Michael Garvey | Retirement Wealth Advisor | Industry Leader | Financial Strategist
With over 35 years of experience in wealth management, Michael Garvey is a highly respected figure in the field of retirement planning. As a seasoned retirement wealth advisor, Michael has built a distinguished career helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of planning for and living through retirement. At 62 years old, Michael is widely regarded as an expert in retirement income strategies, tax-efficient wealth management, and long-term financial planning. His clients value his strategic approach to retirement planning and his commitment to helping them achieve financial security during their retirement years.
A Career Built on Expertise and Results
Michael’s professional journey as a retirement wealth advisor began immediately after he graduated from The University of Maryland, College Park, with a degree in Finance in 1984. Armed with a strong foundation in business and economics, he joined a leading financial advisory firm, where he quickly demonstrated his talent for solving complex financial problems and helping clients achieve their retirement goals.
By 1992, Michael transitioned into independent advisory work, establishing himself as a trusted resource for individuals and families who were preparing for retirement. Over the years, his focus has remained squarely on retirement planning—helping clients create strategies for income distribution, tax planning, estate management, and investment growth.
Michael’s success as an advisor is rooted in his ability to develop customized retirement strategies tailored to each client’s specific needs and goals. His depth of knowledge in tax-efficient planning, Social Security maximization, and managing healthcare costs in retirement has allowed him to provide clients with a comprehensive view of their financial future. Through a combination of careful analysis and long-term vision, Michael has helped hundreds of clients transition from their working years into retirement, giving them peace of mind and confidence in their financial security.
Industry Recognition and Certifications
Over the course of his career, Michael has earned multiple prestigious certifications, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier retirement wealth advisor. He is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and holds the designation of Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®). These credentials reflect his extensive knowledge and commitment to adhering to the highest standards of professional ethics and practice in the industry.
Michael is also a frequent speaker at industry conferences, where he shares his expertise on topics such as tax-efficient retirement withdrawals, strategic asset allocation, and navigating the challenges of retirement planning in a changing economic landscape. His thought leadership has earned him invitations to speak at national events, where he is known for providing actionable insights that help both his peers and clients understand the evolving dynamics of retirement wealth management.
In addition to his speaking engagements, Michael has contributed articles to leading financial publications and has been quoted in the media for his expertise on retirement planning topics. He is a sought-after expert, known for his ability to distill complex financial concepts into clear, easy-to-understand advice for the general public.
Client-Centered Approach
What truly sets Michael apart in the retirement wealth advisory field is his client-first philosophy. He understands that retirement is not just about accumulating wealth—it’s about creating a stable and sustainable income stream that allows clients to live the retirement they’ve always envisioned. Michael’s holistic approach to retirement planning includes:
Comprehensive Retirement Income Strategies: Michael specializes in designing customized income strategies that help clients draw down assets in a way that minimizes taxes and maximizes sustainability. His strategies often include a combination of investment portfolios, annuities, Social Security benefits, and tax-advantaged withdrawal strategies.
Tax-Efficient Planning: One of Michael’s key strengths is his ability to help clients minimize taxes during retirement. By utilizing tax-efficient investment strategies, Roth conversions, and other techniques, Michael ensures that his clients keep more of their retirement income while maintaining compliance with ever-changing tax laws.
Estate and Legacy Planning: Michael works closely with clients to ensure their assets are properly structured and transferred according to their wishes. Whether through trusts, charitable giving strategies, or other estate planning tools, Michael helps clients create a lasting legacy for their families and communities.
Healthcare and Long-Term Care Planning: Recognizing the importance of healthcare in retirement, Michael provides guidance on Medicare, long-term care insurance, and strategies to cover healthcare expenses in later years. His holistic approach ensures that healthcare costs are incorporated into the retirement income plan.
Building Long-Term Relationships
Throughout his career, Michael has built a loyal client base—many of whom have been with him for decades. His reputation for integrity, transparency, and commitment to his clients has resulted in a strong referral-based business, with many clients recommending him to their friends, family members, and colleagues.
Michael believes that successful retirement planning is not just about the numbers; it’s about understanding each client’s unique goals, concerns, and values. He takes the time to develop deep relationships with his clients, ensuring that their retirement plans are not just financially sound, but aligned with their lifestyle aspirations. His personalized approach ensures that clients feel heard, supported, and empowered as they move toward their retirement years.
Personal Philosophy and Legacy
As an Italian-American, Michael was raised with a strong work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility to his family and community. These values have shaped his approach to financial planning—he is committed to helping his clients build lasting wealth, protect their assets, and leave a legacy for future generations.
Although Michael has faced personal loss, including the death of his wife, Elizabeth, in 2020, he remains deeply committed to his work, driven by the desire to help others achieve financial security and peace of mind. He believes that retirement planning is about more than just finances—it’s about giving people the freedom to live their best lives, knowing they have the financial resources to support their dreams.
Looking Toward the Future
As he continues to serve his clients and grow his business, Michael remains passionate about staying at the forefront of the retirement wealth management industry. He constantly seeks out new strategies, tools, and knowledge to ensure that his clients benefit from the best possible solutions for their retirement needs. Whether advising a new client or refining an existing retirement plan, Michael approaches each case with the same level of dedication, expertise, and care that has defined his successful career.
With his extensive experience, dedication to client success, and reputation as a thought leader in the industry, Michael Garvey is a trusted advisor who has made a lasting impact on the retirement wealth advisory field. His legacy is one of service, expertise, and unwavering commitment to helping clients achieve their retirement goals.
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