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"In
search for alternative investment strategies, I was
referred to Mark by a reputable precious metals broker. Even
though my wife and I are young with only a modest
net worth compared to long time investors, Mark was
able to work with us with the same level of attention
and detail that he would give to much higher net worth
individuals. We noticed his care and his attentiveness
to our situation immediately. The beauty of Mark's
work in our case was how well he was able to listen
to our financial desires, which we know are not
very typical, and yet took them very seriously. He
then used our input and synthesized it with
his recommendations to develop an incredibly thorough
and impressive financial plan. His recommendations
proved profitable and most importantly led us to a level
of security that we were looking for. Now that
our money is in world currencies, and gold among other
investment strategies, we are on the road to financial
independence and safety. Thanks Mark!"
|
Christopher &
Rebecca Garza
Los
Angeles, CA |
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"My
husband and I are so grateful for the services provided
by Mark Zaifman and Spiritus Financial Planning.
Mark helped us feel safe enough to take a good look
at the facts about money and retirement and encouraged
us to develop our priorities based on information rather
than our hypothetical fears and old money patterns.
Mark brings a conservative approach to the hard facts
of finance, while at the same time providing a broad
spectrum of possibilities. He helps clients move through
their money fears so they can explore their unique priorities
and potential for a happy retirement. We are now
enjoying a wonderful new chapter of our lives and are
learning more and more every day about how to handle
our money wisely and stay true to our own priorities
for daily living." |
Diane and
Brent Moore
Kenwood,
CA
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"My husband
and I were both unable to diagnose how to fix our dissatisfaction
with the 'advisors' who came to our door with their
arsenal of financial products. All roads pointed towards
their commissions. We also were putting off some
tough decisions on college, retirement home expenses
for our parents, and our own retirement. We see
a lot of conspicuous consumption but we really don't
want to have to work forever. We needed the alternative
of a non-material but fiscally aggressive strategy.
We also had common goals but it was hard to bring them
into focus. We have a new strength in our marriage
since we agreed on the plan too. We can see when
and how we will retire. Mark was compassionate
about how both of us felt about our choices. He created
a compromise we could live with and we are on our way
to financial freedom. I can't tell you the sense
of relief that we now feel." |
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Allison and Jason Boyce
Dallas, TX |
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“Mark
Zaifman of Spiritus Financial became our financial
independence coach in April of 2005. Since then, for
Karin and I there has been no looking back, only forward
to all our dreams with our heads in the clouds and
our feet on the ground. As a former therapist and
trainer/educator, currently a business owner and community
organizer, I marvel at the skills and abilities Mark
can deliver on. With his encouragement, passionate
commitment to financial freedom...and responsibility,
together we've developed a flexible plan that we own....it
doesn't own us! Every step of the way, Mark has been
with us when we needed consultation to validate, verify
or tweak our actions to keep them in alignment with
our goals. He and his business and life partner Patricia
truly care about their clients and want for them what
they already have, financial independence and a treasure
chest of choices about how to spend their life energy."
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Randy Crutcher Ed.D &
Karin Lubin, Ed.D
Arnold, CA
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“Mark
has given us a vision of what is possible that we
never imagined would apply to us. Truly it feels
that he has helped us to open our eyes and see ourselves
and our lives in a new way. Mark's sensitive,
nonjudgmental approach is nurturing and it is clear
that he only wants us to succeed in every aspect of
our lives. Though still at the beginning of
our path to financial independence we can feel the
universe working to support us in the achievement
of our dreams. Mark is and will be an integral
part of that process. We are grateful for your
support and confidence in us. Thank you."
|
Michael
McCoy, Ph.D.
Sherry McCoy, M.A
Lake Oswego, OR
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“I
have been wanting to take retirement money out of
the US stock market and had decided that investing
overseas would be something that I could at least
understand. Weber, Hartmann Vrijhof is such a good
connection because of the talented people who work
there. They offer personalized service in addition
to considerable experience with international, especially
European markets. Thanks Mark, you have provided a
terrific opportunity here, and I appreciate it."
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Wendy
Clifton
Santa Rosa, CA
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“In
July 2005 I was referred to Mark Zaifman for some
much needed financial counseling. My experience
has been positive throughout.
I
received detailed information through his sophisticated
computer program that charted and advised my expected
cash flow to age 94! I also received sound,
practical advice from him about buying or renting
a new home and how best to invest my equity so that
I could live into my 90's without financial stress.
Mark
has lengthy experience in his profession and possesses
a comforting expertise. He is dedicated to working
with the whole person which goes way beyond the financial
numbers. Mark even offered to maintain contact
with me until I landed on the other side of a major
life change.
