Midstate financial planning firms merge

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Northeastern Star Asset Management Inc., an independent fee-based financial advisory firm, based in Wormleysburg, Cumberland County, has merged with Advent Partners, a financial planning firm with offices in Gettysburg and Camp Hill.

According to a media release, the move benefits both firms as they blend their teams and service offerings to better serve clients across the state and nationwide.

“Our specialty has always been getting to know our clients and truly understanding their goals, which blends well with Advent Partners’ Ready for Good™ philosophy. Both firms share a commitment to helping our clients achieve a long-term sense of confidence in financial plans designed to realize their visions for their futures. Joining Advent Partners allows us to expand our reach and resources,” said Paul S. Dubendorf CFP®, co-founder of Northeastern Star Asset Management, in a media release.

Northeastern Star Asset Management was founded in 2014 by financial professionals Kenneth R. Ferrone, CFA, CFS, and Paul S. Dubendorf, CFP. With this new alliance, Ferrone and Dubendorf, alongside their team, will join Advent Partners, forming a team of advisors with more than 75 years combined experience who share a comprehensive, education-first approach to financial planning, according to the media release.

“Joining forces with Northeastern Star Asset Management fits perfectly with our mission to provide comprehensive and client-focused financial planning,” said Advent Partners Managing Partner Jim Dunlop, CFP, CAP, in the media release. “In Ken and Paul, we are gaining two seasoned advisors who are highly respected for building deep relationships with their clients and offering sound, objective, and personalized advice. Paul offers extensive expertise in tax and investing that will greatly enhance our current tax planning capabilities. At the same time, Ken brings several decades of asset management experience as a long-time Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).”

Dunlop said the merger continues Advent Partners’ trajectory of growth. According to the media release, t is the first acquisition for Advent Partners since managing partners Jim Dunlop, CFP, CAP, and Jamie French, CFP, CPA*, MSFP, merged their firms to better serve the region in 2022. With the addition of the existing Northeastern Star team, Advent Partners now employs 15 people, including six Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Professionals, two team members with the Certified Kingdom Advisors (CKA) designation, and one with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, as well as client service representatives and administrative support staff.

Part of the Thrivent Advisor Network, Advent Partners provides comprehensive financial planning and advice designed to help clients achieve long-term financial confidence while amplifying their ability to do good for others, according to the media release. The professionals at Advent Partners work with individuals, families, and business owners to address every aspect of financial wellness, including investment management, retirement planning, education planning, risk management, estate planning, tax planning, business planning, and charitable giving.