Jonathan Thomas, CFP®
Helping pre-retirees make smarter decisions around retirement and taxes.
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Serving Clients Nationwide
Helping pre-retirees make smarter decisions around retirement and taxes.
Areas of Focus
- Education Funding
- Estate Planning
- Investment Management
- Medicare / IRMAA Planning
- Retirement Income Planning
- Social Security Optimization
- Tax-Smart Distribution Planning
- Withdrawal Sequencing
About Jonathan Thomas, CFP®
Hi, I'm Jonathan Thomas, Founder of JQL Wealth.I started JQL Wealth to focus on the part of planning that matters most — helping people navigate the transition into retirement with clarity and confidence.
JQL Wealth is named after my three kids, Jack, Quinn, and Laney, and it reflects what matters most to me: trust, reliability, and doing things the right way. JQL Wealth was founded on a simple belief: financial advice should be personal, not transactional.
I intentionally work with a limited number of individuals and families to provide real guidance whether you're planning for retirement, navigating a major life change, or just want a clearer financial path forward.
I provide ongoing financial planning and investment management designed to help families retire with clarity and confidence. My work focuses on aligning your investments, taxes and income strategy so you can make smart decisions about when and how to retire.
I specialize in tax-efficient retirement planning including Roth conversion planning, sustainable withdrawal strategy, Medicare coordination, and tax-aware portfolio management for individuals and couples within 5-10 years of retirement. As a Certified College Financial Consultant (CCFC), I also help families think clearly about funding education without compromising their own financial future.
I operate as a fee-only fiduciary and charge a transparent, percentage-based fee for ongoing financial planning and investment management, with no commissions, product sales, or hidden fees. I work with a limited number of families so I can stay deeply involved, lead every meeting myself, and be consistently available when you need guidance — you won't be passed off to a team or left wondering who to call.
Before joining JQL Wealth, I spent 12 years in wealth management, most recently as a private wealth advisor at LVW Advisors, and previously at McKinley Carter Wealth Services and PNC Wealth Management. I earned my CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification through Boston University after majoring in Finance and Economics at the University of Pittsburgh. My goal is to build long-term relationships rooted in trust, reliability, and genuine care for the families I serve.
My Family
JQL Wealth was built with family in mind—mine and yours.
I met my wife, Stephanie, in college at the University of Pittsburgh. In 2017, we moved to Pittsford NY, her hometown, and built our life here.
Stephanie owns and runs Chicke, a baby and kids boutique she built from the ground up. Watching her grow a business while raising three young kids has been inspiring to witness firsthand.
We have three energetic kids— Jack (7), Quinn (5), and Laney (1). The boys are all in on the Buffalo Bills, football, and anything competitive. Laney is determined to keep up with her older brothers. Family life is busy, active, and loud. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find me playing golf or platform tennis, reading, or doing something outdoors with my family.
The same commitment and consistency I bring to my family is how I show up for my clients.
Professional Designations
- Certified College Financial Consultant (CCFC)
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®
Affiliations
- XY Planning Network
Primary Location
Pittsford, NY 14534
Meeting Options
- Video Conference
- In-Person
- Phone
Compensation Methods
- Fee Only
- Percentage of Assets Managed
What to expect in the first meeting
Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above to schedule a brief introductory call. Before we meet, you'll complete a short discovery form so I can understand your situation and what you're looking for. During our conversation, we'll discuss your goals, where you stand today, and whether working together makes sense.If we're a strong fit, I'll outline how we would coordinate your income strategy, investments, and tax planning during the transition into retirement, and we'll review scope, expectations, and fees so you can decide with confidence.
Offers Investment Management
Yes
About JQL Wealth
JQL Wealth is an independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm based in Pittsford, New York.Who We Serve
We intentionally work with a limited number of individuals and families to provide real guidance — whether you're planning for retirement, navigating a major life change, or just want a clearer financial path forward. Our primary focus is individuals and couples within roughly 5-10 years of retirement who want to approach the transition thoughtfully.
Our Services
We provide ongoing financial planning and investment management built around the retirement transition, including retirement income planning, Roth conversion strategy, sustainable withdrawal planning, Medicare coordination, Social Security timing, tax bracket management, and estate and long-term care considerations. For families who also want structure around funding a child's education, our founder holds the Certified College Financial Consultant (CCFC) designation.
Our Philosophy
JQL Wealth was founded on a simple belief: financial advice should be personal, not transactional. We work with a limited number of families so we can stay deeply involved in every relationship — clients work directly with our founder, who leads every meeting personally, rather than being passed off to a team.
Transparent Pricing
We operate as a fee-only fiduciary and charge a transparent, percentage-based fee for ongoing financial planning and investment management, with no commissions, product sales, or hidden fees.
Education
University of Pittsburgh, College of Business Administration, Finance & Economics, Finance & Economics
Hobbies and Interests
- Family
- Golf
- Reading
- Tennis
SEC Lookup
View DisclosureWho We Serve
- Baby Boomers
- Business Owners
- Corporate Executives
- Couples
- Dual Income Family
- Families
- Gen X
- Intergenerational Families
- Living in Retirement
- Parents
- Pre-Retirees
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