Our Approach

James Warner, CFP is Warner Wealth’s Lead Wealth Advisor who provides detailed financial consulting and analysis for his clients and offers financial services through LPL Financial that are tailored to address their current needs & future goals. In 2011, James merged his practice with his father's (which was established in 1983) to deliver more expansive services for all their clients and is licensed in 26 states for securities, life, and health. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ and holds his Series 7 & Series 66 registration with LPL Financial. He heads up a team that focuses on multi-generational planning and management. He specializes in estate and tax planning, business retirement plans, retirement income and education funding strategies for clients that revolve around their individual goals.

"My goal is to help our clients pursue their goals, not just manage a portfolio. I get to use my entrepreneurial focus to help business owners and retirees plan for their future. We do that by listening to our clients to understand their specific situation and then provide customized financial and investment recommendations to help them work towards those goals. This is not a one size fits all firm. I am proud of what we do for our clients and their families."

Prior to joining Warner Wealth, James was a successful entrepreneur in Connecticut for more than three decades. His most notable startup was Shore Publishing Newspapers, which he co-founded in high school and expanded into the second largest newspaper group in Connecticut. Acting as Publisher and Chief Financial Officer, he sold the newspaper group to the New London Day in 2008.

James received Bryant University's Young Alumni Leadership Award in 2009. He has been awarded small business of the year by Business New Haven magazine in 2003. He has also appeared in articles in the Hartford Courant, Entrepreneur Magazine, NBC News, the New York Times, and Editor & Publisher Magazine.

James and his wife Emily live on the CT shoreline and are the proud parents of three boys - twins Tristan & Sterling and their baby brother Quinn. They enjoy boating, fishing, hiking and can be found skiing in VT during the winter. James is very active in the community and volunteers his time when he is not spending time with his family.

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Robyn Wolcott is a Financial Advisor who says she got into the business to help make sense of all the financial jargon for her clients.

"So many people don’t plan because they don’t have the time to learn the financial lingo," she says. "I work hard to demystify it and explain things in normal terms so clients can more easily understand and implement a path for the future. The best compliment I've received from clients is when they explain to me that no one else has talked to them about finances in a way that makes sense. Hearing this makes me feel that I've done the job I promised to do. As an advisor, it's too easy to get swept up in acronyms in this industry, and soon, eyes are glazing over during meetings - no one likes that.

From the Warner Wealth team side, Robyn says it feels like home.

"I am so happy to be working with James and this team," she says. "Trust is the most important asset (a term not used lightly in the financial world!) in a financial advisor, so it is equally important to me to work with someone I’ve trusted for decades. My goal is to help people pursue their goals whether that includes helping fund their kids' education, to retire when they want, and so much more. It's easy to help people with their goals when you are supported by an incredible team that feels like family."

Robyn offers attention to detail and a strong focus on relationships and collaboration as she helps clients plan for their current and future lives. She holds her Series 7 & Series 66 registrations with LPL Financial. Prior to joining Warner Wealth, Robyn’s career was in media which culminated with her role as publisher of a Connecticut shoreline newspaper group founded by our own James Warner and his friend Ryan Duques. Robyn holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Vermont, has been active on the boards of directors for various local Chambers of Commerce, and has been recognized with various awards for her community involvement.

On a personal side, Robyn lives on the Connecticut shoreline with her husband and their young daughter.

"I'm amazed by watching my daughter grow and learn every single day and honestly can't get enough of her!" Robyn says. "In my off time, I love to do yoga, meditate (to stay grounded and calm!), and to explore our local area as well as vacations with my super supportive husband, my family, and my friends. I feel very fortunate for the life we have and try to infuse my enthusiasm across my team and our clients."

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Rachael joined Warner Wealth in June 2019, bringing a strong background in client relations and a genuine commitment to helping others. Over the years, her role has grown from Client Service Associate to Director of Client Services, and now Financial Advisor, too! 

In her advisory role, Rachael loves helping clients pursue their financial goals with confidence and clarity. As Director of Client Services, Rachael works closely with the client services team to provide a personalized and thoughtful experience for every client Warner Wealth serves.

Rachael earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from Western Connecticut State University in 2014 and holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Management – Marketing.
Outside of work, Rachael enjoys being outdoors, practicing photography, reading, baking sourdough, and spending time with her dogs.

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As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Bette Lynn Paez guides her clients to avoid what she calls random acts of finance. By helping them to develop a good working relationship with their money, they can get ready to be the little old people they can’t imagine being.

Computer Chips to Chocolate Chips to Blue Chips – An Original Recipe for Pursuing Success

Having earned her BA from Ithaca College and her MS in Industrial Administration from Carnegie Mellon University, Bette Lynn joined IBM in Pittsburgh as a Marketing Representative. Retiring early from the corporate world, she opened Bette Lynn’s BakeHouse in Black Rock, CT. After four years of rolling in the wrong kind of dough, Bette Lynn took a deep dive into finance and acquired her CFP® designation. Since 2001, this long-time number-cruncher has been helping busy, motivated people make savvy decisions about their money. She maintains licenses for financial planning to create a strategy as well as licenses for investments and insurance to implement her clients’ plans:  Series 7, 63, 65 licenses held with LPL Financial; Life & Health; CT, MA, NJ, NY Long-term Care Partnership.

