Filip Telibasa, CFP®

Planning for a stable future without sacrificing excitement and fun today

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Benzina Wealth Filip Telibasa, CFP®
Sarasota, FL

Serving Clients Nationwide

Planning for a stable future without sacrificing excitement and fun today

23 Certified Advisor Reviews™
5 out of 5 Stars
Jump to Reviews

Areas of Focus

  • Cash Flow
  • Direct/Personal Indexing
  • Employee Stock Options
  • Equity Compensation Options
  • High Net Worth
  • High Net Worth Retirement Planning
  • Investment Management
  • Medicare / IRMAA Planning
  • Money Psychology
  • Retirement Income Planning
  • Retirement Planning
  • Roth Conversion Strategies
  • Social Security Optimization
  • Tax-Aware Retirement Income Coordination
  • Tax-Efficient Planning

About Filip Telibasa, CFP®

Hi, I'm Filip Telibasa, Founder and Financial Planner at Benzina Wealth.

Professionally, all I know is financial planning. Starting with my first job in high school as a Bank Teller, I've never deviated from my passion of helping others accumulate wealth.

This drive initially came from my personal experience with money where my parents immigrated to the United States when they were almost 40 years old (I was an infant at 4 months). Growing up, I saw them struggle given a lack of education and guidance around simple things like contributing to and investing in a 401k plan.

As a result, I became an absolute expert in managing money. This way, I can course correct not only my family’s finances but avoid the same “shipwreck” for others.

Today, more than 20 years later, I run an independent planning firm that pulls the best from my prior experience at JP Morgan Chase, UBS, TIAA and Facet. Of course, the inefficiencies from each institution are absent.

On a Personal Note:

Growing up on Long Island in New York, I now consider Sarasota, Florida my home base alongside my wife, Stephanie and our cat, Olivia.

Don’t worry, my parents are just 2 miles away and stop by unexpectedly like “Everybody loves Raymond” (still one of my favorite shows).

Our values include spending time with family, traveling to gain exposure to different cultures around the world, and staying active (with hiking and skiing at the top of the list).

Hobbies include going to car shows, hitting the gym, building things around the house, and having deep philosophical conversations (mostly around business).

Professional Designations

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®

Affiliations

  • CFP Board
  • Fee Only Network
  • Flat Fee Advisors
  • National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
  • XY Planning Network

Primary Location

Sarasota, FL, 34243

Video

Meeting Options

  • Video Conference
  • Phone

Compensation Methods

  • Fee Only
  • Flat Fee
  • Subscription

What to expect in the first meeting

We'll talk through any questions on your mind, and I'll share 2-3 expert tips to improve your finances right away. By the end of the call, you'll have a quick read on whether we're a good fit to work together, along with an outline of services and pricing if there's interest.

Offers Investment Management

Yes

About Benzina Wealth

Benzina Wealth is a comprehensive financial planning firm based in Sarasota, Florida that supports clients virtually nationwide.

We believe in quality over quantity and therefore intentionally limit how many households we work with (the average advisor in the industry has ~150 while we serve closer to 50).

You pay one, flat fee based on the complexity of your financial life with no other products sold to avoid conflicts of interest. With that said, we incorporate all aspects of planning - guiding and educating you along the way. If a specific 3rd party need like insurance or estate planning is uncovered, we have a vast network of industry professionals to refer you to.

Who We Serve

We focus on mid career professionals and pre retirees/retirees - helping them spend money on what they love now with confidence, knowledge, and a secure strategy for the future.

Our Process

We start by uncovering what's most important to you - discussing your prior and current relationship with money to identify potential biases - then highlight goals that embody those values and bring them to life. From there, we deliver recommendations using best-in-class technology.

We treat your plan as a living, breathing blueprint, adapting it over time through semi-annual meetings, quarterly check-ins, and unlimited email access to your planner.

