Nick Bertelli’s journey to becoming a financial advisor at Raymond James is anything but conventional. He moved to Aiken in 2012, driven by his passion for horses, a love that has been a part of his life since he received his first pony at the age of six. From that moment, he knew horses would always play a significant role in his life. His dedication led him to ride and train throughout his teenage years before becoming a working student. As his skills developed, he began competing and showing professionally, training in Europe, and building a successful equestrian business. Horses remain an essential part of his life, but a few years ago, he made a bold career shift that would allow him to make an impact in a new way.
Bertelli’s transition into financial services evolved from a conversation with Kathleen Sullivan, a friend and financial advisor who recognized his natural ability to care for clients, manage stress and develop long-term plans–all qualities that directly translate to financial advising. Sullivan pointed out that while Bertelli had spent years investing in people and their horses, financial planning required a similar skill set. Only instead of horses, he would be guiding people through investments, wealth management and financial security. That conversation planted a seed, and five years later, Bertelli has successfully built a career helping people navigate their financial futures.
Bertelli has a genuine passion for financial planning and emphasizes the importance of having a well-structured financial plan. He often sees people neglecting to prepare for their futures, particularly the younger generation who feel retirement seems too far away to consider seriously. However, as a financial advisor, he encourages young professionals and midlife investors to engage in conversations about long-term planning. With an unprecedented transfer of wealth occurring from baby boomers to Gen X, millennials and Gen Z, Bertelli plays a crucial role in educating and guiding younger generations to ensure their wealth is protected and continues to grow. He also helps high-net-worth clients align their legacy planning and investment strategies with their needs and goals.
Open and honest conversations form the foundation of Bertelli’s approach to financial planning. He asks critical questions to help clients build achievable and well-structured financial plans. Young professionals benefit from these discussions by developing the discipline of saving each month, not as a restriction but as a pathway to the life they aspire to lead. He encourages them to maximize contributions to retirement plans and diversify their investment sources. As clients age, their focus naturally shifts from accumulating wealth to preserving it, which is where estate and legacy planning become increasingly important. Bertelli works closely with clients as they approach retirement, helping create a strategy for income replacement, determining which assets to draw from and optimizing tax efficiency. Every client has a unique vision for retirement which is what makes financial advising so rewarding for Bertelli. Each day presents new challenges, and every client’s story is different. Bertelli says, “Successful financial planning starts with a conversation.” Bertelli also addresses the current financial climate and the impact of rising interest rates. He notes that a year ago an investor could get 5% to 5.5% in interest, now 4% to 4.30%, which has led many to hold onto large amounts of cash rather than investing in the market. While cash provides a sense of security, Bertelli reminds clients that cash is not an investment. It serves short-term goals and emergency needs, but it won’t generate long-term wealth or keep up with inflation. He educates clients on the importance of staying in the market over time rather than trying to time the market. By strategically investing cash at regular intervals, clients can take advantage of growth opportunities and long-term, interest-bearing investments.
Bertelli credits his success to working with a great team that prioritizes listening and understanding each client’s needs, goals and concerns. Financial planning is built on three key pillars: creating a strategy, implementing it and monitoring its progress. They also assess insurance needs, risk management, education planning, tax strategies and estate planning to create comprehensive financial roadmaps for clients. A crucial part of his success is his partnership with Lisa Boone, a Certified Financial Planner with over 25 years of experience.
Looking back on his journey, Bertelli is grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives by helping them prepare for their financial futures. Whether in the equestrian world or financial planning, his approach remains the same: long-term strategy, careful planning and a commitment to guiding clients toward success.
Nick Bertelli, AAMS, is a Financial Advisor with Raymond James & Associates, INC., member of the New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. His branch is located at 1325 Green Street in Augusta, GA and their number is 706-821-2642.
Open and honest conversations form the foundation of Bertelli’s approach to financial planning.