Our philosophy is simple, we handle your retirement, investments, and taxes as if you were a member of our family. We stand by our belief that if you spend a little time with us, you'll sleep a whole lot better. Our team is comprised of dedicated professionals with extensive experience in financial planning. We are proud to serve you and give you not only best in class service, but best in class confidence knowing that your financial future is in good hands.
Founder, President
Paul Spero is a Financial Professional with over 35 years of experience. Paul graduated from Brooklyn College, and went on to found United Financial Services in 1985. Since then, Paul has built the company with credentialed professionals to service all needs of businesses and individuals in the areas of financial planning, tax strategies, and wealth management. In recent years, Paul expanded United Financial Services from its headquarters in Liverpool NY to Cortland NY and Fayetteville NY. Paul works closely with business owners and individuals on a daily basis to address the ever-changing financial climate. He adapts workable strategies to help businesses thrive and individuals keep more of what they make.
Reach out to Paul directly at sperop5@ae.cadaretgrant.com
Financial Advisor, Registered Principal/OSJ
Ben joined our office in 2019 as a Financial Advisor and Tax Preparer. Ben came to United Financial Services after spending time in management at a large Northeast Regional Bank. After attaining his Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from SUNY Oswego, Ben transitioned into a Management Development Program, learning the ins and outs of leading an effective team while assisting clients with their financial goals. Ben's diverse background in the banking industry coupled with his experience in retirement, insurance, tax, and estate planning make for a productive client centered approach.
Ben's professional credentials include FINRA Series 7, 24, & 66. He also holds New York State Life, Accident/Health & Annuities Licenses.
Outside of work, Ben enjoys connecting with family and friends. He is an avid golfer and outdoorsman.
Reach out to Ben directly at bloder@unitedfinancialservices.org
Tax Preparer, Financial Advisor
Paul joined United Financial Services in 2016 as a Tax Preparer, and more recently in 2020 as a Financial Advisor. Previous to this, he spent 16 years in the field of education working as a classroom teacher, athletic coach, and senior class advisor. Paul also spent 23 years working in the hotel industry on the campus of Syracuse University where he was an integral part of the team. He sees the transition to the financial services industry as the natural progression in his career, where he can now educate individuals on how to best prepare for their future.
Paul's professional credentials include FINRA Series 7 & 66. He also holds New York State Life, Accident/Health & Annuities Licenses.
Outside of work Paul enjoys spending time with his two young kids, swimming, and spending time in the Adirondacks.
Reach out to Paul directly at pcarr@unitedfinancialservices.org
Accountant & Tax Specialist
Myla has been an accountant for over 30 years providing her clients with expert advice, professionalism, responsiveness and peace of mind. With a wealth of experience, Myla has a creative, interdisciplinary approach to the complexities of tax planning for individuals and businesses. Her passion and dedication is helping small business owners and individuals to manage and grow their financial well-being.
Myla is an active member of her community. She is involved with the Feed the Hungry program, Fil-Am Association, Charities for Children and Clear Path for Veterans. Her hobbies include weight lifting, ballroom and Latin dancing, golfing, and skeet shooting. She also enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends and family.
Reach out to Myla directly at mbseirani@unitedfinancialservices.org
Accounting & Tax Specialist
Becky joined the company in 1991. She holds a BS in Accounting from SUNY Utica/Rome.
Reach out to Becky directly at rbain@unitedfinancialservices.org
Financial Assistant
Kathy joined our team in 2019, spending her entire career in the Financial Services Industry. Before coming to United Financial Services, Kathy worked for 10 years at our Broker Dealer, Cadaret, Grant & Co. Inc. She then spent 10 years with AXA-Equitable as a specialist in the 403b department. As a Financial Assistant, Kathy stands ready to answer any and all questions our clients may have on a daily basis. Her background and industry knowledge make her a major asset to our team, and we are lucky to have her.
Payroll and Accounting Associate
Karen has an Associate’s degree in accounting. Karen has been with United Financial Services since 1997. She does billing, payroll, accounting/ bookkeeping, and assists with tax questions, processing, transmission, & extensions.
It is the foundation from which we grow a relationship with our customers. This is what makes us different. From first time investors to those securing stability for their twilight years, we are here to support, educate, and offer insight to every individual that we encounter.
In the dizzying world of stock markets and financial lingo, we often become too fixated on the immediate numbers and lose sight of the bigger picture. We want to understand what truly matters to you and tailor a holistic financial plan that gives you peace of mind today and tomorrow. We care as much about why you are investing as what you are investing in.
