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April 2005
The Educator's Educator
When working with clients and employees, the teaching never stops for this planner
Gitterman (foreground) teaches his academic clients to lean on him for financial education.
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WHEN IT COMES TO FINANCIAL ACUMEN, not all college professors get a passing grade. That's why so many need help from financial advisor Jeff Gitterman, whose nickname is "The Educator's Educator."
"We're not only ignorant about money, we're skeptical of those who offer a 'cure,'" says Larry Pitts, professor of biology at Essex County (N.J.) College. "Jeff provides a lot of comfort to people like me who have a hard time managing money."
In all aspects of his life, Gitterman stresses education to help people reach their full potential. "Society too often defines success in financial terms, but most people find real contentment if they're aligned with a higher purpose," says Gitterman. "My clients are like family to me."
Thus, he has a big family. More than 3,000 educators are clients of his Woodbridge, N.J., firm, Gitterman & Sacks. Gitterman eases their fears by providing a familiar teaching atmosphere. His firm offers seminars tailored to educators on topics such as longevity risk, asset allocation, retirement, long-term care and estate planning.
"They're comfortable with flexible and nonthreatening learning environments, such as web-based presentations and lunch-and-learn seminars," says Gitterman. "Professors respect the ability of others to get in front of a group of people with questions -- just as they do with their students."
The emphasis on education also extends to his 38 employees. Monthly programs focus as much on their personal growth goals as on business goals, and employees earn raises and bonuses for each new license or professional designation. His philosophy led to a 2004 "Best Boss" award from Fortune Small Business magazine.
After hours, Gitterman -- who is active in local fundraising for autism research -- recently sponsored a literacy program for kids. That's because education is more than a way for him to make a living. It's also a way to give back.
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Page disclaimer
This series profiles financial planners who take a fresh approach to help their clients or the community. To nominate a financial planner, click here.
Jeff Gitterman offers securities through ING Financial Advisers, LLC. Member SIPC. Gitterman & Sacks is an independent agency and is not a corporate affiliate of ING Financial Advisers, LLC. Neither ING nor its companies are affiliated with FPA or the CFP Board of Standards, Inc. In addition, ING does not endorse the financial planners featured in this article. This article is provided for informational purposes only and the views expressed may not be suitable in every situation. Consult your tax, legal and/or financial professional concerning your own situation. CFP® is a certification mark owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. © 2005 TIME INC
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| TIMELESS TIPS FOR FINANCIAL PLANNING |
Financial planning does not have to be complex or confusing. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Set clear goals. Consider the financial aspects of any goal you set. Write them down.
- Discuss the goals with your family. Loved ones will be affected by your goals and they can also help motivate you.
- Create a financial plan. All financial actions affect other financial actions. Create and follow through with the plan. Don't be afraid to seek advice.
- Review previous years. Has a major change occurred in your life? How will you accommodate that change financially?
- Establish a spending plan. Track your spending and prioritize. Don't spend more than you make.
- Reduce debt. Pay off high-interest debt first and refrain from accumulating new debt.
- Educate yourself. The more you learn about finances -- from budgeting to investments to insurance -- the more confident and motivated you will be to take the right steps.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE VALUE OF FINANCIAL PLANNING AND HOW TO FIND A FINANCIAL PLANNING PROFESSIONAL, PLEASE VISIT WWW.FPANET.ORG/PUBLIC.
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