Large-firm, social Security optimization financial advisors in Buffalo, NY
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
If you're approaching Social Security age and want to maximize your benefits, you need an advisor who understands the complex rules and timing options that affect your income. A common mistake is claiming benefits too early or in the wrong sequence, which can reduce your lifetime payments.
Large-firm advisors often have access to extensive resources and specialized teams, which can help navigate Social Security strategies alongside your broader financial plan.
- Benefit timing strategies. Ask how they determine the optimal age to claim benefits based on your work history and spouse's benefits.
- Coordination with retirement income. Confirm they integrate Social Security decisions with your other income sources to avoid unintended tax consequences.
- Estate tax awareness. Since New York has estate tax cliffs, check how they plan for potential tax impacts on your Social Security and overall estate.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Kristin M
Series 63, Series 65
Tonawanda, NY
UNITED PLANNERS' FINANCIAL SERVICES of AMERICA a Limited Partner
Kristin Meyer specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, making her well-equipped to help clients in Buffalo, NY maximize their benefits through careful timing and coordination with other income sources. Affiliated with a large firm offering flat-fee options and an open-architecture platform, she brings 18 years of experience and serves established professionals, differentiating her with a broad client focus and flexible fee structures.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $410,135
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Michael F
Series 66
Buffalo, NY
Merrill
Michael Ferranti specializes in Social Security optimization within Merrill's large-firm environment in Buffalo, leveraging 15 years of experience and a Series 66 designation. His expertise extends to retirement income strategy and ESG investing, supported by Merrill's extensive resources, which may offer a broader approach compared to other advisors focused solely on Social Security benefits.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Jonathon N
Series 63, Series 66
Buffalo, NY
Empower Advisory Group
Jonathon Neyerlin specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, making him well-suited to help clients in Buffalo, NY maximize their benefits through careful timing and coordination with other income sources. Working at Empower Advisory Group, a large firm offering flat-fee options and integrated financial planning with employer-sponsored retirement plans, he provides accessible services with a focus on practical, subscription-based fee structures.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Patricia H
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Buffalo, NY
Ameriprise
Patricia Hudson specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, making her well-suited for clients in Buffalo, NY approaching retirement. With 29 years of experience at Ameriprise, a large firm offering tax-efficient retirement planning and a centralized consulting team, she provides detailed, written recommendations and charges a 0.15% AUM fee, distinguishing her from advisors with less firm support or experience.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $471,167
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Lisa Y
Series 66
Williamsville, NY
Equitable Advisors
Lisa Yuhnke specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, making her well-suited to help clients in Buffalo, NY maximize their benefits. Working at Equitable Advisors, a large firm with a hybrid advisory and brokerage model, she serves high-net-worth Baby Boomers and offers flexible fee structures ranging from hourly planning fees to asset-based fees, providing tailored financial planning alongside Social Security strategies.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $570,841
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