Wesley Howard Triani is a veteran financial planner with over 43 years of experience specializing in Social Security and retirement planning.
Based in Bayport, NY, Wesley has dedicated his life to helping individuals secure their financial futures, while also maintaining a deep commitment to personal growth, family, and community service. Raised in Lindenhurst, Long Island, Wesley’s early exposure to community engagement and responsibility shaped his professional and personal ethos. He holds degrees in Food Technology from Farmingdale College and Psychology from SUNY Stony Brook, which have equipped him with a well-rounded approach to understanding his clients’ financial and emotional needs. An avid outdoorsman, spiritual seeker, and devoted family man, Wesley’s philosophy revolves around persistence, service, and balance.
What do you believe has been the key to your long-term success in the financial planning industry?
Persistence. Without a doubt, persistence has been the cornerstone of my success. The financial planning world can be full of uncertainty, and the same goes for life in general. There have been countless times when a client rejected my advice or a plan I had carefully crafted. Early on, that kind of rejection stung, but I soon realized that it wasn’t about me—it was about the client’s needs and understanding. So, I kept going. I followed up, provided more information, and kept the lines of communication open. Eventually, many of those clients reconsidered, and we moved forward together. Persistence has taught me that setbacks aren’t failures—they’re opportunities to learn and keep pushing forward.
You’ve worked with many clients over the years. How do you approach helping them with such a personal subject like retirement planning?
For me, financial planning, especially retirement planning, isn’t just about numbers. It’s about people’s lives, their hopes, and their fears. I approach every client with a sense of empathy, which is where my background in psychology helps. I try to understand their individual circumstances, what keeps them up at night, and what dreams they have for the future. Then, I tailor a plan that meets their specific needs. A big part of what I do is educating clients on Social Security benefits and how they can maximize those benefits. The decisions they make today will impact the rest of their lives, so it’s critical to explain complex topics in a way that’s clear and actionable. When clients feel informed and empowered, they are more confident about their financial future.
How do you balance your professional life with your personal commitments?
Balance is everything. I’ve always been committed to maintaining a balance between work, family, health, and personal growth. My career has been incredibly rewarding, but I’ve never wanted to be someone who is defined solely by their profession. I set goals in every area of my life—career, family, physical health, spiritual growth—and I make sure to revisit those goals regularly. For example, I’m proud of my 43 years in financial services, but I’m equally proud of my marriage of over 42 years. I couldn’t have done any of this without the support of my wife. I also make sure to carve out time for my passions—canoeing, kayaking, and birding. These outdoor activities help me recharge and gain perspective. They remind me of the bigger picture, that life is about much more than the next client meeting or business milestone.
What role does your faith play in your work and life?
My faith is central to everything I do. I’ve read the Bible 28 times, and each time it provides new insights that help me stay grounded and focused. My faith reminds me of the importance of service and integrity—doing what’s right, not just what’s easy. In my business, this means always putting the client’s best interests first, even if it means more work or less immediate reward. I also believe that my faith has given me the patience and persistence I need to overcome challenges, whether in my career or personal life. Faith is the constant that has guided me through uncertainty, and it’s shaped my values in every aspect of my life.
How has growing up in a community-focused household shaped your approach to business?
My parents were a huge influence on me. My father was a design engineer and president of the local school board, and both of my parents were very involved in the community. They taught me that success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about how you contribute to the lives of others. That’s been a guiding principle for me in my work as a financial planner. I don’t just see myself as someone helping clients with numbers; I see myself as a partner in their journey to financial security. I want to make a positive impact, not just for the sake of their finances but for their peace of mind and overall well-being. The lessons I learned growing up have helped me approach business with a sense of responsibility and service.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in financial services?
The best advice I can give is to be persistent, patient, and always put your clients first. It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of success, but if you focus on genuinely helping others, success will follow. You also have to be ready for setbacks. You’ll have clients who don’t take your advice, plans that don’t go as expected, and tough times when the markets are volatile. But that’s where persistence comes in. Don’t give up, keep learning, and keep pushing forward. Also, never stop growing personally—read, explore new ideas, and develop yourself outside of work. Your personal growth will reflect in your professional success.
Can you share a failure in your career that ended up teaching you a valuable lesson?
Early in my career, I had a client who completely rejected a retirement plan I’d put a lot of work into. It felt like a failure, and for a while, I doubted myself. But instead of walking away, I took it as an opportunity to revisit the plan, educate the client more thoroughly, and improve my approach. Over time, the client came around and we ended up moving forward with the plan. That experience taught me that failure isn’t final. It’s a chance to adapt, improve, and ultimately come out stronger. Now, when I face challenges or setbacks, I see them as opportunities for growth, not defeat.
What’s the best part of what you do?
The best part is seeing the relief and confidence on a client’s face when they realize they’re on the right track. Retirement planning can be stressful for people, and when I can provide clarity and peace of mind, it’s incredibly rewarding. Helping someone secure their financial future is about more than just money—it’s about giving them the freedom to live their retirement years the way they’ve always dreamed of.
What keeps you motivated after all these years?
It’s the relationships I’ve built and the sense of purpose I get from helping people. Every day is an opportunity to make a positive difference in someone’s life. Whether it’s guiding them through a tough financial decision or simply providing reassurance, I’m motivated by knowing that what I do has a real impact. And personally, I’m always motivated by the pursuit of growth—whether through my faith, my family, or my love of the outdoors. Life is full of opportunities for learning and growth, and that’s what keeps me excited for what’s next.
Wesley Howard Triani’s blend of professional expertise and personal integrity makes him not only a trusted financial advisor but also a respected community leader and family man. His focus on persistence, service, and balance is at the core of everything he does—both in business and life.
Read more:
Wesley Howard Triani: A Lifelong Commitment to Financial Planning and Personal Growth
