Jeff Weiand is Chairman and CEO of RTD Financial. In addition to this honored role, Jeff is passionate about understanding what is most important in the lives of his clients. Jeff’s greatest strength is listening and then tailoring advice to help clients make smart financial decisions – in essence, delivering a roadmap that inspires clients to live their best life with the resources they have.
Experience Beyond the Classroom
Over the years, Jeff has gained valuable, real-life experience by proactively observing decision making that has led to both favorable and, unfortunately, less than favorable outcomes. He has witnessed the consequence of procrastination where the hopes of “someday I’ll get to that” never came to be; life always throws out unanticipated challenges. He has witnessed others taking on unnecessary financial risk that led to ultimately having to live a lifestyle that was well below anything they were ever accustomed to. Jeff witnessed a close relative, who as far back as he can remember, was always the hardest working person on the planet. He kept working until he was physically and mentally unable to work any longer, and not because he wanted to, but because he felt he needed to.
These lessons and many more have inspired a deep passion to ensure that others can position themselves to live the best possible life they can. Living a life full of purpose and without regrets can be challenging, but it’s truly possible for everyone who makes the effort and takes the time to plan properly.
Lifelong Commitment to RTD
Jeff joined the firm in 1985 during the initial startup phase. He’ll be the first to admit that it’s not very common today for people to commit to the same firm for their entire career life, and yet that’s what he has done. Jeff has tremendous gratitude for the incredible people around him and takes pride in what the firm has been able to stand for and deliver to clients since day one. This is why there has never been any thought given to working elsewhere.
Jeff has served on RTD’s Investment Policy Committee since 1990. He is always committed to developing effective strategies to mitigate risk, navigate the preparation and transition to retirement, manage longevity challenges, and safeguarding cashflow needs. Jeff recognizes that money is a tool used to support the needs and aspirations of our clients and that a sound investment plan must work in concert with, and be aligned with, everyone’s unique financial plan.
Jeff previously served as the firm’s Chief Compliance Officer for over two decades and has helped champion a culture of compliance and stewardship that will be forever embedded in everything RTD does as a firm.
More than Money
It’s common for people to focus solely on rates of return when it comes to their money. While that is certainly important, money has a purpose that goes far beyond asset allocation, diversification, tax efficiency, and managing risk. Understanding what the money is for and pursuing dreams and possibilities with confidence offers the greatest return one can ever achieve.
Education and Charitable Aspirations
A graduate of Rutgers College in New Brunswick, NJ in 1984, Jeff earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics with a concentration in Finance. He has served on the Financial Planning Association’s Investment Policy Committee, TD Ameritrade’s National Advisory Panel, the Family Resource Management Statewide Advisory Council for the state of New Jersey, had been active with Philadelphia Futures mentoring high school students with college ambitions and served on the board of the Delaware Valley Stroke Council.
Currently, Jeff serves on the board of Hosts for Hospitals, a truly amazing organization providing affordable lodging for patients and families who come to our incredible healthcare region from all over the world for medical treatment and/or to participate in clinical trials. The hidden cost of healthcare is very real and lodging costs should never be an obstacle to anyone needing to receive the best care.
Food, Finance, and Fun
A resident of Center City Philadelphia, Jeff enjoys walking to the office whenever possible. He is passionate about cooking, sports, working out, swimming, skiing, the Jersey shore, taking his jeep on the beach, concerts, piano, and of course food – enjoying the amazing restaurants/BYOB’s this area has to offer.
Getting to know Jeff
What do you enjoy most about working at RTD?
The camaraderie and sense of humor that makes us a family. And the fact that I am so fortunate to be able to surround myself with like-minded people who share a genuine, heartfelt passion dedicated to enriching the lives of our clients.
What makes you good at what you do?
At this point in my career, I can sum it up in two words – wisdom and gratitude. Wisdom is not something anyone can teach, nor can anyone just go out and buy it. Gratitude is what inspires my positive nature which has an impact on everything I do.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
My dad would often say, focus on doing well for others and good things will come your way. That has stayed with me ‘til this day.
What personal attributes and accomplishments are you most proud of?
Patience, empathy, and genuinely caring for others are personal attributes that align naturally with who we are at RTD. I am humbled and proud of the success of our firm and for playing a part in that. I am grateful for the opportunity to witness firsthand our clients’ thriving and living their best life. At the end of the day, it’s all about relationships for which I have always cherished and never lost sight of. It’s one of the many reasons why I have a tremendous sense of pride in who we are and what we do.
Professional Awards, Designations & Memberships
Featured Articles
Sharing our Vision: a letter from Jeff Weiand, RTD’s Chairman and CEO
While 2022 was a challenging year, particularly from an economic and financial markets perspective, we remain confident that better days are ahead. Staying disciplined and patient has always proven to be the best course of action during uncertain times. This letter, however, is not about the markets or the economy or inflation for that matter. […]
Tariffs, Trade Deficits and the Impact on Your Portfolio
It has become increasingly impossible to read or listen to any financial news lately that doesn’t include some discussion of tariffs. So, what are tariffs? Do they even matter? Tariffs are a tax or duty to be paid on a certain class of imports or exports. They are certainly not a new phenomenon as they […]
By Nature or By Mandate?
As many have heard by now, the Department of Labor (DOL) made it clear through its April 6, 2016 ruling that investor interests must come first and their advisors must act in a fiduciary capacity. The goal of the ruling is to protect investors by requiring all who provide retirement investment advice to plans and […]