Top charitable giving & philanthropy financial advisors in Troy, 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 planning to make significant charitable donations or set up philanthropy efforts, you need an advisor who understands how to maximize your impact while managing tax implications. A common mistake is overlooking how estate tax cliffs can trigger unexpectedly large tax bills just above exemption limits.
- Tax-efficient giving. Ask how they structure donations to minimize your tax burden, especially near estate tax thresholds.
- Philanthropic goal alignment. Confirm they help align your giving with your personal values and long-term financial plans.
- Gift timing strategies. Inquire about their approach to timing gifts for optimal tax and financial benefits.
- Coordination with estate plans. Ensure they integrate charitable giving with your overall estate strategy to avoid surprises.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Shaun R
Series 66
Latham, NY
Edward Jones
Shaun Roach specializes in charitable giving and philanthropy, bringing a decade of experience and a Series 66 designation to clients near Troy, NY. Working with Edward Jones, a large firm known for comprehensive wealth management and a variety of advisory programs, he offers a structured approach with an annual program fee up to 1.35%, suitable for clients seeking integrated retirement and wealth strategies.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Michael L
Series 63, Series 65
Latham, NY
Merrill
Michael Lanides specializes in charitable giving and philanthropy, leveraging 28 years of experience at Merrill to help clients in Troy, NY, optimize tax-efficient donations and align giving with long-term financial goals. His large-firm resources, focus on multi-generational wealth transfer, and collaborative approach with CPAs and attorneys distinguish him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Buffy L
Series 63, Series 65
Albany, NY
ROCKEFELLER FINANCIAL Llc
Buffy Leonard specializes in charitable giving and philanthropy, supported by 24 years of experience and credentials including Series 63 and 65. Operating from Albany, NY, she works within Rockefeller Financial LLC, a large firm serving ultra-high-net-worth clients with wealth management and integrated trust services, offering flat fees for certain planning reports, which may appeal to those seeking comprehensive philanthropy strategies with transparent costs.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $1,718,381
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Drew P
Series 63
Troy, NY
Cetera
Drew Prescott specializes in charitable giving and philanthropy in Troy, NY, with 15 years of experience and a Series 63 designation. Operating through Cetera, a large firm offering flat fees and negotiated hourly rates, he serves high earners and those approaching retirement, integrating tax-loss harvesting and retirement plans for business owners into his wealth management approach.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $306,089
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Mary B
Series 63, Series 66
Waterford, NY
Fidelity
Mary Bigelow's 25 years of experience and focus on charitable giving and philanthropy equip her to help clients in Troy, NY, maximize their charitable impact while managing tax implications. Affiliated with Fidelity, a large firm known for combining fundamental research and quantitative analysis, she offers active portfolio management and access to institutional resources, distinguishing her from advisors with smaller firm backgrounds.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $234,793
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