Who We Are
In 2003 Steve DeGraff established his practice as a Financial Advisor. Now, with offices in Groton and New Haven, that practice has grown to include a team of dedicated professionals whose mission is to help business owners, individuals, and families organize their financial lives and plan for their future.
We are a collaborative team, drawing on years of experience, extensive firm resources, and a network of specialists to fully address our clients long-term financial needs. As the world we live in becomes more complex and volatile, the need to organize, grow, and protect your financial interests is essential.
We look at the whole of your financial life, from investing, insurance and retirement to estate and business considerations. Regardless of what stage of life you are in our goal is to facilitate the decision making process and guide you over the long-term towards your financial objectives.
How We Work
Over years of helping people we have learned that there are three common struggles for clients:
1) Organization.
2) A clear understanding of their long term situation.
3) Time and expertise to work on issues.
We recognize that making important financial decisions can be difficult. Whether working on a holistic financial plan or targeted needs, we guide you through a process shaped by your financial situation.
This step-by-step approach facilitates decision making and problem solving based on what is in your interest. From organization to implementation, personal or business issues, we do the homework so you can take the financial steps necessary to achieve your long-term vision.
Steven H. DeGraff, CDFA, CExP
Owner/Financial Planner, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Certified Exit Planner
sdegraff@degraff-financial.com
Steve DeGraff has been working with families and business owners for over twenty years. He comes from a family business background, having managed a successful boatyard in upstate New York with his father. In 2003 Steve established his own financial services practice, developing expertise in a variety of areas including:
- Wealth Management
- Retirement Planning
- Divorce Finances
- Business Succession/Exit Planning
Steve is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) and a Certified Business Exit Planner (CExP). This specialized training along with over 20 years of experience as a Financial Planner/Wealth Manager makes Steve uniquely qualified to guide clients through complex financial matters.
One of the most difficult challenges clients actually face is simply making decisions regarding their finances. Steve guides clients through a process focused on:
- Organizing client financial information.
- Facilitating an opportunity to review and discuss financial concerns & goals.
- Educating clients on their options, so they can make informed decisions.
Steve's goal is to take the stress out of the process of making financial decisions. He works collaboratively with his clients, as well as other professionals such as CPA's & attorneys to ensure that his client's needs are looked after.
Steve serves clients in CT, RI, MA, ME, FL & NY. In 2019 he established an office in Groton CT, that has most recently been branded as DeGraff Financial. Now with offices in Groton and New Haven he can better serve the needs of clients throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island and beyond.
Steve received a degree in Economics from Cornell University. He is a contributor to, and past board member for Women & Family Life Center in Guilford CT. He has also taught financial education at Gateway Community College in New Haven. His community service has included participation with Rotary International and Leukemia Cup Regatta sponsorship. Steve is an avid sailor and resides in Niantic, CT with his wife and two sons where he enjoys sailing and shoreline life. He holds a CDFA and CExP certifications, series 7, 6, 65 & 63 securities registrations, as well as his Life & Health License.
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Certified Business Exit Planner
Wealth Management Advisor
Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Cetera Advisor Networks.
LIsa DeGraff
Office Manager
ldegraff@degraff-financial.com
Lisa brings many years of office management experience to the Groton office. Formerly in the automotive industry for 15 years, Lisa held many roles within the organization, lastly as Office Manager. She will provide operational support and oversee client service needs.