Michael JP Fitzgerald, CPA/PFS, CFP®, MsTAX, CCFP, CCFS®, ELA™

ABOUT Michael JP Fitzgerald, CPA/PFS, CFP®, MsTAX, CCFP, CCFS®, ELA™

Empowering Families for Financial Success: The Journey of Michael JP Fitzgerald, CPA/PFS, CFP® MsTAX, CCFP, CCFS®  ELA™

- The College Financial Planning Veteran

Introduction:

In the intricate and often daunting realm of finance, where the aspiration of higher education can be eclipsed by the looming specter of crippling debt, there exists a guiding light. Meet Michael JP Fitzgerald, a distinguished Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and a master in Tax Planning & Consulting (MsTAX), a Certified CrowdFunding Professional (CCFP), a Certified College Funding Specialist (CCFS) and an Education Loan Analyst (ELA). Michael's mission is clear and unwavering: to empower families to make college affordable without compromising their financial well-being.

Early Life and Education:

Michael's journey into the world of finance and college financial planning began in his formative years. Born in Alabama and raised in a family deeply rooted in the military tradition having both Grandfathers, Father and two Uncles serve in the Military. Michael himself served 8 years as an Infantry Squad Leader. Michael developed an early fascination with the intricacies of financial mathematics. This passion propelled him to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Accounting at the prestigious Texas A&M University, where he not only graduated with flying colors but also earned a Masters in Tax Planning & Consulting, igniting his fervor for helping families achieve their educational dreams.

Becoming a CPA and PFS:

Driven by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Michael pursued the coveted Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, becoming a virtuoso in taxation and financial planning. His relentless pursuit of excellence culminated in the attainment of the prestigious Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) certification, a testament to his dedication to providing comprehensive financial guidance.

Mastering the Art of Financial Planning:

Undeterred by his achievements, Michael embarked on a quest to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). This arduous journey refined his skills in comprehensive financial planning, equipping him to offer clients expert advice on everything from investment strategies to estate planning.

Masters of Taxation:

To further enrich his expertise, Michael pursued a Master's degree in Taxation. Armed with an in-depth understanding of tax laws and strategies, he became a beacon of hope for families navigating the labyrinthine complexities of tax-efficient college funding.

A Calling to Help Families Afford College:

Armed with a wealth of qualifications and a heart brimming with empathy, Michael discovered his true calling: guiding families through the perplexing maze of college finances. He realized that the exorbitant costs of higher education should not deter aspiring students from realizing their dreams. Michael has been professionally tracking college housing and total costs since 1996, making him a pioneer in his field.

Revolutionizing College Financial Planning:

Michael's approach to college financial planning is nothing short of revolutionary. His meticulous analysis of each family's financial situation allows him to craft bespoke strategies that optimize financial aid, scholarships, grants, and the creation of tax benefits. He is not merely a financial planner but a financial architect, designing solutions that enable families to afford college without succumbing to the burden of debt.

Empowering Families:

Michael is not just a financial planner; he is a financial mentor, offering families the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their financial future. His ability to simplify complex financial concepts and his unwavering commitment to his clients' success sets him apart in the industry.

Community Involvement and Recognition:

Beyond his professional achievements, Michael is an active and devoted member of his community. He frequently dedicates his time to educating families about college financial planning through his eight books on the subject. His unwavering commitment has earned him recognition as a trusted advisor and advocate for affordable education. Michael has graced the front cover of Financial Planning Magazine, made appearances on Fox Business, and featured in numerous publications and keynote presentations.

Conclusion:

Michael JP Fitzgerald's journey, from an impassioned accounting student to a CPA/PFS, CFP® MsTAX, CCFP, CCFS®  ELA™ and a Master of Tax Planning, has uniquely positioned him to excel as a College Financial Planner. His commitment to helping families make college affordable is a testament to his unwavering dedication. Through his expertise, empathy, and unwavering determination, he has transformed the lives of countless individuals, ensuring that the dream of higher education remains attainable for all. In a world where financial security and education can often seem at odds, Michael stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to a brighter future for families everywhere.

Designations

CFP® - Certified Financial Planner
CPA - Certified Public Accountant
PFS - Personal Financial Specialist

Qualifications

Michael JP Fitzgerald is a name synonymous with excellence in financial planning and wealth management. As the founder and President of Fitzgerald Financial Partners, based in Houston, Texas, Michael has built a reputation for providing top-tier Fee-Based Investment Advisory & Wealth Management services, with a particular focus on helping college-bound families secure their financial future. His firm's commitment to technological accessibility ensures that clients can benefit from his expertise globally.

Comprehensive College Planning Expertise:

Michael's career has been marked by a laser focus on providing comprehensive college planning advisory services to high-net-worth individuals and their families. His specialization lies in assisting a select group of clients in sending their children to outstanding schools at the most favorable costs.

His extensive planning background encompasses college financial planning, estate planning, income tax planning and compliance, structured cash flow management, and emergency contingency retirement planning. Michael is deeply involved in the investment management process for each client, from designing and implementing asset allocation strategies to continually monitoring portfolios and retirement needs.

Impressive Qualifications and Professional Affiliations:

Michael's qualifications and professional affiliations underscore his expertise:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Texas
• Personal Financial Specialist (PFS)
• Certified Financial Planner® (CFP)®
• Certified Crowd Funding Professional (CCFP)
• Certified College Funding Specialist (CCFS)®
• Education Loan Analyst (ELA)™
• Series 65 License Holder
• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Texas Society of Certified Public Accountant (TXCPA)
• Member of the Personal Financial Planning Section of the AICPA
• Masters of Science in Accounting - Tax & Consulting Track, Texas A&M University
• Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting, Texas A&M University

Active Engagement and Contributions:

Beyond his impressive qualifications, Michael is actively engaged in professional organizations and community service:

• Active involvement in Texas A&M-related Associations
• Active involvement in national and local Real Estate organizations, including membership in the Houston's Young Real Estate Professionals (HYREP)
• Member of FPA's NexGen (The next generation of financial advisors)
• Honorable discharge from both the United States Army and the Texas State National Guard after 8 years of military service as an Infantry Squad Leader.

Commitment to Excellence:

Recognizing the value of his clients' time, Michael has pursued and earned the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation, demonstrating his expertise in personal financial planning—a true standard in financial planning. He has also earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP)® License and holds a Series 65 license as an Investment Advisor Representative (IAR).

Michael stays current with tax and retirement developments through continuous education, attending conferences and seminars throughout the year. He is an active member of many professional organizations, and is part of NextGen, a nationally recognized group of leading young financial planners.

Additionally, Michael specializes in assisting College Real Estate Investors and Professionals in planning for successful businesses and futures, showcasing his versatility and commitment to providing holistic financial guidance.

In summary, Michael JP Fitzgerald is not just a financial advisor; he is a dedicated financial architect, committed to helping families and individuals achieve their financial goals and secure their financial future. His impressive qualifications, active engagement in professional communities, and unwavering commitment to excellence make him a true leader in the field of financial planning and wealth management.

Licensed - No

License No -

License Type -

Services Offered

College Financial Planning
Financial Planning
Tax Planning
Retirement Planning
Investment Management
Estate Planning
Cashflow Management
Education Loans
Business Consulting
Financial Aid
FAFSA Review
Scholarship Search
Admissions Assistance
Essay Writing
ACT/SAT Prep
Athlete Recruiting

Meetings Offered

My Office
Over Phone
Webmeetings

Availability

Mornings
Afternoons
Evenings
Weekends