Business Details
50 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Comprehensive Financial Planning Solutions
Certified Financial Group has been a trusted name in financial planning since 1976, serving families across the United States through its affiliated Registered Investment Advisor, Certified Advisory Corp. Our team of CFP professionals brings nearly 400 years of combined experience, adhering to rigorous ethical standards and continuing education requirements that exceed industry norms. We specialize in personalized financial planning, retirement strategies, and investment management, prioritizing clients' needs as fiduciaries. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our status as one of the oldest and largest independent financial planning firms in Central Florida.We offer comprehensive services including Social Security planning, estate coordination, and employer-sponsored retirement plans. Through our radio show On the Money and educational workshops, we empower clients with financial knowledge. Our approach combines decades of experience with a client-first philosophy, ensuring tailored solutions for long-term financial security. We distinguish ourselves by maintaining transparency, ethical practices, and a focus on delivering measurable value to every client interaction. This dedication has earned us recognition as a CNBC Top 100 Firm and a trusted resource for financial guidance.
Services
Retirement Planning
Financial Planning
Investment Planning
Social Security Planning
Estate Planning
Employer-Sponsored Plans
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We have nearly 400 years of combined experience among CFP professionals
- Our fiduciary responsibility ensures client-first financial decision-making
- We maintain rigorous continuing education standards exceeding industry requirements
- We offer integrated estate planning with legal assistance on-site
- Our employer-sponsored retirement plans combine SEC-registered advisory services with advanced administration technology
Associations and certifications
- Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
- SEC Registered Investment Advisor
What people say
Thank you note from client
Gained confidence
Transitioned portfolio smoothly
Rebalanced portfolio
Successful retirement strategies
Services
Retirement Planning
Our Retirement Planning process provides a comprehensive assessment of your financial position to create tailored strategies for long-term security. We analyze income sources, expenses, and goals to develop sustainable withdrawal plans. With expertise in tax-efficient distributions and Social Security optimization, we help clients maintain their lifestyle throughout retirement while managing market risks.
Estate Planning
Estate Planning services coordinate financial and legal affairs through wills, trusts, and advanced directives. We collaborate with legal professionals to ensure asset protection, tax efficiency, and smooth wealth transfer. Our approach addresses probate avoidance, charitable giving, and family business succession while maintaining compliance with evolving estate tax regulations.
Investment Planning
Investment Planning focuses on constructing diversified portfolios aligned with risk tolerance and financial goals. We implement strategic asset allocation, monitor market trends, and rebalance holdings to optimize returns. Our fiduciary approach prioritizes low-cost vehicles and transparent fee structures while maintaining regular performance reporting for client accountability.
Social Security Planning
Social Security Planning maximizes lifetime benefits through strategic claiming strategies for individuals and couples. We analyze break-even points, spousal benefits, and tax implications to create coordinated distribution plans. Our analysis considers retirement age decisions and integration with other income sources for comprehensive cash flow management.
Employer-Sponsored Plans
Employer-Sponsored Plan services design and administer retirement solutions for businesses, combining SEC-registered advisory expertise with third-party administration. We offer 401(k), 403(b), and profit-sharing plans with fiduciary support, employee education, and compliance management. Our technology platform provides plan participants with digital tools for contribution tracking and investment selection.
People
Gary Abely
CFP, AIF, CPA
With over 30 years of experience, Gary specializes in retirement transition planning. He helps clients navigate post-spousal loss financial challenges and complex estate situations. His dual CPA and CFP credentials provide unique tax planning insights.
Rodney Ownby
CFP, AIF
Rodney focuses on portfolio restructuring for clients transitioning from high-fee advisory arrangements. He has extensive experience rebalancing over-concentrated portfolios and implementing conservative investment strategies for senior clients.
Questions
What distinguishes Certified Financial Group from other advisors?
We operate as fiduciaries with CFP professionals averaging 400 years combined experience, maintaining SEC registration and Certified Financial Planner Board compliance.
How does the retirement planning process work?
We conduct comprehensive financial assessments, analyze cash flow projections, and create customized strategies addressing tax efficiency, Social Security optimization, and sustainable withdrawal plans.
Do you offer estate planning services?
Yes, we coordinate estate planning with on-site legal professionals, creating wills, trusts, and advanced directives for asset protection and smooth wealth transfer.
What investment strategies do you use?
We employ diversified portfolios with strategic asset allocation, regular rebalancing, and focus on low-cost investment vehicles with transparent fee structures.
Are employer-sponsored retirement plans available?
We design corporate retirement solutions combining SEC-registered advisory services with advanced administration technology for 401(k), 403(b), and profit-sharing plans.
How can I attend financial planning workshops?
Our Orlando workshops cover retirement topics and require registration through our website for events held at 1111 Douglas Ave, Altamonte Springs.
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