Rick's Professional LinkedIn Profile HERE
2015-2024 recipient of the Boston Five Star Professional Wealth Manager Award
In the heart of a bustling Brookline, MA church kitchen, surrounded by the savory scents of Thanksgiving, I found myself deep in the role of mashing potatoes for the community's holiday feast for the less fortunate.
I'm Rick Fingerman, managing partner and co-founder of Financial Planning Solutions, LLC.
While my days typically revolve around numbers and strategies, on this day, I was there for a different kind of nourishment — one that fills the soul.
At Financial Planning Solutions, LLC, my focus is on Creating Financial Wellness for Widowed or Divorced Women™ and empowering those navigating life's transitions with clarity and confidence.
Whether you're facing the challenges of widowhood, divorce, or simply embarking on a new chapter, I'm here to guide you toward a brighter financial future. Retirement planning? College funding worries? Getting your financial house in order? I've got you covered.
With my expertise as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, Certified College Planning Specialist™ and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ , I'm dedicated to helping you navigate your finances seamlessly. And for those grappling with the complexities of cancer, I'm proud to oversee a pro bono program at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. This initiative assists patients in navigating the financial hurdles that come with a cancer diagnosis, ensuring they can focus on what matters most — their health. All at no cost to them. Learn more HERE.
But what truly sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to fiduciary duty. When you work with me, your interests always come first, free from the conflicts of interest that can plague many in my industry.
Curious about my journey into financial planning? Take a moment to watch my video below. It's the story of how I turned my passion into a purpose, and how I'm dedicated to helping you do the same.
I'm reminded that nourishing others extends beyond their wallets. It's about building community, supporting one another through life's challenges, and ensuring everyone has a seat at the table of financial empowerment.
Working at FPS inspires me because: Working as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner allows me to be a part of my client's lives in a helpful and valuable way, day in and day out. Whether it is helping someone putting a plan in place after a divorce or comforting a recent widow, being there for my clients and their financial future provides me with a tremendous amount of satisfaction.
When I’m not at FPS you can find me: Going on a hike, reading, hanging out with family, cooking, or fixing something. I also oversee a pro bono program at Dana Farber Cancer Institute that provides financial coaching to patients that need help navigating the various financial complexities and stress a cancer diagnosis brings. Read more about that program HERE.
Listen to a 2023 Podcast where the Financial Planning Assoc. of New England sits down with Rick to share the Dana Farber Pro Bono Coaching Program story with its listeners HERE
I also help empower women with financial knowledge through the pro bono $avvy Ladies initiative. Read more about the program HERE and Dress for Success® a global non profit helping to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. HERE
Most people don’t know: That I have performed stand-up comedy. I had the pleasure and honor of working with some pretty famous comics and had the opportunity to dip my toe back into the comedy scene by doing a set at a fundraising event at Dana Farber to raise money for the patient assistance fund.
If I could spend one day with one person, past or present, it would be: Hands down, I would love to spend the day with my dad who has been gone for over 40 years. I have so many questions that I would ask him now as an adult.
Read more about what I do on my Linkedin page HERE
Favorite Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Aspiring to Learn
Spanish
Favorite Hobby
Furniture Making
Favorite Book
Water for Elephants
First Job
Bike Mechanic
Favorite Hike
Mt. Katahdin
Favorite ice cream flavor
Mint Chocolate Chip
Favorite Foods
Pizza and Pasta
Lyman is a managing partner and co-founder of Financial Planning Solutions, LLC. Lyman specializes in guiding busy professional families through paying for college tuition while meeting retirement goals. He also designs state-of-the-art retirement plans for small business owners. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, Lyman brings exceptional discernment and experience to the table.
Working at FPS inspires me because: I can relate to the challenges that many families face in trying to juggle work, family, activities, and finances when both parents work. I enjoy helping them sort things out so they know their goals and dreams are attainable.
When I’m not at FPS you can find me: At my kids’ baseball, basketball, soccer and ultimate frisbee games. I also lead my son’s Boy Scout Troop on weekend adventures, imparting the strong values of Scouting to the troop. In the winter, we like to downhill ski, and in the summer, we spend time at the ocean in Maine and on Lake Winnisquam in New Hampshire. At the center of our family is our church in Newton, United Parish of Auburndale. It is a caring community where everyone is on their own faith-filled journey.
