About Michael

Looking Out for Others

That was practically a family mantra when I was growing up in the sleepy little town of Spring Run, Pennsylvania. My parents and grandparents were always living examples of being there for others; be it a family member, neighbor, or complete stranger. I was taught that looking out for others was simply the right thing to do.

It was a lesson I learned well and have put into practice throughout my life. Whether as a volunteer fireman, as an electronics technician in the U.S. Navy, as a deacon in my church, or in my career as a financial professional; I’ve strived to carry on my family’s tradition of looking out for others.

That passion for service, along with my uncanny knack for finances, is probably what led me to find my true calling in life: serving as a financial advisor specializing in retirement planning. It was Mark Twain who said, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” In my case, truer words were never spoken. I love helping my clients manage their finances in a way that allows them the financial freedom to pursue the things in life that matter most.

Why I Started Faithful Steward Wealth Advisors

Over the course of my career, I’ve watched with regret as the financial services industry has lost its way. Conflicts of interest, ineffective advisor training, and a focus on selling products, often prevent clients from receiving the best advice. In addition, many financial services firms, especially the large ones, have lost their personal touch. Financial advisors are often guilty of making the entire financial planning process overwhelming and confusing. Worse yet, many advisors only see their clients as a set of numbers. Is it any wonder that, when it comes to trust and integrity, financial advisors rank only slightly ahead of politicians?

So, in 2020, I founded Faithful Steward Wealth Advisors because I wanted the freedom to serve my clients with integrity and always put their best interests first. You see, I believe clients deserve a deeper relationship, one where their financial advisor understands them just as well as they understand their money. I believe that truly great financial planning should be about more than just the numbers. It should be about helping you practice better stewardship and use your money to live the best life possible. And with that, Retirement Prosperity Planning™ was born.

Professional Qualifications

I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, a Certified Kingdom Advisor, and a member of the Financial Planning Association. In addition, I hold a B.A. in Economics from Pennsylvania State University. As a retirement planning specialist, I’ve also been quoted in various retirement publications, like Kiplingers, Money, and MarketWatch. Since beginning my career in 1996, I’ve specialized in helping my clients plan for, successfully transition into, and enjoy living out their personal version of an ideal retirement.

As a lifelong learner, I actively participate in the monthly Kingdom Advisors study group program. This allows me to constantly improve my skills and better integrate a faith-based approach to financial planning and a Biblically-responsible investment management approach for my Christian clients who desire to practice better stewardship by aligning their faith and values with their finances.

Additionally, I am a volunteer with the Foundation for Financial Planning as part of their pro bono program. The foundation’s mission is to provide free financial planning services to help people improve their financial lives by expanding access to pro bono financial planning.

When I’m Not Working

My fiancée, Oneta, and I live in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and share our home with our 5 dogs and an ever-fluctuating number of parrots – thanks to Oneta’s heart for parrot rescue. I’m blessed with 4 children, 7 grandchildren, and 2 nephews – all of whom mean the world to me.

Most weekends, you’re likely to find me chauffeuring my grandkids to hockey games or skating lessons. I also spend a fair number of weekends in Happy Valley cheering on the Penn State football or hockey teams. And finally, you may find me chasing trout on one of the many streams our area is blessed with, as I’m an avid fly fisherman and fly tier.

Finally, I’m active in serving my community helping to raise money for my family’s charity The Daisy Fund. I’m also involved in the Penn State Alumni Association and Christian Business Men’s Connection. In addition, I’m a member and past trustee at The Presbyterian Church of the Falling Spring.