The Acorn Financial Team

Since our founding in 1984, we've built our business on teamwork -- working as a partner to our clients, as a support network with our representatives, and in tandem with other professional advisers and leading financial services companies. Our team philosophy has a strength that's greater than the sum of its parts. And we can put it to work for you.

Senior Management
Acorn Staff
Livingston, NJ
Brielle, NJ
Paramus, NJ
Rumson, NJ
New York City, NY
Yardley, PA
Essex, CT
  • Joseph J. Oakes IV, AIF®
  • President & CEO

    973-716-7520

    jjoakes@acornfs.com

    V-Card

    Joe began his career at Acorn Financial Services in 1994 as a financial representative building his clientele and achieving top producer status at the firm, John Hancock Financial Network, and in the industry. In 2003, Joe was named Associate Managing Partner, honing his management skills and continuing the growth momentum of Acorn Financial Services. In 2005, he was named Managing Partner, and just one year later, led the firm to JHFN's top honor of receiving the President's Trophy, an honor which the firm repeated in 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2015. Under Joe's leadership, the firm has also received the GAMA First in Class Award every year since 2006.

    Joe attended St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. He is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF designation) and is a member of many industry organizations such as AALU, LAMP, NALU and the New York Round Table. He was inducted into JHFN’s Hall of Fame in 2012.

    Since being a part of Royal Alliance in 2018, Joe has been honored as one of the top managing executives at the firm’s annual Royal Court conference.

    Joe and his wife, Allison, reside in Bernardsville, NJ with their three children Eva, Lily, and Joseph, V.

     

     

     

  • Joseph J. Oakes, III, CLU®, ChFC®
  • Chairman

    973-716-7516

    joakes@acornfs.com

    Joe has been in the insurance and financial services arena for over 45 years. His varied experience includes involvement in almost all phases of the industry. A member of AALU, he is a Life and qualifying member of Million Dollar Round Table and the John Hancock President's Cabinet. He led Profesco Corporation as President from 1972 until 1985 when he founded Acorn Financial Services.

    In addition to serving as the Founder and Chairman of Acorn Financial Services, he was also formerly a founding Board Member of Carnegie Bank.

    Joe is a graduate of St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA and a former Board of Trustees member of the University. He holds a certificate for completing the Harvard University Advanced Management Program and has received numerous industry and civic awards. In addition, he serves as Chairman-Emeritus of the Board of Trustees for the Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children for the Archdiocese of Newark.  He was formerly on the Board of Trustees at Baltusrol Golf Club and Investors Savings Bank and supports other charitable organizations and programs in the Summit area.    

    Joe and his wife, Lynne, have been married for over 50 years and live in Summit, NJ. They have four married children with 15 grandchildren.

  • Steven Abbruzzese, CLU®, ChFC®
  • Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing

    973-716-7519

    sabbruzzese@acornfs.com

    V-Card

    Steven V. Abbruzzese, CLU, ChFC, began his career as an agent in 1973 when he joined the Herbert F. Cluthe & Co., a subsidiary of the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co. After qualifying for the John Hancock Leaders meeting each of his first 3 years, Steve took on the additional role of Supervisor and continued in both capacities for the next 20 years. In 1997, Steve joined the Acorn Financial team where Steve served as  Sales Manager for several years, and was ranked the number two manager within the John Hancock in 2005 and number one in 2006. Steve then moved in to his current role as Sr. VP for Sales & Development.

    A person who believes in “giving back” to his community, Steve has always been active in local and county government, serving as a member of the Board of Health, the Rent Stabilization Board, The Bedminster Board of Education, and as a Somerset County Election Board Commissioner. Steve has also always held a strong belief in the importance of inter-collegiate athletics, and in 2003 he was awarded the Kilbourn Medal for Service by King’s College of Pennsylvania in recognition of his tireless fundraising efforts on behalf of their athletic program. A graduate of RutgersUniversity in New Brunswick, Steve earned his CLU and ChFC designations from the American College.   

    Steve has two adult children and four grandchildren, Marlie, Maya, Cameron, and Dominic, and lives in Point Pleasant Beach wife his wife Judie. 

  • William S. Oakes, CFP®
  • Senior Vice President, Sales & Recruiting

    973-716-7510

    woakes@acornfs.com

    www.williamoakes.com

    V-Card

    Bill Oakes entered the financial services industry in 2002 after starting his career at Merrill Lynch retirement plan services and ICG Commerce. In 2007 he passed the rigorous CFP® examination. Today Bill provides comprehensive insurance and investment solutions for businesses and individuals. 

    Throughout his years at Acorn Financial Services, Bill has earned many awards and honors that reflect his position as a leader, both within his firm and in the financial industry as a whole. He is a perennial qualifier for the Acorn Leader's Conference as well as the Signator Investors, Inc. ACE (Achieving Client Excellence) conference. 

    Bill was born and raised in Summit, New Jersey and currently resides in Westfield with his wife, Cate and sons, Liam, Dylan, and Quinlan and daughter Kierstin. He is active in the community and is a member of the Westfield Jaycees. Bill attended Seton Hall Preparatory School in West Orange, New Jersey and graduated from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with a Bachelors of Science in Finance. He is an avid sports enthusiast who enjoys coaching lacrosse and is a member of Baltusrol Golf Club.

  • Brianna Castiglia
  • Assistant to Robert Ferrari and William Conklin

    973-716-7514

    bcastiglia@acornfs.com

    Livingston Office

  • Nadia Carter
  • Executive Assistant to William S. Oakes, CFP

    973-716-7585

    ncarter@acornfs.com

    Livingston Office

    Nadia joined the Acorn Family in 2019 assisting Bill Oakes. She cares for clients deeply and strives to ensure satisfaction on a professional yet personal level.

    In her spare time, you can find her trying out a new recipe, gardening, or spending time at home with her family. Nadia is grateful for the opportunities & experiences that Acorn has given her and is happy to call Acorn Financial her family.

  • Taylor Donofrio
  • Executive Assistant to Joseph J. Oakes, IV

    973-716-7553

    tdonofrio@acornfs.com

    Notary Public

    Livingston Office

    Taylor joined Acorn Financial Services in 2020 to work with Joseph J. Oakes, IV as an executive assistant. She graduated from William Paterson University in 2018 with a degree in Finance. She currently lives in Haskell, NJ and in her spare time enjoys traveling with friends and family.

  • Terrie Chase
  • Adminstrative Assistant to Steve Abbruzzese & Jody Post/Payroll

    973-716-7511

    Tchase@acornfs.com

    Notary Public

    Livingston Office

    Graduate of Berkeley Buisness School with 25 years at Acorn. 

  • Nancy D'Ademo
  • Executive Assistant to Joe Oakes, III

    973-716-7517

    ndademo@acornfs.com

    Livingston Office

    Since joining the Acorn family in January 2000, Nancy has been the Executive Assistant to Joseph J. Oakes, III.

    Prior to Acorn, she worked at Auer & Sylvester Associates as a  Life Insurance New Business Coordinator.

    Nancy began working in the insurance industry in 1978 with the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company and held various administrative, customer service, new business and underwriting positions during her 13 years with the company.

     

     

     

  • Ali DeZao
  • Brokerage Department

    New Business, Life Sales & Licensing Coordinator

    973-716-7532

    aturk@acornfs.com

    Livingston Office

  • Marlene Fonseca
  • Compliance Director

    973-232-7412

    mfonseca@acornfs.com

    Livingston Office

  • Beth Gallina
  • Assistant to Jeff Susskind

    973-232-7404

    bgallina@acornfs.com

    Livingston office

  • Nick Hanley, CFP®
  • Compliance Director

    Nick has been at Acorn for ten years with the last seven years in Compliance.  He enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids as well as cooking, sports and music.

    973-716-7588

    nhanley@acornfs.com

    Livingston Office

  • Kristin McNerney
  • 973-994-0100

    kmcnerney@acornfs.com

    Notary Public

    Livingston Office

    Kristin joined the Acorn Financial Services team in 2021. She is a graduate from Wiliiam Paterson University and lives in Haskell, NJ. Outside of work, Kristin enjoys watching the New York Yankees and New York Giants. She also loves to spend time with her friends and family.

  • Italia Malkin
  • New Business Case Manager

    973 716 7590

    imalkin@acornfs.com

  • Donna McHugh
  • Assistant to Mike McHugh

    973-716-7535

    dmchugh@acornfs.com

    Livingston Office

  • Brennen Pierce
  • Assistant to Lee Southern

    973-716-7593

    bpierce@acornfs.com

    Livingston Office

  • Jody Post
  • Business Manager

    973 716 7525

    jpost@acornfs.com

    Notary Public

    Livingston Office

    Jody joined the Acorn Financial Services family 24 years ago in the capacity of Office and Business Manager. She’s married and is most proud of her two children Zach and Whitney. She enjoys cooking and baking, but most important is spending time with family and friends

  • Rick Russell
  • Associate Director, IT

    973-716-7552

    rrussell@acornfs.com

  • Lisa Spardel
  • Assistant to Jarrod Burke

    973-716-7595

    lspardel@acornfs.com

    Livingston Office

  • Lynn D. Araneta, CLU®, ChFC®
  • Over 30 years’ experience in Retirement, Protection, and College Education Planning.

    Registered Representative

    732-322-1249

    laraneta@acornfs.com

  • Richard Leonetti
  • Registered Representative

    609-458-8855

    rleonetti@acornfs.com

  • Jarrod W. Burke, CFP®
  • Investment Adviser Representative

    973-716-7542

    jburke@acornfs.com

    Jarrod moved to New Jersey in 2001 and established himself with Acorn Financial Services in 2002, after several successful years with Winstart Communications, Inc. in Tyson's Corner, Virginia. Initially carving a niche assisting clients with Long Term Care planning, he further developed his expertiese by completing the education and work experience requirements for the Certified Financial Planner designation and has been a CFP® since 2006. Expanding his knowledge base demonstrates his continuing commitment to his clients.

    Jarrod focuses his practice on the strategic integration of investment management, retirement income planning, and risk management with a focus on life, long term care, and disability income insurance. He coordinates with his clients' team of professionals, including attorneys, accountants and other critical adisors to help them identify and realize their important goals and objectives. Jarrod spends time getting to know his clients and their needs; communication provides the foundation for a succesful relationship. He is committed to putting his clients' interests first by practicing at the highest level of integrity to promote trust with an imphasis on providing quality advice. This allows him and his clients to work side-by-side together and create valuable, lasting relationships.

    Jarrod, his wife Summer, and their four daughters live in Scotch Plains, NJ. Outside of work, Jarrod enjoys working on his golf game and traveling with friends and his family.

     

     

  • Michael Rose
  • 267-685-2219

    mrose@acornfs.com

  • Steven Castrello
  • 914-907-7701

    scastrello@acornfs.com

    Before Steve became an advisor 12 years ago his career was on the institutional side of the business.  

    As a derivatives trader on the American Stock Exchange floor, it was his responsibility as lead market maker to provide liquidity for his own account & keep fair and orderly options markets in stocks that included: Merrill Lynch, Proctor & Gamble and Amgen.

    Steve also had the same duties in the ETF markets as well. He left the floor and took on the role as Sales Trader where he executed client order flow for many of the top quant, risk arbitrage, distressed debt and long/short equity hedge funds in the industry. Steven uses this institutional experience and knowledge to give high level of investment advice and client service.

    Steven is married with 3 children ages 16, 14 & 10 and resides in Nyack NY. He is involved with his local parish and volunteers his time for many different philanthropic causes. On some days he loves playing golf. He loves to read, hike, tennis , travel and baseball where he received an athletic scholarship to George Mason University.

  • William Conklin, CFP®
  • Financial Consultant

    973-716-7583

    wconklin@acornfs.com

    Bill Conklin is a seasoned financial planner with a passion for helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals. With over 25 years of experience in the financial industry, he has developed a deep understanding of the complexities of personal finance and investment strategies.

    Bill graduated from WIlliam Paterson University and obtained his CFP designation from Farleigh Dickenson University and is constantly keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of the investment world by attending continuing education classes and investment symposium’s.

    Bill’s expertise lies in providing personalized financial advice and creating comprehensive financial plans tailored to his clients’ unique needs and aspirations. He believes in building long-term relationships with his clients, ensuring that he fully understands their financial objectives, risk tolerance, time horizons as well as tax efficiency.

    Outside of his professional life, Bill is actively involved in his community, by coaching youth Soccer, Basketball and Baseball. He sits on the open space committee in the town of Ringwood, NJ and the county committee. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Amy, two children Connor and Madison and husky-pit mix Peanut, attending concerts, sporting events, and traveling throughout the US..

     

  • Harry Conti, CLU®, ChFC®
  • Registered Representative

    973-716-7528

    hconti@acornfs.com

  • Dalton Heffel
  • Investment Advisor Representative

    732-370-6668

    dheffel@acornfs.com

  • Edward Donegan
  • Investment Adviser Representative

    732-370-6668

    edonegan@acornfs.com, edonegan@jhnetwork.com

  • Robert Ferrari
  • 973-716-7522

    rferrari@acornfs.com

    As a graduate of Gettysburg College, Robert Ferrari earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in 1991. He began his financial services career with John Hancock Financial Network soon after graduation in 1992, and joined Acorn Financial Services in 1998.

    Mr. Ferrari has focused his career on wealth management, succession planning and insurance consulting for his clients who come from all walks of life. Robert is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Round Table and was admitted into the John Hancock Financial Network’s Hall Of Fame in 2016. In 2001, he was awarded Acorn Financial Service’s "Senior Associate of the Year," an honor repeated in 2006. In addition to Robert's success at Acorn, he is the Director of Above and Beyond with Michael, a foundation named after his late son that continues his son’s passion of making life better for disenfranchised youth.

    Robert is the proud father of Justin, who is currently attending the University of Maryland and studying Sustainable Architecture. 

     

  • Stephen Geis
  • Investment Adviser Representative

    609-721-1329

    stephen@acornfs.com

  • Dean Ludwig
  • 973-716-7531

    dludwig@acornfs.com

  • Lori Colin CFP
  • I can help you to take care of and protect yourself and your family with wise investment, retirement, and insurance choices.

    Certified Financial Planner

    Investment Adviser Representative/ Registered Representative

    Investment, Retirement, and Insurance Planning

    201-632-1370

    Lcolin@acornfs.com

  • Michael W. McHugh, LUTCF
  • Financial Consultant

    973-716-7548

    mmchugh@acornfs.com

  • Jeff McIntire
  • Investment Adviser Representative

    973-716-7515

    jmclntire@acornfs.com

  • Michael Newman, CLU®, ChFC®
  • Financial Adviser

    973-716-7526

    mnewman@acornfs.com

    Mobile: 201-213-7574

    Mike has been in the Financial Services business since May 1972. Before coming to Acorn he was a Capital Agent and Registered Representative at Provident Mutual Life Insurance Company. Mike joined the Acorn Team in 1994 as a Marketing Representative/ Registered Representative. He has enjoyed working with each of his clients over the years, and his client’s interests are and have always been uppermost.

    Mike attended Seton Hall Prep School in West Orange, NJ in 1966 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006. Mike was also the Alumni Association President from 1990-1996. After highschool, Mike attended Seton Hall University and earned a Bachelors degree in Political Science. He is also a graduate from The American College in Bryn Mawr, PA .

    Mike is married to Jeanne Marie and lives in Madison, NJ. He is extremely proud of his children Danille, Frances, and Matthew. Mike is also a proud grandfather to Briana, Dylan, and Matthew. He participates in a number of professional and community activities such as the Morthwest Jersey Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and appreciates the good feelings that each provides.

  • Robert Pakonis, CLTC
  • 973-716-7589

    rpakonis@acornfs.com

    Robert joined Acorn Financial Services in 2000 as a new agent after completing his undergraduate studies at Villanova University.  At Acorn, he started under a program that specialized in long-term care insurance.  He is a certified long-term care specialist, CLTC and continues to utilize these skills to helps clients and other agents. 

    In 2003 he branched out into a management role specializing in life insurance planning and helps to run and design the life insurance department at Acorn, known as Acorn Direct.  With Acorn Direct, Robert also works with agents from other firms who utilize the skills and resources he can provide to help grow their insurance business.     

    Robert’s life insurance expertise is focused on helping Acorn agents, agents from other firms as well as his own clients.  He helps individuals, families and businesses plan to protect their futures with the use of a variety of different insurance products and advanced planning concepts.    

  • Sue Pettorini
  • Office Manager

    267-665-2222

    spettorini@acornfs.com

    Newtown, PA Office

  • Robert Ritchie
  • Investment Adviser Representative

    973-716-7599

    robertritchie@acornfs.com

  • Lee E. Southren
  • Senior Agent

    973-716-7536- office

    201-888-3818- cell

    lsouthren@acornfs.com

    Lee Southren has been with Acorn Financial for his entire 30-year career.  He graduated with a business degree from The University of Bridgeport in 1989.  He specializes in providing comprehensive insurance and investment solutions for both businesses and individuals. The theme that reflects the core of Lee's pracitce is, "The best part of this business is the long term relationships developed that span multiple generations” .

    Lee's industry accolades include being inducted into the Signator/John Hancock Hall of Fame in 2018 to go along with a wide variety of accomplishments such as, life and qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table.

    Lee is an avid golfer and is the founder/CEO of NJ Riot lacrosse.

    Outside of Acorn, Lee lives in Denville, NJ with his wife Lisa and has four sons. JP and Jake both graduated from Stevens Tech where they played lacrosse and are now working in the Engineering and private bank sectors repectively. Twins, Cole and Luke, are currently in 7th grade.

  • Jeffrey R. Susskind, CLU®
  • Investment Adviser Representative

    Direct: 973-716-7598

    jsusskind@acornfs.com

    www.jeffreysusskind.com/

    Mobile: 973-699-7821

     

    Jeff Susskind specializes in providing comprehensive insurance and investment solutions for businesses and individuals. He prides himself on having strong relationships with his clients as well as their team of professionals such as attorneys, accountants, and advisers. This allows him to address and assist them with their specific goals, including retirement planning, college funding, and insurance planning. Jeff focuses his practice on the strategic integration of Investment Management, Retirement Income Planning, and Risk Management with a focus on Life, Long Term Care and Disability Income Insurance. 

    Jeff is also the president of JBN Benefits, LLC*, an employee benefits firm that services businesses for their group benefits needs.

    Jeff's educational background includes an undergraduate degree from Muhlenberg College and a master’s degree in Finance from Hofstra University. Additionally, he holds the advanced insurance designation of Charted Life Underwriter (CLU). 

    During his 30+ years at Acorn Financial Services, Jeff has been a Million Dollar Round Table member and won production awards with numerous companies. He currently lives in West Orange, NJ with his wife, Shari-Beth. His three sons Jacob, Ben & Noah all graduated from the University of Maryland.  Outside of work Jeff is an active member in the community, involved in athletics, and various charities. 

    *JBN is unaffiliated with Royal Alliance and Acorn Financial. The products and services offered through JBN are solely the responsibility of Jeff Susskind.

  • Eric Weissman, ChFC®, CLTC
  • Senior Associate

    Direct: 973-716-7545

    eweissman@acornfs.com

    Mobile: 973-865-3588

    Eric Weissman has advised clients in the financial services industry for over two decades.  As a Senior Associate, Eric specializes in insurance and investments for individuals and businesses, providing a focus on estate and retirement planning, as well as employee benefits and asset management.  Eric practices in numerous states along the East Coast and throughout the country.   He has acquired the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation from the American College, and Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC) designation from the Corporation for Long-Term Care Certification.

    Since 1991, Eric has worked to assemble a respected team of strategic partners, which feature Certified Public Accountants, Property and Casualty Insurance Specialists, and Attorneys. A graduate of the George Washington University, Eric spent much of his early career as an industry leading Manager, working closely with advisers in building and developing their practices. Today, Eric uses those same principles in assisting his clients to achieve their goals and objectives.

    Eric lives in Livingston, New Jersey with his wife Alisa and their two daughters, Amanda and Ally. Eric spends much of his free time as a Head Coach of both girls' soccer teams, as well as Manager of their softball teams.

  • Lori Shave
  • Assistant to David Shave

    732-722-5112

    lshave@acornfs.com

    Manasquan Office

  • David Shave, CFP® ChSNC
  • Financial Adviser

    732-778-4590

    dshave@acornfs.com

    732-778-4590

    As a CFP®® certification holder, David holds proficiencies in wealth accumulation and management, wealth transfer, retirement income planning, college planning, and business planning. He is a second-generation CFP®® having worked with his mother, Kathleen A. Shave, CFP®® as she entered her retirement years. 

    David offers complete and holistic financial planning for new clients, as well as clients that have been with the Shave family for over 30 years.

  • Jessica A. Joslin- FPQP™
  • Adminstrative Assistant to Dan Polizzotti

    201-556-2667

    jmalone@acornfs.com

    Paramus Office

    Jessica joined Acorn Financial in 2006 to work with Daniel Polizzotti as an administrative assistant. 

    In 2018, Jessica became a Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional.  Her role is all about supporting and resolving issues to help clients reach their financial goals.  In addition, she oversees the account paperwork processing, money movements, appointment, account questions and other day to day functions of the business.

    Jessica lives in Ridgewood, NJ with her 2 sons and fiancé. She also enjoys traveling and cooking creative meals for her family.

     
  • Oscar Osores, Jr.
  • 201-556-2644

    osores@acornfs.com


    Oscar is a graduate of William Paterson University with a BA in Economics and a BS in Biology. He joined Acorn Financial in the summer of 2022. Oscar's primary role is to assist Dan in all financial planning needs for the clients, utilizing eMoney and Morningstar reports. 

    In his free time, Oscar coaches a little league baseball team in Haledon, enjoys traveling - particularly to his home country, the Dominican Republic - and is an active member of the Calvary Temple International church.

  • Fiona Rose
  • 201-556-2658

    frose@acornfs.com

    Fiona joined Acorn Financial in 2022 with the intention of helping to grow Dan's social media presence, oversee communication with his clients and revitalize client appreciation events in the post-pandemic time. She is a graduate of Middlebury College. 

    Fiona grew up in Bergen County but has lived in Ringwood with her husband, two daughters and their dog since 2004. She was active in the Ringwood Educational Foundation and the Cupsaw Lake Beach Club for many years, and recently joined the Ringwood Public Library - Friends of the Library as a Co-Chair.

    Fiona enjoys reading, hiking with her dog and spending time at the lake.

  • Joseph DeGange, CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®
  • 201-556-2656

    jdegange@acornfs.com

    Joe has had long and successful career as a financial services representative starting in 1982 with John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co., transitioning to Acorn Financial Services in the early 2000s.

    Joe received his BS in Business Administration, summa cum laude, from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He earned his CLU and ChFC in 1997, his CFP in 1999 and he holds the Series 6, 7, 63 and 65 licenses.

    Joe lives in Bergen County with his wife Ro and enjoys fishing, cooking and traveling.

