BUSINESS MANAGEMENT & PERSONAL PLANNING SERVICES through:
Tax Planning & Accounting
Financial Planning
Investment Advisory & Management
Relationship Management
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WE DEFINE WEALTH MANAGEMENT DIFFERENTLY
This chart clearly shows the correlation between ALL of our services and how they collectively work together to deliver TRUE WEALTH MANAGEMENT. We believe that Wealth Management is an all-encompassing, life-long relationship, bringing together financial planning, investment strategies, and outside relationship management (lawyers, physicians, nursing staff, insurance agents, bankers, etc.) WITH A COMPLETE UNDERSTANDING OF ALL TAX IMPLICATIONS.
TELL US ABOUT YOU
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Comprehensive and thorough business strategic planning needs and management services.
All Services and Advice Provided Solely by WealthEdge® Tax Advisors, LLC.
PERSONAL PLANNING
We don’t just look at one aspect of your life and how that impacts your financial plan. We take an essential and necessary “step back” to see the bigger picture of your overall needs. We evaluate and establish an evolving organic financial plan that addresses the unique situations of your life.
Financial Planning services provided solely by WealthEdge® Advisors, LLC.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY & MANAGEMENT
WealthEdge® Asset Management develops portfolio strategies and implements investment vehicles which integrate with our clients’ overall tax and financial plan.
Investment Advisory services provided solely by WealthEdge® Investment Advisors, LLC.
RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
Beyond the connection between our clients and our team, we have an entire network of trusted professionals that we can refer to our clients. Lawyers, doctors in specialized fields, insurance specialists – these are just a few of the professionals within our network that can help you gain the necessary tools to make difficult decisions or to help plan your financial future.
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Our Team
For us, it’s all about YOU – THE CLIENT: YOUR NEEDS, YOUR GOALS, YOUR JOURNEY. WealthEdge is comprised of a highly-knowledgeable team of financial planning, tax and investment professionals that gets results. We understand that although our clients all have unique financial situations, their destination is essentially the same – financial independence. We will align our strategies with you; creating a personalized plan that encompasses all of your needs and yields results.
We’ve learned a lot about people through the years. We understand the hesitation that people have regarding their finances. Often times, they feel overwhelmed with the financial jargon or they feel like they can just do it alone. Let us help you work through the terminology with straight-forward discussion. Let us show you that with some help from us, you can be ready to make financial decisions with an expert team behind you every step of the way.
Frank Waung
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I will meet you there.” -Rumi
Frank Waung joined WealthEdge® in 2021 and serves as a Portfolio Trader for the Investment Team. Frank’s main focus is managing client portfolios as well as overseeing investment trading and operations.
Frank brings a true passion for finance and the financial market, both from the perspective of where it has been as well as where it is headed. He strives to simplify complex investment concepts down to its core so that it is easily communicated in a straight talk style. More than anything else, Frank is passionate about helping his clients to achieve their financial goals.
Frank brings more than 20 years’ experience in investment analysis, trading, and economic evaluation. Frank is the Managing Partner of proprietary investment strategies at Watts Capital. In addition, he has also held senior trading and analytical positions at multiple firms. On the corporate side, Frank was the Chief Financial Officer for various publicly traded companies. Frank earned an MBA with a concentration in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a BS from the University of California at Santa Cruz.
Frank lives in Hoboken, New Jersey. In his spare time, Frank is an avid reader of history (financial, European and Asia). He also loves spending most of his weekends hiking or cycling during the summer and skiing during the winter. Frank was a volunteer Ski-Patrol for Hidden Valley ski resort.
Liam Hibbits
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” -George Bernard Shaw
Liam Hibbits joined WealthEdge® in 2022 as part of the Investment Team. His primary focus is client services. Liam’s enthusiasm and attention to detail makes him an asset to the Investment Team.
Prior to joining WealthEdge®, Liam graduated with a degree in economics from Virginia Commonwealth University. At VCU, Liam was a member of the baseball team and in 2019, was named a Division 1 baseball All-American. In 2021, he participated in the College World Series.
Jennie Chang
“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” – Jim Rohn
Jennie Chang joined WealthEdge® in 2022 and is part of the Investment Team. She has experience working in portfolio administration support to high-net worth clients’ accounts and a blend of accounting and operations responsibilities at small-sized firms. Her thorough approach and attention to detail make her an asset to the team.
She holds a BBA in Finance from Baruch College, and BS in Biology from Syracuse University.
Tom Watts, CFA®, CAIA, CFP®
“An investment in knowledge pays the best dividends.” – Benjamin Franklin
Tom Watts joined WealthEdge® in 2021 and serves as the Director of Investments. Tom leads the WealthEdge® Investment Team to formulate and implement investment strategies tailored to the needs of each of the firm’s clients, whether they be individuals, families, corporate retirement plans, or family offices. In addition to expertise in publicly traded securities, Tom brings a substantial background in alternative investments, including real estate, venture capital, infrastructure, and private equity. Tom has particularly interest in the next generation of investment opportunities that will arise as society moves toward carbon Net Zero.
