Michael Walstedt, CFA, CFP®

I help tech pros, execs & biz owners build wealth & keep more of their money

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Reliant Wealth Advisory Michael Walstedt, CFA, CFP®
Hoboken, NJ

Serving Clients Nationwide

I help tech pros, execs & biz owners build wealth & keep more of their money

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

Areas of Focus

  • Business Owners
  • Equity Compensation Options
  • Financial Planning
  • Inherited Wealth
  • Investment Management
  • Retirement Income Planning
  • Retirement Planning

About Michael Walstedt, CFA, CFP®

Hi, I'm Michael Walstedt, the founding advisor of Reliant Wealth Advisory, a fee-only, fiduciary independent investment advisor based in Hoboken, New Jersey. My mission in launching this firm was to pair a deep passion for financial markets with helping others create a better future for themselves.

Prior to founding the firm, I made a living trading financial markets. While it was a profitable endeavor, I wanted to apply my experience in a way where I could truly make an impact on the lives of those around me. Building a firm centered around cultivating deep relationships and striving for meaningful client outcomes ultimately felt like the right next step.

I hold both the CFA & CFP designations. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is widely regarded as the most rigorous credential in finance, emphasizing investment analysis, portfolio management, ethics and risk management. I passed all three levels in the 90th percentile on my first attempt, and earned my charter in 2023. The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is widely regarded as the gold standard credential in financial planning, emphasizing comprehensive planning across investments, tax, retirement, insurance, and estate strategy, along with a fiduciary standard of care. I earned my CFP designation in 2026.

I am also a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, or NAPFA, the nation’s leading organization of fee-only investment advisors. As a member, I am held to a strict fiduciary standard and prohibited from receiving commissions on any recommendations I make.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Rutgers Business School, and prior to trading financial markets for a living, I worked at US Bank & Emigrant Bank.

At the core of my approach is the belief that working with an advisor isn’t just about managing your investments. It also includes

▪️ Identifying tax planning strategies that can help you save more of what you have earned

▪️ Getting clarity on whether you can retire comfortably

▪️ Knowing who/where your assets will pass on to

▪️ Navigating the emotional realities of investing

This kind of partnership helps you not only plan for life events, but also respond to the unplanned. We understand that everyone’s situation is unique, and that’s why all of our plans are personalized for your specific situation. Every portfolio and plan is built with intention.

Outside of work, I can be found adventuring with my wife Allie around the streets of Hoboken or NYC, or somewhere on the beach at the Jersey Shore. We love to live a healthy lifestyle, travel the world and spend quality time with family.

Professional Designations

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®
  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Affiliations

  • Fee Only Network
  • Financial Planning Association
  • National Association of Personal Financial Advisors

Primary Location

Hoboken, NJ 07030

Meeting Options

  • Video Conference
  • In-Person
  • Phone

Compensation Methods

  • Fee Only

What to expect in the first meeting

Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above and complete the brief form to schedule a free 30 minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit. You are more than welcome to bring your spouse or partner and no preparation is needed. It will be a high-level conversation about your goals and what you’re looking to accomplish. I look forward to speaking with you.

Offers Investment Management

Yes

About Reliant Wealth Advisory

Reliant Wealth Advisory is a fee-only & fiduciary independent investment advisory firm based in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Most advisors only manage your portfolio. We manage your financial life. That means your investments, your tax strategy, and your long-term plan all pull in the same direction.

We start by clear on your goals, your risk tolerance and your time horizon. We then combine disciplined investment expertise with tech forward & AI-enabled analytical tools to support portfolio construction, risk management and ongoing oversight.

Who We Serve

We work with individuals and families who value clarity, trust, and an objective approach to managing their wealth. Many of the people we work best with are tech and corporate professionals navigating stock-based compensation, business owners looking to diversify their assets beyond their company, individuals approaching or already in retirement who want a clear income strategy, and those who have recently received an inheritance or other lump sum and want it handled wisely.

Our Approach

Reliant Wealth Advisory is a boutique, independent investment advisory firm offering comprehensive wealth management built on trust and meaningful client relationships.

