Amatuzzo & Magnani, Personal Advisers with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Pleasantville

There was a time when hiring a financial planner was a service reserved for the wealthy. Today, however, millions of Americans seek the help of professionals to prepare them for retirement and other life-changing events.

In Pleasantville, financial advisers William Amatuzzo and Michael Magnani understand the diverse needs of investors. Their company, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., makes certain to address clients’ immediate needs and their future goals.

Established in 2005, partners Amatuzzo and Magnani lead several licensed staffers, a client services manager and a business development manager.

Magnani, who has 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, said the practice has an assortment of clients with varying needs, including young families, baby boomers nearing retirement, small business owners looking to establish a secure benefits package for their employees and corporate executives seeking guidance on compensation, wealth preservation and benefit strategies.

Helping clients reach their financial goals is at the heart of the business, whether it’s geared toward retirement savings, a college education, home improvement or travel plans.

The idea of not just investing for the future but protecting what has been saved is an important aspect of any financial plan, Amatuzzo and Magnani noted. The team approaches clients with two fundamental questions: will they make it to their retirement goal, and are there any obstacles preventing them from reaching that goal?

“The key for us has always been leading with a discovery process as opposed to a product,” said Magnani, who holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and CFP, CLU and ChFC designations.

He said often the emphasis among some financial planners is on the sale rather than the “big picture.”

“No other professional, be it an attorney, accountant or doctor, leads with a product, so why should your financial adviser?” asked Amatuzzo, who has a background in investment banking.

With new clients, the partners implement a four-step approach to identify gaps or shortfalls in an investor’s portfolio. That includes an analysis of past, present and future finances that provides the team with a clear understanding of a client’s financial picture.

The diagnostic identifies strategies that helps protect clients, their loved ones and the things they value in case of unexpected, life-changing events. The advisers also suggest a variety of tax-wise investment strategies that are aligned with a client’s goals and implemented during a practical timeframe.

Clients who sign up with Amatuzzo and Magnani receive annual reviews of their finances and investment strategies.

Working with small business owners is important to the partners.

“We really do work with them through thick and thin,” said Amatuzzo, who holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA as well as CFP, CLU AND CRPC designations.

As part of their work with small businesses, Amatuzzo and Magnani act as liaisons or “quarterbacks,” as Amatuzzo calls it, who communicate with the company’s professional representatives. That is crucial during the fourth quarter when year-end taxes are being calculated and planning is critical to maximize contributions to investments such as 401(k) plans and college funds, they explained.

Both men said their clients have come to rely on them as trusted advisers, with many maintaining relationships with the firm even if they move away.

“It’s a relationship business,” said Magnani, who along with Amatuzzo has achieved a perfect 100 point score on Amerprise’s annual client satisfaction score. “They realize that when we take that deep dive into their finances, the decisions we make are based on factual information.”

Magnani said while the job requires offering financial advice, an innate understanding of people is necessary.

“Anybody can buy or sell products, but where we separate ourselves is in the relationship with our clients and in the process,” Magnani said.

Their office is located at 427 Bedford Rd., Suite 310, in Pleasantville. To make an appointment, call 914-747-5575.