Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen J Landersman, CFP®.

It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?

Glad to be here and thank you for the opportunity. I’m the founder and President of Unifi Advisors LLC, and a nationally recognized financial planner, speaker and author from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I’ve been successful in the financial services industry for 34 years, with all the experience that long of a career brings to the table. I pioneered MetLife’s Financial Planning program in 1992 attending their first ever financial planning training program. In 1993 I earned my CFP® and have been following their tenants of being a good fiduciary ever since. I believe education is primary to client’s success. Over the last decade the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania had me conducting retirement seminars and workshops for their employees. I’ve been a guest speaker and panelist at various national financial planning conventions and have often been quoted and used as a source for many publications and websites. Finally, it’s been an honor to have been recognized in the industry for my commitment to helping my clients reach their goals in each of the last dozen years.

I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?

I started in the financial services industry on “Black Monday” in 1987 when the stock market dropped 22% in one day. I had just taken the test for my first license and got into my car. The radio came on reporting about the crash, and I remember thinking, ” it’s only up from here!” Adversity and tough markets have been longtime companions. I’ve been through the major crashes of the last 35 years, 1987, 2000, 2008, and now 2020. The one thing I’ve learned is not to panic, we’re all hard wired to do the wrong thing at the worst possible time. Those clients who followed my advice and stayed the course were rewarded when markets recovered and achieved new heights.

Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?

My focus over the last 3 decades has been on retirement and estate planning helping my clients reach both goals; too often one is sacrificed for the other. I am the creator of the proprietary Unifi My Plan and Unifi Wealth processes. #UNIFIMYPLAN is more than just a hashtag, it encompasses the firm’s approach to bringing their clients varying retirement and estate plans together. My firm, Unifi Advisors LLC, is guiding clients to a successful retirement and helping them live their best lives. Our clients are a select group of successful professionals, business owners and retirees who we’ve elected to work with. The secret is that the financial services industry really isn’t set up for most people to win. The big firms and insurers are mostly interested in selling you something. The opportunities and knowledge available to the mega wealthy aren’t generally available to the rest of us. I’ve made it my duty to level the playing field for my clients, using the little-known techniques and strategies that helping them to reach their financial goals so they can live their best lives.

What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?

Success means different things to each of us. Some people want to spend their retirement worry free on a tropical beach without a care in the world. Others want to ensure a legacy for their children to build on. A few want to be philanthropic to their school or favorite charity, benefiting others long after they are gone. Each of these requires having a goal and planning to make it happen. You must know the amount of investment risk you are willing to take, and plan for the risks you want to avoid. Work with a professional like a Certified Financial Planner Certificant™ that will help you figure these things out. It will cost you for their services, but in the long run its money well spent, if you follow their advice.

Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?

To me success is more than wealth, it’s providing for those I love and the causes I care about. My work is very satisfying. I make a living advising others on how to achieve their best lives. Helping them retire without the fears most people have. I guess you could say I give them a lifestyle upgrade! It’s also the ability to help others, especially those that can’t help themselves. Being able to Support the charities I feel make a difference in people’s day to day lives. Success is the impact I have on others.

What’s next for you?

I’m a co-author of a book with Kevin Harrington an original Shark on ABC TV’s Shark Tank. The book is titled “Retire Like a Shark” and provides tried and true keys, methods, and tips to increase your ability to retire with confidence. I’m honored to have been chosen to contribute a chapter as one of America top advisors. “Retire Like a Shark” will be published later this year, and we’re hoping I’ve been fortunate in my career and am now able to choose who I want to work with. reach best seller status like Kevin’s last book.

Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more.

As I said before we are selective about who we accept as a new client. We work with successful people who have exceled in their career and accumulated wealth on their way to retirement. They are good at what they do and want to be sure they are on track, looking for someone who is equally good at helping them retire well. The people we work with must be a right fit for our firm as we are for them. Our Unifi My Plan process is collaboration with our clients. Only those who have the commitment to make the changes necessary to reach their goals should inquire. If this sounds like you, please contact us at info@unifiadvisors.com or call us at 717-695-3401 to take the first step. More information about us can be found at www.unifiadvisors.com and www.unifiwealth.com