Meet The Team
Christopher Nuss MBA, ChFC®, CLU®, CASL®, RICP®
Wealth Management Advisor
Christopher’s areas of expertise include investments, tax strategies, estate planning, retirement planning, major purchase planning, employee and executive benefits and risk management.
Since 1989 Christopher’s career focused on helping others best align their finances and benefits with their goals, hopes and dreams.
GE Corporate Benefits: In 1989, Christopher’s career began with GE Corporate Benefits, serving as an advocate to help others in the areas of insurance, retirement plans and other employee benefits. His role included pension and 401(k), health and accident insurance, resolution of benefit appeals, employee seminars, and development of plan policy.
The Ayco Company, LLP: In 2000 Christopher Nuss joined The Ayco Company, LLP as a Senior Financial Planner providing high net worth individuals and families assistance in the areas of estate planning, risk management and investments.
Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company / Nuss Financial Group: In July 2002, Christopher joined Northwestern Mutual. Along with his partner and team of experts, he is currently one of an exclusive group of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Advisors offering fee-based planning solutions to families and business owners.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Communications – State University of New York at Plattsburgh
- Master of Business Administration concentrating in Finance – University at Albany
Personal Hobbies
Christopher enjoys connecting with friends, vacationing with his family, experiencing other cultures through international travel, racing cars, golfing, skiing, motorcycles, archery and sporting clays and a great glass of wine or bourbon.
TJ’s areas of expertise include investment planning and asset allocation strategies, life and disability income insurance planning, employee and executive benefits, retirement analysis and income solutions, personal planning analysis and tax-efficient investment strategies.
TJ lives for building life-long relationships with the families he serves by helping to align their goals and values with their allocation of capital.
Goldman Sachs – Investment Banking Division: In 2012, TJ began as an intern working in the Financial Institution Group (FIG), working with corporate financial clients.
Annaly Capital Management: In 2015, TJ worked as a part of the Capital Markets and M&A team with a focus on mortgage and other interest rate products.
Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company In March of 2017 TJ joined Northwestern Mutual. Along with his partner Chris and team of experts, he is currently one of an exclusive group of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Advisors offering fee-based planning solutions to families and business owners.
Education / Certifications
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business– Brown University ‘12
- CFP® Certification
Personal Hobbies
Previously, TJ was an accomplished athlete. He was a two sport Division 1 athlete and captain at Brown University, competing in Soccer and Wrestling. In his final season as a competitive athlete, TJ won a D1 NCAA Championship in Soccer. Athletics and fitness play an integral role in his life.
He maintains a focus on a healthy and active lifestyle, and can be found in the gym to start each day or on the golf course enjoying his new found hobby.
Caitlin is our Chief Marketing Officer. Caitlin is licensed in New York State for Life, Accident & Health, as well as personal lines Property and Casualty. With over ten years of experience in the insurance industry, she works with a diverse client base and within a wide variety of industries. She is directly responsible for client satisfaction & growth of our firm. Caitlin enjoys baking, traveling the world, playing golf and spending time with her family, friends & her dachshund Leo.
Melissa L Forbes MBA, CLU®, ChFC®
Associate Wealth Management Advisor
Melissa joined Chris’s team in February of 2012 with experience in the retail banking side of the finance industry. She holds a Series 7 and 66 securities license as well as her NYS Life Accident and Health license. Melissa is responsible for insurance and investment applications and services. Melissa graduated with a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Alfred University in 2007.Melissa and her husband Zach enjoy running, kayaking, camping, and anything that involves the outdoors.
Jim joined Chris’s team in July of 2019, while completing his degree. He graduated from Siena College December of 2019 with a B.S. in Finance. Jim holds a Series 7, Series 66, and NYS Life, Accident, Health, and Signature Variable Life and Annuities license. He spends much of his free time working out, golfing, and with friends and family.
Riley joined the team in September of 2021 as our Executive Assistant. She has over 9 years of experience in the customer service industry, and is excited to learn and grow within the family business. Riley enjoys spending time with her family, friends, her fiance Alex and their two dogs. She loves animals and staying active.
CJ joined Nuss Financial in July of 2023. He graduated from Hartwick College in May of 2020 with a B.S. in Business Administration. In May of 2022 he earned his MBA from Clarkson University with an Advanced Certificate in Innovation & New Venture Management. CJ enjoys spending time coaching lacrosse, working out, and reading.