Strategic Financial Services, Inc

06/11/2026

Collaboration, friendly competition, and giving back were on full display at our Serve Together Olympics!

Colleagues divided into teams, each selecting a local charity to represent. Through a series of team-based events, our teams worked together to earn donations for some incredible local organizations: Utica Rescue Mission, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Abraham House, and Country Pantry.

The goal extended far beyond competition. This event was about strengthening teamwork, fostering collaboration, and coming together in support of causes that make a meaningful impact within our community. Thanks to everyone’s enthusiasm and team spirit, these organizations benefited from a day filled with purpose and connection.

We’re proud of our team for bringing our core values to life to make a meaningful impact in our community!

06/10/2026

Being part of the Strategic community means getting to celebrate people living their best lives. This weekend, Strategic community member Karen Lombardo will be doing just that!

Join Karen as she signs copies of her new book “Silly Lily, Miss Tillie, and the Christmas Elves” this Saturday at the Anita's Stevens Swan Humane Society in Utica, NY as they mark the 1-year anniversary of the Paws & Pages Program.

📅 Saturday, June 13
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Moments like these—where creativity, community, and care for others come together—are what it’s all about.
At Strategic, we’re committed to building stronger communities so more people (and pets) can live a great life!

06/10/2026

Retirement benefits aren’t just a box for employers to check.

In Mohawk Valley Living's “Retirement Makers” feature, Greg Tedone, CPFA, QKA — Head of Retirement Plans, Senior Advisor, and Partner at Strategic — shares perspective on how employers in the Mohawk Valley can shape more than careers. By providing thoughtful retirement benefits, business owners can demonstrate their commitment to their employees and help them live their great life.

📖 Read the full article:
https://bit.ly/4exFl2L

06/09/2026

Markets pulled back last week after a strong run, reminding investors how quickly expectations can shift. A combination of resilient economic data and a modest reset in AI-related optimism drove volatility. While short-term movements can feel unsettling, they are a normal and healthy part of the investment process. Uncertainty is always present, and disciplined, diversified portfolios are built to navigate exactly these kinds of environments.

06/04/2026

Monday was a great day for golf in Central New York, and Strategic was there for it! ⛳

We enjoyed double the tee times, and made double the impact at two Strategic sponsored events:

The Community Wellness Partners' Golf Classic is an event dedicated to supporting health and wellness initiatives that help individuals and families access the care, resources, and support they need to live healthier lives.

The Strokes of Genius Charity Golf Tournament benefits the Griffiss Institute and its work to advance innovation, education, and collaboration that strengthen our region and beyond.

Both of these events were reminders of what happens when good people rally around a great cause (or two)!🏌️

06/03/2026

Strong communities start with care.

Congratulations to Bassett Healthcare Network on the ribbon cutting for the new Cooperstown Convenient Care—a meaningful addition to the Cooperstown community.

Cooperstown Convenient Care will expand access to life‑saving treatments, preventative care, and compassionate support—meeting people where they are, when they need it most.

Representing Strategic were Alan Leist III, CFA, CEO, Nick Accordino, CFP, Lead Advisor, and, Senior Strategic Advisor and Chair of Bassett Healthcare Network’s Board of Directors.

06/02/2026

Community may not appear in a financial plan, but it can influence many of the things that shape long-term success. In this month’s Insights, we reflect on how belonging, support, and the influence of good people can affect both the quality of our lives and financial success.

Read More: https://bit.ly/4ueTiaH

05/28/2026

Proud moment for our team — and our region.
Strategic team member Ben Petell, CFP®, Associate Advisor, was recently featured in Mohawk Valley Living's cover story spotlighting The Next Generation of Leaders shaping our region’s future.

In the article, Ben speaks to what drives his work every day: helping people live great lives through thoughtful financial planning. Not just numbers on a page — but understanding what truly matters to clients, building confidence through clarity, and supporting families through every stage of life.

Ben also highlights something we value deeply at Strategic: learning by example, growing alongside strong leaders, and staying connected to the community we call home. From supporting local nonprofits to volunteering at community events, his leadership shows up where it matters most.

Congratulations, Ben. We’re proud of the way you serve our clients, our team, and the Mohawk Valley. We're excited for the impact you’ll continue to make.

🔗 Read the feature: https://bit.ly/3PqGlMD

Disclosure: Strategic is a sponsor of MVL. This feature/selection reflects MVL's independent editorial selection.

There is a shift happening across the Mohawk Valley. It’s not loud, and it’s not always obvious, but it’s happening in boardrooms, storefronts, studios, nonprofits, and job sites. It’s happening in the way businesses are being built, in how people are choosing to lead, and in the growing bel...

05/27/2026

We’re proud to share that Strategic has expanded employee ownership, welcoming five new employee partners:

Nick Accordino, CFP® | Lead Advisor

Francesca Asher, CFP® | Lead Advisor

Holly Cafalone | Operations Manager

Connor Gaffney, CFP® | Lead Advisor

Curt Pearsall, CFP® | Lead Advisor

At a time when private equity is reshaping much of the RIA landscape, ownership structure is no longer a footnote. It’s part of the fiduciary story. Who owns the firm influences how decisions are made, how succession is planned, and whose interests guide the business over the long term.

At Strategic, we believe client interests are best served when our team comes first. Employee ownership reinforces alignment, accountability, and a long‑term mindset—so we can continue doing what we’ve always done: help good people live a great life.

With ownership now shared among nearly 45% of our team members, we’re reinvesting in our good people and our future—together.

👉 Read the full announcement: https://bit.ly/3PGru0E

05/26/2026

A recent relief rally tied to developments in the Strait of Hormuz highlights a familiar truth: markets don’t always wait for facts. This piece examines the risks of headline-driven investing and reinforces why disciplined, diversified portfolios remain the foundation for long-term success.

Learn More:

A recent relief rally tied to developments in the Strait of Hormuz highlights a familiar truth: markets don’t always wait for facts. This piece examines the risks of headline-driven investing and reinforces why disciplined, diversified portfolios remain the foundation for long-term success.