I have seen first-hand how sound financial advice can really make a difference in someone’s life.  This is true for someone who may have a negative balance sheet or a surplus in the tens of millions. At some common level, we are all just trying to make the best decisions possible for our families, friends, communities, and ourselves. One of my great joys in life is helping someone achieve that empowering "aha" moment about their relationship with their finances. 

I am passionate about delivering transformational financial planning advice to Gen X and Young Baby Boomers contemplating full retirement, semi-retirement, a career change, or starting a business.

These Core Beliefs Shape My Practice:

•  Debt is hard.  Assets are soft. Minimizing and using debt wisely can build or protect net worth, but too much debt is concerning. 
•  Small decisions in your 30’s and 40’s and even 50’s add up over time.
•  Big decisions in your 60’s and beyond can make a critical difference in your retirement. 
•  Invest in a well-diversified low cost portfolio and leave it alone (except for occasional rebalancing.) 

I have had the opportunity over the years, including 2017,  to work with the Federal Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program administered through the Accounting Aid Society of Detroit. While volunteering my expertise, I prepared tax returns for low-income clients to ensure clients received their refunds and available credits. I also analyzed, explained, and counseled them about their credit information and how to rebuild their credit.

Additionally, I dedicated some time to conduct workshops at local libraries during the Federal Reserve Money Smart Week. As part of the Federal Reserve sponsored event, I presented lectures on the Introduction to Financial Basics (2015), Steps to Financial Freedom (2010), and Surviving a Layoff or Job Change (2009).

Fintentional is proud to be a sponsor for the ongoing 2017 - 2021 Annual MOM 5K Race for Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention.  

reuters

Your Money: Join the great chase for cheaper 'runcations' - June, 2018

Shared some ideas for saving money on running vacations and also gave a shout out for the annual Harvest Stompede race held in Northern Michigan wine country.

CHASE - UNDERSTAND YOUR FINANCES

Ease the financial stress—and improve your health - May, 2018 

The following quote was featured along financial ideas from myself and other professionals. 

"You feel empowered because you're in control of your finances instead of the other way around. You're not waiting for something bad to happen to upend your finances. Your physical health may also start to improve as your financial health does."

gingras global magazine - the intersection of social enterprise and impact investing

Impact Investing and 2018 Tax Changes - March, 2018

Featured as a guest contributor.  I share some thoughts on the 2018 tax changes and how they may shift your view of charitable giving and impact investing. 

big money in the 805 podcast

#32 Best of our Feature Interviews. 8 clips worth hearing - February, 2018

I was a guest on this podcast hosted by my colleague Michael Anderson from California.  We discuss fee-only planning during the mailbag section starting at the 23 minute and 26 second mark.  

financial planning association

An Investor’s Guide to Transitioning Your Money — and Your Mindset — to Retirement - December, 2017

An in depth interview about transitioning your investments as you approach retirement.

the wall street Journal

How Financial Advisers Give Thanks - November, 2017

Paid subscription may be required to read the article.  Here is how I thanked my clients.

"Mr. Palazzolo recently mailed custom Thanksgiving cards to his clients. In addition to marking the holiday, he thought the timing was right given that he recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of the official launch of his business.

He wrote a note in each card and purchased National Park stamps for the mailing since most of his clients like to travel.

'It’s a simple, personal and cost-effective way to say thanks,' Mr. Palazzolo says."

zing!

Why It’s So Important to Diversify Your Investments - November, 2017

Provides some insight into my overall investment philosophy.

CNBC

Tax moves to make regardless of what happens in Washington - October, 2017

Discussed donating highly appreciated investments and donor advised funds. 

U.S. News & World Report

When Do You Convert Into a Roth IRA? - October, 2017

Shared my ideas for retirees in low marginal income tax brackets.

nasdaq

OVER 40 AND OVER 800: SEASONED CREDIT SCORE ACHIEVERS - October, 2017 

Stories of individuals who are working to keep their credit scores over 800 including a personal profile. 

work-at-home success

Work-At-Home Experts Share Their Productivity Tips and Tricks - July, 2017

Many good tips for working at home.  Scroll down about half way to see how I try to stay productive. 

SMARTSHEET COLLABORATIVE SOFTWARE

Agile for Non-Software Products - January, 2017

Scroll down the linked page to read how Agile software development ideas can be applied to financial planning. 

HOMEOWNER UNIVERSITY

Finances and Intentionality in a Home Purchase: An Interview with Michael Palazzolo podcast - January, 2017

Bill Joyce's mission is to educate home buyers about buying a house that fits their financial and life goals. Bill and I have a nice conversation about intentional home buying.  

