About Steve

I have been in the financial services industry for over 30 years…

and I have been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner since 2005. As a CFP® professional, I am a fiduciary, which means I must always put my client’s needs first.

My expertise lies in retirement planning with a specialized focus on tax-efficient strategies for high-net-worth individuals, particularly those with IRAs and 401(k) balances exceeding $1 million.

Early in my career, I set up 403(b) retirement plans for non-profits, gaining valuable insights into the foundations of retirement savings. After taking time to work with the YMCA’s Camp Sea Gull and Seafarer, I returned to the industry to establish my own Registered Investment Advisory firm. As I worked with clients nearing retirement, I discovered significant gaps in traditional planning—particularly in areas like Social Security optimization, tax planning, and long-term care protection.

Over time, my practice has evolved to address the critical needs of high-net-worth clients who require advanced tax planning. For individuals with significant retirement accounts, I develop strategies to minimize income taxes, reduce or control IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) surcharges on Medicare premiums, and ensure assets are passed to heirs efficiently. This includes the use of Roth conversions, trust planning, legacy strategies, and leveraging tools like life insurance and charitable giving to reduce tax burdens.

Social Security optimization and long-term care planning remain integral to my approach, but my focus has shifted heavily toward tax planning and legacy preservation for affluent clients. By identifying opportunities to strategically withdraw assets, navigate tax laws, and preserve wealth, I help clients achieve greater financial security and peace of mind in retirement.

My ultimate goal is to empower my clients to retire confidently, knowing their income and legacy strategies are as tax-efficient as possible. I leave the active investment management to others, allowing me to concentrate fully on the areas where my knowledge and experience truly make a difference.

Steve Gaito

On the personal side,

I’ve been happily married to Madalyn for 37 years, and together, we’ve built a life full of adventure and connection.  We live on her family’s century-old farm. Now that we’re empty nesters, we love to travel, explore the beauty of the mountains on hiking trails, and enjoy time with friends on the lake.

We have three children:

 Meg works in development at NCSU and lives in Raleigh

Smith is married to Sammie, works with Thompson Turner Construction and Sammie is a Dentist in North Charleston. They also are proud parents of a French Bulldog Humphrey

John is married to Katie, who works with T A Loving Construction. Katie is an event planner at the NC Museum of Art, and they both live in Raleigh.

Madalyn and I are very proud of all of them. If you stop by my office, you’ll likely meet Grace, our loyal 14-year-old lab mix, who rarely leaves my side. Recently, we had a cat adopt us, and it is best friends with Grace, His name is Buddy.

Both Madalyn and I are actively involved in our church, and I’m passionate about serving my community. I’ve been a proud member of the YMCA for over 54 years and enjoy giving back through leadership and service at my local branch. Additionally, I am looking for opportunities to help rebuild our community after Hurricane Helene’s devastation.

I hope this gives you a glimpse into who I am beyond work. I look forward to helping you plan and implement a personalized retirement strategy that aligns with your goals and dreams.

Used In Steve Gaito's assistant, Morgan Wylie's About Me

Morgan Wylie

Steve Gaito’s Assistant

I have been working as Steve’s assistant since June of 2021. I graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in Communication. In my free time, I enjoy photography, hiking, Jeep rides, and spending time with loved ones. I have two wonderful parents, Perry and Lisa, and my younger sister Ashley. I also have a 9-year-old Pug named Douglas that I enjoy spending time with. I have a wonderful boyfriend, James, who is my high-school sweetheart. I am involved in both my church and my boyfriend’s church, where I have formed many great friendships. I have enjoyed volunteering for my local animal shelter throughout college and going forward. Many of you will speak to me on the phone or see me at Steve’s events. I look forward to meeting you!

Career Highlights

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ since 2005

 

  • 13 years of training both individuals and advisors on Social Security

 

  • National Speaker on Social Security optimization and asset integration

 

  • Retirement Expert on WHHI News

 

  • Retirement Tax Planning expert and trainer for advisors on Roth Conversions, Tax Efficient Income Planning, and Tax Efficient Wealth Transfer. 

 

  • Quoted in national and regional publications such as USA Today, Fox Business News, and Money Magazine

 

  • Columnist for local monthly paper

 

  • Educator on Retirement Planning, Long Term Care and Healthcare

 

  • 32+ years in Financial Services