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Joseph Carbone, CFP®

Financial Planning For Individuals Ages 50 & Older Transitioning Into Retirement

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Focus Planning Group, LLC Joseph Carbone, CFP®
Bayport, NY

Serving Clients Nationwide

Financial Planning For Individuals Ages 50 & Older Transitioning Into Retirement

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

(631) 714-6869

Website

Areas of Focus

  • Financial Life Planning
  • Investment Management
  • Retirement Planning
  • Social Security
  • Taxes

About Joseph Carbone, CFP®

Hello, my name is Joe Carbone. Most people call me Joe, except my mother and father — they call me Joseph. So you can call me Joe unless you want to yell at me about something, then call me Joseph. 🙂

I am the founder of Focus Planning Group. I have over 20 years of experience in the wealth management industry. I hold a bachelor’s degree in finance from Dowling College and obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Designation in 2002.

I am regularly featured in top publications such as Forbes, U.S. News, CNBC, Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine, The Huffington Post, plus many more.

I live in Bayport, NY, a small town on the south shore of Long Island, with my wife Michelle, my daughter Juliette, and sheepadoodle Luna 🐶. When I am not at the office, there is a good chance you will find me at my daughter’s barn watching her ride horses 🏇, mountain bike riding, or out antique shopping with my wife.

I love listening to records on my vintage stereo system, attending live concerts, 📻 and am a huge baseball fan ⚾.

If you speak with me long enough, I will probably tell you that nothing sounds better than playing a blues vinyl record on tube stereo equipment, and nothing makes me happier than finding a new fantastic pizza place. I love pizza so much that I started a mobile wood-fired pizza business Until the Dough Runs Out 🍕.

Professional Designations

  • Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS)
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®

Affiliations

  • CFP Board

Primary Location

Bayport, NY 11705

Video

Meeting Options

  • Video Conference
  • In-Person
  • Phone
Book Intro Call

Compensation Methods

  • Flat Fee
  • Hourly Rate
  • Offers Advice-Only Services
  • One-time Financial Plan
  • Percentage of Assets Managed
  • Subscription

What to expect in the first meeting

Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above to learn more and schedule a Let's Chat meeting. Think of it like a first date; we both need to see if we like each other and if it’s a good fit for our services. Hopefully, without the awkward conversation. The typical meeting length is 30 minutes. I look forward to speaking with you.

Offers Investment Management

Yes

About Focus Planning Group, LLC

We provide impartial and transparent financial planning for individuals ages 50 and older transitioning into retirement.

We Believe Everyone Deserves Unbiased, Fair Advice.

Our firm is structured differently from most other financial planning firms. We strive to make it easy, simple, and enjoyable to work with us. We break down complex, emotionally draining retirement planning topics into simple, actionable steps.

😀 When You Work With Us, Your Retirement Looks Like:

✅ Spending your money with confidence

✅ Paying less in taxes

✅ Choosing the right time to file for Social Security

✅ Leaving a clear plan for your family


How do we do this❓

“Elegant Simplicity”

Our Independence Is Your Advantage

Focus Planning Group is a Registered Investment Advisor, and we are obligated to adhere to a fiduciary standard. We have no broker-dealer affiliations or work for a large company, such as a bank or brokerage firm.

Simply put, we must act in your best interest.

You may ask, “Wait a minute, isn’t every firm/advisor supposed to do that?” It may sound crazy, I agree, but not every firm is obligated to act in your best interest.

Education

Dowling College, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Finance, General

What We Offer

  • Statement of Financial Purpose
  • Retirement Planning
  • Investment Management
  • Retirement Income Strategies
  • Tax Distribution Planning
  • Social Security Timing Strategies
  • Estate Planning
  • Insurance Consulting

Hobbies and Interests

  • Baseball
  • Cooking
  • Cycling
  • Exercising
  • Family
  • Football
  • Grilling
  • Hiking
  • Hockey
  • Horseback Riding
  • Music
  • Pickleball
  • Skiing
  • Sports
  • Television
  • Tennis
  • Working Out

SEC Lookup

View Disclosure

Who We Serve

  • Baby Boomers
  • Business Owners
  • Corporate Executives
  • Couples
  • DIY Investors
  • Dual Income Family
  • Educators
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Families
  • Gen X
  • Government Employees
  • Individuals
  • Intergenerational Families
  • Investors
  • Living in Retirement
  • Widow
  • Women in Transition

To make Wealthtender free for readers, we earn a nominal monthly fee from financial advisors and firms in exchange for marketing services (including being featured on this profile page), subject to terms of use. This compensation creates a natural conflict of interest when we favor their promotion over others. Wealthtender is not a client of these advisors or firms. 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.

