is where I find the work-life balance that helps me be my best.

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Been in financial planning for seven years. I live in Victor where my wife and I grew up. Have spent time as a professional musician. Spent the last five years volunteering with at-risk youth in Rochester.

You never know what's going to give you the wake up call that you're an adult and need to get smart about money (for me, it was buying a toaster for the first time!), so I'm ready to educate people, no matter where they are in the process.

Like lots of people my age, I’m pretty busy outside of work—from holding a Tae Kwon Do black belt to holding office as president of the Western New York Charter Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association—so I get that it can be hard to make the time to talk about money. But I think once millennials start learning more, they’ll see it’s well worth it.

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Chef and entertainer at heart. North Buffalo runner. Believer in living for today and planning for tomorrow.

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Personal Finance Fundamentals

WEDNESDAY / AUG 11

Online Class | 6:00PM - 7:00PM EST

Sarah

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Females and Finance

TUESDAY / AUG 17

Online Class | 6:00PM - 7:00PM EST

Sarah

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One of the best parts of my gig? Helping people everyday at all different stages of their life gain control, set goals, and make plans to better their personal and financial futures. It's never too early, or for that matter too late to start... Your future self will thank you!

I grew up in Amherst with a big (crazy) family, but we're as close as they come. If I'm not following my brother's hockey career, my sister's college softball team, or hanging out with the rest of my family, you can be sure to find me out and about enjoying everything Buffalo has to offer!

I currently call North Buffalo home with my wife Jacqueline, but have lived in just about every great neighborhood in the city!

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Sports analysts in another life... Still waiting for ESPN's phone call. All things hockey junkie. Chipotle addict. Movie and binge television watching enthusiast.

But this is much more than a job to me. Building relationships and making new friends are the most rewarding aspects of being in this career. It does get personal. Often, when working through a financial crisis with a client, I tend to feel their pain. But the successes are great, too. Building a firm that will live long after I’ve retired (hopefully to Aruba) inspires me.

Outside of work, if I’m not enjoying an outdoor music concert, I’m content just hanging out at home.

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I am fiercely dependable and loyal. Wanted to be a nurse when I was ten. Was very shy when I graduated college. Mary Cariola Children’s Center is a cause I care about.

Unfortunately, people generally misunderstand the work we do as financial advisors. Our business addresses the financial needs of individuals whether they live a long time, die prematurely, or become disabled. Most of the time, I help my clients come up with solutions that fit their situation during uncertain times. Luckily, my work at The Establishment clarifies our purpose.

In my free time, I am active in my church and I love traveling. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a trip overseas, it’s nice to know there is a world beyond my four walls!

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Born and raised in Amherst, NY. A diehard hard Bills and Sabres fan. Can do 100 pushups. Gives annually to Catholic Charities.

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A Guide to Retirement Planning

WEDNESDAY / AUG 25

Online Class | 6:00PM - 7:00PM EST

Tim

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I’ve gained profound perspective from helping a client plan for a year so she could fulfill her dream of traveling the country, then seeing her extend that dream into a lifestyle. Seeing a client freed to focus solely on his health and recovery from cancer, while knowing that his wife was going to be okay financially.

In an earlier career, I was in special education; we’ve stayed connected through the Special Olympics. I’m a board member, and we focus family time and resources with the Polar Plunge—our four kids and I fundraise for this great cause.

Growing up in Rushville, NY (a small farm town south of Rochester), I learned the value of hard work early—I’d leave high school mid-day to feed, bed and milk cows.

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Today, we live near Canandaigua Lake; it’s essential for us to be near water and great hiking trails. We’re even planning our next move, a little deeper into the woods. We’re excited to expand our space and give our retriever/husky mix, Kevin, more animals to play with.

Over a decade later, I still enjoy seeing my clients and team reach and exceed their goals. I feel rewarded knowing I was there to coach them along their way to success.

Outside of work, I love to cook and build/fix things. Remodeling and fine woodworking is another passion of mine, which I did professionally. I can build custom doors and moldings in my own shop. Beyond that, I like spending time with my family and attending my kids’ sporting events.

Originally from Walworth, I live in the Rochester area simply because everything is 20 minutes away and my family is here.

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Past president for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Been on the board for six years.

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Parents and Money

THURSDAY / JUL 29

Online Class | 6:00PM - 7:00PM EST

Jim

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A lot of people think that financial professionals are motivated by money – most of us truly love helping others succeed. I am passionate about helping people solve their financial issues. For example, it gave me tremendous joy when I was able to help a client avoid foreclosure on her home.

