Carmen Grinkis featured on The Bay March 2025

Note: This content originally appeared on the March 2025 issues of The Bay Magazine and Providence Monthly.

I joined AAF Wealth Management in 2016, and since that time the firm’s assets under management have grown organically over 300%. I attribute this growth to our role as fiduciaries and our holistic, personalized approach in managing clients’ financial lives—a commitment I made when earning my CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional certification.

In introductory meetings, clients share feelings of reluctance about asking questions or expressing concerns to their advisor. Some mention hesitating to discuss topics like access to their own funds or requesting consultations beyond standard investment focused conversations, fearing their concerns might not be well-received. Financial planning often involves sensitive topics, including health, legacy planning, and life transitions. I strive to build an environment where clients feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their concerns, knowing they will be met with respect and thoughtful guidance. This approach emphasizes meaningful engagement and proactive communication, ensuring clients are well-informed and supported at every stage of their financial journey. As a result, clients often feel more confident and empowered to make decisions that align with their values and long-term goals.

Financial planning is a holistic endeavor that should be tailored to each client’s unique needs. I want to delve beyond the numbers! It’s important to focus on long-term financial goals, such as tax, retirement, estate planning, and charitable giving. A notable feature of AAF Wealth Management is our ability to effectively collaborate across multiple generations. The firm works with many families to address the financial needs of parents, children, and grandchildren as part of the planning process. This approach ensures that each generation’s financial needs and goals are met effectively.

AAF Wealth Management affiliates with parent company, AAFCPAs, to integrate comprehensive tax and estate planning services when appropriate. In addition, our CFP® background encompasses holistic financial planning, including charitable giving, social security benefits, insurance, and much more. We continue to invest in state-of-the-art technology to offer clients meaningful insight into their tax situations and align these with their broader financial goals.

My success has been built on my ability to be approachable and provide practical solutions to clients’ financial challenges. I focus not just on investment performance but also on offering a well rounded perspective of clients’ financial health. Clients value my down-to-earth nature and dedication to addressing concerns, no matter how complex.

In summary, my journey at AAF Wealth Management is a story of growth, dedication, and a holistic approach to financial planning. My ability to connect with clients on a personal level and provide comprehensive financial insights has made me a trusted advisor to many. I strive to be approachable and provide more than just numbers. It’s about addressing clients’ personal and financial needs—whether it’s investment performance or tax planning—so they feel supported and understood. This approach has helped me build trust and lasting relationships across generations. My wife and I are residents of Tiverton, RI and enjoy all the region has to offer. When not seeking attunement with my clients, I pursue my passion for music, vintage turntables, golf, squash, pickleball, travel, and outdoor adventure.