John Molinelli

My Story…

Growing up, I was always enamored by the trivial concepts of the “Finance World”:  The dynamic stock market; Wall Street; the excitement of financial success!  As a teen, I didn’t care to know much more about the value of a career working in the industry.  It looked exciting, and that was enough of a reason for me to pursue a Finance degree as a freshman in college.

That same year, my father passed away suddenly and it had a drastic impact on my perception of the “Finance World” and my career path.  This shocking loss was difficult not only emotionally, but, financially on my family.  Despite my Mother being successful in her own business at the time, there were still a wide range of financial uncertainties.  She was now the sole breadwinner with a mortgage and three kids (ages 18 (me), 16, and 11) to put through college. 

Luckily, my Father, who had a Business background, had the foresight to design a financial plan. With the help of my Uncle, who is a Financial Planner, they factored in planning for all the “what-ifs”.  I saw my Mother and my Uncle working through this plan, making adjustments so we would be able to stay in our house and pay for college.  While the emotional pain was still there, a huge relief set in knowing that we were going to be “okay” financially. 

At that point, the superficial aspects of the industry I once found appealing lost their allure.  I recognized the power of a successful financial plan which made me grasp the true value of what the “Finance World” could provide. 

A career as a Financial Planner gives us the knowledge and skillset to help clients navigate the best and worst times of their lives and, hopefully, make a positive difference for them and their families.  Being able to tell our clients: “you can do it” and “you’re going to be ok” and seeing the relief set in gives me a sense of joy and satisfaction I would have never anticipated.    

John has spent more than twelve years in the Financial Services Industry.  He is a graduate of The College of New Jersey and received a bachelor's degree in finance and earned a Master of Science degree in Personal Financial Planning in 2023, which is an advanced degree offered by the College for Financial Planning.  With the completion of this 10 course degree, John is awarded with the professional designation of Master Planner Advanced Studies (MPAS™).  In addition, He earned the designation of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ which comes with extensive training in financial planning, estate planning, insurance, investments, taxes, employee benefits and retirement planning, as well as in CFP Board’s Standards of Professional Conduct, which are rigorously enforced.

In 2020, John earned the designation of Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor^SM which focuses on client assessment and suitability, risk/return, investment objectives, bond and equity portfolios, modern portfolio theory and investor psychology.  In addition, the designee displays expertise in building portfolios, and making asset allocation decisions including sell, hold, and buy decisions within a client’s portfolio.

In 2021, John obtained the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor^SM (CRPC®) designation, CRPC conferred by College for Financial Planning, which enables him to help clients navigate the following issues:
- Seeking to Maximize the Client Experience During the Retirement Planning Process
- Principles and Strategies When Investing for Retirement
- Making the Most of Social Security Retirement Benefits
- Bridging the Income Gap: Identifying Other Sources of Retirement Income.
- Navigating Health Care Options in Retirement
- Making the Emotional and Financial Transition to Retirement
- Designing Optimal Retirement Income Streams

Growing up in Lawrenceville and attending The Pennington School, I take pride in having close ties to the Mercer County community.  

I live in Monroe Township, New Jersey, with my wife, Kate and son, Johnny.  I enjoy spending time with family and friends, often hosting a barbecue or cooking a Sunday Dinner, Giants football and playing golf.