Financial & Wealth

Matthew Friedson joined Risk Strategies in 2022 as the National Life Insurance Practice Leader.  He is responsible for developing and leading the national growth strategy for the Life Insurance practice.   

Matthew has more than 15 years of experience specializing in complex insurance applications of estate and business planning, educating clients and helping them to develop and implement powerful strategies to meet their objectives. He spent nine years as a senior adviser with a mid-Atlantic (DC) area brokerage and consulting firm where he specialized in private client services, advising clients across the country on wealth transfer and tax planning strategies, as well as business succession planning. During the last five years, he also held a principal role for a boutique private client personal lines property and casualty firm.   

Matthew holds a marketing degree from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business and a Series 6 securities license. He is a member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet of the Jewish Federations of North America and previously served on the board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington for five years.

For six consecutive years including 2022, Matthew has been awarded the ‘Best Financial Adviser: Insurance’ designation by the Washingtonian. In 2018, he received the NAIFA Advisor Today’s 4 Under 40 Award.

Securities offered through Lion Street Financial, LLC. (LSF), Member FINRA/SIPC.  Risk Strategies is not affiliated with LSF.

Michael Waters serves as Managing Director in the Financial & Wealth Services division of Risk Strategies. He brings more than 35 years of financial services experience to his clients with a focus on employee benefits, wealth management, and retirement plan services. 

Michael started his career with Profit and Pension Planners inc., a retirement plan consulting firm in 1985 and became a partner in 1989. In 2003, Michael was one of the founding members of TSG Financial LLC, a full-service employee benefits and Financial Services consultant and broker. TSG Financial was acquired by Risk Strategies in 2016. 

Michael strives to provide highly-responsive, personalized strategies to sophisticated clients who desire holistic financial counsel. He believes in developing long-term partnerships with his clients who benefit from competitive, transparent pricing, appropriate products, and personalized guidance. Michael works closely with the Private Equity and Employee Benefits teams to deliver retirement plan solutions which complement the overall corporate programs at Risk Strategies. 
 
Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Binghamton University. He is a chartered life underwriter, CLU, and Chartered Financial Consultant. 

Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and Investment Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. TSG Financial and Risk Strategies are not affiliated with the Securities America companies.

Stuart Youngentob has served as a Managing Director since 1993.  He specializes in the creative application of life insurance solutions and corporate benefit plans, providing business owners, executives and professionals with innovative approaches and exceptional service to enhance their financial futures.

Prior to his Managing Director role, Stuart was the Founder / Director of Revere Bank (formerly Monument Bank) for 12 years.  He also worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers for three years.

Stuart is a Washington, D.C. Estate Planning Council Member and earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in Tax from the Emory University School of Law.  He also holds an MBA in accounting and finance from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and a BA in economics and political science from the University of Rochester.

Securities offered through Lion Street Financial, LLC. (LSF), Member FINRA/SIPC, and Investment Advisory services offered through Lion Street Advisors, LLC (LSA), a Registered Investment Advisor. Risk Strategies is not affiliated with LSF or LSA.

Howard Zodicoff serves as Managing Director in the Financial & Wealth Services division of Risk Strategies. He brings three decades of financial services experience to his clients and was a business owner prior to joining the firm. 

In 1996, Howard merged his firm with Standard Pension Services, LLC, and has been an integral part of the firm’s growth. In June 2020, Howard became President of Standard Pension Services, LLC. In September 2022, the firm joined Risk Strategies adding to the company’s existing financial service capabilities, with a focus on retirement planning. 

Howard specializes in providing solutions in all areas of wealth management, retirement plan design/administration and corporate benefits for individuals and companies. He is committed to transparency, thoughtfulness, and being available to his clients. Howard strives to build personal relationships with every client he serves. Aside from his credentials and considerable experience, his clients appreciate Howard’s dedication, diligence, and the personal interest he takes to best accomplish their goals.

Howard earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from State University of New York College at Old Westbury. He holds a series 6 and 7 securities license as well as life and health insurance.

Howard lives in Roslyn, New York, with his wife, daughters, and dog. In his free time, he enjoys skiing and traveling.

Investment Advisory services provided through Aurora Private Wealth, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor.  Certain representatives of Aurora Private Wealth are also Registered Representatives offering securities through APW Capital, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC.