By Thomas Britt
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. While we may start off in one career, our experiences might show us other areas we want to pursue or open doors to new opportunities. That’s exactly how I found my way into my career as a financial advisor.
Career Beginnings
I started my first career about as far from the financial industry as possible—as a submariner and diver for the United States Navy Submarine Force. This incredible experience lasted 6 years, after which I took the hands-on experience gleaned in the Navy and began a decade-long career in engineering as an operations supervisor for a Fortune 500 subsidiary. During this time, I also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of New Haven and an MBA in financial technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
In 2000, I decided to use the start of a new millennia to begin a new career as a financial planner. I joined the Merrill Lynch team as a wealth management advisor, gaining a solid investment foundation and building confidence in navigating market ups and downs. As time went on, I realized that my focus and passion were not necessarily conquering market challenges, but that instead my greatest satisfaction came from guiding others through life’s financial twists and turns, freeing them to worry less and enjoy more success and peace of mind. In 2007 my partner and I formed Benchmark Wealth Management, where I have spent the last 12 years helping individuals and families achieve their financial and life goals.
Teacher and Guide
I specialize in executive financial planning, retirement planning, and investing, as well as the management of trusts and endowments. I enjoy getting to know each client on a personal level, understanding what makes them tick, what they want to accomplish in life, and what matters most to them. I ask the questions many people haven’t considered and spend a lot of time listening. Developing and maintaining such close relationships with my clients is very fulfilling to me personally, but more importantly, I take great pride in knowing that our work together brings them clarity and confidence so that they can focus on what matters most in their life.
To ensure I’m delivering the highest level of service to my clients, and given the ever-changing state of the economy, markets, laws, and technology, I prioritized continuing my education and training. I earned my second Master’s degree, a Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning from the College for Financial Planning. I hold the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®), Master Planner Advanced StudiesSM (MPAS®), and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) designations. I have also earned the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation through coursework at the Wharton School of Business,
Hurdles and Triumphs
Every job has its challenges, and mine is no exception! When you’re dealing with money, things can be stressful. The unpredictability of our markets can cause anxiety and strain. I work to ensure that all my clients are educated and aware about how to stay focused on the long term, assuage any fears they have when the markets get dicey, and help them remain confident no matter what’s going on. Assisting clients in developing this heightened awareness and confidence brings me great personal and professional satisfaction
What About You?
Navigating the maze of life’s financial ups and downs can be less stressful if you have a knowledgeable partner by your side. If you have questions about your current financial situation, or if you are interested in learning more about how I work, who I serve, and how I may be able to help you, I encourage you to reach out. Please call 860.434.6890 or email me at thomas.britt@bwmllc.net to arrange a consultation.
About Thomas
Thomas J. Britt is managing director of Benchmark Wealth Management, LLC, with 19 years of experience in the financial industry. He specializes in executive financial planning, retirement planning, investing, as well as the management of trusts and endowments. Thomas is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professional and holds the Master Planner Advanced StudiesSM (MPAS®), Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®), and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) designations. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of New Haven, an MBA in financial technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning from the College for Financial Planning. Tom has been named as a Five Star Wealth Manager for the years 2012 & 2013 by Connecticut Magazine. He is also a proud veteran of the United States Navy Submarine Force. Learn more about Tom by connecting with him on LinkedIn.
Additional information, including management fees and expenses, is provided on our Form ADV Part 2, available upon request or at the SEC’s Investment Advisor Public Disclosure site, www.iapd.com, searching with our company name or unique identifier, CRD # 160192. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Securities offered through Private Client Services, Member FINRA, SIPC in the following states: AR, CA, CT, FL, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, TN, WA. (Securities-related services may not be provided to individuals residing in any state not previously listed.) Advisory services offered through Benchmark Wealth Management, LLC a registered Investment Advisor. Private Client Services is an unaffiliated entity.
