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By MIKE REUTHER
The Comprehensive Financial Group offers a wide range of investment, estate, and strategic long-term financial planning for individuals and commercial entities.
Financial Advisor Tim Benner noted that some people may not be aware of everything CFG can provide a client.
"We are more than just investments," he said. "We can do full comprehensive planning. We can evaluate peoples' insurance plans and needs. We can help with Social Security optimization and tax efficient strategies. We work with attorneys and certified public accountants in estate planning."
CFG is located on the second and third floors of the bank at 1720 E. Third St., Williamsport, Pa. 17701, and is one of seven locations across the North Atlantic region.
Curtis Fay, certified financial planner, noted that each of the firm's representatives are trained to offer specialized services.
"We have a lot of people with a lot of experience," Benner added.
Clients come to CFG for help with various needs, including retirement plans, college financing, and general investment needs.
"There is always the opportunity to improve someone's situation," Benner said. "We can be a coordinating point to someone's financial house."
While many people hold jobs and accumulate money, they often don't have their money working for them efficiently.
"We try to point out deficiencies in areas where people may need help," Fay said. "We shed a light on a blind spot."
Every case is different and customizing plans for the individual or business is the key to proper planning.
Initial consultations are complimentary.
From there, CFG's trained consultants can come up with individual plans for people.
"We delve deep into what is important to them," Benner said.
Added Fay: "It's making a plan to go forward."
Once an individual or business becomes a client, CFG keeps in contact often, on an annual basis.
"We can reach out with phone calls, also with emails," Benner said.
Benner said retirement plans probably comprise most of the work CFG does.
"People change jobs and want to know what they do with their 401(K's)," he said.
Benner noted that CFG has access to world class money managers to help clients with any problems that may not be immediately solved.
Benner and Fay agree it's always rewarding to help clients.
"That is the fun part of the business," Fay said. "The cool part of the job is putting the pieces together."
A challenge of their jobs is keeping up to date with all the regulatory measures.
A much different challenge is that of convincing clients to have realistic expectations about their financial or investment goals.
"You have to have a reality speech with them," Benner said. "You have to be honest and truthful."
Often, Benner will find himself working with different generations of the same family.
"You meet a lot of nice people," he said.
Many clients come to CFG through referrals, word-of-mouth, events, and what Fay called "networking in general."
CFG was established in 1909 and through the years expanded to include offices throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, and Virginia.
Securities and advisory services are offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker-dealer and registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.
Not FDIC Insured – May Lose Value – Not a Deposit – No Bank Guarantee – Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency.