Nick Defenthaler, CFP®, RICP®
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Partner and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Nick Defenthaler, CFP®, RICP®, is a Partner and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.®. In addition to working closely with clients as a Senior Financial Planner, Nick is a frequent speaker for the firm and has a passion around educating individuals and families on important and timely financial planning concepts.
Nick especially enjoys helping clients through the financial and emotional challenges of transitioning into retirement. His number one goal for clients is simple – to help alleviate the stress and anxiety money can cause, so clients can focus on the areas of their lives that bring them joy, meaning, and happiness.
Clients often come to Nick seeking guidance on ‘how to put it all together’ in retirement. As a Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®), Nick thrives when helping clients construct their retirement income ‘puzzle’. His goal is to help clients re-create their retirement ‘paycheck’ in the most tax- efficient manner possible, in a way that also aligns with their near and long- term goals.
Nick has been involved in the financial services profession for nearly 20 years, joined The Center team in 2013, and became a partner in 2020. He is a frequent contributor to The Center’s “Money Centered” blog and is also a trusted resource for local and national media publications, including WXYZ, PBS, CNBC, MSN Money, Think Advisor, and Financial Planning Magazine.
Nick has also been named to the 2023 Forbes list of Best-In-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors, which recognizes advisors from national, regional and independent firms.*
When not at the office, you can find Nick spending quality time with his wife and three young children. Nick is passionate about living an active lifestyle which includes CrossFit, playing golf and hockey, bow hunting, and spending as much time as possible outdoors and exploring the beautiful state of Michigan!
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance, Eastern Michigan University
Certificate of Financial Planning, College for Financial Planning
LICENSING & CERTIFICATIONS:
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®)
Series 7 and Series 63 Securities Licenses
State of Michigan Life and Health Insurance Licenses
AREAS OF FOCUS & INTEREST:
Working with clients within five years of retirement or currently in retirement
Developing tax-efficient portfolio distribution and retirement income strategies
Helping clients reduce current and future taxes through prudent planning (Ex. tax-efficient charitable giving, Roth IRA conversions, Medicare premium planning, tax-efficient portfolio construction, etc.)
Social Security/pension analysis and maximization strategies
Employer retirement plan maximization strategies (401k, Deferred Compensation, Stock Options, after-tax “mega Roth” etc.)
The Forbes Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State rankings, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criterion, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. Those advisors that are considered are under 40, have a minimum of four years' experience, and the algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass the highest standards of best practices. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings. The Research Summary (as of August 2023) included: 42,108 nominations for all rankings, based on thresholds, 22,874 invited to complete online survey, 17,996 telephone interviews, 3,859 in- person interviews at advisors’ location, 1,487 virtual interviews and 3,738 individuals considered and 1,464 individuals won the Next-Gen ranking. This ranking is based upon the period from 3/31/22 to 3/31/23 and was released on 8/8/23. This ranking is not indicative of an advisor’s future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients’ experience. For more information go to https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-in- state-next-gen-advisors/?sh=4bb1a1c15fc3