BESTGATE WEALTH ADVISORS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Tax Advisor
Angie is a graduate of Elizabethtown College where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. She has a diverse professional background that includes experience in both public accounting and the private sector.
She began her career in public accounting providing tax return preparation, accounting services, financial statement preparation and payroll services. In 1995, she transitioned to the private sector holding various financial positions in manufacturing and distribution companies. She returned to public accounting in 2011 and concentrates on small business accounting and tax preparation.
Angie is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Maryland Society of Accounting & Tax Professionals (MSATP) and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA).
Outside of work, Angie enjoys spending time with her family and reading a good book.
Emma is renowned for her unparalleled efficiency and meticulous attention to detail. She's not just dedicated to our clients; she's also the backbone of our team, always ready to go the extra mile to ensure our clients' financial goals are met.
Beyond her professional achievements, Emma values the importance of balance in life. In her free time, she cherishes moments spent with her family, embarking on outdoor adventures, and basking in the warm glow of a campfire. It's this harmony between her professional dedication and her love for life's simple pleasures that makes Emma an indispensable part of our team.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Financial Advisor
- Managing Partner
Greg is a financial advisor with over fifteen years of financial services and tax experience. He earned a Bachelor's of Science in Accounting and a Master's of Science in Taxation from the University of Baltimore, and completed the Investment Management Theory and Practice program at Yale. Greg specializes in retirement planning because he enjoys helping clients remain financially secure so that they can make the most out of their retirement. Greg also has an expertise in advising stock option recipients, high net worth individuals, and trusts. Greg has a passion for minimizing clients' taxes so that they can keep more of their hard-earned money, he enjoys the challenge of incorporating advanced tax planning into holistic financial plans for clients.
Greg is a member of several professional organizations, serves on the board and as treasurer of the Financial Planning Association in Maryland, is vice president of the Frederick Estate Planning Council, regularly presents seminars for professional groups, and has testified as an expert witness. Greg is a recipient of the Personal Financial Planning Standing Ovation award from the American Institute of CPAs. The award recognizes CPA Financial Advisors who exhibit exemplary professional achievement in personal financial planning services.
Greg enjoys spending his free time with his wife Anna and three sons Christian, Samuel, and Marcello.
Hannah graduated from Delaware Valley University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness. She is now a dedicated Enrolled Agent with expertise in small business accounting, tax preparation, and QuickBooks Online consulting. She holds the QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor certification, demonstrating her ability to optimize accounting processes with technology.
Hannah acts as Second Vice President for the Maryland Society of Tax & Accounting Professionals (MSATP). She is the chair of MSATP's Education Committee, showing a commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering growth within the industry. In addition, she graduated from MSATP's Young Professional Leadership Program, which allowed her to continue her personal and professional growth.
During her free time, Hannah is an avid runner, a devoted reader, and a binge TV watcher with an appreciation for a delicious cup of coffee. She values spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and two pups, Kodiak and Root, and you can always find her cheering on her nephews at their various activities.
Job Titles:
- Associate Financial Planner
Jordan graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. She majored in Finance with an area of emphasis in Wealth Management and minored in accounting. Jordan is now working on becoming a Certified Financial Planner.
In her free time, Jordan enjoys cooking, baking, and being outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Accountant and Associate Financial Planner at Bestgate
- Senior Financial Planner
Kirsten is an accountant and associate financial planner at Bestgate. She earned a double major in business administration and accounting from Mount St. Mary's University. She is currently pursuing her Certified Financial Planning designation at UMGC and plans to obtain her CPA designation in the future.
Kirsten is an active member of several accounting and financial planning professional networks. Her participation in the MSATP's Young Professional Leadership Program is particularly noteworthy, as it provides her with valuable opportunities to further develop her personal and professional skills.
Outside of work, Kirsten spends most of her time with her nephews. She enjoys building her homestead, reading, or anything that allows her to spend time outdoors.
Kristen has a background in medical research, with impeccable attention to detail which is matched by her friendly demeanor and desire to be of service to our clients.
In her free time she enjoys fiber arts, being with family, and the outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Senior Portfolio Manager
- Registered Life Planner
Phil is a Registered Life Planner (RLP®) and a Senior Portfolio Manager for Bestgate Wealth Advisors. He is also the founder of Apprise Wealth Management. He started his financial services career in 1987 working as a tax professional for Deloitte & Touche. For the past 20 years, he has worked extensively in the areas of personal finance and investment management. Phil is both a CFA charterholder and a CPA. In addition, he has served as a featured media spokesperson and has written a weekly commentary on market-related topics. His investment approach favors the long term, as well as assessing the value and fundamentals of the assets in which he invests.
Phil grew up in Livingston, New Jersey and graduated from Rutgers University with a BS degree in Accounting. He also attended Duke University for three years where he was a Psychology major. He and his wife, Diana, live in Maryland and are proud parents of four children. Phil enjoys following his favorite sports teams, reading, and spending time with his family at home and when traveling. Phil also coached many of the youth sports teams his children played for.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Certified Public Accountant
- Partner
- Member of the American Institute of CPAs
Tim is a Certified Public Accountant and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with over fifteen years of financial services and tax experience. He earned a Bachelor's of Science in Accounting from Towson University as well as Master's of Science in Taxation from American University. Tim brings a well-rounded and extensive background of financial and tax planning for businesses as well as individuals, trusts, and estates. Tim enjoys the challenge of minimizing clients' tax liabilities today while consulting and advising clients on long term financial and cash flow strategies for their business and personal goals. Additionally, Tim is experienced with business succession planning including the purchase and sale of private businesses.
Tim is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, and Maryland Association of CPAs. He is currently serving as Treasurer for the Delaplaine Visual Arts Educations Center.
Tricia is a highly accomplished financial expert with a unique blend of qualifications. Holding the titles of Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, she has cultivated her expertise in catering to retirees, business owners, trusts, and estates. Tricia's journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Mount St. Mary's University, and since then, she has been a dedicated member of both the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
With a wealth of experience spanning over a decade in the fields of tax and advisory services, Tricia adeptly merges her knowledge in tax intricacies with comprehensive financial planning, providing clients with efficient solutions that save both time and money. Her role as Chief Operating Officer at the firm reflects her leadership and strategic contributions to its success.
Beyond her professional life, Tricia embraces a rich and creative personal life. She finds joy in painting and drawing, using her artistic talents to unwind and express herself. When she's not pursuing her artistic endeavors, Tricia cherishes quality family time through camping adventures that create lasting memories.
Only one-third of adults have an estate strategy document such as a will in place, which may not be entirely surprising. No one wants to be reminded of their own mortality or spend too much time thinking about what might happen once they're gone. 1
But a will is an instrument of power. Creating one gives you control over the distribution of your assets. If you die without one, the state decides what becomes of your property without regard to your priorities.
A will is a legal document by which an individual or a couple (known as "testator") identifies their wishes regarding the distribution of their assets after death. A will can typically be broken down into four main parts.
1. Executors - Most wills begin by naming an executor. Executors are responsible for carrying out the wishes outlined in a will. This involves assessing the value of the estate, gathering the assets, paying inheritance tax and other debts (if necessary), and distributing assets among beneficiaries. It's recommended that you name at least two executors, in case your first choice is unable to fulfill the obligation.