The Planner I'd Been Searching For

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Sep 21, 2025
As my retirement drew closer, becoming less of a concept and more of a reality, I knew it was time for some serious financial planning. For years, my brokerage firm salesperson assured my husband and I that we were on track for a fairly secure retirement - which, to be fair, was sufficient advice. Until it wasn't. Yes, we may have had enough savings tucked away (well, enough is a relative term), but the LOGISTICS of how to view our various accounts and the myriad ways of replacing my full time paycheck to meet expenses, and the tax implications, and the concerns about RMD and the dreaded "sequence of returns" issue (what the...?), and the fact that my husband still had his business, and visualizing how it might be each month knowing I would no longer see those two deposits from my employer in my bank account was keeping me up at night. The brokerage advisor offered a complementary "financial plan," which consisted of a holistic look at my accounts and the Monte Carlo scenarios (it's just a roll of the dice? egads) that foretold whether my money would last in relation to my expenses and my projected lifespan. Ok......now what? Once I understood I needed more help, I started listening to retirement planning podcasts to educate myself. Turns out, having a personal financial planner for retirement is very common nowadays and not just for the wealthy. I also learned how much I really didn't know about retirement finances and —being a right brain dominant person—how much would have to be spoon fed to me before I could understand it. I needed some hand holding and quick! After speaking to —no joke— maybe 15 financial planners who specialize in retirement planning (important!) I knew I found the right person when I spoke to Joe Carbone. He checked all the boxes: He is willing to help me understand my unique financial situation. He is articulate. Smart. Systematic. Experienced. Patient. Professional. Encouraging. And, most of all: honest. After about 3 months, a number of emails and phone calls, Joe had set up my custom digital dashboard that provides a visual, easy-to-understand snapshot of my retirement financial plan—based on his in-depth study and understanding of my financial situation. Among other things, I now know what I have and what I need, today and for the next 20 or so years given— current conditions of course. After reviewing it with me, Joe sent me some action items which we are still working on. Since then, we've been in close contact and he has been so responsive and generous with his time and advice that I wish I had hired him years ago. Today's financial landscape is so complicated and of course rapidly changing so it's very helpful to have a level headed professional by your side. I'm glad that professional, for me, is Joe Carbone. Hire him now - before he gets too busy!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Sep 21, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Betsy Craz
Betsy Craz

Great experience with Joe

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jul 25, 2025
I was looking for an advisor to help me with a retirement withdrawal plan and trying to avoid a hard sell for investments or packaged services I didn’t need. Joe was responsive, very knowledgeable, and gave me just what I needed and nothing more. It’s been a pleasure dealing with Joe.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jul 25, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Alec Hayes
Alec Hayes

Honest, trustworthy, and dependable

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Nov 5, 2024
Joe truly wants to help. He asks questions and listens to what you have to say. He is always available to answer questions and responds quickly.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Nov 5, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Laura
Laura

Knowledgeable and dependable

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 13, 2024
Highly recommend. Joe has been an excellent advisor to both me and the clients I have recommended to him. He responds quickly to any inquiries, and I am happy with my investment portfolio.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 13, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Emily, CPA
Emily, CPA

effective and efficient handling of my account

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 11, 2024
Very happy with the progress of my account Joe is very knowledgeable and communicates very well
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 11, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for bob ciambra
bob ciambra

Professional, Knowledgeable, Personable

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 8, 2024
It has only been a short time since Joe has been my advisor, but I am very grateful I was referred to him. Transitioning to full retirement requires a lot of thought! He has been honest, kind, very knowledgeable and easy to understand with his advice. I especially appreciate the time and quick response he gives to any concerns I have. I intend to move the rest of my retirement funds to the portfolio I have set up with him. I am now more confident of my financial future since working with him. Thank you, Joe!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 8, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Jeanne M.
Jeanne M.

