Brian’s role involves working with clients to formulate planning goals, developing and implementing wealth management strategies and monitoring clients’ progress in working towards their financial and investment goals.
Professional Designations
CFP®
Education
William Paterson University, B.S., in Finance and Financial Planning
Giving Back
Mindy Cleaveland and Brian Schiess at the MarbleJam Kids Benefit
What do you value most in your client relationships?
Working with engaged clients to help them achieve their dreams and goals. It is rewarding when clients can step back and see the big picture and realize the value that we add as their financial advisers.
What sparked your interest in financial planning? What fuels you every day in your work?
Financial planning is a discipline that is steeped in academia which has always been important to me. It requires strong research and analytical skills as well as effective interpersonal and communication skills. On a day-to-day basis, it is exciting to have the opportunity to put pen to paper, analyze complex situations and develop sophisticated strategies. I also enjoy having the opportunity to meet and get to know many different types of people and help them accomplish their goals.
What do you enjoy most about working at Modera?
The collaborative, collegial, and conscientious work culture.
How do you do good in your community?
I am a member of the Greater Westwood Rotary club helping to organize and sponsor many civic events that allow us to give back to the community and those that may be in need.
I also volunteer my voice at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Ridgefield Park as a cantor and member of the choir.
Brian’s Insights
New Year, New Retirement Plan Contribution Limits
Good news. Once again the IRS has increased the employee contribution limit for 401(k) and other retirement plans in 2020. The contribution limit has been increased from $19,000 in 2019 to $19,500 in 2020 for employees participating in the following types of employer-sponsored retirement plans:
Does the SECURE Act Affect Me?
The new Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump in December 2019. The law will take effect on January 1, 2020.
Modera Financial Planning & Wealth Management
56 Jefferson Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675
(201) 768-4600
New Jersey Team
Christina Carbaugh
Mindy Cleaveland
Robert Dowling
Jennifer Faherty
John Foligno
Michael D. Gibney
Heather Govic
Kate Guider
Kelly A. Henning
Bill Houck
Adam Leone
Anna Lui
Peter J. McKenna
Tom Orecchio
Jeanne Owens
Noemi Perez
Chuck Roberson
Ashley Santos
Kathleen M. Scala
Brian K. Schiess
Lauren Schwartz
Stephanie H. Spies