The fig tree is the world’s oldest cultivated species. The fruit, an actual flower, requires pollination and will not ripen if picked too soon. The tree must be pruned to gain strength. The fig tree has nourished and sheltered people and nature throughout time.
I view my services at Fig Tree Financials as those of a personal CFO. I offer clear and supportive dialogue, comprehensive planning and a proactive approach to change -- essential components to a successful long-term strategy. I am keenly aware of the material intangible and tangible aspects of a client's life and work to recognize obstacles and prioritize opportunities.
I have four decades of experience in the financial markets through periods of political, cultural and economic distress and exuberance. I have experienced the tragedies and celebrations of life and believe in the value of consistency and transparency. I focus on the quality of my client relationships and put great worth in an individual’s history – their story.
James Manfredonia
Registered Investment Advisor
FINRA Series 7 / Series 65
Charles Schwab Custodial Services
Mass Mutual Life Insurance and Long Term Care Agent (NYS Series 17 - 55)
Fordham University Faculty
“Train up a fig tree in the way it should go and when you are old sit under the shade of it.” – Dickens
AN APPROACH TO FINANCES
Fig Tree Financials specializes in building tailored investment plans to meet your financial wealth goals.
I will help you develop a Financial Roadmap for:
-
Cash Management
-
Investment Strategy / Literacy
- Education Funding / 529 Plans
- Divorce Proceedings
- Life Insurance Reviews
- Retirement Planning
-
Trust and Estate Planning
-
Long Term Care Insurance
-
Death/Inheritance
Services
FINANCIAL
AND
PERSONAL
ADVISORY
I have managed assets for individuals, institutions and non-profits, and study every aspect of a client’s financial profile to determine the steps necessary for economic well-being. I have an insider’s view of the financial industry and access to exceptional resources independent of automated commercial practices, organizational pressures and institutional conventions. My clients benefit with fees that are low, stable and where savings compound over time. I actively monitor client portfolios and incorporate a client's values and emotions into the planning process.
INVESTMENT
STRATEGY
My analysis of investments begins with measuring the value of an entity’s assets, balance sheet and cash flows. I firmly believe that the price of a security matters when determining a commitment. I do not believe in rote asset allocation. My decisions are deliberate, and I focus on providing the safety of principal with positive returns. Creating dividend income – compounded over time – is a core principle of my philosophy as is the opportunistic use of fixed income investments. I seek growth at a reasonable price.
EDUCATION
AND
RESOURCES
I have run businesses at major investment banks overseeing revenues reaching hundreds of millions of dollars. I have had my own businesses and have advised scores of companies from numerous industries.
I have taught at a charter high school, been Interim Head at a school for severely disabled children, taught in Manhattan's private schools and have worked on a national Experiential Learning program based out of Chattanooga.
I am a professor at Fordham's Gabelli School where I have was a awarded the Dean's Teacher Excellence Award by the students and where I teach Behavioral Finance, Global Investments, Securities Analysis, Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and ESG.
I am credited on Bloomberg LLC's ESG Certificate as a co-creator.
I help my clients develop their financial knowledge through ongoing lessons, open dialogue, and access to valuable resources.
INVESTING
AND
EMOTION
My focus is to manage risk through periods of exuberance and fear and to prepare for the unforeseen. Guided by the teachings of Benjamin Graham, the renowned value investor and Warren Buffet's mentor, I recognize that intelligent investing entails capitalizing on emotions rather than succumbing to them when markets behave irrationally. The investor’s primary interest lies in acquiring and holding suitable securities at favorable prices over the long term.