We are a fee-only investment advisor providing objective, professional investment management without commissions or product sales. We do not receive compensation from third parties for insurance, legal or other external services.

We follow a disciplined, repeatable process that supports thoughtful investment decisions as markets and your personal circumstances evolve.

Why Work With Us

As an independent, fee-only firm, we are happy to answer questions and explore whether our services are a good fit for your situation before any commitment is made.

Investment advisory services are offered through Reliant Wealth Advisory, LLC, a registered investment adviser; registration does not imply any level of skill or training.

Education

Rutgers Business School, Bachelor's Degree, Accounting

Hobbies and Interests

  • Family
  • Traveling

Who We Serve

  • Attorneys
  • Business Owners
  • Corporate Executives
  • Dentists
  • Dual Income Family
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Gen X
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • Intergenerational Families
  • Living in Retirement
  • Physicians
  • Technology Professionals

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.

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5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 16, 2026
Getting close to retirement (a few years away). I needed to get my finances in order. Mike did an amazing job…I am feeling confident that I am closer than ever to starting the next chapter in my life and having enough to travel and do the things I love without worrying about money.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 16, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Lisa Andriulli
Lisa Andriulli

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 6, 2026
I left a larger wealth management firm because I wanted a more personal approach. I moved a small amount over to test the waters and quickly liked how easy it was to get advice. No support tickets or layers of management, I could just reach my advisor directly.That came in handy when my previous firm made an error transferring more funds over. Mike caught the mistake, which I never would have noticed on my own, and worked with me and the other firm until it was fixed. I feel good about the security of my current and future investments and would recommend Mike.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 6, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Zach Persichetti
Zach Persichetti

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 30, 2026
Mike has been great to work with. From the beginning, his knowledge, responsiveness, and personalized approach really stood out. He takes the time to understand my goals, clearly explain different options, and provide thoughtful guidance rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. He’s always easy to communicate with and explains things in a clear, straightforward way. I’ve felt confident in the guidance he has provided and would highly recommend Mike to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, responsive, and trustworthy financial advisor.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 30, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Avatar for Ryan Liddy
Ryan Liddy

5 Stars

✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 18, 2026
Trust was hands down the most important factor for me when choosing a financial advisor. I wanted to work with someone I felt confident in and knew would always have my best interests in mind. Michael has been very communicative and takes the time to explain everything in a way that is clear and easy to understand. He has a great ability to break down complex financial matters and simplify them without making it overwhelming. I also really value that he takes the guesswork out of financial decisions. I feel confident knowing I have someone knowledgeable guiding me through the process and helping me understand why we are making each decision, rather than feeling like I have to figure everything out on my own. My experience has been nothing short of positive. From the beginning, Michael has been responsive, thorough, and very easy to communicate with. He makes sure I understand what is happening before moving forward. One of the things I appreciated the most is how much more confident I feel about my financial decisions. I am very happy with my experience and look forward to continuing to work together!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 18, 2026
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
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samantha gallucci
Get answers to frequently asked questions regarding the services offered by Michael Walstedt, CFA, CFP® View Disclosures

FAQs

Who is Reliant Wealth Advisory best suited to help?
We work best with tech and corporate professionals navigating stock-based compensation like RSUs, options, and ESPPs, business owners looking to diversify their assets beyond their company, people who are retiring or planning to retire within the next couple of years who want a clear income strategy, and individuals who have recently received an inheritance or other lump sum and want it handled wisely. More broadly, we work with anyone focused on building and protecting wealth over the long term.
Are you a fiduciary, and how does Reliant Wealth Advisory get paid?
Reliant Wealth Advisory is an independent, fee-only registered investment adviser, which means our compensation comes directly from our clients rather than from commissions on products we might recommend. We believe this structure helps keep our guidance objective and focused on your long-term outcomes rather than any particular transaction.
Can you help me manage RSUs, stock options, or other equity compensation?
Yes, working with tech and corporate professionals on equity compensation such as RSUs, stock options, and ESPPs is one of the areas we focus on. We help clients think through diversification, tax awareness, and timing considerations as part of a broader long-term investment and financial planning strategy.

FAQ Disclosures

Still have questions? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to help.