Once we get to know you we can begin to develop a dynamic plan that will meet your immediate needs and goals while adjusting for changes in your professional and social life down the road. We are in it together for the long haul.
This is the first part of establishing a fruitful partnership, so be prepared! In this phase we will identify your goals, priorities, preferences, as well as potential obstacles. Along with this, we will mutually establish what your expectations are for us and whether an ongoing partnership is the right fit.
Based on our introductory meeting, we now want to take a deeper dive into your situation. During this session we can begin to sketch a preliminary plan as we engage in a more comprehensive discussion about your personal and financial goals. The more open this phase is, the more detailed our plan can be.
Now it is time to set you up with a plan. Based on the prior discussions, we can deliver an easy to follow roadmap that will lead you towards your financial goals. We will specifically address the areas that are of greatest importance to you: retirement savings, early investment options, risk management, insurance, first time home ownership, estate planning, and detail the steps needed to conquer each obstacle.
Your priorities and goals will inevitably shift through time which is why we are here to proactively prepare your plan. We embrace change. As your life circumstances facilitate a different approach to financial planning, wealth management, and savings options, we will be a constant presence to ensure that your plan transitions along with you.
Our advisers and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professionals can help you achieve your retirement dreams. We can answer your most important questions, and help ensure that you retire with confidence and peace of mind through financial security. Ask us about how we can help plan income for life. Whether retirement is still on the horizon, or just around the corner, our experienced professionals will plan based on your unique situation.
There actually is a lifetime after retirement and the need to be able to provide for a steady stream of income that cannot be outlived is more important than ever. With the prospect of paying for retirement needs for as many as 20 years, retirees need to be concerned with maintaining their cost-of-living.
Our CertifiedPro QuickBooks Advisor will provide training to new and seasoned business owners on everything from the basic starting points to the in depth operations of QuickBooks. When you finish, you’ll know the best ways to get around, enter day-to-day transactions, and get the information you need out of QuickBooks. Our expert instructor will be available on an ongoing basis to assist whenever you have a question or an issue with operating the system.
Planning for the transfer of assets at death is a critical element of retirement planning especially if there are survivors who are dependent upon the assets for their financial security. Planning for estate transfer can be as simple as drafting a will, which is essential to ensure that assets are transferred according to the wishes of the decedent. Larger estates may be confronted with settlement costs and sizable death taxes which could force liquidation if the proper planning is not done.
Retirees who have prepared for their retirement usually rely upon three main sources of income: Social Security, individual or employer-sponsored qualified retirement plans, and their own savings or investments. A sound retirement plan will emphasize qualified plans and personal savings as the primary sources with Social Security as a safety net for steady income.
United Financial Services was founded on tax preparation, and although we have expanded to encompass all aspects of financial planning, our tax services remain a core feature of our business. We ensure that you get the full reimbursement that you are entitled to with your tax return which online services simply cannot provide. Our thoroughness is unparallelled, as our goal is to help you keep more of what you earn.
Social Security was established in the 1930’s as a safety net for people who, after paying into the system from their earnings, could rely upon a steady stream of income for the rest of their lives. The age of retirement, when the income benefit starts was, originally, age 65 which was referred to as the “normal retirement age”. Now, for a person born after 1937, the normal retirement age is being increased gradually until it reaches age 67 for all people born in 1960 and beyond. The amount paid in benefits is based upon the earnings of an individual while working. If a person wanted to continue to work and delay receiving benefits, they could do so build up a larger benefit. Conversely, early retirement benefits are available, at a reduced level, as early as age 62.
Most employer-sponsored plans today are established as “defined contribution” plans whereby an employee contributes a percentage of his earnings into an account that will accumulate until retirement. As a qualified plan, the contributions are deductible from the employee’s current income. The amount of income received at retirement is based on the total amount of contributions, the returns earned, and the employee’s retirement time horizon. As in all qualified plans, withdrawals made prior to age 59 ½ may be subject to a penalty of 10% on top of ordinary taxes that are due.
Depending on the size and type of the organization, they may offer a 401(k) Plan, a Simplified Employee Pension Plan or, in the case of a non-profit organization, a 403(b) plan.
We have a staff of experienced bookkeepers who are ready to assist local businesses in keeping their financials all up to date and accurate.
A team of financial professions well versed and experienced in managing local businesses payroll on a weekly basis.
Whether you are deciding if our services are right for you, or if you are interested in a free consultation, please call us at: (315) 451-5885 or fill out the following form.
