For the Sake of Financial Freedom & Security

Southwest Residents Achieve Financial Goals With Charles Schwab


Michael S. Wytiaz is a branch leader and certified financial consultant at Charles Schwab’s Windemere independent office.

Few goals in life are more sought-after than financial freedom and security. For many, achieving financial goals can be a solitary quest of trial and error, actions and reactions, often leaving the pursuer uncertain of how to proceed. Financial management companies exist to guide individuals on how to find the right mix of investments that reflects who they are, where they are and where they want to go. When residents of Southwest Orlando seek advice, they visit Certified Financial Planner Michael SWytiaz (pronounced “wah-tie-as”) and his team at their local Charles Schwab branch.

“When you’re dealing with someone’s financial well-being, you really have to be committed, dedicated and actively involved with your clients,” Wytiaz said. “You’re not just a client with us. You’re a partner.”

Finances are extremely personal, and trusting their management to someone else can seem fraught with risk. But a study of Americans older than age 50 found that individuals who employed financial planners and stuck with their plans achieved an average total net worth three times higher than those who didn’t plan. That’s why Schwab, unlike many financial institutions, has branch offices across the globe. No matter where you are in the world, a Schwab consultant is nearby and ready to help you make more informed and insightful financial decisions.

“I’ve always followed a path that lets me help clients achieve their financial goals, and being a certified financial planner certainly adds credibility to what we do in the office,” Wytiaz said. “It’s a powerful combo of experience and the power of Charles Schwab that allow me to build relationships in the community and deliver for my clients.”

Wytiaz, who goes by Mike, has more than 30 years of professional financial management experience, 20 of which were spent in Windermere. His passion for investing led him to a degree in economics, a certificate for financial management, and numerous securities series licenses.

“I partner with clients to understand individual goals, create a personalized plan, and provide investing guidance,” he said. “They understand where their money is invested and why, how their investments are performing, and how much it’s costing them. Plus, my clients have access to Schwab’s portfolio management expertise, insights and specialists. It’s a modern approach to wealth management — so clients can take ownership of their financial lives.”

Wytiaz encourages his clients to ask tough questions and plan with solid answers by delivering personal attention and specialized guidance at no additional cost.

“We’ve seen firsthand how important it is to have face-to-face access to guidance and assistance when it comes to financial planning,” he said. “It’s difficult to make sound financial decisions without a concrete plan.”

After the planing stage of the process, Wytiaz and his team put together a portfolio and monitor the results to report back and provide guidance.

Charles Schwab was founded to help the individual investor, and it’s Wytiaz’s objective to be the face of Schwab in his community. His clients range from individuals planning for retirement, shopping for a second home, or saving for their child’s education to small businesses and business owners.

“We like to dive into more specific topics, depending on what each local client is looking for,” Wytiaz said. “Everyone has a different goal [he or she is] trying to accomplish, and each goal needs a unique plan. We take the time to listen.”

For the individual investor, Schwab offers a vast array of resources and information to help manage personal portfolios, including 24/7 support as well as training and access to service specialists. Wytiaz believes anyone can be self-directed with his products if he or she chooses that path.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, investors can choose products entirely managed by Schwab. There are also products that are a mix of the two.

“We want to make sure the portfolio meets their risk tolerance while meeting their goals, time frame, stage in life and objectives,” Wytiaz said.

A new offering, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios, is revolutionizing custom portfolios for individuals and companies. This automated investment-advisory service builds as it monitors with no management fees, commissions or account-services costs.

For those in the community interested in investing or learning more about how they can put their wealth to work, Wytiaz’s team leads free and open weekly workshops at his branch. Clients are invited to bring guests to learn the fundamentals of trading, trading-options training and more.

“It’s about being committed and dedicated to our customers and putting them first,” Wytiaz said. “It’s what drives the business. We do what we say, finish what we start, and make it happen.”

The Windermere Independent Branch of Charles Schwab is located in Suite 204 at 4848 S. Apopka-Vineland Road in Orlando. For more information, call 407-909-0485 or visit schwab.com/windermere on the Web.