About Us

Our story

Our Mission & Vision

Our mission is to educate and empower our clients to achieve their financial goals through an in-depth financial planning process.

Our firm believes that a team approach to financial planning provides additional levels of service to our clients and is most effective when managing client portfolios. The practice is built on relationships, trust, and mutual respect with the ability to deliver a broad range of financial products and services to help clients achieve their financial goals. We believe that educating clients with an understanding behind the strategies being proposed for their investments and engaging clients in the planning process is an integral part of our financial planning methods.

woman-working-on-laptop-at-desk-in-office
Committed to protecting and increasing your wealth

No matter what your story, we have a plan.

Financial Planning Alternatives

Who We Are

Financial Planning Alternatives,

is an independent financial consulting service, and their advisors have the ability to deliver a broad range of financial services to help solve the needs of clients and help accomplish their goals.
With the experience, knowledge and objectivity necessary to help you evaluate your current financial position our professionals will guide you in developing goals keyed to your personal needs and dreams.

Our advisors will recommend the best possible tax strategy, investment management and insurance solutions, as well as take into consideration estate planning, retirement and education funding goals and family protection. We can implement the investment strategies you select, and work with other members of your financial team to coordinate all aspects of your financial plan.
Through our fact-finding process our advisors will review information such as tax returns, current investment portfolios, wills, contracts, and insurance policies to better understand how we can serve you. We will then discuss your personal financial goals, your risk tolerance and priorities to implement a plan to attain those goals.
During the initial phase of plan development, the “Discovery” process, our advisors work with you to determine your concerns, goals, needs and investment comfort level. We also review your resources and accomplishments to date. With this information, we will make appropriate recommendations on how to solve your needs and accomplish your goals.

We believe the most efficient way to achieve financial independence is to develop and implement a coordinated financial plan which encompasses all aspects of your financial life. 

  1. What do I want for my family and or business now and in the future?​
  2. Am I confident in my ability to save/have I saved enough?
  3. Will my money keep up with the cost of living?
  4. Am I investing in the most tax efficient manner?
  5. How much do I need in an emergency fund?
  6. How much risk am I willing to accept to achieve my investment goals?

The Value Of Independence

Financial Planning Alternatives

Join Our Firm

Financial Planning Alternatives is a growing wealth management consulting firm located in Westport, Massachusetts.

The Sales Assistant/Paraplanner Associate reports to the Owner of the Firm as well as the other Advisors in the office and is critical to appropriately leveraging the Advisors’ time. This position utilizes excellent customer service and problem-solving skills to confidently provide information to clients and advisors in a timely, efficient, and professional manner.  Candidate must be extremely organized, detail-oriented and a self-starter.

This role requires MA Insurance, FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 registrations; which must be obtained within one year of employment.  The Sales Assistant/Paraplanner Associate position supports our advisory staff and senior advisors as they prepare for client meetings, as well as communicating directly with clients as needed.  The ideal candidate is client-focused, highly dependable, analytical and a team player. He or she must be able to operate autonomously and be comfortable working in a small office setting, which often requires the individual to adapt to new responsibilities as the firm continues to grow and evolve. This position has a broad range of duties, providing the individual exposure to and opportunity to pursue multiple career paths within our firm.

Client Service

  • Ability to provide excellent customer service contact / client facing experience
  • Perform general administrative duties including, but not limited to, answering phones, filing, processing mail, scheduling meetings and other responsibilities that support the company
  • Maintain information in the company CRM database, including, but not limited to, entering new contacts and/or companies, creating groups and/or running reports and creating workflow efficiencies
  • Once appropriately licensed, assist lead Administrator in non-financial changes to client accounts

Advisor Support

  • Prepare advisors for client and prospect meetings on an ongoing basis. Gather and prepare for use all necessary presentation and sales materials, compile meeting agendas, performance reports and account applications
  • Onboard new clients including the set-up of accounts, recurring money movements, online access, and the scheduling of the ongoing quarterly review cycle
  • Proactively work to ensure all advisor client follow-up and associated tasks are completed; create workflow in CRM system to track all outstanding follow-up tasks to be reviewed regularly with each advisor
  • Assist practice in transitioning to a cloud-based system

Skills Needed / Desired:

  •  Proven ability to meet deadlines as well as effectively identify and solve problems
  • Strong time management, organizational skills; able to effectively prioritize/multi-task
  • Ability to work independently as well as cohesively with advisors and team members
  • Must maintain a high level of confidentiality and have a client-focused, helpful attitude
  • Series 7, 66, Life and Health certifications or complete within 1st year

Requirements: 

  • Minimum 1-2 years’ experience (graduates with solid financial internship experience considered)
  • Proven strong client service skills
  • Microsoft Office – Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel required
  • Experience with Redtail CRM, Morningstar, eMoney a plus

Monisha Potter, CFP™

Senior Financial Advisor

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, I am a firm believer in educating my clients with an understanding behind the strategies being proposed for their individual investments. Engaging my clients and getting them involved in their planning process is an integral part of my practice.

