Ian Cerminara, CFP®

Financial Advisor

What do you think are the most important steps people can take to improve their financial well-being?

There are several key steps that individuals can take to enhance their financial well-being. First, establish a cash reserve or emergency fund if you haven't already. Determine an amount of cash savings that will give you peace of mind and start saving towards that goal, even if it's $25 or $50 per month.

Second, think about your short-term goals. What is your top financial priority over the next 12 to 18 months? It could be creating your emergency fund, paying down debt, saving for a vacation, or something else entirely.

Finally, set your long-term goals and objectives. Maybe you'd like to fully pay for your kid's college, buy a vacation home, or retire by age 60. Perhaps you'd like to do all three! No matter what your goals are, setting them early gives you something to work towards and makes planning for them much easier!

What are some important things to consider when choosing a financial advisor?

There are many important considerations when choosing a financial advisor, but I think trust is still at the top of the list. The advisor and their firm should have a long history of providing exceptional client service and prioritizing their clients' needs. Additionally, I believe that transparency goes hand in hand with being able to trust your advisor. It's important to understand how the advisor is compensated. Are they presenting you with low-cost options, or are they recommending products with high commissions or sales charges? Knowing what you're paying and how the advisor makes their money can go a long way towards building a successful working relationship.

How do you like to spend time outside of the office?

Most of my time outside of the office is spent on family activities! Our kids are into a wide range of activities, including swimming, gymnastics, softball, and ice skating. We also love amusement parks, so there are many weekends where you can find us at Kennywood or Idlewild, with vacations to Disney World and Universal Studios mixed in as well.