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Liz Sylvan, CFP®, CDFA®, CPWA®

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Cultivating Wealth Liz Sylvan, CFP®, CDFA®, CPWA®
New York, NY

Serving Clients Nationwide

Design Your Next Chapter

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

646-693-7451

Website

Areas of Focus

  • Divorce Financial Planning
  • Education Funding
  • Employee Benefits
  • Financial Life Planning
  • Investment Management

About Liz Sylvan, CFP®, CDFA®, CPWA®

Hi, I'm Liz Sylvan, a financial planner at Cultivating Wealth.

I work collaboratively with individuals and families to enable them to move confidently toward their financial and life goals. I provide guidance in all areas of personal finance including tax planning, retirement planning, investments, estate planning, education funding, and preparing for the purchase of a home or investment property.

In addition to general financial planning, as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, I help divorcing individuals and couples to make informed financial decisions.

I have been a financial planner since 2015 and received the Certified Financial Planner designation in 2018. In addition to my client-focused work, I have provided pro bono financial planning through the Borough of Manhattan Community College and the Financial Planning Association’s Financial Planning Days.

Prior to my career in finance, I spent a decade in the non-profit sector, helping organizations to fund their missions through individual and institutional giving.

When I'm not working, I enjoy traveling, exploring New York City on my bike, and spending time with my husband and two kids.

Professional Designations

  • Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA)
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®
  • Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA)

Affiliations

  • Financial Planning Association
  • National Association of Personal Financial Advisors

Primary Location

Brooklyn, NY 11201

Meeting Options

  • Video Conference
  • Phone
Book Intro Call

Compensation Methods

  • Fee Only
  • Flat Fee
  • Percentage of Assets Managed

What to expect in the first meeting

Click the 'Get Started' button above to schedule your free 15-minute introductory call. We'll introduce ourselves, learn more about your financial planning needs, and schedule a more in-depth conversation if we're a good fit.

Offers Investment Management

Yes

About Cultivating Wealth

For successful mid-career professionals, life is often a complex intersection of personal and financial milestones. You might be navigating a career transition, preparing for the costs of college, planning a major real estate move, rebuilding your financial life after a "grey divorce," or steering a thriving business. You're planning for a next chapter that looks nothing like your parents' retirement, and amidst these powerful transitions, you need more than just a financial advisor; you need a strategic partner who gets it.

Cultivating Wealth was founded to be that partner. Our team understands the unique challenges and opportunities you face because we've guided many women through them. Our role is to help you organize the complexities and bring clarity to your most important decisions.

With deep expertise across our team of Certified Financial Planners (CFP®), Certified Private Wealth Advisors (CPWA®), and Certified Divorce Financial Analysts (CDFA®), we have the technical knowledge to handle the most sophisticated financial situations. Our firm's passion is empowering women to take control of their wealth and step confidently into the future they envision.

Our Process:

Together, we'll go beyond basic financial planning. We will thoughtfully design your next chapter, creating a comprehensive financial plan and investment strategy that aligns your wealth with your values, protects what you've worked so hard to build, and gives you the confidence to pursue a life of purpose and freedom.

Who We Serve:

We specialize in working with successful women and couples (ages 45-65) in the NYC metro area, with a particular focus on:

✅ Members of the 'sandwich generation' navigating the financial needs of both aging parents and young adult children.

✅ Women taking financial control and rebuilding their lives after a mid-life divorce.

✅ Executives managing complex compensation—like stock options and executive benefit packages—and planning their next chapter.

Education

Wesleyan University, B.A., History

Hobbies and Interests

  • Cycling
  • Family
  • Traveling

SEC Lookup

View Disclosure

Who We Serve

  • Baby Boomers
  • Blended Family
  • Corporate Executives
  • Couples
  • Divorce
  • Dual Income Family
  • Gen X
  • Gen Y / Millennials
  • LGBTQ
  • Living in Retirement
  • Newly Engaged / Newlywed
  • Parents
  • Single Women
  • Widow
  • Women in Transition
  • Women Professionals
  • Women’s Finance
  • Young Families

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.

In good hands. Wish I had met them sooner!

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 15, 2025
I always found discussing personal financial information very intimidating, but Sara, Hana, and her team make you feel capable and supported. Their knowledge and guidance are extremely thorough, realistic, and reassuring. I appreciate the depth in which they examine your financials and create a well thought out personalized plan to right the ship, as needed, and position you to achieve your future goals. I also appreciate their effort to reach out to their client base, and meet face to face in this age of distant digital communication. It's nice to have the convenience of regular online meetings to touch base, but to also know that the advice is coming from knowledgeable, genuine, trustworthy, and caring individuals. I feel like my family and our money is in very good hands!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 15, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Stefanie S.
Stefanie S.

