Jeff Ackler is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, who began his career in the Financial Services Industry in 1992. Jeff began his career at Dreyfus Corporation in Uniondale, NY, working with clients and prospects and finding appropriate mutual fund investments for their long term needs.
In 1995, Jeff joined Charles Schwab & Company, Inc. where he built and managed client relationships in the Melville, NY office. He also acted as a trainer to other representatives and managers, developed business plans, assisted in the creation of business growth strategies and more. He was an approved media spokesperson for Charles Schwab & Company, often appearing on local TV news and print articles. Jeff was awarded quarterly "Excellence in Service" awards on multiple occasions and received the honors of "Top Performer" and "Iron Man" for outstanding Customer Service. He was also a leader in local charity organizations, helping to organize and participate in the company sponsored "Habitat For Humanity" events, and recognized for his efforts to invest in the community.
After relocating to Florida with Schwab in 2002, Jeff spent 7 years in Supervisory and Operations Management roles in both the Orlando Service Center and in the St. Petersburg, Florida Branch. He was successful in leading those teams in service, compliance and sales excellence. During the latter part of that time he took it upon himself to study for and complete the CFP® Certification course, and passed the rigorous examination in 2009.
Given his extensive experience in serving clients and his passion to provide comprehensive services, Jeff accepted a position with Schwab Private Client (later renamed to Schwab Private Client Investment Advisory, Inc.) in 2009 as a Portfolio Consultant. He managed the relationships and assets of over 200 high net worth clients with assets of over $200 Million, ($500K Minimum per client), and helped counsel and guide them during the aftermath of some of the most challenging market conditions we've seen in the last 75 years.
Jeff has impressive experience working with all types of clients with diverse backgrounds, such as CEO's, Small Business Owners, Doctors, Executives, Engineers, Teachers, Lawyers, Accountants, among many other professions. Many clients are retirees from all walks of life, some in need of increased dividends or are living on a fixed budget and in great need of the professional guidance Jeff provided. He was frequently referred by his clients to other potential high-net worth prospects due to his work ethic and caring attitude towards his valued clients. In 2015, after 20+ years of success at Schwab, Jeff left Schwab to start his own firm, and ultimately joined Merit Financial Advisors where he continues to work very closely with clients and helps them pursue their financial goals and dreams. He provides his clients with very hi-tech tools and "Human Advice", with a strong focus on both asset management and wealth planning solutions.
Jeff graduated from S.U.N.Y. Old Westbury in 1990 with a B.S. in Business. He completed his Certificate Program in Financial Planning at The College for Financial Planning in 2008, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Practitioner. He holds the Series 7, 8, 24, 63 registrations with LPL Financial and his Series 66 through Merit Financial Group.
Jeff resides in Tavares, FL with his wife Valerie, who is a franchise owner of Cruise Planners, a full-service travel agency. Their grown children and family live in the surrounding neighborhoods. They enjoy going on cruises and tours, hiking the mountains, and spending time with family and their two small dogs.