“It is thrilling to bring my clients into the Warner Wealth family, where I know the entire team will provide excellent support. I am equally happy to help any Warner Wealth clients with their unique financial plans. This is a wonderful partnership, and I look forward to meeting everyone."

Deeply rooted in Shelton, Bette Lynn lives just five miles from the house her great-grandparents built in 1890. Because cats have staff, she provides every imaginable creature comfort for domestic short-hair tabby Frankie. Bette Lynn’s passion for baking continues – these days for her clients and two different shelters.

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MS Industrial Administration, Carnegie Mellon University

John Kinney has been assisting his clients with money management since 1989.  His practice focuses on helping his clients avoid the common mistakes made in handling their investments.  John’s clients include retired employees, retired teachers, physicians and business executives approaching retirement. John also has experience with retirement plans like 401(k), Simple IRA, and Pension Plans. Some of his techniques include tax reduction strategies on fixed income investments, and estate planning. John is a licensed Life, Health and Annuity producer as well as having a Series 7, 65, and 24 registrations held with LPL Financial and is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary.

John grew up in New Haven, Connecticut, attended college at Stonehill College in North Easton, MA., and now resides in Guilford, Connecticut.  John is very active in his community and plays golf. He is the proud father of three beautiful daughters. 

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Kevin Sullivan, AIF® has been a wealth advisor since July 1989 when the (Dow Jones Industrial average was 2,653 - 7/27/1989) helping clients with their financial needs and strategies. From his early days with The Prudential, to being an Investment Executive with KeyCorp’s (McDonald Investments), a Wealth Advisor with Bank of America Securities, to opening his own practice in 2007, he now joins Warner Wealth to continue delivering financial solutions and strategies to his clients, aiming to serve them at the highest levels.

He has a passion to see the results of the planning work he does with clients. Specializing in the medical community, working with doctors, business owners, and retirees, he brings a specific skill set of understanding of their unique needs. Doctors who own medical practices makes them business owners, and that’s the epicenter of the work Kevin pursues.

· He’s an Accredited Investment Fiduciary, AIF ®

· He's an author of the book: “Managing Income in Retirement”

· He’s the creator of the podcast: Physician Wealth Meds – A Wealth Podcast for Doctors

· He’s also designed an online course for doctors: “Building Your Retirement Income Strategy”

He lives in New York with his wife, (his high school sweetheart), Diane. Combined with 6 children, and 9 grandchildren, life is always vibrant and exciting. He says his family should have a reality TV show because they always have active content! He’s an avid musician and sings with his family, leading worship at church.

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Sarah Layton is on the Client Services Team and holds a bachelor's degree from CCSU in studio art and darkroom photography. Additionally, she holds a master's in elementary education from UNH. Sarah has brought so much to the WW team already, including her energy and work ethic. She goes the extra mile for every client. 

Sarah lives in Madison with her daughter Kassidy and dog Madaket. When she's not at work, Sarah enjoys walking the beach searching for sea glass, reading, DIY crafting, and watching football. (GO EAGLES!)

Her favorite part about Warner Wealth? "The people! This is such an incredible and positive team to work with."

Dan German is a lifelong resident of Milford, Connecticut, a proud small business owner, and a dedicated community leader with more than 35 years of entrepreneurial experience. He earned his undergraduate degree in Finance and Accounting from Northern Arizona University.

For over 25 years, Dan owned and operated a successful fitness business in Milford, and Florida, where he dedicated his career to preserving and improving people’s health. Today, as a Financial Wellness advocate, he brings that same passion and discipline to preserving and improving people’s wealth.

Dan specializes in helping individuals and small businesses by striving to reduce financial stress, save money, minimize taxes, and secure their futures. He provides comprehensive retirement planning, life, disability, and long-term care insurance solutions, along with tax-saving strategies and budgeting guidance.

His philosophy is simple: Health is wealth. For years, he helped people get in top physical shape — now he helps them get in top financial shape. Because when you master both, you create the foundation for your best life.

Dan also served 12 years on the Milford Board of Aldermen and is an active member of the Milford Rotary, Milford Chamber of Commerce, BNI, and MRTC, and is a former wrestling coach.

Dan enjoys the gym and outdoor activities: running, biking, paddleboarding, skiing, gardening, and traveling. He believes staying strong and healthy is the key to long-term success - because without your health, nothing else matters.

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Joshua Clifford has been serving advisors as a CFO since January 2022. He provides advisors with actionable insights based on financial analysis and strategic planning to help drive higher practice valuations.
Joshua has over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, with the majority of his experience as an LPL Financial employee. During his tenure with LPL, Josh has facilitated the execution of hundreds of practice acquisitions, guided advisors on valuation improvement strategies, and provided budgeting/forecasting support to LPL’s National Sales division. Formerly, Josh was the Director of Investment Banking with DeVoe& Company and the Director of Valuations with Succession Resource Group. 

