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Financial Wellness is peace of mind.

"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

 

"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

"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."

Allison and Jason Boyce
Dallas, TX

“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."

Randy Crutcher Ed.D &

Karin Lubin, Ed.D
Arnold, CA

“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

“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."

Wendy Clifton
Santa Rosa, CA

“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

"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

“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

“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

“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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

 

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