Lawrence Pappas
Managing Member & Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), CPA
With over 30 years of experience, I've dedicated my career to working closely with people, understanding their unique financial challenges, and helping them feel more confident about their financial journey. My passion for finance began in high school, where I discovered that numbers tell a story—a story I enjoy translating for my clients. As a CPA, I already had a deep understanding of my clients' finances and tax situations. By adding financial advisory services to my expertise, I can assist clients in managing their financial futures, helping them potentially save, grow, and retain more of what they earn.
During tax season, as I prepared clients' tax returns, I often noticed opportunities where a more tax-aware advisor could have reduced their tax liabilities. This realization motivated me to become a financial advisor, leveraging my CPA knowledge to help clients aim to minimize taxes and better position their finances. My long-standing relationships with clients have equipped me with insights into their financial lives, enabling me to serve them effectively.
Financial planning, to me, is like solving a jigsaw puzzle. Client conversations provide the picture of their desired financial future, and it's my role to help them put the pieces together.
I was born in Queens, New York and moved to Long Island as a young boy, where I enjoyed the open spaces and community activities. My parents instilled in me the belief that I could achieve anything with determination—a lesson I carry with me daily. Now, I reside in New Jersey with my wife Lorraine, and our cat Caesar. I cherish family time, whether it's enjoying the peacefulness of our backyard or exploring the NJ Shore. Golf is a favorite pastime, and I'm also learning to play the ukulele. I'm member of the Knights of Columbus, NJ Society of CPA's, AICPA, and Business Network International (BNI).