  • Daniel C. Polizzotti, CFP®, ChFC, CLU, AIF®
  • Financial Adviser

    201-556-2648

    dpolizzotti@acornfs.com

    Dan has focused on the implementation and management of investments, insurance, retirement planning and tax reduction strategies for over 34 years.

      

    A graduate of Gettysburg College, Dan holds the professional designations of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(TM), Chartered Financial Consultant, Chartered Life Underwriter, Accredited Investment Fiduciary and a holds a General Securities license with Osaic Wealth, Inc.He has served as both Treasurer and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Society of Financial Service Professionals and is affiliated with the Greater North Jersey Planning Council.

     

    As a Financial Adviser, Dan concentrates on providing high-level customer service while developing strategies to help you manage personal and corporate finances. Dan’s philosophy is based on the concept of comprehensive financial planning and investment management.  He focuses on the achievement and realization of your stated objectives and concentrates on providing high-level customer service while developing strategies to help you manage personal and corporate finances. 

       

    Dan, his wife Lisa, their son, Dan Jr., and two daughters Katie & Lynne reside in Bergen County, New Jersey where they enjoy numerous outdoor activities including skiing, hiking, and swimming. Dan was instrumental in the formation of the Ramsey Junior Lacrosse Association and served as President for many years. Additionally, he served on the advisory Council for Gettysburg College Athletic Programs.

     
  • James Magaziner, ChFC®, CFP®
  • 732-758-6100

    jmagaziner@acornfs.com

    James R. Magaziner is a Certified Financial Planner Practitioner (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®). With a primary focus on Comprehensive Financial Planning, Estate Planning Strategies and Wealth Management, Jim has been providing holistic investment advice, service and solution to clients in the New York Metro area and nationally for over 40 years.  Jim focuses on individuals, families, businesses and trusts to build, preserve and manage wealth by driving income and growth strategies for his investors as he anticipates market trends and opportunities with which he counsels his private client group.

    Jim is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickenson University where he received his CFP® and the American College for the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from East Stroudsburg University. Jim is a member of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Financial Planning Association (FPA) and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). He holds numerous investment and insurance licenses including his Investment Advisor Representative (IAR). He is a recognized leader in estate and wealth management with extensive corporate management background. He was inducted into JHFN’s Hall of Fame in 2016.

    As Principal of Acorn Financial Services in Rumson, New Jersey and Essex, Connecticut Jim has worked hard to further the firm’s commitment to client loyalty and community service.

    Jim and his wife Susan reside in Colts Neck, New Jersey and are the parents to three grown sons, their beloved Lagotto, Hink, and have just been blessed with their first grandchild. Jim holds a private pilot license and has captained his own yachts for over thirty years with family as his crew.

  • Michael R. Jones, MBA®
  • Investment Advisor Representative

    212-573-5549

    mjones@acornfs.com

    Michael Jones has an MBA® (Finance) from the Columbia Graduate School of Business, In the past Michael worked in a variety of corporate banking positions. By recommending appropriate insurance and financial products, Michael helps his clients protect the value of their businesses, the financial security of their families, and accumulate assets.

    Michael helps owners protect their companies against the loss of a key person and provide liquidity to finance the transition of the business upon the death of a principal.  He also assists companies structure effective tax-qualified pension plans which might include 401(k), profit sharing, SIMPLE IRAs, or defined benefit plans.

    Working with his clients’ attorneys and accountants, Michael assists with planning for the transfer of the business. This includes ensuring continuing income to the family, providing liquidity to allow for the survival of the business, and ensuring a fair distribution of the estate to heirs. 

     

  • Jacob F. Steinmann, AIF®
  • Jacob F. Steinmann is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) and Independent Advisor Representative (IAR) with Acorn Financial Services. Jacob helps families and individuals develop and implement strategies in Wealth Management and Insurance Protection with a primary focus on Comprehensive Financial Planning. He takes time to get to know his clients and their needs before developing options for them to consider. Jacob is collaborative with attorneys, accountants, and other advisors to his clients, taking a team approach to identify goals and implement solutions.

