What is a wealth advisor, and how are you different from a financial advisor?
A wealth advisor typically offers more comprehensive services than a traditional financial advisor. In addition to managing investments, we provide holistic planning around retirement, taxes, estate strategy, risk management, and insurance planning. As fiduciaries, we are legally and ethically obligated to put your interests first—always.
Are you a fiduciary?
Yes. We operate as a fiduciary, which means we are legally bound to act in your best interest at all times. Being a fiduciary sets us apart from many financial professionals who may only follow a suitability standard.
Who do you typically work with?
We work with individuals and families who are serious about building, protecting, and transferring wealth. Many of our clients are retirees seeking reliable income strategies, business owners balancing personal and business finances, and affluent families with complex tax, investment, and legacy planning needs.
While we specialize in serving high-net-worth households and business owners with more sophisticated financial challenges, our focus is always on people who value professional guidance, disciplined strategy, and a trusted long-term relationship with their advisor.
What services do you provide?
We provide comprehensive wealth advisory services designed to address both the growth and protection of your assets. Our services include investment management, retirement income planning, and tax-efficient strategies to help you keep more of what you earn. We also assist with estate and legacy planning, insurance analysis, and full-scale financial planning tailored to your specific goals, values, and stage of life. Our approach is holistic—ensuring every part of your financial picture works together seamlessly.
How do you get paid?
We operate on a fee-based model, which means we get compensated for the advice and services we provide—not for selling products. Our fees are transparent and directly tied to managing your portfolio and helping you reach your goals. This structure keeps our interests aligned with yours. It ensures that every recommendation made is in your best interests.
Do I have to move all of my accounts to work with you?
Not necessarily. While consolidating accounts can create simplicity and efficiency, we can work with existing accounts or evaluate whether transferring assets is the best option for your unique situation.
How do you build an investment portfolio?
We follow a disciplined, research-driven process that starts with understanding your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Using evidence-based research and statistical analysis, we design portfolios that balance income, growth, and wealth preservation. Key elements of the strategy include diversification, tax efficiency, and reliable income generation—especially important in retirement. The goal is to build a portfolio that provides long-term stability, sustainable growth, and confidence in your financial future.
What credentials and experience do you have?
Eric Bitetto brings a unique blend of education, professional experience, and purpose-driven service to my work as a wealth advisor. Before founding Semper Fortis Financial, LLC, he spent over a decade in the healthcare industry in both clinical and leadership roles, primarily within behavioral health. He began his career as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and holds a Master of Public Health from CUNY Hunter College, a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology from CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Long Island University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. His transition into the financial industry was fueled by a strong desire to be an entrepreneur and a belief that he could combine my passion for helping people with strategic financial guidance. Eric uses a disciplined, research-based process that integrates statistical analysis, investment theory, and personalized planning to help clients make informed financial decisions.
Eric holds the Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, and Series 66 FINRA licenses, as well as licenses for life, disability, and health insurance. He is also currently pursuing both the Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP®) and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designations to continue advancing his expertise and delivering the highest standard of advice to his clients.
What should I expect during our first meeting?
The first meeting is a conversation—not a commitment. We’ll discuss your goals, concerns, current financial picture, and what you hope to accomplish. It’s an opportunity to see if we’re a good fit before moving forward.
Can you help me reduce my tax liability?
Tax efficiency is a core part of the planning process we offer. We utilize Holistiplan, a powerful tax planning software, to analyze your tax return and uncover opportunities to reduce your tax liability—both now and in the future. This allows us to offer a deeper, more personalized level of tax-aware planning than most advisors.
We specialize in tax-efficient investment strategies, including asset location, tax-loss harvesting, Roth conversions, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), and withdrawal sequencing from taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts. Our goal is not just to grow your wealth, but to help you keep more of it.
While we don’t prepare tax returns, we collaborate with your CPA or tax professional—or connect you with a trusted partner—to ensure your financial and tax strategies work in sync.
What makes your firm different?
We work with individuals and families who have worked hard to build their wealth—and want a trusted partner to help protect and grow it. As a family-owned firm, we value relationships over transactions and provide the kind of personalized attention you won’t find at larger institutions.
“I come from a modest background. Nothing was handed to me—I worked for everything I have. That perspective has shaped how I serve others: with humility, gratitude, and a strong work ethic. My background in healthcare and psychology taught me how to listen deeply and meet people where they are—especially during life’s most significant transitions.
We approach every client relationship with compassion, discipline, and a servant’s heart. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, managing newfound complexity, or planning your legacy, we’re here to offer clear, thoughtful guidance grounded in experience and trust.”
– Eric Bitetto, MA, MPH, Wealth Advisor/Owner