Growing up, I took note that my mother did not have a say in our family’s financial decisions, which motivated me to learn as much as possible about my own finances. One of my passions is empowering women to make their own independent financial choices and help them understand the psychology of money.

My financial career started in 2004 and I have gathered many licenses as well as designations along the way; General Securities Registered Representative (FINRA Series 6, 63 and 7), Registered Investment Advisery Representative (Series 66) licensed Insurance Agent (Life, Health and Long Term Care), and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional… Learning is a lifelong process, which I intend to continue.

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”

― Henry Ford

monisha-potter-headshot-about-us

Phone: (508) 636-6521
Fax: (508) 636-6524
monisha@fpa-online.com

Phone: (508) 636-6521
Fax: (508) 636-6524
ruth@fpa-online.com

Ruth Chicca, CRC®

Paraplanner

Working in personal finance, Ruth brings her enthusiasm for social responsibility to the clients she serves at FPA. She holds multiple designations outlining her expertise including Certified Retirement Counselor® and is actively pursuing CFP® certification. She believes financial planning is a fluid process that will constantly evolve along with life stages.

Ruth is a community activist and advocate for civic participation. Locally, she organized events such as the Women’s March, Families Belong Together rally and Lights for Liberty vigil. Volunteer work is important to Ruth. She has served youth athletic organizations including Bishop Stang Athletics, Sakonnet Schooners Pop Warner Football, Westport Baseball & Basketball. Gifts to Give is one of her favorite local charities. These days, supporting her kids, she will be found at the New Bedford Ballet or cheering on the UMASS Dartmouth Corsairs football team. Ruth is an active spin and yoga enthusiast who also loves to travel and feels restless if the next trip is not on the calendar.

Ruth is married to Justin Chicca, Deputy Commissioner of DPI for the City of New Bedford. Together they have 3 boys, a little girl and a fluffy Spaniel mix named Flower. The Chiccas are active members of St. Julie Billiart parish in Dartmouth, MA.

Joseph Cassese

Joseph Cassese brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as a Client Service Associate. With a foundation rooted in hospitality and a commitment to excellence, Joseph seamlessly integrates his diverse skill set into the financial services landscape.

Drawing from over a decade of hands-on experience in the hospitality industry, Joseph developed a keen understanding of customer relations and the importance of customer experience. His transition to the financial sector, where he has served as a Client Service Associate for three years at his father’s firm, displays his adaptability and passion for client-centric solutions. Joseph holds the SIE and Series 65 certifications, and he is actively pursuing his Series 7 qualification to enhance his proficiency in wealth management and client advisory services.

Outside of the professional arena, Joseph maintains an active and well-rounded lifestyle. Whether engaging in fitness activities, watersports, perfecting his golf swing, or experimenting with culinary creations in the kitchen, Joseph approaches each endeavor with a disciplined
mindset.

Joseph’s commitment to professionalism, coupled with his passion for client care, ensures that he consistently delivers exceptional service and support, making him a valuable asset to clients and colleagues alike.

Tom Hilmer

As a college student majoring in Business Finance, Tom Hilmer channels his passion for finance and analytics into every project he undertakes. Based in Portsmouth, RI, Tom is deeply committed to leveraging his academic knowledge to make a tangible impact in the world of finance.

When he’s not immersed in his studies or community work, Tom enjoys exploring the great outdoors, whether it’s hiking local trails or participating in intramural sports. An enthusiast of both physical and mental wellness, he practices mindfulness and meditation to maintain balance in his busy life.

Tom’s ambition is to blend his passion for finance with his commitment to social responsibility, aspiring to a career that not only challenges him intellectually but also allows him to contribute positively to the world around him. With his sights set on internships and opportunities that align with his values, Tom is on a path to becoming a leader in the field of Business Finance.

Scroll to Top