Education

Binghamton University, Bachelor's Degree, Financial Economics; New York University, Financial Planning Program

Hobbies and Interests

  • Animals
  • Basketball
  • Beach
  • Cars
  • Exercising
  • Family
  • Foodie
  • Hiking
  • Music
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Skiing
  • Tennis
  • Traveling
  • Wine
  • Working Out

FINRA Lookup

View Disclosure

Who We Serve

  • Business Owners
  • Corporate Executives
  • Couples
  • Data Scientists
  • Dentists
  • Dual Income Family
  • Engineers
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Families
  • Foreign-Born Individuals
  • Gen X
  • Gen Y / Millennials
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • High Net Worth
  • Immigrants
  • Individuals
  • Living in Retirement
  • Mid-Career Professionals
  • Newly Engaged / Newlywed
  • Physicians
  • Pre-Retirees
  • Real Estate Investors
  • Remote Workers
  • Sales Professionals
  • Startup Employees
  • Technology Professionals
  • Travel Lovers
  • Young Families

Wealthtender® is a trusted, independent financial directory and educational resource governed by our strict Editorial Policy, Integrity Standards, and Terms of Use. While we receive compensation from featured professionals (a natural conflict of interest), we always operate with integrity and transparency to earn your trust. Wealthtender is not a client of these providers. Testimonials may not be representative of other clients’ experiences and do not guarantee future performance or success.

Write a Review


By clicking submit, you acknowledge this review is based on your own experience and reflects your genuine opinion. You also agree to our review policy, privacy policy, and terms and conditions, and give this financial advisor permission to publicly display your review on their website.

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Sep 13, 2026
I love working with Benzina Wealth. Very detail oriented, extremely knowledgeable and knows how to make the most of your money. Very responsive to emails and calls. Makes you feel as though you are the only client. I know my investments are well taken care of as well as my other finances. I can’t recommend enough.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Sep 13, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Justin Schell
Justin Schell

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Sep 1, 2026
Filip is a trusted advisor. He is always an email away and I can count on a response when things come up and I just don't know how to handle it. From how I should invest money in my HSA to unclaimed funds that came up from my father's estate he walks me through how to handle it and keeps me from getting overwhelmed with decisions that I would have to do a lot of research on before I would know what to do.I worked with Filip at a larger firm and when he left I was devastated especially since his replacement did not give me the information or confidence that my investments were being handled well.When the chance came then I got to work with him again I was thrilled and absolutely did not hesitate to work with him again.I can count on him to give me straightforward information and a way that is easy for me to understand he doesn't sugarcoat it or make you fearful about things. He just gives you options for how to handle every financial aspect of your life.From reviewing my insurance policies (Home, Auto and Health), to to helping me walk through my early retirement strategy.It's the peace of mind I never knew I needed but I never want to be without.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Sep 1, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Sara Newland
Sara Newland

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 3, 2026
My family has been working with Filip for over 5 years. He is experienced and professional, and also kind and personable. The online consultations are perfect for us and our busy schedule. He provides a holistic approach to financial planning, customized to every individual or family's needs. Our circumstances have changed a lot over the years, and he has always been a steady and reassuring guide as we navigate through new situations. Financial planning isn't just for the very wealthy, it's for anyone who wants to make the best decision today in order to provide a more secure future. For anyone who is looking to take their finances more seriously, I highly recommend working with Filip at Benzina.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 3, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Emily Cothran
Emily Cothran

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 2, 2026
Filip has been an excellent partner to us over the years. He is thoughtful about both long term planning and short term priorities. Striking the right balance of focusing on retirement planning while also maintaining a fruitful lifestyle in the present, he's truly a pleasure to work with. While financial planning may sound dry to some, we always have not only extremely productive meetings but manage to have a lot of laughs as well. I can't recommend Filip and Benzina enough!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 2, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Grace Mitchell
Grace Mitchell

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 10, 2026
Filip is incredible!! Following our initial consultation call, we knew he was a perfect fit for us. He is very knowledgeable, genuine and trustworthy. He uniquely tailored the financial plan to fit our needs, and you can tell he is genuinely interested in helping us reach our goals. You can certainly tell that he is experienced in this field. What my fiancé and I really appreciate is his personalized approach & responsiveness. He got the time to know who we are as individuals, and does not just view us as another client. Filip is not a financial advisor who will just meet with you once a year & forget about you. He is very attentive and keeps an open line of communication. We appreciate him in our corner, & we highly recommend for anyone at any stage in their career/ financial journey!!!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 10, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Sam Staffiere
Sam Staffiere

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Apr 27, 2026
Filip is an amazing advisor. He is knowledgeable and detailed oriented. Always comforting to have someone who doesn't push you into one direction. He explains all options and allows you to provide your feedback to come up with the best solution. I have been using him as an advisor for past 4+ years and couldn't have asked for more better person professionally. Thank you for all your assistance in helping me achieve my financial goals.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Apr 27, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Houman Ghorbani
Houman Ghorbani

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Mar 28, 2026
Filip has been my trusted financial advisor for years now.I made sure to follow him to his own company Benzina after he left his last agency. He is extremely knowledgeable, a good listener, and is more than happy to break things down into layman's terms as needed (which is often).My confidence in my financial future has increased exponentially with him in my corner. I cannot recommend him enough :)
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Mar 28, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for grady gillies
grady gillies

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Mar 25, 2026
Working with Benzina Wealth has been a wonderful experience. Filip is knowledgeable, engaging, and client-focused. He's taken the stress out of managing my finances.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Former Client
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Christopher Gaukler
Christopher Gaukler

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Mar 19, 2026
"I've worked with many investment advisors in the past, but Filip's attention to detail and his sincere compassion in making you feel like truly a person—and not just a number—is second to none. He listens. He absorbs your goals and dreams and creates a strategy to make those dreams come to fruition. We are so glad we found him and are, for once, excited about our future."
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Mar 19, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for David Nietch
David Nietch

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Mar 3, 2026
Filip at Benzina Wealth has been my financial planner for almost a year now. Prior to Benzina, Filip was my financial planner at another institution for over 2 years. When Filip left to start his own business, I was very happy to reconnect and join him at Benzina. Filip provides a comprehensive, personalized approach to financial health and planning - from investments, to insurance, estate and trust planning, and budgeting for short-term and longterm goals, including retirement. He is also able to explain financial concepts/strategies in layman's terms to a non-finance person like myself. I have found Filip to be thorough and diligent and appreciate his accessibility and willingness to meet and touch base as needed. Having Filip in my financial corner makes me feel a lot more secure about the future. On top of it all, he is a really nice guy.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Mar 3, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Vina Chin
Vina Chin

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 25, 2026
Filip has been a trustworthy advisor for years to me and my family. He is warm, knowledgeable, and has my best interests in mind. The platforms Benzina Wealth runs on are convenient and easy to use (website, app, email, etc) and the financial mechanisms are modern and efficient (direct indexing, tax loss harvesting, etc).He works with me to attain my goals while balancing me with checks against the financial risks I should or shouldn’t be taking (based on my own specified risk levels). That kind of informed and transparent push back is how I know he’s not just agreeing with me at every turn and is how I’ve come to trust his guidance over the years.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 25, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Peter
Peter

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 12, 2026
We’ve been working with Filipe for a couple of years now. When he left the organization where we first met him, we quickly realized how much of a difference his attention and care had made. The level of service we received after his departure simply didn’t compare.Nearly a year later, we discovered that Filipe had launched his own firm, and we didn’t hesitate to reach back out.Since partnering with Filipe at Benzina Wealth, the quality and consistency of his service have truly helped us stay focused on our long‑term financial goals. He is committed to meeting with us quarterly—a refreshing level of structure and accountability. After every session, he sends a detailed recap email outlining the action items we agreed upon.His thoughtful follow‑through is making a real difference: we’re saving more, building stronger financial habits, and have made significant progress in just six months.Because of this productive and supportive relationship, we feel a noticeable reduction in stress and anxiety about our financial future. Working with Filipe has brought clarity, confidence, and momentum to our planning.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 12, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Lori Schutt
Lori Schutt

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jan 30, 2026
We’ve been working with Filip for a few years and when we heard he opened his own company we knew we wanted to follow him. His expertise has helped us to take control of our finances and budget according to our goals. He doesn’t just spit out industry talking points, he really takes the time to get to know you and craft a customized plan to help you meet your individual goals. 5 stars all the way!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jan 30, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Megan Kuenast
Megan Kuenast

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jan 27, 2026
Filip has been a true pleasure to work with. He is very thorough in getting to know your personal plan and really digs into your situation in order to do what’s best for you and your future. We have saved so much money just by applying his little tweaks to our plan. If you’re looking for someone who truly cares about you, your family and your future - Filip is your guy!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jan 27, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Kay Yereb
Kay Yereb

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 18, 2025
Let's be honest, meeting with your financial planner isn't something you typically look forward to. However, Filip's practical approach has been a breath of fresh air. He has taken the time to really understand what is important to us and cater our specific financial plan accordingly. Highly recommend him to anyone looking for a financial planner!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Dec 18, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Melissa W
Melissa W

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 14, 2025
We are impressed with Filip's expertise and common sense approach to financial planning. His qualifications and experience are excellent. Communication is always timely and recommendations are personalized to fit each client.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Dec 14, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Lisa Collins
Lisa Collins

