Our Team

The M Financial Planning Services team believes it is imperative to provide unbiased advice and high-quality service through honest communication and innovative strategies. Our goal is to help you gain a firm understanding of your financial situation and move toward achieving your most important business and personal goals.

We are backed by the resources of LPL Financial, the nation’s largest independent broker/dealer.* LPL Financial offers us a comprehensive array of tools, resources and technology and has no proprietary products. This enables us to provide you with objective financial guidance.

* As reported by Financial Planning magazine, June 1996–2010, based on total revenue.

Theodore R. Massaro | CLU, AEP, Chartered Financial Consultant

Mr. Massaro has been involved in the areas of financial planning and employee benefits since 1974 when he began his career as an agent. He received a B.S. degree in Finance and participates in extensive continuing education programs to maintain his expertise in the financial planning field. In 1982 he co-founded M Financial Planning Services, Inc. and simultaneously established Asset Management Associates of Medford Inc.* M Financial Planning Services Inc. is an independent financial planning and advisory firm serving individuals and businesses across the United States. In addition Ted is also a:

  • Member of the Financial Planning Association, local and national chapters
  • Member of Registry of Financial Planning Practitioners
  • Member of American Society of CLU/ChFC
  • Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
  • Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
  • LPL Investment Advisor Representative
  • LPL Registered Securities Principal
  • LPL Registered Representative
  • Accredited Estate Planner (AEP)

Over the years, Ted has had the good fortune to establish longstanding relationships with many of his clients, averaging 20 years. He especially enjoys working with the self-employed: as an entrepreneur, he knows the many day to day challenges it takes to achieve any level of success.

When Ted is not meeting with clients or helping his community by donating his time and resources to Big Brothers Big Sisters, he enjoys spending time with his lovely wife and children or trying to keep his aging bones together (especially knees) by routinely working out at the gym.

 

Catherine B. Allen, CFP®

With over 26 years of experience in the financial industry, Catherine is deeply compassionate and is driven to educate and empower people to make informed decisions in their financial lives.
 
She joined M Financial Planning Services in 2010--previously she served as Partner and Vice President of Renaissance Wealth Management Group, a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch, a Senior Financial Planning Consultant at Fidelity Investments and a Vice President at Wachovia Securities.
 
She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM trained to develop and implement comprehensive financial plans for individuals, businesses, and organizations. She has the knowledge and skills to objectively assess your current financial status, identify potential problem areas, and recommend appropriate options.
 
Catherine aims to make a difference for her clients by looking at the overall picture rather than just their investments. She believes a financial plan is not just a snapshot but instead a moving picture that needs constant reviewing and tweaking to keep it on track. Catherine’s purpose is to help her clients thrive and enjoy financial freedom and greater well-being through acting as a positive and engaging advisor.
 
One of Catherine’s areas of expertise is working with women in transition: widows, divorcees, and those re-joining the workplace. More than 90% of women will be solely responsible for their finances at one point in their lives. It is her passion and goal to change the conversation about personal finance for women.
 

Edward Garruto, MBA
 

Ed joined our firm in August 2011 with more than 20 years experience as a senior finance executive in the casino and hotel industries. Previously he worked as the CFO of the Tropicana Casino and the General Manager of a Caesar's Entertainment Property. After passing the CFP and Series 7 Exams, he joined our firm with a focus on offering comprehensive, independent financial planning to families in our area.

Ed recieved his MBA in Financial Management from Drexel University, and recieved his Certificate in Financial Planning from Farleigh Dickinson University. Ed has also served on the Board of Directors for the Atlantic County Chamber of Commerce and has volunteered his time to the United Way Campaign.

 

Nathan Browning

Nate joined our firm in January 2008 with 20 years of experience working with individuals, families, small to mid-sized businesses, charitable organizations, business owners, physicians and dental practices. As an Independent Financial Advisor, Nate regularly advises clients on financial planning, investment planning, individual retirement planning, employer-sponsored benefit plans, insurance planning and employee benefits.

Nate firmly believes that developing successful wealth creation strategies takes focus and vision. The strategy and focus are defined based on the client’s goals and objectives. Maximizing returns and minimizing risks are key elements to pursuing client dreams and goals.

He is a graduate of Shippensburg University with a concentration in Economics. He is continuing his studies through the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and has completed the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM Certificate through Farleigh Dickenson University in Madison, New Jersey. In addition, Nate is also a:

  • LPL Registered Representative
  • LPL Investment Advisor Representative
  • Associate Member of the Society of Financial Service Professionals on the national and local levels
  • Member of the Professional Advisors Panel for Estate and Financial Planning for HRHS

Nate has had the pleasure of working with some of his clients for more than 15 years. Nate lives in Central New Jersey with his wife and children.

Timothy Melly

Tim works as an Assistant Portfolio Strategist, providing our brokers with investment and planning support. Additionally Tim serves as our in-house technical support by handling issues that arise in our office. He is always available to lend a helping hand in other capacities. Prior to joining our team in May 2005, Tim worked with SEI investments in operations and at Hirtle, Callaghan and Associates as a research analyst. Tim is a graduate of Drexel University with a BSBA in Finance and a BS in Economics.

 

 

 

 

Justin Stepanow

Justin joined our firm in October 2008 and works in conjunction with Tim as a Planner Assistant, providing investment and planning support to our financial advisors. Prior to taking on his current role with our team, he had worked as a financial advisor for both AXA Advisors in Manasquan, New Jersey and U.S. Bancorp Investments in Newport Beach, California. Justin attended The College of New Jersey, where he graduated with a BSBA in Management. He enjoys golf, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

 

 

 

Alia Mendez-Taylor

As Client Concierge, Alia manages the client experience at our office, and helps coordinate the work between team members. She joined our firm in June 2008. After obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Alia is presently continuing her education. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree at Rutgers University in Camden.

 

 

 

 

 

 Jennifer Markowski

Jen manages the marketing efforts at M Financial. She joined our firm in 2007 and is responsible for advertising, client communications, website maintenance and coordinating special events. She has a background in marketing and joins us after 10 years in the publishing industry. Jen studied at Rider University for a joint degree in Journalism and American Studies.

 

 

 

 

 

Scott Wark

Scott joined our team as a LPL Registered Assistant in 2008, specifically assisting advisors with insurance and estate plans, as well as investment and planning support. He also helps to develop and implement marketing projects. Before joining us he worked for Summit Financial in Parsippany, New Jersey after earning his BS in Finance from Farleigh Dickinson University. He enjoys watching and playing sports, and spending time with his friends and family.