Meet The Atlas Fiduciary Financial Team
About Dr. Mattia
With over thirty years of experience in finance, Laura is a fee-only comprehensive financial advisor, a member of NAPFA and a fiduciary advocate. She believes that all financial advisors should be willing to sign an oath committing to work as a fiduciary 100% of the time.
A former CFO and advisor to top CEO’s for their businesses and family office, Dr. Laura Mattia is passionate about influencing positive change in the financial industry and the need for competent and ethical advice. Dr. Mattia teaches CFP’s how to create financial plans as fiduciaries at Texas Tech University, for large national financial service firms and recently spent several years creating a new CFP registered program at the Muma Business College, University of South Florida in Tampa.
Though today Dr. Mattia is a visionary financial advisor, educator, speaker and author, her career journey was a circuitous one. After earning a B.S. in psychology with the intention of pursuing a career in counseling, she went on to obtain an MBA in accounting and finance, later accepting a position in the corporate world. As she tells it, it was this experience that ultimately served as the inspiration for her current area of focus:
“I worked for many years as a corporate executive. I really wanted to work in the helping profession with individuals. Though I had strayed from that dream, as a senor executive I had the opportunity to help management and others with their personal financial questions and became the CFO for a family office serving a well-respected businessman in Manhattan. I found that I enjoyed advising individuals much more than advising on the businesses themselves, so I went back to school and earned my CFP®. Later working as a fiduciary, I realized that an extensive knowledge base is fundamental to knowing what is in the client’s best interest so I continued to study, earning a Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University, the premier financial planning program in the country. Now I keep my knowledge sharp by teaching professionals in the industry. I would never consider giving people financial advise, affecting their lives, without this commitment to continuous learning.”
Dr. Mattia is the author of the book “Gender On Wall Street: Uncovering Opportunities For Women In Financial Services” published June 2018 by Palgrave Macmillan and has published many academic and nonacademic financial papers. She is recognized as an expert in the profession and often speaks at conferences held for financial services firms and associations such as; the national association of financial planners (NAPFA), the financial planning association (FPA) and the financial therapy association (FTA). She is also often quoted in industry periodicals such as the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times and and has published numerous articles and academic research in periodicals such as the Journal of Financial Planning and the NAPFA Advisor, to educate and support financial advisors seeking to elevate the profession.
She is also the creator and the director of the Women’s Money Empowerment program at the Women’s Resource Center (WRC), a not-for-profit and she serves as a board member of the Suncoast Financial Planning Association (FPA). Dr. Mattia feels she is truly fortunate to call Sarasota home and continues to look for opportunities to support the community.
“This is an incredibly dynamic industry. If professionals don’t stay on top of what’s going on by constantly reading and keeping themselves in the loop, they’re not going to feel as confident or be able to help as many people. I’m a lifelong learner; it’s a part of my identity, and it’s what pushes me every day. It’s why I got my Ph.D. People are surprised sometimes at how hard I push, but I really believe that’s what it takes to remain relevant in this field.”
Awards & Honors
- Women’s Choice Award® for Financial Advisors
- Five Star Wealth Manager, New Jersey Monthly (2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010)
- Best 50 Women in Business, NJBIZ (2009)
- Five Star Wealth Manager, Sarasota, Florida (2015)
- Women of Influence in Sarasota (2015)
- Two times TEDx Speaker (2018, 2019)
Education & Certifications
- Texas Tech University, Ph.D., Personal Financial Planning (2016)
- Montclair State University, MBA, Accounting and Finance (1990)
- Montclair State University, B.S., Psychology (1982)
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
- Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®)
Professional Affiliations
Current Involvement
- Founder, Women’s Money Empowerment offered at the Women’s Resource Center, Sarasota
- SRQ Impact100, Sarasota
- Board Member, Suncoast FPA
- Member, NAPFA
Recent Involvement:
- Treasurer for Parent Association at Pine View School
- Volunteer at Sarasota Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC)
- Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
- National Association of Women (NOW)
- Planned Giving Advisory Board, Montclair State University
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About Stephen
Steve worked as an engineer for about 10 years before changing careers and joining Prudential. After a few years, he became disenchanted with the sales-oriented approach to delivering financial advice since it did not have the client’s best interests at heart and he believed strongly in the value of financial planning. In 1993 he left Prudential and founded a firm which later became Atlas Fiduciary Financial and in 1998 joined the National Association of Financial Planners (NAPFA).
Steve feels so strongly about NAPFA and its mission to “fix” the way advice is delivered to consumers that he has been involved as a volunteer for many years in many roles, serving as eastern region chair and president and gradually rising through the ranks of governance until he was elected to the highest position, Chair of the National Board (2018-2019). NAPFA membership was a natural fit for us since we believe the client comes first and that providing detailed financial planning is key to the success of our clients.
Steve loves helping people organize the financial aspects of their lives and planning for their future whether it will be for early retirement, buying a second house or even just helping to provide a feeling of security in knowing that you can achieve your goals and dreams in life. He particularly likes to work with executives, professionals and business owners.
Steve’s hobbies include photography, cooking and sports cars. He stays in shape through weightlifting and karate (black belt, Shotokan). He enjoys playing with his 3 dogs; don’t mention them or you’ll have to see their pictures! He is married and has a 19-year-old daughter attending George Washington University.