    In addition to holding the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) designation, he has his Series 7, 66, and Life and Health licenses. For the past 2 decades, Jacob has been the owner/operator of multiple closely held businesses and real estate holdings. Throughout his life as an entrepreneur, Jacob has recognized that building strong relationships is the foundation of success in personal wealth and business achievement.

    Jacob also leverages his experience as a business owner as he works with companies to design and implement employee benefit plans, group benefit plans as well as buy/ sell insurance and executive compensation packages.

    Jacob lives in Ridgefield, Connecticut with his wife Erica and their 3 children. Jacob enjoys skiing, fishing, and spending time with his family.

  • Jeffrey Steinmann, CFP®, CLU, LUTCF, AIF®
  • 212-573-5588

    jsteinmann@acornfs.com

    Jeffrey F. Steinmann has been in the Financial Services business since 1998
    where he consults with corporate and individual clients on their insurance,
    investments and estate planning. In addition to having his Series 7, 66 and
    Life & Health insurance licenses, Jeffrey holds the following professional
    designations: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM , Accredited
    Investment Fiduciary, Chartered Life Underwriter ®, and Life Underwriter
    Training Council Fellow. Jeffrey continues to expand his professional
    education, so he can help his clients navigate the constantly changing
    landscape in finance.
    His professional specialties include but are not limited to: helping families
    with strategies for the accumulation, distribution and protection of wealth.
    Jeffrey also works with businesses in the design and implementation of
    employee benefits; including executive compensation packages, group
    benefits and retirement plans where he serves as a Fiduciary.
    Jeffrey positions himself as a professional, learning about his clients needs
    and goals and then educating them as to the different options available by
    using the appropriate financial products and services. In addition, he is well
    versed in many financial products and services that are available through a
    wide variety of insurance and investment companies, an is often called
    upon accountants and attorneys for his knowledge in this area.
    Jeffrey enjoys skiing, golf and spending time with his family.
  • Eric Wagner
  • 212-573-5560

    ewagner@acornfs.com

  • Tina O'Brien
  • Assistant to Jeff Steinmann

    212-867-9080

    tobrien@jhnetwork.com

    NYC Office

  • James Magaziner, ChFC®, CFP®
  • 860-767-7007

    jmagaziner@acornfs.com

    2 Essex Square, Essex, CT 07760

    James R. Magaziner is a Certified Financial Planner Practitioner (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®). With a primary focus on Comprehensive Financial Planning, Estate Planning Strategies and Wealth Management, Jim has been providing holistic investment advice, service and solution to clients in the New York Metro area and nationally for over 40 years.  Jim focuses on individuals, families, businesses and trusts to build, preserve and manage wealth by driving income and growth strategies for his investors as he anticipates market trends and opportunities with which he counsels his private client group.

    Jim is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickenson University where he received his CFP® and the American College for the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from East Stroudsburg University. Jim is a member of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Financial Planning Association (FPA) and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). He holds numerous investment and insurance licenses including his Investment Advisor Representative (IAR). He is a recognized leader in estate and wealth management with extensive corporate management background. He was inducted into JHFN’s Hall of Fame in 2016.

    As Principal of Acorn Financial Services in Rumson, New Jersey and Essex, Connecticut Jim has worked hard to further the firm’s commitment to client loyalty and community service.

    Jim and his wife Susan reside in Colts Neck, New Jersey and are the parents to three grown sons, their beloved Lagotto, Hink, and have just been blessed with their first grandchild. Jim holds a private pilot license and has captained his own yachts for over thirty years with family as his crew.

  • Nadia Carter
  • Kristin McNerney
  • Brennan Pierce

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Company Info

Main Office
290 West Mount Pleasant Avenue
Suite 2300, Livingston, NJ 07039
Phone: 973-994-0100
Toll Free: 800-933-7344
Fax: 973-994-2986

Office Locations