Ralph Figueroa, CLU

When it comes to discussing personal finances with clients, Ralph Figueroa believes in an honest, no-nonsense approach. Ralph acknowledges that talking about money is a touchy subject for some, but chooses to always be upfront. Once he provides his clients a realistic assessment of their current financial condition, Ralph proceeds to educate them on the opportunities and solutions he envisions.  His pragmatism stems largely from experience: money was tight when Ralph was growing up. Born into a large family, Ralph learned out of necessity to rely on himself for financial stability. In a sense, it was the perfect training for the career that would become his calling. Ralph worked full-time through high school, then college, where he studied business and accounting. The more he took control of his own personal finances, the more he realized that doing the same for others would be a natural fit for him.  Upon graduation, Ralph was recruited into the financial services industry where he has worked ever since. And though a career in this industry can be a challenging path, Ralph’s discipline and dedication have enabled him to help his clients’ achieve their goals – as well as his own. Ralph’s insistence on full transparency as well his commitment to client education has helped develop his financial services practice, which now grows almost exclusively by personal referral. “Most people don’t think to contact their financial advisor when they experience a major life change, though that’s when they most likely need some guidance," says Ralph. “To the extent that I am able, I try to be proactive and reach out.” In a typical month, Ralph will contact hundreds of clients to check on their lives and stay in touch.  When Ralph is not working he spends a great deal of time with his family, and helping in the community through his church and various charitable organizations. He serves on the board of Sunnyview Hospital Foundation. Ralph lives in Clifton Park, New York with his wife, Rebecca, and their three children.