About Mike
Mike's passion for financial planning began at his family's company, High Falls Advisors, founded in 1986 by his father-in-law, Jim McBride. After working as a Financial Advisor and Vice President of Business Development and Marketing for High Falls Advisors, Mike knew he was in the right industry — but it was time to build his own practice. He joined a small RIA, where his business (and his vision for what his ideal firm could look like) grew. That vision became T.R.U.E. Financial Guides.
As the firm grew in size and scope, Mike expanded its footprint by merging with Coastal Capital Management, LLC in Savannah, GA. The merger brought several advantages — chief among them, the addition of Sam Hubbard, MBA, CFA, CDFA. Sam's CFA designation expanded the firm's capabilities deep into investment analysis, complementing Mike's expertise in financial planning. Together, the two firms became one: T.R.U.E. Coastal Capital, LLC.
Since then, Mike has continued to serve the Rochester, NY community as an expert in Kodak retirement planning, working with individuals, couples, and families of all backgrounds and ages. Mike serves as a "T.R.U.E. Financial Guide" for individuals and businesses, and holds the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠ (AWMA®) designation. His personal practice focuses on investment management and financial planning, providing personal, objective advice on retirement income planning, Social Security planning, estate planning, investment allocation, Medicare supplemental planning, and tax-efficient planning strategies.
Every day, he finds new ways to better serve his clients. With a team that shares his values and vision, T.R.U.E. Coastal Capital, LLC will continue to grow and make a real difference in the communities of Rochester, NY, Savannah, GA, and beyond.
Mike is active in his community. He has served on the board for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Nominating Committee and the St. Andrew's Independent School Board of Trustees. He currently serves on the Investment Committee (IC) for the St. Andrew's School Endowment Fund. Mike resides in Savannah, GA, with his wife and two children, where he is an active member of First Baptist Church of the Islands. In his spare time, you'll find Mike fishing and boating in the coastal waters of Georgia, traveling to Charleston, SC to visit his son Isaac (a student at Charleston Southern University), or watching his daughter play volleyball at Saint Vincent's Academy. He's also an automobile enthusiast and enjoys alpine skiing.
Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with double majors in Political Science and International Studies from SUNY Brockport, graduating with honors. He also holds a Master's Degree in Architecture from the University at Buffalo, where he received the Schamberg Fellowship for Academic Excellence, and an advanced certificate in Strategic Leadership from Canisius College. Mike holds active Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses, and is an Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠ (AWMA®) from the College for Financial Planning and a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) from Kingdom Advisors. Mike maintains Life, Accident, and Health Insurance licenses in NY, GA, PA, and FL.
Learn More About Me
What's the most likely place people could find you on a Saturday night? At my house eating pizza and wings, watching a baseball game, football game, or a good comedy with my family.
Which would you pick: living on the beach or living near the mountains? Live on the beach in the winter and near the mountains in the summer.
If a genie offered you three wishes, what might those be? A rocket-fast metabolism, an amazing memory, and perfect health for my family.
If you could travel back in time, what would you tell your 18-year-old self? Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.
Designation Disclosures
Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠ (AWMA®): Awarded by the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company. Candidates complete a course of study covering wealth strategies for high-net-worth clients, including equity-based compensation, tax reduction, and asset protection planning, followed by a proctored exam. Designees must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain the designation. FINRA notes it does not approve or endorse any professional credential or designation, including the AWMA.
Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®): Awarded by Kingdom Advisors. Candidates must hold an approved professional credential (such as CFP®, ChFC®, or CPA) or have at least 10 years of relevant experience, complete a faith-based financial training program, obtain reference letters including one from a church leader, and pass a proctored exam. The designation reflects training in integrating biblical principles with financial planning; designees must complete 10 hours of continuing education annually to maintain it. FINRA notes it does not approve or endorse any professional credential or designation, including the CKA.