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Nov 5, 2025
We are continuously pleased/happy that we found Filip!From our first conversation, he approached our situation as whole people—not just an account. He took time to understand our income structure, employer benefits, existing insurance, tax position, long-term goals, and even the family dynamics behind those goals. It never felt “templated.” Everything he presented was tailored.What has impressed me most is how comprehensive his planning is. He doesn’t just talk about returns (which, to be clear, have been very strong). He connects the dots across benefits optimization, risk management, tax-aware investing, insurance, and long-term security. For someone with multiple priorities—retirement, college funding, protecting income, and making sure my spouse is covered—having one person who can integrate all of that has been invaluable.His investment guidance has been disciplined and transparent, with performance that has exceeded my expectations. But what I really value is that he’s not just chasing returns—he’s building a structure that’s meant to work in good markets and bad. I always know why we’re doing something.Filip is also exceptionally proactive. He brings ideas to me—about open enrollment choices, better insurance structures, or tax-efficient moves—rather than waiting for me to ask. That’s important to me because my time is limited, and I want to know that someone is actually watching out for the full picture.If you’re a professional or business owner looking for an independent, truly personalized financial partner—not just someone to sell you a product—Filip is that person. He operates at a level of thoroughness, discretion, and clarity that makes it very easy to trust him with meaningful decisions.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Nov 5, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Andrew Kehrberg
Andrew Kehrberg

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 5, 2025
I wish Google would let me give 10 stars for Filip and Benzina Wealth. We have worked with Filip since 2021, and he has been an extraordinary financial counselor and guide through some of the biggest changes in our lives (relocation, starting a business, and starting a family). When he established Benzina Wealth, we were happy to be among his first clients. We consider him a trusted advisor to our family.He truly listens to what our financial and life goals are, and he advises us on the best ways to achieve them. He's not just about numbers on a sheet. He wants to help us achieve what we want our life to look like now and in the future. When our objectives have changed, he's been more than willing to help us build a new road map. When we've had moments of uncertainty, he's given us the objective facts to help us make informed decisions.I can always ask Filip questions -- even when I feel like they're dumb -- and he takes the time to give me a real answer without judgment or condescension. He comes prepared to every meeting, follows up on what he says he will do, and keeps us accountable for what we say we will do to keep us on track and moving forward.Working with Filip has been one of the best experiences I've ever had with a licensed professional who promised top-notch service and has *actually delivered*.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 5, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Marci Burks
Marci Burks

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 2, 2025
Filip has been the consummate professional throughout our time working with him. His guidance has helped our family feel confident in our financial future. I can't recommend Benzina Wealth enough.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 2, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Ryan Burks
Ryan Burks

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Sep 28, 2025
Fil has such a wealth of knowledge, and it really shows in every conversation we’ve had. I always feel comfortable and confident working with him because he truly takes the time to make sure we’re making the right decisions. He goes above and beyond, whether it’s property investments, mortgages, life insurance, or even planning for college savings - and he always tries his best to make himself available if I need him ad-hoc for important financial decisions. I couldn’t ask for a better advisor and highly recommend him.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Sep 28, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Julian Rojas
Julian Rojas

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Sep 25, 2025
Filip is the kind of financial advisor everyone wishes they had. He knows the numbers cold -- investments, taxes, estate stuff, all of it -- but just as importantly, he helps you zoom out and think about what it means to actually live a rich life.Working with him never feels transactional. He listens, gives great advice, and keeps everything grounded in what matters most to you. Super thoughtful, smart, and a great communicator. Can't recommend him enough.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Sep 25, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Brett Hogan
Brett Hogan

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Sep 18, 2025
Filip has been my financial advisor for a couple of years now and I cannot be happier. I started with Filip when he was at a larger financial firm and when he left to start his own business, I actively sought him out so I could continue to receive his guidance and expertise. He is very thoughtful, knowledgeable, detail oriented, responsive and most importantly, listens to what my financial goals are to create a plan to meet those objectives. I am very comfortable and confident in having Filip managing my assets and will continue to have him do so for the years to come.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Sep 18, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Daisy Salmon
Daisy Salmon

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Sep 17, 2025
We have been working with Filip for over a year now. He was our second advisor at a larger firm, and before we started with him, we had been wavering about finding a new firm or advisor. We immediately clicked with Filip. He really listened to our goals and offered great advice. We were devastated when we found out he left and were already leaning towards not renewing with the large firm. My husband was able to find Filip, and we haven't looked back. He is the advisor you want to have guide you through all the stages of life, from raising your family, securing college savings for your children, and planning for retirement and beyond.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Sep 17, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Elissa Burda
Elissa Burda