Michael Payne is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing over four decades of experience since joining the firm in 1983. Based in Monmouth County, where he has lived since 1984, Michael specializes in creating long-term financial plans and strategies for a diverse and loyal client base. His areas of focus include college education planning, divorce transition planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, liquidity management, personal retirement planning, philanthropic planning, portfolio management services, tax minimization, and retirement income. Michael holds a Bachelor's Degree from Seton Hall University and maintains an ongoing connection with his alma mater. He is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and contributes to the development of future financial advisors as a faculty member for Merrill Optimal Practice Management (OPM). His commitment to community service is reflected in his roles on nonprofit boards, including serving as Vice Chair of the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey and Committee Chair for Board Development. Michael has also been recognized multiple times on the Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list from 2018 through 2025. Outside of his professional career, Michael enjoys biking, golfing, and traveling. He values educating clients and their families to promote financial literacy and long-term success.

Anthony Karpowich is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 36 years of industry experience. He has been with Wells Fargo Advisors since 2016 and owns Gold Star Wealth Management, LLC, an investment-related business. Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network provides investment and fee-based financial planning services to individuals, trusts, and institutional clients, offering a broad range of planning options including retirement, education, and business-owner transition planning. The firm uses proprietary research and tools to develop tailored recommendations delivered through meetings and written summaries.

Frank Lepore is a financial advisor at Lepore Financial Services LLC in Manasquan, NJ, holding a Series 65 designation with 14 years of industry experience. He has been active in the financial sector since 1994. Lepore Financial Services LLC provides portfolio management and financial planning primarily to individual clients, managing approximately $2.9 million across about a dozen accounts. The firm focuses on individualized portfolio oversight and ongoing account management with asset-based fees.

Robert Lepore is a CFP® with 15 years of industry experience, operating Lepore Financial Services LLC in Manasquan, NJ. He has been associated with Ridgeway & Conger, Inc. since 2010. Lepore Financial Services LLC provides portfolio management and financial planning services primarily to individual clients, focusing on individualized portfolio oversight and ongoing account management with fees tied to assets under management. The firm combines advisory services with broker-dealer representation, a structure that is uncommon among independent advisers.

Moshe Green is a financial advisor with XYPN Sapphire in Jackson, NJ. He holds a Series 65 designation and has been a student since 2016. XYPN Sapphire provides investment management and financial planning services to individuals, trusts, estates, business entities, and retirement plans. The firm employs a long-term, risk-based investment approach using diversified portfolios and integrates adviser-tailored plans with oversight of AI tools and emerging digital-asset management programs.