A GREAT CHOICE

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 14, 2024
I was searching for a financial planner and unlike the other individuals I met with, Joe and I clicked. He was straight forward, responsive to my questions, and was genuinely interested in assisting me. Joe is responsive to my inquiries and calls and, I am pleased with his services.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 14, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Dona
Dona

LIFELONG relationship with Joe

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Apr 15, 2024
I have literally known Joe (jr.) since he was a few months old. His dad was our long term insurance agent and P/T financial advisor. As Joe came into his dad's business (after college) as a partner, he began taking over the financial side our relationship, while maintaining with our family a two generational friendship. When HIs father passed a few years ago, Joe managed to take charge of everything - insurance and financial - and we recognized he was an expert in both. While we have a friendship (my grandkids are the age of his children), I also believe that I am in very good, secure hands professionally with Joe in charge of my finances. He has never steered me wrong.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Apr 15, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Kathleen Joyce
Kathleen Joyce

Current client

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Apr 9, 2024
I have worked with Joe for several years. He provided valuable and clear guidance on navigating the transition to retirement. He was always available to answer questions and was of great help figuring out how and when to make withdrawals from my retirement accounts. He helped set up an annuity and offered great advice on insurance. I appreciate his support and knowledge.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Apr 9, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Maureen Garvin
Maureen Garvin

Joe Carbone Honest & Professional

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Nov 1, 2023
I'm guessing that I've been one of Joe's clients for about 5 or 6 years. During that time I have found him to be astute regarding financial matters, which obviously is the primary reason for our advisor / client relationship. Aside from that however , Joe is always helpful when questioned on various matters . He always has the time to explain the answers if they are not clear to me. He is ,in my opinion , a very honest & professional financial advisor. I also consider Joe to be a friend.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Nov 1, 2023
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for John Marich
John Marich

Joe Carbone

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 27, 2023
I’ve been investing with Joe since 2014. Joe has clients in mind. We find Joe very professional spends time with you and explains everything to you I would recommend him very highly.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 27, 2023
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Angelo Candice Monte
Angelo Candice Monte

Smart move!

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 24, 2023
A few years ago we placed our portfolio in Joe's care, and its proven to be a good move. Besides being pleased with the performance of the investments, we find Joe is very easy to work with. Responsive/good communicator. Pro-active in reviewing portfolio performance. Benchmarking our results against publicly-available financial indicators.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 24, 2023
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Jim Bedell
Jim Bedell

Outstanding, professional, detail oriented, positive, advisor.

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 20, 2023
I meet Joe through a Zoe Financial referral in May of 2020. I feel truly blessed to have been lucky enough to meet Joe. He is extremely knowledgeable, easy to talk to, professional, straight shooter. He makes the effort and takes the time to find the answers to the tuff questions. Joe took the time to review my information and respond with better plan. Joe has me on the road to more secure future. He is honest and very responsive. I recommend Joe to any of my friends needing advice. Joe sends a weekly Joe Chat that contain good information.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 20, 2023
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Steve Stump
Steve Stump

Professional, personable and all around great guy

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 18, 2023
There are so many wonderful things to say about Joe Carbone I don’t know where to start. In a world of so much uncertainty Joe is a breath of fresh air. Our relationship started more than 40 years ago with Joe’s father and the apple did not fall far from the tree. Joe is professional, personable and trustworthy and has a way of explaining things to you in a manner that makes it very easy to understand. Should you have any questions he responds to you quickly and is always a pleasure to deal with. We would not trust anyone other than Joe with our finances and have recommended him time and time again. If you are looking for a top notch trustworthy financial advisor, joe is your guy!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 18, 2023
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Ann and Dominic Ruggiero
Ann and Dominic Ruggiero

Very very detailed and down to earth.

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 18, 2023
Joe is very knowledgeable about what he does. At the same time if he does not know something he will tell you and then get the information you need. He is very good at getting in touch with who he needs to get in touch with to get your financial plan heading in right direction. Joe is very easy to talk to and makes you feel very comfortable. Joe keeps things real. He will tell you what you should do but at same time understand you may not be able to. I feel Joe is very honest and a good guy. He made me feel very comfortable with the complex financial planning. I have recommended him to my friends. I don’t think you can go wrong working with Joe
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 18, 2023
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Brandt Cullen
Brandt Cullen

A trusted financial advisor...and friend.

