Broker Check

WHY WE DO IT

OUR MISSION
Built on Independence, Driven by Relationships

We left the security of a larger firm to create something different: a practice where client relationships matter more than shareholder returns. Why take that risk? Because we fundamentally believe wealth management should be about relationships, not transactions. And that's impossible when corporate ownership priorities conflict with client interests.

Our mission is to serve families exceptionally well. That means that your wealth represents more than numbers on a statement. It represents values, legacy, and what matters most to you and your family. We treat it with the respect and care it deserves.


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WHAT WE STAND FOR
The Foundations of Our Practice

Principle 1: Independence Protects Client Interests

Our independence is both a business structure and a moral commitment. Our success depends on our clients’ success - so our interests are always aligned. As a fiduciary, we are expected to exercise a duty of care and a duty of loyalty to clients. As fiduciaries, we also have a bond of trust and a legal obligation to act for another person’s benefit and not our own.

Principle 2: Relationships Over Transactions

We consider ourselves a boutique practice because quality relationships require time and attention. You deserve advisors who know your story, not just your account balance.

Principle 3: Tax-Focused Comprehensive Planning

As Certified Public Accountants, we believe tax planning is inseparable from investment management. We look at your complete financial picture - investments, taxes, estate plans, insurance, and more - because that's the only way to give advice that actually makes sense for your life.

Principle 4: Education Builds Confidence

We take time to explain, to teach, to build understanding. Our clients don't need to become financial experts, but it's important to us that they always understand the decisions being made with their wealth.

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Let's Talk About Your Financial Future

We begin every relationship with an honest conversation: no pressure, no sales pitch. Just a chance to see if we're the right fit for your family's goals.

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MEET THE MONTAGS Different strengths that deliver comprehensive service.

Mike Montag, CFP, CPA, CPWA

Mike Montag, CFP®, CPA, CPWA®

Owner and Financial Advisor

mike@montagwm.com

Meet Mike

I'm the relationship manager of our practice and lead client meetings, serve as the primary contact point, and translate complex financial and legal concepts into plain English. My nearly three decades in financial services across brokerage, banking, insurance, retirement planning, and wealth management give me a well-rounded perspective that helps clients navigate complicated decisions.

As a CPA, CPWA®, and CFP®, I focus heavily on tax-efficient strategies that save clients money both now and in retirement. I'm straightforward and honest in my communication. I answer questions on the spot and give you my genuine perspective. If I see potential issues or better alternatives, I'll share them with you directly: always with your best interests in mind and respect for your situation.

Outside the office, I'm a sports fan (though I watch less basketball since Michael Jordan retired). I love to read, play golf, and spend time with Paula. We have four kids, two daughters and two sons, who've taught us more about patience, resilience, and what really matters than any professional credential ever could.

Paula Montag, CPA

Paula Montag, CPA

Operations Director and Certified Public Accountant

paula@montagwm.com

Meet Paula

I'm the organizational backbone of our practice. I manage client onboarding, maintain our systems and compliance protocols, and attend meetings to offer perspective and ensure action items get implemented. Clients appreciate the ways I ensure that no detail of their financial life falls through the cracks.

As a CPA with extensive accounting experience, I bring a tax-focused analytical approach to every client situation. I'm particularly effective providing clarity about wealth planning to all members of a family, including spouses and widows -- all with a healthy dose of empathy and understanding.

Outside of work, I choose quiet contentment over constant activity. I find genuine joy in reading, crafting, and creating a well-ordered home. My kids tease me about being "born an old lady," but I've learned that understanding what truly fills your cup, and honoring that, is its own form of wisdom!

A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FOR ENHANCED SERVICE With Support from Affiliated Advisors

While Montag Wealth Management operates independently, we maintain a strategic relationship with Affiliated Advisors, a network that provides us with institutional-quality resources while preserving our autonomy.

This partnership gives us access to advanced technology platforms, compliance support, and continuing education opportunities typically available only to much larger firms, without compromising our independence or client-first philosophy. Affiliated Advisors doesn't dictate how we run our practice, what products we recommend, or which clients we serve. They simply provide the infrastructure that allows us to focus on what we do best: building deep relationships with the families we serve.

Think of it as the best of both worlds: boutique personalized service backed by institutional-grade resources.

Ana Chicas

Ana Chicas

Senior Operations Specialist

Cindy Pollack

Cindy Pollack

Director of Compliance

Courtney Travis

Courtney Travis

Operations Specialist

Nick Safi

Nick Safi

Director of Practice Management

Richard White

Richard White

Director of Operations and Compliance

Rita Robbins

Rita Robbins

President, Affiliated Advisors

Samantha Orvelo

Samantha Orvelo

Client Service Specialist

Tom Rippberger

Tom Rippberger

Managing Partner

Trisha Qualy

Trisha Qualy

Managing Partner

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Discover What Comprehensive Planning Looks Like
Find out how CPA-level expertise combined with genuine personal care could change your financial future. Your complimentary discovery meeting awaits.

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