For
all of this I am grateful and would recommend Mark
Zaifman without reservation. "
|
Diane
D. Livingston, Ph.D.
Petaluma, CA
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"I
began working with Mark in early 2006. I feel
like my whole life has changed since that first meeting!
I'm no longer intimidated or overwhelmed with financial
issues and questions. Mark is so understanding
and approachable - I feel like my small business will
only soar to new heights with Mark as my advisor.
Not only is the experience a pleasure but it's also
fun and enjoyable. He is the first financial
person I feel I can trust - and he also takes the
time to explain things in a way so that I completely
get it. I would highly recommend working
with Mark to any of my friends and/or colleagues."
|
Diana
Gordon
Owner, Kete'r Hair Salon
Berkeley, CA
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“From
our first meeting with Mark Zaifman, my wife and I have
been very pleased with his positive energy and down-to-earth
approach. After meeting with Mark, he left us
feeling that we were working in the right direction
to achieve our financial goals. Mark listened
with open ears and an open mind. He understood
our needs both, present and future. Mark listened,
understood, and analyzed our concerns. He then came
up with a cohesive plan to address those concerns, and
to look at the future with the knowledge that we can
succeed.
Mark has given us
the ability to take our finances into our own hands
with pride and confidence. I have never felt
this positive about our financial future. I highly recommend
Mark Zaifman - he has given us the focus we needed to
work towards the retirement we have always dreamed of.”
|
Gregg
Silva and Dawn Justice
Santa Rosa,
CA |
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“As a
senior citizen, unhappy with the present direction
of my financial future, I decided it was better late
than never to address my finances. After some
research and a recommendation of a good friend, I
called Mark Zaifman of Spiritus. This man has
a gift. At our initial meeting he listened to
me attentively and digested all the information I
gave him. I quickly felt comfortable with him
handling my finances. I was impressed with Mark's
scope of knowledge as well as his contacts in the
financial industry.
On subsequent
meetings Mark outlined a plan that I not only could
live with but was also exciting. He guided me
through money transfers and assisted me in solving
complications that arose. I have great confidence
and comfort in working with Mark. I now feel good
about my financial future and for me, Mark is a slice
of heaven ."
|
Gennaro
M. Malzone, DDS
Aptos, CA
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“I was wary about working with a financial advisor
as most I have encountered seemed low on the people
factor. I did not want to add to the world's suffering
with my money. Being a psychotherapist and an University
professor I also don't have large sums to invest so
I thought I was really out of the running for productive
investing. Mark Zaifman of Spiritus Financial Planning
met me first at a heart and human level. I felt respected
and considered as he went over every detail of my
financial profile. He assisted me with some complications
that arose in my financial life with support, encouragement
and ease, as well as recommending a broker and a lawyer
who both ended up helping a great deal.
I feel good knowing my investments are people and planet
friendly, and that money can be managed from a spiritual
and personal place. I have learned a lot from Mark.
I feel more confident about my financial future as a
result.” |
Maria
Hess Ph.D
Sonoma
State University, Cotati, CA
|
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"Last
year, Mark Zaifman helped me develop a 10 year financial
plan. As challenging as the process was, I’ve
come to see it as one of the smartest moves I ever made.
Mark was masterful in helping me take what I once thought
was simply a dream and turn it into an attainable reality.
The act of
carefully and systematically thinking through my current
financial picture and creating a future vision, has
given me a road map to creating wealth in ways I never
imagined. Up until last year, I did not think that the
words “financially independent” would ever
apply to me. I now have no doubt that I will achieve
my financial goals.
Mark is gifted
as a guide through this process. His knowledge is vast
– that’s a given; yet, what really impressed
me was his ability to listen and connect with my dreams
and ideas – and his encouragement to “go
for it!”. He genuinely cares about - and believes
in - his clients and their creative potential. His faith
in my ability to create what I wanted renewed and restored
my own.
I know there
is a lot of work in front of me to realize my goals,
yet I am convinced with Mark’s guidance and support,
I will be enriched, inspired and empowered along the
way!
I am a client for life!" |
Mary
O’Neill
Woodacre,
CA
|
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| "My work requires me to help others
achieve their personal best. As a trained Life Coach specializing
in Leadership and Business, my purpose is to understand
my clients’ perspectives and help them achieve their
vision. Mark and I have a partnership that transcends
our business relationship because, as my personal financial
consultant, I know that he holds my financial independence
goal as close to his heart as I hold my clients’
successes to mine." |
Kathy
Larson
San Rafael, CA |
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"I
wanted to share with you a breakthrough moment in Hartwell
family history. Tony just bought into the budget this
weekend. He's taken control of tracking funds and he's
designed his own budget spreadsheet. He's analyzed where
our money is spent and why and even goes so far to think
about how a purchase will impact our budgeted outflow.