Education & Certifications
- Stevens Institute, BE, ‘77
- MBA, Finance
- MS, Financial Planning
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
Professional Affiliations
- Member, National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, (NAPFA)
- Served on NAPFA’s Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Region; past Chair (2013/2014) and past President (2012/2013)
- Past Chair of the National Board (2018-2019)
- Member, CFA Institute
- Member, New York Society of Securities Analysts (NYSSA)
Professional Affiliations
- Appeared on CNNfn’s show “Opera House,” hosted by Gerri Willis
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About Alison
Alison Hall is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2008. Like most fresh graduates, she was unsure what the future held at the time, but knew that student loan repayment was fast approaching. She began working at a nearby hotel with hopes of networking possibilities and at a minimum, a steady paycheck. While working as a hotel clerk, Alison learned about the opportunities of working in the financial industry and within a few months, she was working with the firm which is now Atlas Fiduciary Financial, learning the ins and outs of the firm.
After passing the Series 65, proving an established familiarity with the extensive rules and regulations that accompany the finance world, Alison decided it was time to move forward. By completing the CFP® certification process at Fairleigh Dickinson and passing the comprehensive, 10-hour exam, she could not only further her career but also begin to help people more directly – so that’s precisely what she did.
Being a young woman in the field proved to be a blessing. There are many individuals seeking help, advice and direction that aren’t receiving it for one reason or another. Alison is familiar with common plights of millennials, being one herself. She also enjoys helping women, whether single, divorced or widowed, gain a better understanding of their personal and/or family finances. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for women and younger individuals to feel like they are not being heard or taken seriously. Alison finds a sense of purpose in helping these people achieve their goals, both short and long term. She is frequently quoted in “Ask NJMoneyHelp”, where readers can submit general questions about their finances online and receive answers from a professional at no cost.
In her spare time, Alison can be found playing with her bulldog, cooking and reading non-fiction books. She also enjoys watching and training in Muay Thai with her husband.
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About Gary
Gary Hirsh is a fee-only planner and began his professional career in 1979 as a CPA for Coopers & Lybrand. Upon realizing that he enjoyed working with smaller clients, he became a partner with 3 accounting firms. In 1987, after the sudden passing of his father, Gary realized that there was a tremendous need for financial planning and investment advisory services for clients with varying net worth. Shortly thereafter, Gary earned his certificate in financial planning from Adelphi University. Previously, Gary earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the State University of New York at Binghamton where he graduated magna cum laude.
In addition to being a CPA, Gary is a financial planning specialist. The integration of financial planning expertise and accounting and tax knowledge enables Gary to bring the firm’s clients a unique, multidimensional perspective on accounting, tax and financial and investment matters. Gary provides comprehensive financial planning, including the construction of investment portfolios to assist clients in reaching their goals, improving current tax positions while minimizing estate taxes and preserving wealth. He provides advice in evaluating life insurance strategies, college planning, lifetime asset transfers, IRA distributions, long-term care alternatives and investment review with the goal of increasing wealth at manageable risk levels.
Professional Affiliations
- Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Member, New York and New Jersey State Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Member, National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, (NAPFA)
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Our Qualifications - Education Matters
For that reason we require each member of our team hold a Bachelor degree in Finance, or related degree and a CFP® designation.
And we go beyond. Our senior advisors, pride ourselves in our advanced, synergistic and complimentary educational backgrounds, enabling us to recommend smarter financial solutions so you can live your best life.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Financial Planning
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting and Finance
Masters and Bachelor in finance, accounting, and economics
Our Fees
As a Fee-Only and Fiduciary Firm we are compensated only by you – you are the boss and our interests are aligned with yours.
As an Independent Boutique Firm we have flexibility to design the compensation structure most suited to your needs.
Financial Planning
Ongoing Asset Management with Financial Plan Updates
We can manage your investments (they are held at our custodian) under a tiered fee schedule. View Fee Schedule >
Ongoing asset management includes updates to your financial roadmap on an as needed basis. We recommend that we revise your projections and roadmap when things change you (maybe you want to retire sooner) or perhaps because tax laws changed.
Financial Planning and Investment Reviews as A Subscription Service
What are you paying now?
Giving Back
Optimizing Your Wealth on a Continuous Basis
Ongoing asset management includes updates to your financial roadmap on an as-needed basis. We recommend revisions to your projections and roadmaps when life, tax laws, etc. change or take place. Together, we’ll rebalance as needed so your portfolio does not become riskier and you receive the extra return by adhering to a strict buy/sell strategy.
Women’s Money Empowerment
Take The Women’s Money Empowerment Quiz
Discover you score towards financial empowerment. Fill out this quiz to gauge where you’re at and if it’s time to take control.
The Woman’s Money Empowerment Credo
These ten points uncover the power that women hold in the financial industry.
TEDx: Overcome Your Fears To Build Resiliency and Create The Life You Want
In this TEDx, Dr. Mattia encourages women to overcome their fears by leaning on their strengths (superpowers) to build resiliency and create the life they want.
TEDx Financially Empowered Women Have Influence on Their Own Lives and More
In this TEDx Dr. Mattia encourage women to engage in financial decisions so they have more influence in shaping their own lives, their work environments, their communities, the world.