Michael Cosenza, CIMA®, AIF®
Empowering You to Pursue Financial Confidence
Specialized Guidance, Personalized Plans, and Unwavering Support
Invest in Your
Our Why: Building Your Financial Legacy with a Personal Touch
At Gateway Financial Partners, we are dedicated to helping our clients define and pursue their financial goals in an increasingly complex financial world. Inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit and family values inherited from generations of small business owners, we pride ourselves on treating our clients as an extension of our own family.
Our approach to financial planning is holistic and client-centered, focusing on understanding the unique goals, challenges, and circumstances of each individual we serve. By providing prudent recommendations and upholding the highest ethical standards, we aim to earn your trust through integrity, hard work, and exceptional service.
As an active member of our local community, we believe in the power of giving back and investing in the places we live, work, and play. By forging strong relationships with our clients and helping them work towards their financial objectives, we are committed to making a positive impact in their lives and the communities we serve.
Our Services
Get to Know Us
Michael Cosenza, CIMA®, AIF®
LPL Financial Advisor
Committed to Nurturing Your Financial Well-Being
Michael Cosenza is a dedicated and experienced financial advisor at Gateway Financial Partners and LPL Financial. With a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for treating clients like family, Michael has been helping individuals, families, and businesses pursue their financial goals since 2006.
After graduating from Fordham University, Michael gained invaluable experience at BOX Options Exchange, MFS Investment Management, and Wells Fargo Advisors. Today, his practice focuses on providing holistic financial advice and building long-term relationships based on loyalty, integrity, and exceptional service.
Michael works with clients from all walks of life, but he has a special affinity for assisting business owners with their unique financial challenges. By helping them to become more efficient with their time and aligning their personal and business financial plans, Michael aims to ensure that each client receives the personalized attention they deserve.
Committed to making a difference in his local community, Michael is actively involved with numerous organizations in Central Massachusetts, including coaching youth basketball at The Friendly House and the YMCA, serving as a Director of the Worcester Rotary Club, and participating in the Worcester Young Businessmen’s Association. Outside the office, he enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Michael lives in Sutton, MA, with his wife Jennifer and their two daughters.
Do Our Values Align?
Collaborative Growth: Our Ideal Client
At Gateway Financial Partners, we believe in fostering strong, long-lasting relationships with our clients. We take a personalized approach to financial planning and investment management, aiming to provide better-suited guidance tailored to your unique needs and goals. With Michael’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to treating clients like family, our ideal client can be found in a variety of backgrounds and financial situations:
Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
As a financial advisor with an entrepreneurial background, Michael understands the unique challenges and opportunities that business owners face. We work with business owners to help them develop customized strategies that address their personal and business financial goals, including retirement planning, business succession planning, and employee benefits management. By providing tailored guidance and ongoing support, we help business owners efficiently allocate their time and resources while pursuing their financial objectives.
Individuals Navigating Major Life Transitions
Major life transitions, such as career changes, divorce, or the loss of a loved one, can significantly impact your financial situation. We work with clients facing these challenges to help them reassess their financial goals and develop strategies that adapt to their evolving needs. Our empathetic, genuine approach seeks to ensure that you feel supported and understood during these difficult times.
Businesses with 1-100 Employees
Running a small business comes with its own unique set of challenges and rewards. Part of the journey involves planning for a stable and secure financial future, not just for the business but for every member of your team. If you’re a small business owner with anywhere from 1 to 100 employees, we understand your needs. Our experience with retirement plans like IRAs and 401(k)s is wide-ranging, and we strive to make the process understandable, seamless, and tailored to your business’s specific needs. Together, we can build a retirement plan that rewards your hard work and supports your team’s financial future.
Non-profits, Endowments, Foundations, Trusts, Estates
At the heart of every non-profit organization, endowment, foundation, trust, or estate lies a mission to make a difference. We understand the importance of this mission, and we’re here to guide you towards a sustainable financial future. Whether you’re managing a non-profit, overseeing an endowment, or stewarding a foundation, our mission is to provide you with financial guidance that aligns with your organization’s values and long-term goals. We work alongside you to manage and seek to grow your resources, aiming to ensure that you can focus on what truly matters: your mission to serve and make a positive impact.
Philanthropically-Minded Clients
For clients who are passionate about giving back to their communities, we offer charitable giving strategies that align with their overall financial plan. We work closely with you to develop personalized strategies that support the causes you care about while helping to maximize the impact of your contributions.
Clients Seeking a Long-Term Financial Partnership
We believe that long-term relationships built on loyalty and integrity are the foundation of successful financial planning. We are committed to providing ongoing support and guidance as your financial needs and goals evolve over time. If you are seeking a dedicated financial advisor who will work closely with you to pursue your financial objectives, we would be honored to be your partner in this journey.
Insights & Market Commentary
FAQ's
What is an independent financial advisor and what do they do?
A financial advisor is a professional who helps clients manage their finances, investments, and wealth. They offer personalized advice and guidance based on their clients' financial goals and needs. Financial advisors can provide services such as retirement planning, investment advice, tax planning, estate planning, and more.
Why should I hire a financial advisor?
Hiring a financial advisor can be beneficial for those who need help managing their finances, planning for the future, or making investment decisions. Financial advisors can provide expert advice and guidance to help clients achieve their financial goals and make informed financial decisions.
How can I determine whether my advisor is a qualified professional?
