Meet Brett Machtig

Brett, you’ve spent four decades helping people navigate their finances. Looking back, what would you say has been the most impactful lesson you’ve learned? The biggest takeaway?

Don’t go it alone. I’ve seen it repeatedly: managing money well is far more possible—and more successful—when you leverage the expertise of a trusted team. No matter how smart or financially savvy someone is, bringing together advisors with different perspectives is invaluable. It’s about tapping into collective wisdom, not individual intelligence.

I imagine many people think financial decisions they should handle independently. How do you help your clients move past that mindset?

I encourage clients to consider me part of their “financial team.” This isn’t about handing everything over, though. Instead, it’s about building a trusted circle of people who understand your goals. I want clients to be actively involved in our conversations because I believe the best outcomes come from collaboration. You know, it’s like Andrew Carnegie said: “No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself or to get all the credit.” Those words ring true in finance.

You mentioned that you like clients to be actively involved. Why do you think that’s so important? 

When clients are involved, they stay connected to their goals. For example, Margaret, a fiercely independent bookstore owner, came to me worried about running out of money in retirement. Initially, she wanted me to just “handle it.” But I knew her dreams—she wanted to start a reading garden and travel the world—and those visions needed to be part of the plan. After a long talk, she started to see her role in making these dreams happen. We crafted a strategy together, and now, her retirement isn’t just about money; it’s about her passions. She’s engaged and sees retirement as an opportunity, not a risk.

That must feel empowering for clients. And once they have a plan, how do you help them stay on track? 

It’s all about accountability and proactive management. We develop a regularly updated plan, focusing on what they need to stay secure, like budgeting, debt reduction, and tracking performance with tools like Albridge and E-Money. I show them how each investment or adjustment impacts their long-term goals. For example, John and Mary wanted to travel and support their grandkids’ education, but they weren’t sure how to manage their money to do both. By setting straightforward “target returns” and adjusting their investments to hit those goals, we built a sustainable plan that lets them enjoy life while planning for future expenses.

How do you help clients handle potential risks they might face?  

We start by identifying threats specific to each client. It’s all about customizing the plan. John and Mary, for instance, were worried about long-term care expenses. I helped them secure an insurance plan that fit their needs and offered protection by discussing potential “what ifs” early on so they could focus on enjoying their life without constant worry. It’s about ensuring our clients are prepared, no matter what comes their way.
 

You’ve worked with clients from all walks of life. How do you approach such diverse needs? 

Everyone’s situation is unique, and I think that’s where personalized service makes all the difference. Take Social Security and VA benefits. I work closely with veterans like John with the goal of maximize his benefits in a way that complements other income sources. We review his options for claiming Social Security to maximize his lifetime income. This strategic approach to timing helps ease the financial pressure many retirees feel. Every decision is tailored to make the most of what each person brings.

Let’s switch gears a bit. What would you say to someone wanting to understand finances better but feeling overwhelmed? 

Education is key. I always recommend starting with something as simple as listening to audiobooks. I had a client, Deborah, who transformed her commute into a time for learning. She began listening to financial and self-improvement books on her drive and told me later that she felt like she was in “business school on wheels.” There are so many resources today that allow you to learn passively. Even if you start with ten minutes a day, that small habit can build a strong foundation over time.

How do you stay ahead of the curve in such a fast-changing industry?

Technology has been an enormous asset. I use tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm or quickly research ideas, which helps me stay on top of trends and find creative solutions. I encourage clients to leverage tech in their ways, like automating finances or using AI-driven tools to track goals. It’s incredible how much productivity and innovation come from being open to new tools.

You talk a lot about mindset. How do you help clients develop the right outlook on money?

I remind them to avoid getting swept up in the “noise” of the market. One way to do this is by sticking to disciplined, long-term strategies. I had a retired teacher named Elaine who always watched the news first thing in the morning, leaving her anxious. I suggested she start each day by listing a few things she’s grateful for instead. That simple change made a world of difference. When you focus on gratitude and limit exposure to negative headlines, you make more straightforward, more confident decisions.
 

Financially, what’s the biggest mistake you see people make?

Checking their investments too frequently and reacting emotionally. When the market drops, the natural impulse is to panic and sell. I had a client, Daniel, who used to be a pilot. When the market dipped, his instinct was to “bail out,” just like he’d react to turbulence. I told him to think of the market as a long flight—there will be bumps, but if you keep your course, you’ll land safely. He resisted the urge to sell, and when the market rebounded, his portfolio was more robust. Limiting how often you check your investments can prevent impulsive, detrimental decisions.

You emphasize regular reviews and rebalancing. Can you tell me more about why that’s so crucial?

Rebalancing allows clients to buy low and sell high systematically. I had a client named Tyrone who was tempted to put everything into tech stocks during a surge. But rebalancing ensured he didn’t put all his eggs in one basket. We sold some gains from tech and invested in underperforming sectors, providing stability and growth. When tech corrected, he was glad we’d diversified. This disciplined approach keeps emotions in check and fosters a healthier portfolio over time.

That sounds valuable. Any other key principles you believe in?

I’d say keeping costs low is fundamental. High fees can erode gains, so I steer clients toward low-cost index funds and ETFs, which allow them to keep more of their returns. My client Anjali, a busy attorney, was surprised to learn she’d been paying unnecessary fees on mutual funds. By switching to low-cost options, she saw more of her hard-earned money stay invested and compound over time. It’s a simple adjustment but one that makes a huge impact.
 

I’m curious—how do you help clients stay flexible with their financial goals?

Life changes constantly, so financial plans should adapt, too. I had a young client, Marcus, who felt stuck. His goals were static, not accounting for life changes like a promotion or new priorities. We revisited his goals, adjusted his budget, and made a plan better suited his present. That flexibility gave him confidence, knowing his plan was designed to evolve.

That’s a great perspective. Lastly, how do you help clients maintain a positive outlook in a financially stressful world?

I encourage gratitude. Elaine, the retired teacher I mentioned, shifted her routine to focus on positive moments. Instead of starting her day with negative news, she began practicing gratitude, which helped her feel grounded and clear-minded. It’s not just about money—it’s about having a mindset that supports good decision-making. A positive outlook goes hand in hand with financial success because it keeps us focused on the long term.

Thanks for sharing these insights, Brett. You bring a genuinely holistic approach to managing wealth. Do you have any final thoughts?

Just this: financial success isn’t only about the numbers. It’s about how you approach life, the people you surround yourself with, and the willingness to learn and adapt. When we cultivate those values—trust, accountability, continuous learning—financial success follows naturally. It’s been my honor to help people build wealth and a life they’re proud of living.

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