I am especially passionate about helping women with their money questions and concerns; I founded a Rochester–based group called EVOLVE. We offer fun, quarterly educational workshops and events.

I was born and raised in Rochester, and I love living in the nearby town of Perinton, NY, where I spend time with family; we frequently work out together and are big travelers, exploring the US and the Caribbean.

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Coffee is my go-to beverage; caffeine and I are old friends. If I weren’t a financial professional, I’d be a motivational speaker and trainer. I recommend that everyone read Gabrielle Bernstein’s “The Universe Has Your Back.” It really resonates with my philosophy.

My family life was spent growing up in Hamburg, surrounded by friends I’ve known since playing Little League baseball, spending days at the beach, and passing nights playing our favorite Pearl Jam songs. It was a great place to make years full of memorable moments, ones I still carry with me every day.

Now, I have a family of my own. Settled in Clarence, we all like to get out and be a part of things, together. Whether out to a local concert, community event or farmers’ market, it’s great to make new memories with my wife and kids, all while feeling the same connectiveness that makes Western New York such a special place.

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Problematic Sabres fan, and discriminating chicken wing connoisseur. I’m a board member of Amherst High School Academies and Board Member/President of National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors - New York State.

I didn't start out in the financial planning field. My undergraduate degree is in hospitality. Right after undergrad, I moved to Aspen, Colorado. For a year I spent my days working and skiing. I returned to good ol' Buffalo to get my MBA.

Buffalo is amazing because of the culture. When I am out of town and meet someone who is also from my home town the connection is instant. The sense of community is what I appreciate most about this city. We're all on the same team.

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Lover of golf and all things sports. IPA enthusiast. Set out to treat everyone with respect, courtesy and empathy.

I've always been interested in finance and I've found that I really enjoying teaching and helping people see just how attainable financial success can be once you learn how it works. This profession is the perfect combination. My favorite moments are always watching the lightbulb go off in newer clients when they realize the potential in front of them.

I believe it's important to provide mentorship and positive role models to children and teenagers. Lots of people grow up believing that their potential is much more limited than it really is.

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Proud Buffalo born and raised. I am a varsity wrestling coach at St. Francis High School and a trustee on the school's Alumni Board. Recently moved to Hamburg and love having Lake Erie so close. I'd spend every day on the lake if I could.

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Buying Your First Home

WEDNESDAY / JUL 28

Online Class | 6:00PM - 7:00PM EST

Mike

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Unlike most of the educators at The Establishment, I am based out of Rochester, New York and I am stoked to help take this program “on the road” to educate individuals here in our community.

What do I love most about my job? Getting to build relationship with all sorts of people from different walks of life and helping them get a handle on their financial future.

I am proud to call Rochester home where I live with my wife Jen and our daughter, Francesca.

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Adventure seeker and self-proclaimed bourbon snob. Find me in summer enjoying some down time in the beautiful Finger Lakes.

There are strategies out there that work for everyone—and by acquainting yourself with all the information and resources available out there, you can figure out the right tools for your particular situation, financial or otherwise.

Even though I've been all over the world (and even lived abroad), I'm thrilled to call Western New York home—especially West Seneca, where I live with my wife Gina and our sons, Ray and Frankie.

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‘90s hip hop aficionado. Accomplished artist and poet in my spare time. Committed to anticipating what can go wrong so I can take advantage of what can go right.

It’s hard to consider your financial future now when you think time is on your side. But, there is no better time than now to get serious about your money. The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that the work that I do makes a dramatic impact on the lives of others.

This career keeps me busy; no two days are ever alike. In my free time I am actively involved with the Alzheimer’s Association here in Buffalo. I am an avid golfer, bowler, and Bills fan. In Western New York those are all seasonal things, so it tends to keep me busy all year round!

I am happy to call Williamsville home with my wife Jackie and our son, Jude who we recently welcomed into the world. Seeing the resurgence in the city, and the pride of my fellow Buffalonians has been an amazing experience. Buffalo is everything I could want from a city and more!

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Find me relaxing after a round of golf with a Vodka Gimlet. Committed to helping people plan for the future they want.

book a class with derek

Investing 101

THURSDAY / AUG 19

Online Class | 6:00PM - 7:00PM EST

Derek

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