Meet Our Team
Christopher Scalzo, AIF®
Founder/Financial Advisor
With more than 20 years of experience, Chris Scalzo is the founder and lead Financial Advisor of Elevate Wealth Planning. Prior to forming his company in 2018, Chris served as the Edward Jones Financial Advisor in Clinton, New Jersey. In this role, he favorably guided the financial affairs of more than 200 clients and families in more than 16 states.
In addition to growing a thriving practice, Chris also served in various leadership positions at Edward Jones. These included mentorship and training of numerous new advisors, recruitment and assessment of advisor candidates, and earning the prestigious achievement of becoming a Limited Partner of the company in 2009.
Chris began his career at The Copeland Companies, a division of Citigroup, as a graduate of Rutgers University. In this position, he garnered in-depth retirement planning experience and obtained the federal and state securities licenses necessary to successfully perform his current advisory role.
As a result of the insight gained during his extensive career, Chris developed his core philosophy as a financial advisor. He firmly believes that all portfolios must be guided by, and serve, a client’s pre-determined financial plan. This plan is similar to the flight plan for air travel—it is an agreed-upon document representing the client’s path to arrive at their ultimate destination or financial goal. Only with a strategic plan can investing be successful.
Chris applies a holistic approach to financial planning; he implements a comprehensive solution to meet a client's current needs as well as long-term goals. He is committed to addressing all questions and concerns enabling his clients to be confident in their decisions. At Elevate Wealth Planning, Chris creates lifelong partnerships which ensure that financial planning is a well-informed and enjoyable journey.
When not in the office "guiding clients to a higher perspective," Chris spends his time with his family or enjoys cycling up the most challenging hills in his home state of New Jersey.
Debbie Schmidt
Client Relationship Manager
Debbie Schmidt is the Client Relationship Manager at Elevate Wealth Planning. For more than 17 years, she has been an integral part of Chris's financial advising practice providing unparalleled administrative support.
Debbie acts as a liaison with clients and implements all the necessary procedures required for their financial plans. Her attentive and seamless administrative support, coupled with her proficient communication skills, bring Elevate Wealth Planning’s client service to the next level. Debbie really enjoys getting to know each individual client, where they find joy and what they value. She creates a welcoming and friendly environment for all, which reflects the company’s core values.
When not managing office operations, Debbie enjoys kayaking and hiking on local trails as well as planning for her family's next adventure together.
Megan Riccio
Office Manager
Our office manager, Megan Riccio, earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and brings a unique blend of expertise in bookkeeping, human resources, and office management to Elevate Wealth Planning. Meg understands the requirements to run a successful business operation born of her 30 years of broad experience in operations and client-facing positions. Meg has worked with Elevate Wealth Planning part time since 2018 and has recently joined the team full time.
Meg has enjoyed living in Hunterdon County for 30 years and spends free time visiting with family and friends and pursuing various interests.
Henry Scalzo
Service Advisor
Henry Scalzo is the service advisor at Elevate Wealth Planning. Henry holds a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island and he brings a creative and analytical approach to helping the firm, combining his design background with a strong interest in helping individuals to build more secure and fulfilling futures.
Henry can be relied on by the whole team to assist with administrative tasks, and participating in client meetings. His work at Elevate Wealth Planning allows him to deepen his understanding of investment strategies and client relationships while contributing to the firm’s mission of empowering others through personalized financial guidance.
Outside of work, Henry enjoys playing guitar, socializing with his friends, and finding new ways to challenge himself creatively, physically, and intellectually.
Kathleen Scalzo
Administrative Assistant
Kathy works as a part-time support person performing administrative duties and special projects for Elevate Wealth Planning.
Kathy is retired from a 30 year career working as a legal secretary/office manager in a county governmental law office. She was also employed by Edward Jones Investments for 15 years serving in the position as Part-Time Administrative Assistant for various offices in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida.
Kathy is an active person with a desire to make a positive contribution to the team at Elevate Wealth Planning. Kathy enjoys spending time with her family and friends, sewing, decorating, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and helping others.