Josh has a Master’s degree and Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Finance from The University of Arizona and has been a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) since 2017.

Originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, Josh moved to San Diego in 2011, where he currently resides with his wife and bernedoodle dog named Ruby. He enjoys reading, swimming, surfing, and the occasional night dive for lobster.

Chris holds a BS in Business Administration Finance from Elon University and is a CFP®. He has worked in the industry since 2017. In his role as a Financial Planner at LPL Financial, Chris supports the LPL Paraplanning Services Team where he assists in developing and executing comprehensive financial plans. As a member of the LPL Paraplanning Services team, Chris partners with advisors to deliver financial planning support by providing detailed data analysis and cultivating planning strategies to assist clients in reaching their financial goals.

Chris’s financial services career began in 2017 where he worked various roles including client services, advising, and financial planning prior to joining LPL Financial.

Before joining LPL, Chris spent six years at UBS working as a financial advisor and a financial wellness coach. He has worked directly with clients and financial advisors, striving to provide quality service, guidance, and education.

Chris lives and works in Charlotte, North Carolina. Originally from Fort Myers, Florida, he loves spending time out on the water. He also enjoys being outdoors and hiking, biking, or playing sports with friends.

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Lisa LaFond brings in-depth compliance experience to the team, as she was previously employed with Purshe Kaplan Sterling from 2004 to 2021. She moved up the ranks at PKS from Assistant Compliance Officer to Chief Compliance Officer, to her last role as Chief Governance Officer. As Chief Governance Officer, Lisa coordinated with counsel all legal-related items, including the coordination of litigation, contract review, and Corporate Resolution maintenance.

Lisa also worked for The Ayco Co., a Goldman Sachs Co., as a Financial Analyst. She currently works for Swayze LLC and oversees compliance for Warner Wealth.

Lisa has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics, with a minor in Accounting from the State University of New York at Oneonta. She also has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, with a minor in Finance from Canyon College, and earned her Juris Doctor from Taft Law School. 

Micaela has more than seven years of experience as a financial services professional. She joined LPL in 2023 to apply her experience working with advisors in the Admin Solutions Program.

Micaela has received an Associate's degree from Indian Hills Community College. Micaela is an Iowa native. She is an avid reader, houseplant collector, and is an active member of the Iowa Beekeeper Association. In her free time, you can find Micaela at classic car shows, spoiling her pets Milo (cat) and Louie (dog), or creating bouquets in the warmer months from her personal flower field.

Micaela is part of LPL Business Solutions, a service that provides industry-trained LPL professionals who can simplify operations and streamline advisors' practices. She is currently paired with Financial Planner Bette Lynn Paez, CFP®, MSIA, ChFC®, AIF®, where she supports day-to-day operations and works closely alongside Bette Lynn to help enhance efficiency and deliver a seamless experience for clients.

Jim Warner is a financial educator who has been helping people make smart decisions with their investments and insurance since 1983. The skills he developed as a college professor following graduate school have been used to present on topics including retirement planning, social security maximization, estate planning, business continuation planning and insurance modeling in continuing education programs at business leadership conferences, libraries and community centers.

Jim and his wife Connie love to travel, photograph, and sample new restaurants. Jim makes his own wine and is an accomplished chef. He enjoys nature by exercising and playing golf and playing with his twin grandchildren!

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Rhea is just like her name says, a ray of sunshine! Rhea enjoys being outside, playing with her three brothers, and occasionally answering phones. 

Paisley is our Shelton office greeter! She is often found eating peanut butter, looking for a belly rub, and assisting Rachael with our clients. 

Elsy is a 3-year-old fawn Frenchie and a proud Pawfolio Partner. Known as the Master of Paw-crastination, she prefers to keep her paws light and her naps long. When she does make a move, it’s usually to chase a dream (or a sunbeam), followed by hours of strategic rest. Elsy’s “out of office” is permanently on, her voicemail perpetually full, and yet she somehow manages to keep the team’s morale—and portfolios—relaxed and balanced.

Emmy is a lilac French Bulldog puppy and the other half of the Pawfolio Partners. She specializes in Pawsitivity Relationship Management, ensuring every client and coworker gets a boost of cheer… between naps, cuddles, and snack breaks. Emmy loves peanut butter, socks, and her big sister Elsy (her fellow Pawfolio Partner). Her motto? “Happy paws make happy portfolios.” Puppy math also dictates: 1 puppy + 1 shoe = 0.5 shoes.

Puck Boyd turned 1 year old in October and says he's old enough to learn the ropes at Warner Wealth. Puck is not a bear or a bat or a tiny wolf, he is a schipperke, a breed name that translates to "little captain" in Flemish, inspired by their traditional role as barge dogs. He hopes to one day get promoted to a role that taps more deeply into his heritage, but for now he will serve as junior security pawficer under the supervision of his best friend Rhea Warner until his next employee review.