Most people don’t know: That I am a rail fan. Although I don’t get to do much of it right now, I enjoy watching these big machines and the important role they have played in the growth and development of our country.
If I could spend one day with one person, past or present, it would be: Abraham Lincoln. Facing incredible challenges, I’d like to know how he faced and overcame one of the most divisive experiences the United States ever went through.
Life goal
A livable planet for my children and their children
Favorite movie
Interstellar
Happy, sad, courageous, & exciting with the best soundtrack
Favorite hike
Any 4,000 footer in NH - There are many
Happy place
Lake Winnisquam, NH
Love lake life
Volunteer work
Camping with Scouts BSA
The entertainment never stops
Favorite activity
Helping my kids become great people
First time I counted $1 million in cash
Working at a bank in college
Dream job
Ski ambassador
As Senior Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) with Financial Planning Solutions, LLC, I guide individuals and families to visualize their financial and other life goals, help them understand their finances, and provide planning to realize their goals. I educate my clients about many areas of finance, including saving and investing for retirement and other goals, budgets and cash flow management, college funding for children, tax planning, and more. I especially enjoy working with women with limited financial literacy or considering divorce. I became a CDFA® (Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®) to better serve this niche.
My story began in my hometown of Pittsburgh. Before marriage, my mother was an assistant to a member of the Mellon family. She loved the world of investing and finance. When widowed at 39 with three children under age 10, she went back to work. She subscribed to the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and Barron’s - not common for women in the 1970’s. She actively participated in an investment club and inspired me to pursue a career in financial services.
After graduation from Duke, I joined a bank management training program in Atlanta (only the 2nd year women were hired). My four years included credit analysis training, manager of market research and lending to mid-size businesses in South Carolina and southern Georgia, a challenge for a “Yankee” woman. I earned my MBA program at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, followed by three years with KPMG as Consultant to the Chair of the National Financial Services consulting practice, then eight years with Fidelity Investments as a Vice President in the institutional side of the business.
While I enjoyed working with large corporations and banks, I needed more psychic satisfaction from my work. I realized working directly with families and individuals could better meet that need. I completed the self-study CFP® program and obtained my CFP® designation during my “work at home with two young children” phase. I have now been an investment advisor since 2009, and am excited about my move to Financial Planning Solutions in 2022.
I am pleased I found my true career passion, albeit later in life. I look forward to directly helping my clients as they strive to reach their goals and dreams. I try to live by Wayne Gretzky’s adage: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
When I am not at FPS, you can find me on the tennis court, at Callahan State Park with my rescue dog Baron, playing handbells, on adventure travel trips (ideally on horseback in Colorado, Montana or Arizona) or attending hockey and baseball games.
Most people don’t know that I wanted to be a baseball statistician when I was young. It was not an option for a young woman at that time, but I have enjoyed participating in fantasy baseball leagues for many years.
If I could spend one day with one person, past or present, it would be my dad. He died at age 41 when I was seven. He was a brilliant physician who taught at Pitt Medical School and was a scratch golfer. I have few memories of him and would love to know so much more.
Favorite food
Guacamole with blue corn chips
Favorite ice cream flavor
Coffee
Favorite book
Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris
Favorite vacation
10-day horse pack trip in Montana
Famous relatives
Wilbur and Orville Wright (cousins on my mother's side)
First job
Swim team coach for ages 6-14
Favorite sport to play
Tennis
Childhood dream job
Statistician for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Hi there! I'm Andrew Holmes, a Certified Financial Planner® practitioner here at Financial Planning Solutions. I specialize in helping young families establish a secure financial future and those with high school age children plan for the cost of college.
I have two main areas of focus. As a Certified College Planning Specialist practitioner, I bring my knowledge and experience of strategies to reduce the cost of college for families with juniors and seniors in high school. Additionally, my accreditation as a Certified Student Loan Professional provides me with the expertise to help individuals and families with large amounts of student debt make smarter financial decisions around their loans.
Working at FPS inspires me because: The work that I do as a financial planner helps clients meet their financial needs and address their challenges. Watching others reach their financial goals is the most rewarding part of being a team member at FPS, and it motivates me every day.
Most people don’t know: Despite being a die-hard Baltimore Orioles fan, I am a partial season ticket holder of the Boston Red Sox.
When I’m not at FPS you can find me: Playing co-ed league softball, basketball and soccer. I love spending time outdoors with friends through sports. You can also find me supporting the American Red Cross as an active platelet donor.