Tony's never been interested
in the details like he is now. I'm certain so much of
this awesome change has to do with the meetings we've
had with you and the knowledge you've shared as well
as your gentle, empowering, and inspiring presentations.
And you know best through your experience with your
wife how you've got to be a team in this effort with
your partner. I feel now that we can make this a game,
a fun challenge. It's awesome Mark! I know we're going
to get to FI (Financial Independence) and to a more
impactful, rewarding lifestyle together. And what a
lesson for our girls!!" |
|
Michelle
Hartwell
Petaluma, CA |
 |
| "Mark is our trusted guide through
the personal finance maze. Knowledgeable, upbeat, open-minded,
and accessible, he helped us to organize our financial
house in a way that has freed us to more easily work toward
our goals, from traveling more to buying a house to setting
ourselves up for retirement." |
Ty
Wilson
Cotati, CA |
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"I
never trusted financial people, because I wasn't able
to connect with their dry and linear world of numbers...
My experience
with Mark was different. I trust his integrity and his
grounded knowledge of that world. And I so much appreciate
his broader view on money as an energy exchange which
offered to me a bridge to enter the world of numbers
with a new and alive interest. I feel cared for and
supported." |
Diane
A.,
Byron Bay, Australia |
 |
| "Mark Zaifman is a quintessential
'FI-er': high integrity, high-energy and a sense that
life beyond making-a-dying can be "high-play."
I am grateful that since financial independence, he's
dedicated himself to introducing others to transforming
their relationship with money." |
Vicki
Robin
Co-author, Your Money or Your Life
President, New Road Map Foundation, Seattle, WA |
 |
"Mark Zaifman provided a dynamic,
upbeat, knowledgeable and engaging presentation to our
staff. They left feeling empowered and excited with
the newfound ability to attain their financial goals.
I have found Mark's individualized financial counseling
invaluable, and particularly appreciate his total commitment
to helping me and my family meet our needs. Highly recommended!" |
John
Records
Executive Director, C.O.T.S., Committee on the Shelterless,
Petaluma, CA |
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"Mark not only changed the way
I manage my money, he helped change my life. Coming
out of a recent divorce, with a pile of debt, my future
seemed bleak. My only financial strategy was live cheaply
and pay off debt. Mark opened my eyes to benefits of
home ownership and a future where my net worth and self-worth
would rise beyond my expectations. Mark didn't just
give a financial plan, he gave me new hope." |
Jon
Pappas
Tellabs, Petaluma, CA |
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"Mark leads the way to financial
'wellness' with enthusiasm, compassion, and wisdom.
The knowledge he shares comes not only from his professional
experience in the financial world, but is deeply rooted
in working the "Your Money or Your Life" principles
in his own life." |
Susie
Jungfrau
Texas Instruments, Santa Rosa, CA |
 |
"After interviewing many sales
people masquerading as financial planners, who got a
fat commission for selling products like annuities,
I was thrilled to have found Mark! Although I live in
Colorado, I am very pleased with the outstanding communication
we have established via phone calls, e-mail and express
mail. Not only has Mark developed a great workable,
comprehensive financial plan, he encourages and supports
me in other areas of my life. Because he is very knowledgeable,
spiritual, is a good listener and so insightful, he
has my highest respect. I consider him my life coach!
Thanks again for helping to create the life of my dreams." |
Terry
Barber
Colorado Springs, CO |
 |
"This past year has been transformative
for us both with Mark's guidance. He came up with a
concrete, nuts and bolts road map to creating wealth
that is as changeable and viable as life itself. We
went from viewing numbers as mundane to playing with
the creativity of them, from feeling anxious to feeling
inspired. Mark really hears the needs of his clients." |
| Nikki
and Daniel Cuthbertson
Petaluma Academy of Martial Arts, CA |
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"Working with Mark
helped take an area that usually brings up a lot of
fear and insecurity and turn it into something workable,
and even fun." |
Todd
Turetsky, Accupuncturist
Santa Rosa, CA |
 |
| "Mark is the type of person I immediately
knew I could trust. My respect for him as a person and
a professional continues to grow. As we work together
to help clients, I am proud to be able to say I have a
friend and a colleague who puts his clients needs and
best interests first 100% of the time." |
Brett
Jorski
Vice President/Loan Consultant
Investors Trust |