Life-changing in so many ways

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 13, 2025
I've been working with Liz for five years now, and I have made so many big, financial decisions with her help--I've sold a house, bought another, sold a different one, have had to decide what our budget is, what we can afford and can't, what is a responsible financial decision and not--every time I have needed help making one of these decisions, I've been able to talk things through with Liz--and talk them through again. Then, there is all the investing help too! Ever since I started working with Liz, I've felt confident financially in ways I have never before, and it has put me at ease--that I am never alone in any of this, and there is someone kind, patient, and financially astute who is making sure that my money is being taken care of through pandemics and other crises in the markets. So grateful!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 13, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Donna
Donna

Highly capable (and friendly!) financial advisors

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 12, 2025
My husband and I have been happily working with Sara for well over a decade. We now work with Liz as well, who is also outstanding. This is a very smart and capable team. They’re super responsive and always get back to us quickly whenever we reach out. And to top it all off, they’re very nice people! They have helped us navigate the financial aspects of many major life transitions - having children, buying our first home, changing jobs, and starting businesses. In an era of great economic uncertainty, it makes me feel so much better to know that our money is in good hands with Sara and Liz. I highly recommend them!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 12, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Margo
Margo

Best financial decision

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 12, 2025
I've been working with Sara since 2014. As an immigrant unfamiliar with the financial landscape here, I needed someone I could trust to guide me through important decisions. Sara and her team have done exactly that, helping me invest in a way that aligns with my comfort level while achieving results that I would have not been able to do on my own. As my daughter approaches college age, I'm especially grateful for the support and expertise that Sara and Caroline provide in helping me plan for her education. Their guidance has been invaluable every step of the way. I highly recommend Cultivating Wealth.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 12, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Kate
Kate

Five Stars are not enough

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 11, 2025
If I could give Sara 10 stars I would. I’ve been a client for over a decade, and not only is she an amazing and wise Financial Advisor, she is also an important guiding presence in my life, who is always available to help me with decisions about everything from home buying to jobs to healthcare. Sara and her team have never steered me wrong and I trust them beyond measure. Sara will meet you where you are and guide you where you want to go. But, if you’re reading this, the main thing you’re probably wondering is: Will she help my money make money? Yes, yes she will!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 11, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for LParkin
LParkin

Sara will always “have your back,”

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 11, 2025
If you decide to become a client of Sara's, it will be the best decision you can make. She is knowledgeable, intelligent, she hears what you're saying, and she listens to what you need. She gives excellent guidance. She always follows up, and she releases excellent updates based on current economic situations/items in the news that might cause you concern. Sara is also a kind and caring person which makes her so very good at her “job” - makes me feel safe and that every thing is going to work out. I trust her explicably now for probably more than 20 years.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 11, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Vicki M, Pittsburgh, PA
Vicki M, Pittsburgh, PA

Great financial advise with a personal touch!

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 10, 2025
I would very highly recommend Cultivating Wealth as financial advisors! From our initial meeting with Sara and Hana, it was clear that they were going to be very thorough in their approach to help us with our individual goals and address our concerns. We've had regular Zoom meetings every few months,, and the returns on our investment have actually been greater than we expected! On top of the excellent financial planning, they’ve provided invaluable advice on the college application process, which has been incredibly helpful for us with our rising high school senior. And as a bonus, they host fantastic social networking events with excellent refreshments – it's a great way to connect with other clients! Working with Cultivating Wealth has truly been a life-changing experience. We feel we have a financial safety net and incredible advisors guiding us on crucial aspects of our lives and future.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 10, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Chris A.
Chris A.

Best and trusted partner

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 10, 2025
Working with Sara has been an outstanding experience for my husband and me since 2012. Her guidance has been invaluable in every aspect of our financial lives, especially when it came to planning for our retirement. She consistently goes above and beyond, demonstrating a deep understanding of our goals and a genuine commitment to our success. Sara's advice is always well-researched, clear, and tailored to our specific needs. She has helped us navigate major life events with confidence and peace of mind. Her ability to explain complex financial concepts in a simple, understandable way is truly remarkable. What sets Sara apart is her proactive approach and unwavering dedication. She doesn't just react to market changes; she anticipates them, keeping us informed and prepared. We feel incredibly fortunate to have her as our financial advisor and highly recommend her to anyone seeking expert, trustworthy financial guidance. She's not just an advisor; she's a partner in our financial journey.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 10, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Barblin M.
Barblin M.

An outstanding team of advisors that are always attentive to my financial needs.and future planning

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 10, 2025
I have been with this group for a number of years and happy to say they are dedicated to the needs of their client. Always an open line of communication and quick to respond to any of my concerns. Sara has helped navigate me through market challenges, providing useful advice on a specific financial decision. I am more than pleased with the way my portfolio has been handled. A dynamic group of ladies that go above and beyond to make me feel comfortable with my future financial goals.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 10, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Linda A.
Linda A.

We love CW!

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 10, 2025
As any small business owner can tell you, the financial health and well-being of your company is inextricably linked to that of your personal finances. Sara and her team are extremely adept at providing us with the right guidance and recommendations for every aspect of our business and personal finances. They are unfailingly patient and helpful, and ew never need to wonder if they have our best interests at heart (they always do). We can't recommend Cultivating Wealth enough.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 10, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Frank P.
Frank P.

I moved from a large investment bank to Cultivating Wealth and could not be happier!

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 10, 2025
I initially hired Cultivating Wealth to perform a one-time comprehensive assessment of my financial health--investments, estate planning, taxes, liability, etc. At the time my investments were being handled by a large bank with whom I'd been working for many years and I was hesitant to change that. But I was so impressed by the work my team at Cultivating Wealth did that I shifted my investments into their care within 6 months of our working together. Truly, I feel very fortunate to have them looking after my finances. They have taken the time to get to know me, my past and my present, and they have helped me immeasurably as I plan for the future. Remarkably, in early 2024, when surgery on my dominant hand made it impossible for me to gather the tax materials on my computer, one of my Cultivating Wealth advisors actually came to my home and sat with me for 3 hours, working on my laptop to gather the necessary documents. That's the kind of personal attention I know I would never have gotten from a larger firm. I am so grateful!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 10, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Mary E.
Mary E.

Excellent Advisors

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 10, 2025
I’ve had an excellent experience working with Sara and Rebecca. They are dependable, always following through on commitments and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. They are responsive, promptly returning calls and emails, which gives me confidence that my needs are a priority. Most importantly, they truly listen to my thoughts and goals, taking the time to understand my perspective before offering well-considered advice. I feel supported, informed, and confident in the financial decisions we make together. I highly recommend their services.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 10, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Linda
Linda

Super responsive user-friendly thorough optimistic skillful group of professionals at Cultivating Wealth!

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 10, 2025
They go beyond reporting to you about your financial situation. They develop a thorough perspective on what matters to you in developing a financial situation for your unique life. They help me keep on top of important concerns that I might never think about, or would forget, or wouldn't fully understand. I am so grateful to Sara and her colleagues for giving me peace of mind when I need to see the forest through the trees!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 10, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Joan L.
Joan L.

Trust is earned through personal connections

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 9, 2025
Sara and her team are extremely knowledgeable about the financial details. They are insightful in answering questions, and they will do the research if they don't know. It's important to know that they do the foundational things well. But what separates Sara and the Cultivating Wealth team is the time they take to get to know you, your life situation (including challenges and accomplishments), and the level of interest and anxiety you have around your finances. When I've needed them, they've been there -- quick to respond with advice or opinions. Most of all, they have made me feel seen, known, and cared for. Ultimately, isn't that what it's all about?
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 9, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Will C.
Will C.

Trustworthy and expert service

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 9, 2025
Sara and her team have been amazing since the first time we met, making us feel very safe during the whole process. They have been very open and accommodating to our specific needs. Extremely efficient and knowledgeable, and always available to discuss whatever comes up.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 9, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Leon and Simone
Leon and Simone

My 5 Star Experience with the team at Cultivating Wealth

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 9, 2025
From our very first meeting in 2011, I knew I had found the right financial advisor in Sara Stanich and the team at Cultivating Wealth. This women-owned firm is not only exceptionally knowledgeable but also deeply committed to empowering clients to make informed, confident decisions about their money. Sara took the time to understand my goals, explain options to achieving my goals in a way that was easily understandable and helped me create a tailored investment strategy that has helped me achieve my financial goals. The plan we created together was personalized and adjusted as my goals and needs changed. Sara's professionalism is matched by genuine warmth and integrity. I’ve never felt rushed, pressured, or overlooked—every interaction has been thoughtful and personalized. She and the entire Cultivating Wealth team take a proactive approach in keeping me updated on what's happening in the market. They are quick to answer my questions, and are always looking for opportunities to help my investments grow while protecting my financial security. It’s rare to find a firm that blends expert knowledge with a strong human, client-centered approach. I trust them completely, and I can honestly say my financial future feels brighter and more secure because of their guidance. If you’re seeking a financial adviser who will truly be your advocate, this is the team you want by your side.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 9, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Cheryl L.
Cheryl L.

Absolutely pleasure

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 9, 2025
I have been a client of cultivating wealth for several years now. Its been an absolute pleasure working with them. Whenever the market has gone sideways I dont have to worry. I know my money is safe and will ride out any storm. Plus an email or phone call comes easing my mind about that current situation. Returns have been consistent and I know as a fiduciary financial advisor, they have my interests in their overall financial plan. I highly recommend Cultivating wealth.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 9, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for G.R.
G.R.

Consistent, thorough and knowledgeable financial advisors/managers

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 9, 2025
I started working with Cultivating Wealth’s founder during a sad and stressful divorce when I had little knowledge of investing and all of the issues related to planning for retirement. Over the past 14 years, I have learned a lot through our meetings and their clear presentations and have benefited from their guidance. I highly recommend their financial services.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 9, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Claire
Claire
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