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 18, 2023
Since we first contacted Joe almost 7 years ago, we have benefited from his terrific guidance in determining the best way to move forward with our financial goals. Beginning with a detailed assessment of our financial status, taking into account our monthly needs, Joe has given us a clear outline for a continuing plan that makes perfect sense with our specific situation. With regular Zoom sessions whenever we have needed to clarify a problem and an always speedy response, Joe has shown he cares deeply about our well-being and the stability of our future. Additionally, he stays on top of the market, modifying our investments as necessary, as well as effectively minimizing any tax liability at the end of each year. I would highly recommend Joe, if you are looking for an advisor who is focused, reliable, responsive... and an expert pizza maker.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 18, 2023
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Antony Benjamin
Antony Benjamin

Exceptional Professional, Personable and well-Spoken

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 18, 2023
I was introduced to Joe through his Father soooo many years ago. I am 66 years old and very confident that Joe has my best interest to heart. He has always responded quickly to any questions I might have had. We continue to build a great relationship and I totally entrust him with my finances and goals.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 18, 2023
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Jean
Jean

Detailed professional

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 17, 2023
Joe did an amazing job on my complicated military retirement, thrift savings plan, current investments stocks/IRA’s and real estate portfolio. Wouldn’t trust any other person with my future. If you need an advisor Joes your guy.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 17, 2023
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Paul Donna
Paul Donna

Well Diversified / Exceptional Human being

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 17, 2023
Joe, has been exceptional from day one. We were introduced to joe through a mutual friend, from that day on I have never ever regretted our decision to have Joe as our advisor. Joe helped us out with several situations we were involved in with another advisor who was a dear friend. let me say that the dear friend stirred us wrong and I was fed up. I reached out to Joe, who sat with us and reviewed all my financials and said I can help with your goals if given the opportunity. Joe reviewed all my documents and when he was ready, Joe called me and set up a meeting to discuss the game plan. From that day it was the right move and I have always entrusted Joe with all my financial goals and guidance. I have recommended Joe to several people who are very pleased with his handling of their financial planning. Joe is always there to assist when I need him without a blink of an eye. Because of joe I was able to bid on a second home in Florida. Joe has so assured my daughter in her goals for her future retirement plans and she is only 25. She will call Joe out of the blue and Joe will always pick up or get back to her and advise her professionally and as a friend. We have been very successful with Joe’s handling of my financial planning. We have built a great relationship through the years, Joe has a great personality and loyalty to his clients, friends, family and business.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 17, 2023
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Sal and Adele
Sal and Adele

Great experience

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 17, 2023
Joe has been a very knowledgeable and resourceful advisor for me. My family and I have worked with him for many years now with full satisfaction and have complete trust in him. Highly recommend!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 17, 2023
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Jackie W.
Jackie W.
Get answers to frequently asked questions regarding the services offered by Joseph Carbone, CFP® View Disclosures

FAQs

I don't live in New York, but can I still work with you?
Yes, of course. Our firm is structured to work with clients virtually all across the country.
Do you have an investment or asset minimum required to work with your firm?
While we have a minimum of $500,000 of investable assets for our full-service financial planning and investment management services. We do not have any minimum requirements for our hourly consulting projects or the Focus On Retirement Blueprint.
What is the average age of the people you work with?
We primarily work with individuals aged 50 and older who seek clarity and confidence as they transition into retirement. This is when financial decisions can feel overwhelming, and our job is to simplify the process so you can focus on enjoying life.
Do you need to manage my investments for us to work together?
Absolutely not. We understand that times are changing, and some folks want only an advice relationship. Or, let's say you're retiring at age 55; in this circumstance, it may make sense for you to leave your 401(k) plan with your company to take advantage of the Rule of 55 to avoid paying a 10% penalty on withdrawals.
How do you get paid?
The cost for financial planning, our proprietary Focus on Retirement Blueprint System, and investment management services starts at 1% per year and goes down for every million you have invested with us at Charles Schwab. You may only be interested in tackling one or two projects/topics; we offer an hourly service to get you on track. We charge $300 per hour, billed in 15-minute increments.
I'm a DIYer. Do you offer hourly consulting or a one-time project fee option?
You may only be interested in tackling one or two projects/topics; we offer an hourly service to get you on track. We charge $300 per hour, billed in 15-minute increments. Wait, so I can hire you to review my current investments and finances without managing my money or paying for a “plan”? I can just pay you to ask questions and give me advice? Yup, that’s exactly correct!
Where are my investments held?
We use Charles Schwab as our third-party custodian. This means that Schwab is responsible for holding and safeguarding your assets (like stocks, bonds, cash, etc.) on your behalf. This separation of asset custody from the investment advisor (like your financial planner) is a key feature of the relationship and helps ensure your assets are held securely. This ensures full transparency of your accounts at all times.
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