Tom’s background includes more than 30 years’ experience in investment analysis and portfolio management, having built and led his own firm as Chief Investment Officer, and prior to that as a Managing Director of Investment Research at Merrill Lynch and at Cowen & Company. Tom began his career at McKinsey & Company. Tom earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA from Stanford University. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®), Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA), and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designations.
JiaYin Lu
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
JiaYin Lu joined WealthEdge in 2018 as an accounting intern. Her primary focus is accounting and taxation, including financial reporting and preparing financial statements.
JiaYin is a detail-oriented professional in the field of accounting as she brings forth her knowledge from her two years of prior internship experience.
JiaYin graduated from the City University of New York – Baruch College with a BBA and Masters degree in accounting and is a NY State CPA Candidate for 2020.
Jean Gong, CPA
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
Jean Gong joined WealthEdge in 2014 and is part of the accounting team. Her primary focus is accounting and taxation, including financial reporting, preparation, compilation, and review of financial statements and income tax preparation. Jean has over 10 years of diverse experiences in accounting and taxation. Prior to joining WealthEdge, Jean worked in both CPA firms and law firms, servicing individuals and small business owners. Jean graduated from City University of New York – Baruch College with a BBA in Accounting and a BBA in Marketing with a Cum Laude Distinction. She is a New York State licensed Certified Public Accountant.
Fahad Hasan CFA®
“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”-Albert Einstein
Fahad joined WealthEdge in 2017 and is part of the investment management team. His focus is on portfolio design, investment strategy, and security analysis.
He has over 12 years of experience in investment and wealth management. Fahad has extensive experience working with corporations and high net worth individuals. Fahad believes that strong investment insight, coupled with clear communication skills, help to provide exemplary client service.
Fahad has a finance degree from James Madison University. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation.
Mary Burke
“And I have to say it now, it’s been a good life, all in all.” – John Denver
Mary Burke joined WealthEdge in 2017 and serves as a Communications Liaison. Mary’s primary focus is creating and refining in-house and external communications to enhance WealthEdge’s presence, both on paper and online, through the internet and social media. Mary has corporate experience as a Systems Analyst and real-life experience as a small business owner and manager. Mary graduated from Iona College, Magna Cum Laude, with a BBA in Management Information Systems with a full academic scholarship.
Patricia Zapata
“Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.”-Mark Twain
Patricia Zapata joined WealthEdge in 2007 as part of the Taxation and Accounting team. Her primary focus is providing accounting and taxation services to both individual and small business clients. Patricia is responsible for financial reporting, compiling and revising financial statements, and tax preparation. Her detail-oriented, analytical and organized personality allows her to thrive in challenging situations. She believes that collaboration, respect, enthusiasm, and leadership are imperative to thoroughly execute her client’s requests.
She graduated from Libre University, Colombia, with a degree in Business and a major in Accounting and has a CPA in Colombia with 8 years of experience in the private and public sector. As a Colombian immigrant, Patricia’s diverse experiences in both South America and the US have helped to contribute to her unique understanding of global taxation procedures.
Mark Salerno, CFP®
“Problems can become opportunities when the right people come together.”-Robert Redford
Prior to joining WealthEdge in 2015 Mark owned and operated an independent financial planning and investment advisory practice which he founded in 2000. With over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Mark brings together WealthEdge’s capabilities to provide comprehensive financial solutions to corporate executives, professionals, owners of closely held business, and high net worth individuals and families. Mark is a 1983 graduate of Syracuse University with majors in Finance and Marketing. His past work experiences with Morgan Guaranty Trust Company, Bear Stearns and Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company have solidified his belief that expertise and integration of financial, estate, investment, retirement, insurance, employee benefits and tax planning is necessary to deliver truly comprehensive wealth management advice. In addition to his CFP® designation, Mark also holds a Certification in Long Term care (CLTC) designation and is a licensed life, health, disability, long term care and Medicare supplement insurance broker.
Yandie Liautaud, CFP®
“Mean what you say….say what you mean.”
Yandie Liautaud had a working collaboration with WealthEdge for the past 14 years and officially joined the firm in 2015. She leads the Financial Planning team, offering comprehensive wealth management solutions to clients. She assists clients at all stages of their financial journey – through their wealth accumulation, protection, distribution, and transfer stages. Yandie uses a family office approach, where her team works closely with her clients’ professional advisors to develop personalized financial planning roadmaps, helping them achieve their personal financial goals. She prides herself on being an attentive listener and a reliable source of support for clients experiencing various life events. Yandie received her MBA from the Zicklin School of Business – Baruch College and is a Certified Financial Planner®. She also has a strong interest in sustainable and impact investing, a passion for music and dance, and is fluent in French and Spanish.