FINANCIAL ADVISOR IQ

Advisors Debate the Need for DOL Rule - December, 2016 

Free subscription required to read the article.  I shared my thoughts on the proposed DOL Fiduciary Rule.  

"Michael Palazzolo, head of the Birmingham, Mich.-based RIA Fintentional, says that as a fiduciary he’s personally 'indifferent to the potential demise of the DOL rule.'  But that’s not because he thinks it goes too far. 'It only covers retirement accounts,' says Palazzolo. 'Does this mean one can act as a fiduciary for retirement accounts but not for money invested outside of retirement accounts?' Palazzolo thinks this uncertainty 'could cause even more confusion for people' despite the rule’s undoubted “good intentions” toward the consumer."

THINKADVISOR

31% Cut in Social Security Benefits Needed by 2031: CBO - December, 2016

Free subscription required to read the article.  I shared my thoughts on Social  Security.

"Michael Palazzolo, a financial advisor with Fintentional in Birmingham, Michigan, recommends that clients 55 or older use the projected benefit amounts listed on their Social Security Benefit statement. However, he also runs two scenarios for clients aged 55 or older who are worried about Social Security: one with benefits rising annually at 1% to 2% and a second scenario with no inflation adjustments.

For those under age 55, Palazzolo recommends running scenarios using 70% of estimated Social Security benefits and an inflation adjustment of 1% to 2% and, if they’re interested, a second scenario with the full amounts of their estimated benefits."

CHASE - UNDERSTAND YOUR FINANCES

Secrets from people who actually kept their financial New Year's resolutions - December, 2016

A personal and professional interview regarding financial resolutions.  

TWENTY OVER TEN - ADVISOR SHOWCASE

Advisor Websites: Fintentional - November, 2016

The story behind Fintentional's name and web site.

The following press releases provide additional information about Michael Palazzolo and Fintentional. 

Fintentional LLC Launches Consciousness-Centric Financial Planning Service to Empower Clients

Local Financial Advisor Joins Leading Association of Fee‐Only Financial Planners

In general, the comprehensive ongoing financial planning will encompass any or all of the offerings below.   We will work together to select the specific offerings to pursue and prioritize their relative importance to your situation. These offerings may include, but are not limited to:

We Use The Latest Technology To Keep You Informed and On-Track

The Right Capital planning software allows clients to interact with their plan online, link their accounts for updated information and provides a secure document vault for sharing files between us.  It also maintains a shared action item list. Email reminders are sent out to keep us all on track. 

You can establish a basic free account today to monitor your expenses and net worth.  You will learn a little bit about how the planning software works while gaining insight into your current financial picture.

Your Complete Guide to Money Happiness

by Henry S. Brock
Although the book was published in the 90’s, it provides sound advice for developing a healthy relationship with your finances. This book first introduced me to the concept of debt being hard and assets being soft.

Your Money Or Your Life (YMOYL)

by Vicki Robin, Joe Dominguez, with Monique Tilford
Another book that was first published in the 90’s. The book outlines steps for developing and following a sound budget. It walks the reader through three levels of financial growth that include financial intelligence, financial integrity and financial independence.

The Millionaire Next Door 

by Thomas J. Stanley, William D. Danko
An excellent book that shares the results of a twenty year study of the wealthy. Overall, the book demonstrates that for most people, hard work, living within your means, and not trying to impress for success foundational principals for living a good life.

The Tao of Warren Buffet

by Mary Buffett, David Clark
An easy read, this book offers insightful quotes by Warren Buffet with narratives provided by the authors.

The Laws of Wealth: Psychology and the Secret to Investing Success

by Dr. Daniel Crosby
The first part of the book provides a nice framework to learn how your behavior impacts investing decisions. 

Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing

by Taylor Larimore , Mel Lindauer, Michael LeBoeuf, with foreword by John C. Bogle
A great, common sense, overview of investing. It lays the groundwork for investing in a low cost, well diversified portfolio.

Bogleheads’ Guide to Retirement Planning

by Taylor Larimore , Mel Lindauer, Richard A. Ferri , Laura F. Dogu, with foreword by John C. Bogle
This book provides a solid overview on many financial planning topics related to retirement written in a very straight forward manner.

Stopping

by David Kundtz
Although not a financial book, it provides great insight for anyone contemplating a life transition such as starting a new career or retiring. It stresses the importance of slowing down and carving out some quiet time to figure out what is next.