When looking for a financial advisor, using BrokerCheck can provide valuable information about the advisor's background, including their employment history, registration status, and any disciplinary actions or customer complaints. By using BrokerCheck, investors can make informed decisions about which financial advisor to work with and avoid potential fraud or misconduct.
What services do financial advisors typically offer?
Financial advisors can offer a wide range of services, including retirement planning, investment advice, tax planning, estate planning, risk management, and more. The specific services offered may vary depending on the advisor's experience and qualifications.
What is your approach to helping clients navigate market volatility?
As an independent financial advisor, we believe in developing a diversified investment portfolio that aligns with clients' long-term financial goals and risk tolerance. We review and rebalance portfolios regularly and provide education to help clients understand their investment strategy. During times of market volatility, we stay in close communication with our clients to provide guidance and support. By taking a strategic, long-term approach, we help our clients pursue their financial goals despite market fluctuations.
Can I work with you if I do not reside in the same state?
Michael is licensed to provide financial services in the following states: Arizona (AZ), California (CA), Connecticut (CT), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Iowa (IA), Illinois (IL), Louisiana (LA), Massachusetts (MA), Maine (ME), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), Nevada (NV), New York (NY), Pennsylvania (PA), Texas (TX), Utah (UT), Virginia (VA), and Washington (WA).
If you reside in one of these states, Michael is able to offer personalized guidance to help you navigate your financial journey.
What is the AIF® Designation, and what are the benefits of working with an AIF® Designee?
The AIF® Designation, or Accredited Investment Fiduciary®, is a professional certification that signifies an individual has specialized knowledge of fiduciary standards of care and their application to the investment management process. An AIF® Designee has met specific prerequisite criteria based on education, relevant industry experience, and/or ongoing professional development. They have also completed a training program, passed a comprehensive final examination, and agreed to abide by the Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards. To maintain the AIF® Designation, designees must annually attest to the Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards and complete a minimum of six hours of continuing education.
Working with an AIF® Designee provides several benefits, as they have been certified to follow a fiduciary process with their clients' best interests in mind. These professionals have the necessary training to:
- Create and maintain a comprehensive investment plan, strategy, or policy statement that documents the processes and procedures used to manage your plan and portfolio.
- Analyze and optimize asset allocation strategies and investment menus.
- Apply objective standards for evaluating and recommending appropriate investment options and products.
- Evaluate your current fiduciary practices and recommend actions to help address compliance and mitigate risks.
By choosing to work with an AIF® Designee, you can be confident that you are partnering with an advisor who has the specialized knowledge, expertise, and commitment to uphold fiduciary standards of care in managing your financial assets. To learn more about the AIF® requirements, you can visit FINRA.org.
What is the CIMA® Designation, and what are the benefits of working with a CIMA® Professional?
The CIMA® Designation, or Certified Investment Management Analyst®, is a professional certification for financial professionals who have demonstrated expertise in advanced investment management and advisory skills. The designation is awarded by the Investments & Wealth Institute and is globally recognized as a standard of excellence in the field of investment management.
To obtain the CIMA® Designation, candidates must meet specific prerequisite criteria based on education, relevant industry experience, and/or ongoing professional development. They must also complete an executive education program at a registered education provider, pass a comprehensive final examination, and agree to adhere to the Investments & Wealth Institute's Code of Professional Responsibility.
Working with a CIMA® Professional offers several benefits, as these individuals possess advanced knowledge and skills in investment management and advisory services. CIMA® Professionals can:
- Develop and implement customized investment strategies tailored to your unique financial goals and risk tolerance.
- Analyze and select appropriate investment vehicles, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and alternative investments.
- Assess and manage various types of investment risk, aiming to ensure that your portfolio remains well-diversified and aligned with your objectives.
- Continuously monitor and adjust your investment portfolio to adapt to changing market conditions and your evolving financial needs.
By choosing to work with a CIMA® Professional, you can be confident that you are partnering with an advisor who has the specialized knowledge, expertise, and commitment to providing advanced investment management and advisory services to help you pursue your financial goals. To learn more about the CIMA® Designation, you can visit the Investments & Wealth Institute's website investmentsandwealth.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
We strive to provide you with clear and concise answers to common inquiries about our services and financial planning process. We understand that navigating the world of personal finance can be complex and, at times, overwhelming. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your financial future. Please take a moment to explore this section, as it may address some of the questions you have about working with us and the value we bring to your financial journey.
Invest in Your Future Today
Take the First Step Toward a Brighter Financial Future
Ready to embark on your financial journey with a dedicated and qualified financial advisor? Michael Cosenza is here to help guide you every step of the way. By working together, we can develop a financial plan tailored to your unique goals and circumstances. Begin your journey by scheduling a complimentary consultation with Michael. This no-obligation meeting will allow you to discuss your financial objectives and learn more about how our services can help you work toward your goals.
Ready to embark on your financial journey with a dedicated and qualified financial advisor? Michael Cosenza is here to help guide you every step of the way. By working together, we can develop a financial plan tailored to your unique goals and circumstances. Begin your journey by scheduling a complimentary consultation with Michael. This no-obligation meeting will allow you to discuss your financial objectives and learn more about how our services can help you work toward your goals.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our services, don’t hesitate to reach out by scheduling a meeting or filling out our contact form. You can call us at 774.389.6216 or send an email to mcosenza@mygfpartner.com. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you invest in your future today.
Michael Cosenza, CIMA®, AIF®
LPL Financial Advisor
774.389.6216
mcosenza@mygfpartner.com