Who We Are

Tom Roberts is the Principal of A New Approach Financial Planning, a Fee-Only financial planning and Registered Investment Advisor firm in Sarasota, Florida.

"I believe that everyone can benefit from independent, objective financial planning and advice. With your financial life concerns such as retirement, college funding, asset protection, cash flow and the many possible ways to meet these needs, everyone can use some assistance. I work with individuals and families to simplify their lives, maximize their resources, protect their income and give them peace of mind. This allows my clients to focus on family, work, and other daily activities - the things that really matter - without having to worry about whether they will be financially secure."

"My life experiences have given me valuable insight into families' lives from all income levels, cultures and backgrounds. As a father of two children I understand the challenges of setting and achieving effective home budgeting, personal investments, college and retirement planning. Prior to founding A New Approach Financial Planning, I had a successful engineering and management career in the power industry throughout the world. I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from people from all over the world. My educational background includes Certified Financial Planner coursework from FSU, a MBA from Emory University and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. All of these experiences, interacting with people from many backgrounds and different situations, have prepared me to work with my clients in planning their financial futures."

I am active in the financial planning profession. As a member of the Garrett Planning Network, an international affiliation of fee-only financial advisors, I am dedicated to providing competent, affordable financial planning and advice to people from all walks of life. In addition, I am active in the Suncoast chapter of the Financial Planning Association, the largest organization of professionals dedicated to championing the financial planning process.

I enjoy outdoor activities such as sailing, swimming, bicycling and hiking. I also enjoy traveling to new places, jazz, squash and cooking.

Wouldn't it feel good to know that you have a plan in place to help make you financially secure? I can help you get started right away! Contact me for a free, no-obligation Get Acquainted meeting. Don't wait another day to get the professional advice you need!

Affiliations

I am a proud member of the following organizations and adhere to their standards of professional excellence and integrity:

Commitment to Professionalism

I am a member of the national organization and the Suncoast chapter of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), a membership organization for the financial planning community. The FPA is the largest association of professionals dedicated to championing the financial planning process. FPA members are committed to supporting the financial planning process and to helping people make smarter decisions to achieve their goals and dreams. FPA believes that everyone needs professional, objective advice to make smart financial decisions and that when seeking the advice of a financial planner, the planner should be a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Practitioner.

Commitment to Continued Education

The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards is a professional regulatory organization. It fosters professional standards in personal financial planning so that the public values, has access to and benefits from competent financial planning. Individuals who meet rigorous certification requirements are certified by CFP Board to use its certification trademark. I have completed my educational requirements and successfully completed the exam to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Practitioner.

Commitment to Objectivity

As a Fee-Only advisory firm my recommendations are untainted by any type of fee received by the vendors of financial products, including investment funds, insurance companies, and estate attorneys. Fee-Only advisors provide consumers and institutions with comprehensive and objective financial advice on a "Fee-Only" basis, keeping only the best interests of the client in mind - with neither the advisor nor any related party receiving compensation contingent on the purchase or sale of a financial product.

Commitment to helping people from all walks of life

I am a member of The Garrett Planning Network, Inc., the nation's premier network of professional, Fee-Only financial advisors dedicated to providing independent, objective financial planning and advice, to people from all walks of life, on an hourly as-needed basis. Only 1% of the nation's financial planning firms are structured this way. As staunch consumer advocates and Fee-Only client fiduciaries, members of Garrett Planning Network continue to demonstrate their commitment to serving the public's best interests by making competent, Fee-Only financial advice accessible to all people. Many financial advisors accept clients only if they meet certain income and net worth requirements. Garrett Planning Network members believe, however, that professional, objective financial advice is something all Americans need, at least periodically, to build the brightest financial futures. Holding to this philosophy, I am proud to offer the same quality, professional advice to all clients, not just the affluent.

Commitment to our community

Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

I am a Partner and active member of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Chamber of the Year for 2005. The chamber provides support for residents, businesses and visitors on the benefits of Sarasota and local companies.

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is an advocacy organization committed to the unification, enrichment and advancement of the "Out East" community. The LWRBA is dedicated to fostering the continual economic development and awareness of the community.

Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce

The Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce  is an independent, non-profit, voluntary association of professionals and business owners united in purpose for the development and progress of the Latin business community in the Florida Gulf Coast area.

Take Stock in Children

Take Stock in Children of Sarasota County is a non-profit organization that provides low income students with Scholarships, Mentors and Hope. Students are selected in the sixth grade and are matched with a mentor. When the student has met all requirements and graduates from high school, they will have full tuition paid to two years of Community College and two years of a four-year university.

American Association of Individual Investors

Bath & Racquet Sports & Fitness Club

Sarasota Sailing Squadron