If I could spend one day with one person past or present it would be: My grandfather who passed away when I was 17. His charismatic personality and charming smile always lit up a room, and I would love to laugh over one more game of Bingo with him.
Favorite Food
Mrs. Holmes' Blueberry Crisp
Fresh from my Mom's garden!
Favorite Movie
Talladega Nights
If you're not first you're last!
Travel Activity
Skiing
Trying to hit all the ICON mountains
Dream Job
Little League Coach
Championship roster coming soon
Favorite restaurant
Olive Garden
What can I say, I'm a simple guy!
Favorite ice cream flavor
Cookies & Cream
Can't have just one scoop!
First Job
Assistant at a propane company
Great spot to learn in high school
Sport to watch
College Basketball
Go UConn Huskies!
Maggie is our Client Service Specialist here at Financial Planning Solutions, LLC. She brings years of industry experience and is an integral part of our team. She strives to provide the highest level of service to our client's needs. Whether scheduling an appointment, updated your address, or answering any other questions you may have pertaining to your accounts, Maggie is here to help.
Working at FPS inspires me because: I thrive on partnering with clients to help provide the best possible experience.
When I’m not at FPS you can find me: Doing something out in nature. I enjoy road cycling, kayaking or taking my dog for a hike. I also enjoy cooking which sometimes means sticking to the recipe and other times adapting it to whatever is currently in season. I am also a huge sports fan and can talk Red Sox baseball with the best of them.
Most people don’t know: I took up stand-up comedy as a hobby in my 20s. It was a great challenge to stand in front of the crowd and share my insights on current affairs. After I would get my first laugh the stage fright would slip away. I still get up on stage from time to time.
If I could spend one day with one person, past or present, it would be: My Aunt Sis who passed away in 2011. She was the person I aspire to be filled with unending kindness and a wonderful spirit. Though she never had children of her own her proudest achievement was being there for her 18 nieces and nephews. I would spend summers with her on Cape Cod were we would play many a game of Rummikub.
Favorite Food
My stepmom's lobster casserole
A labor of love as we generally have to crack 20 1 lb lobsters in the backyard
Famous Relative
Grainne O Malley - Grace O'Malley (Irish chieftain and pirate queen)
Probably, why I look great in an eye patch?
Favorite Movies
The Wizard of Oz and The Sound of Music
Travel Activity
Cruises - been on a mediterranean cruise, lower Bahamas, Bermuda, Alaska
Cruise Bucket List - Fiji, any river cruise
First Job
Cutco Knife saleswoman
"Cutco, the world's finest cutlery!"
Super Power
Parallel parking
20 plus years of driving the SF hills gave me mad skills.
Ice cream flavor
Anything I can share with my dog Murf!
Dream Job
Hand model
(I have extraordinary nail beds)
Jay is a Financial Planning Intern at Financial Planning Solutions, LLC. Jay is a Junior at Bentley University majoring in Finance and minoring in Marketing. Jay will be working full-time throughout the summer and part-time during the school year while completing his courses at Bentley University.
Working at FPS inspires me because: I have the opportunity to getting to develop deeper relationships with clients. I'm looking forward to helping them overcome their financial hardships and bring a brighter future.
When I’m not at FPS you can find me: Playing basketball with friends, reading, figuring out where to travel, trying new things or dreaming about having a sports car someday.
Most people don’t know: I'm preparing for a basketball tournament competing with schools nationwide hosted specifically for Asian Americans. Although I'm sure our Bentley University Asian American school team won't get very far nationwide, I'm excited to challenge good teams and grow along the way.
If I could spend one day with one person past or present it would be: Mrs. Cornish, she was the very first teacher that I met coming to the United States. She was sweet, caring and helped me to adapt to a whole new culture in the US. I've lost connection with her since a move to Canada because of her husband's work but would really love to catch up with her if I have a chance.
Favorite Movie
Manchester by the sea
Best actor ever seen!
Favorite Sports Team
Los Angeles Clippers
Let's go Lob City!
Favorite Food
Peanuts
Anything Peanut related!
Favorite Thing to do while traveling
Food
I remember cities by their food!
Dream Job
Local Convenience store owner
Chatting to all sorts of people, eating whenever I like!
Favorite Snack
Pop Corners
Sweet Salty Kettle Corn flavor
Favorite book
The Razor's Edge
A great life book
Favorite TV show
How I Met Your Mother
Great story and helped me to learn English too!