Helping others achieve financial independence is a calling for Dave Burgio.
“There’s so much sacrifice that goes into everybody’s financial decisions each and every day, and helping them make the right decisions geared toward what really matters most in their lives is very fulfilling,” Dave said.
Dave, a Comprehensive Wealth Planner at Custom Wealth Strategies, started out as a CPA more than 30 years ago before expanding into financial planning. He attributes his career path to his upbringing.
“My family were immigrants from Italy and I grew up living in a little bit of a scarcity world, so I understood the importance of what financial independence can really do for families,” Dave explained. “So that became my study and has been my study ever since.”
Over the years, Dave’s study has given him numerous opportunities to support clients in planning their charitable legacies. It was while working with one of those clients and their attorney that he was first introduced to the Community Foundation.
As he continued to learn more, Dave joined the Professional Advisor Council, a group of local attorneys, certified public accountants and financial professionals who work toward gaining a deeper understanding of the Community Foundation’s services and its role in Western New York, and provide feedback to enhance our ability to be a preeminent resource on charitable giving for the professional advisor field.
Today, Dave serves as Co-Chair of the Council, and noted that his relationship with the Community Foundation continues to evolve. “Co-chairing the Council has challenged me not only from a learning standpoint, but from a leadership standpoint. And it’s been fantastic to learn more and more, and figure out how someone can make real and lasting impact in Western New York through the Community Foundation,” said Dave. “The experience really enriches my life, as do the people I have met by being part of it.”
Dave continues to keep the Community Foundation top of mind when working with clients. “We dig deep into the areas that are really important in our clients’ lives and what they want to be able to achieve. When that leads to them having philanthropic wishes, then it can tie really naturally into the Community Foundation,” he said. “As professional advisors, we’re really serving as a bridge between our clients and the Community Foundation.”