Michelle Ross, AWMA®, FPQP™

Michelle is a graduate of Sacred Heart University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Management. She began working at Asset Management Group in 2007 as an Administrative Assistant, and has been a rising star while attending classes at night and continuing to work full time. After receiving her Registered Paraplanner (RP) designation from the College of Financial Planning in 2007, she was promoted to Client Services Coordinator. During her tenure she has been responsible for addressing all aspects of the firm's clients' financial planning and administrative needs, and can now add insurance to her areas of specialty. In 2013, Michelle was promoted to Executive Director, in 2018 she passed her Series 65 Exam and was promoted to Vice President and Financial Planner and in 2021 she passed the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor^SM exam at the College for Financial Planning. In addition to helping clients achieve their goals, she is also responsible for assisting in the creation and implementation of comprehensive financial plans, designed to assist clients in reaching their financial objectives. Michelle's portfolio also includes being responsible for the education and mentoring of new employees to ensure they are fully acclimated and knowledgeable about the firm's core beliefs and responsibilities to both the clients' planning teams and the clients themselves. Michelle is on track to earn her Certified Financial Planner designation in 24 months.

A financial paraplanner is a professional who works in a financial planning firm and provides support to financial planners in creating and implementing financial plans for clients. They work closely with financial planners to gather and analyze client data, develop financial planning strategies, and prepare client reports and presentations.

The specific responsibilities of a financial paraplanner may vary depending on the financial planning firm, but they typically include:
• Conducting research and analysis to help financial planners develop comprehensive financial plans for clients
• Preparing client reports and presentations, including financial statements, investment performance reports, and retirement projections
• Reviewing client accounts and portfolios to ensure that they align with the client's financial goals and objectives
• Collaborating with financial planners to develop investment strategies and recommend appropriate investment products
• Assisting with the implementation of financial plans and investment recommendations
• Providing excellent customer service to clients by responding to their inquiries and requests in a timely and professional manner.

In general, a financial paraplanner plays a critical role in supporting financial planners in the creation and implementation of financial plans for clients. They help to ensure that clients receive comprehensive and personalized financial planning services and support the growth and success of the financial planning firm.

An Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA) is a financial professional who is trained in the area of managing wealth for high net worth individuals and families. They are typically skilled in areas such as investment planning, retirement planning, estate planning, tax planning, risk management, and charitable giving.

By obtaining the AWMA designation, a financial professional demonstrates to clients that they have a high level of expertise in wealth management and are committed to providing comprehensive financial advice and guidance to help clients achieve their financial goals.