Finance Consultants in NYC to Watch

Finance Consultants in NYC to Watch for in 2025

New York City Finance Strategists to Know in 2025
When it comes to managing money, the New York metro area has always been a hotbed of innovation and insight. From Manhattan’s Wall Street to the financial entrepreneurs scattered across Newark, Jersey City, and beyond, the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA region is home to a diverse group of financial consultants who are shaping how we think about wealth.
At Digital Reference, we're all about helping you cut through the noise. Whether you’re a young professional looking to build your financial future, or a seasoned investor seeking guidance on complex strategies, we know how overwhelming it can be to find the right voice. That’s why we’ve spent months researching the most dynamic, forward-thinking finance professionals in the region. Our list includes:
- Independent consultants and freelancers blazing their own trail 🧭
- Entrepreneurs who have founded and run their own advisory firms 💼
- Firm-based experts who bring fresh perspectives and years of experience 🌍
Finance Consulting Services Methodology: How We Picked These Powerhouses
Our approach? No fluff. Just real work. We combined LinkedIn research, client reviews, portfolio analysis, and personal interviews to narrow it down. We were looking for:
- Unique, proven financial strategies
- A strong digital presence and thought leadership
- Inclusivity and accessibility in their services
- And most importantly—real impact in people’s financial lives
This list reflects a range of specialties, from wealth management and family financial planning to tax optimization and socially responsible investing. And since we’re Digital Reference, you’ll also see how these professionals lean into technology, automation, and virtual advising to bring their clients the best.
Now let’s meet the experts 👇
Stacy Francis
Stacy Francis is more than just a wealth manager—she's a financial advocate for women and a long-time leader in the NYC finance community. As the President and CEO of Francis Financial, Stacy has built a firm that empowers women through financial education and planning—especially women navigating transitions like divorce or widowhood.
What makes Stacy stand out?
- 💡 Pioneer in Women-Centric Finance: Her work with widows and divorcees is nationally recognized, and she’s a regular contributor to publications like Forbes and The Wall Street Journal.
- 🏆 Award-Winning Leadership: Stacy is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), and her firm has received numerous accolades for its compassionate yet strategic planning model.
- 📈 Digital Strategy: From online resources to remote client meetings, Francis Financial is fully geared for the modern investor.
- 🤝 Philanthropic Force: She founded the non-profit Savvy Ladies, providing free financial literacy programs to over 20,000 women.
In an era where finance often feels impersonal, Stacy proves that compassion and strategy can go hand in hand.
Curtis Pope
FinancialAdvisor.NYC | LinkedIn
Curtis Pope brings a tech-forward, transparency-driven mindset to personal finance. Based in NYC, Curtis is the founder of Pope Financial Planning, a firm offering holistic financial planning services with a special focus on equity, inclusion, and long-term wealth building.
What sets Curtis apart?
- 🔍 Fee-Only, Fiduciary Standard: No commissions, no product-pushing—just sound, client-first advice.
- 💬 Accessible Planning: Curtis is known for working with people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and breaking down complex topics into real talk.
- 📊 Modern Tools, Human Touch: He blends tech tools like eMoney with one-on-one coaching to build trust and transparency.
- 🎙️ Active Educator: Check out his appearances on finance panels, webinars, and workshops across the city.
Curtis represents the kind of future-forward consultant who’s meeting New Yorkers where they are—digitally, culturally, and financially.
Sahil Vakil
Sahil Vakil is the immigrant wealth strategist behind MYRA Wealth, a firm that exclusively serves international and multicultural clients. Based in NYC, Sahil launched MYRA to close the gap in financial services for immigrant families, expats, and first-generation Americans.
Here’s why Sahil made our list:
- 🌍 Specialized Expertise: MYRA helps clients with cross-border taxes, visa financial planning, and wealth strategies that align with unique cultural values.
- 🔒 Top-Notch Certifications: Sahil is a CFP® and CFA® Charterholder with an MBA from Wharton.
- 🚀 Tech-Enabled Advice: The firm offers a slick client portal, seamless digital onboarding, and 24/7 support.
- 🧑🤝🧑 Representation Matters: Sahil’s story as a first-gen entrepreneur resonates deeply with many of his clients, building a strong foundation of trust.
If you’re looking to align your financial goals with your cultural identity, Sahil is the go-to name in the tri-state area.
Erika Safran
Safran Wealth Advisors | LinkedIn
Few financial consultants balance technical mastery and emotional intelligence like Erika Safran. As the founder of Safran Wealth Advisors in NYC, Erika takes a deeply personalized approach to life-stage financial planning.
What’s so unique about Erika?
- 🧠 Precision Planning: With over 25 years in the industry, Erika is known for her in-depth plans for retirement, estate, and legacy planning.
- 🧭 Empathetic Advisor: Clients often describe her as a calming presence during stressful life transitions.
- 📱 Virtual Services: Her firm offers easy online scheduling, remote meetings, and a secure digital platform.
- 📚 Educator at Heart: Erika offers a variety of workshops and blog content aimed at helping clients build knowledge, not just portfolios.
For anyone facing major life changes—like downsizing, inheritance planning, or late-career pivots—Erika brings both wisdom and warmth.
Rob Friedman
Central Park Financial Planning | LinkedIn
Rob Friedman is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) who brings precision, structure, and long-term thinking to the table. As the founder of Central Park Financial Planning, Rob has crafted a boutique firm that focuses on clarity and simplicity in financial decisions.
Here’s what makes Rob a standout:
- 🧩 Behavior-Based Planning: Rob’s style helps clients align their behavior with their goals—keeping emotions from clouding key decisions.
- 📚 Educational Background: With degrees in both Economics and Computer Science, he speaks fluent finance and tech.
- 🖥️ Virtual Accessibility: Central Park Financial Planning is fully digital, offering Zoom consults, document vaults, and automated goal tracking.
- 📝 Straightforward Strategy: Whether you’re planning for a home, kids, or retirement, Rob’s motto is: “No fluff. Just finance that fits.”
Clients love him for his calm, methodical process—and his ability to turn chaos into clear steps.
Looking Ahead: How to Stay Financially Informed in 2025
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to personal finance. These five consultants prove that there’s a wide range of ways to do money well—and it all starts with finding someone who truly gets your needs.
For more expert-curated insight, check out our other Finance Services guides:
- Top Financial Advisors in the USA
- Leading Fractional CFOs in NYC
- What are Finance & Accounting Consultants
At Digital Reference, our mission is to surface smart, useful, and community-centered content that helps readers take control of their future—financially, professionally, and personally. We’re proud to highlight professionals who are making that easier for all of us.
Stay tuned for more spotlight series from cities across the country, and follow us to keep your finger on the pulse of finance in 2025 and beyond.
Until next time, keep saving smart. 💸
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