Michael Schwartz

Upon graduation from Duke University, Michael began his career with AXA Advisors, LLC under the tutelage of two top experienced advisors, who focused their practices in retirement and estate planning. "Working closely with them helped me develop a true passion for the financial services industry. I was able to obtain both education and real world experience in comprehensive planning strategies that helped shape my practice and the work I do today," Michael explains.

In 2007, he transitioned to developing his own practice, continuing to focus on retirement and estate planning, but also expanding to work with young professionals and business owners. As Michael has seen many of the concerns and issues facing baby boomers today, he believes it is important to develop a strong sense of financial responsibility at a young age. As such, he emphasizes a very educational approach to the planning process and has built a team of professionals around him to make sure that all rocks are uncovered when planning for his clients' financial future. Part of his approach is to keep his clients abreast of things happening in their financial lives, as well as in the outside world, while continuing his education as a planner.

In 2011, Michael joined Northeast Planning to expand both the work he does for his clients, and to have better access to additional resources. Whether it is developing wealth accumulation strategies for his younger clients, or wealth distribution and legacy planning strategies for his near retired and retired clients, Mike strongly believes that everything needs to be coordinated and working in the most efficient and effective manner. A key element in pulling everything together is the unique organizational tool, The Living Balance Sheet®. "Understanding how each part of the financial puzzle is interconnected is key for my clients. I always want to make sure that my clients have a secure financial base, to help eliminate and reduce potential risks. The Living Balance Sheet plays an extremely important part in the overall planning process."

Michael has received various awards during his career. A Million Dollar Round Table qualifier in 2010, he also was recognized as a national leader with AXA Advisors, LLC, obtaining both the Centurion award and National Leaders Corp. He is passionate about his own education, and in 2011 received a certificate in Retirement Planning from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Currently, he is pursuing his Certified Financial Planner designation.

When asked about how approaches planning for his clients, Michael stated, "I look to help my clients make better financial decisions by providing strategies and information and guide them through the various options that they have. By helping them understand their options they will be able to make better financial decisions." Michael adheres to a disciplined process that delivers a consistent yet customized wealth management experience through creating efficiencies throughout the accumulation, preservation and distribution phases a persons life.

Michael grew up in Basking Ridge, and currently resides in Montclair. He enjoys attending football and baseball games, and is active within his local Duke Alumni community. In his free time, he enjoys traveling to visit friends and family across the United States.