Eleanor Levito
“One’s positive actions combined with positive thinking leads to success.”
Eleanor Levito joined WealthEdge in 2000 and is part of the Business Management Services team. Eleanor has 39+ years of professional experience including office management, bookkeeping, billing, client service and relationship management with an array of industries and clientele. Eleanor specializes in working with high-net worth individuals, handling aspects of both their personal and professional financial lives. Eleanor’s organizational skills, coupled with her devotion and sense of team-work helps foster growth for the WealthEdge Team, as well as for our clients. Eleanor graduated from Berkley College with a degree in Executive Secretarial Services.
James Lee, EA
“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.”-Eleanor Roosevelt
James joined WealthEdge in 2015 and serves as a Tax Accountant.
James’s primary focus is accounting and taxation, including financial reporting, compilation of financial statements, and tax preparation/tax planning.
James has over 5 years of diverse experience in the field of accounting and taxation.
Prior to joining WealthEdge, James worked as a Tax Accountant at a local public accounting firm servicing an array of client types with a large focus on tax services for high net worth individuals and small business owners.
James graduated from City University of New York – Baruch College with a Master’s degree in Accounting. He is an Enrolled Agent and NY State CPA candidate for 2017.
Stan Kagan, CPA
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” – Albert Einstein
Stan Kagan joined WealthEdge in 2009 and serves as the Director of Taxation. Stan leads the Tax and Accounting Team, working closely with business owners, corporate executives and medical practices, helping them proactively plan for all tax situations. Stan also has extensive experience in counseling clients on business structure planning, mergers and acquisitions, individual and closely-held business succession planning, and IRS and state audit representation. He prides himself on his comprehensive and thorough approach to tax planning, which gives clients the freedom to focus on their core business, knowing that their accounting needs are fully met. Stan received his BBA in Public Accounting at Pace University and is a NY State licensed Certified Public Accountant.
Elizabeth Eser Jose
“It’s not what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.”–Jane Austen
Elizabeth Eser Jose joined WealthEdge in 2000 and serves both as an administrative assistant and payroll administrator. She is an integral component to the overall atmosphere of the office and an essential part of our client experience.
She provides administrative support to the firm and is responsible for the day-to-day office operations. As payroll administrator, her responsibilities include the set-up of client accounts, payroll processing and tax reporting. Her primary focus is providing clients with exceptional customer service. She prides herself on her careful, systematic approach and her respect for client confidentiality in her various roles.
Prior to joining WealthEdge, Elizabeth worked for a small CPA firm as an administrative assistant and assistant bookkeeper.
Bhav Basnet, CPA
“A person has the right towards action alone and not towards the fruit of action. Let not the fruit of action be the motive for acting. Also, let there not be any attachment to inaction.” – Bhagavad Gita chapter 2 verse 47
Bhav Basnet joined WealthEdge in 2011.
Bhav’s primary focus is accounting and taxation, including the compilation and review of financial statements, income tax planning and preparation, State & Local Taxes and Payroll taxes. Bhav specializes in working with medical practices, real estate investors and corporate executives.
Bhav has over a decade of diverse experience in the field of accounting and taxation. Prior to joining WealthEdge, Bhav worked at a boutique CPA firm specializing in small businesses, also as a Mutual Fund Accountant at BNY Mellon, and a staff accountant at a multinational logistic company.
Bhav graduated from City University of New York – Queens College and is a New York State licensed Certified Public Accountant.
Gerard Addeo, CPA
“True leadership doesn’t come from a title; it comes from trust, respect, vision, hard work and collaboration.” -Jerry Addeo
As Founder of WealthEdge, Jerry leads the company’s overall strategic direction. He advises multiple personal clients and closely held businesses on all tax and accounting issues, taking into consideration ALL tax implications for every client’s unique situation. Starting in 1985 as a CPA firm, Jerry’s vision and professional know-how has grown into WealthEdge, a fully comprehensive wealth management firm. WealthEdge is the culmination of Jerry’s vision to create a client-centric firm that can leverage its tax expertise in delivering custom designed wealth strategies, and thus provide complete independent financial guidance to clients.
Jerry earned his accounting degree from Fordham University in 1979 and has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1984.
Michaelle Antoine
“It always seems impossible until it’s done” –Nelson Mandela
Michaelle Antoine works in the financial Planning department at WealthEdge, focusing primarily on meeting clients’ overall financial planning needs and goals. She prides herself on her organizational skills, being an attentive listener and multitasking to accomplish all of her clients’ needs. Her fun loving personality makes it easy for people to gravitate towards her, which will help her connect with clients. Michaelle graduated from St John’s University with a B.S. in Computer Science and minors in Mathematics and Business Administration. She received an Accounting Principles Certificate from City University of New York- Baruch College. She has extensive managerial experience and a thorough understanding of financial planning, especially for startup companies. She is Fluent in French and has a basic understanding of the Spanish language as well.
