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Michael Hart (CFP®)

Michael Hart focuses in the
following client markets or areas of practice:

  • Cash Flow/Budgets/Credit Issues
  • College/Education Planning
  • Financial Psychology/Coaching
  • Hourly
  • Millennials
  • Novice Investors

Planning Specialties

I’m Michael Hart, an advice-only financial planner serving NJ and nationwide. I help clients simplify investing, taxes, and long-term planning. I charge either a flat fee or by the hour, so there are no commissions or AUM fees, just honest guidance.

  • Retirement Planning – Whether you’re decades away or right around the corner, we help you build a sustainable retirement income strategy, optimize Social Security, and plan efficient withdrawals from IRAs, Roths, and taxable accounts.
  • Tax Planning – From Roth conversions to tax-loss harvesting and managing RSUs or bonuses, we focus on minimizing your lifetime tax bill—not just this year’s.
  • Equity Compensation – We work with professionals navigating stock options, RSUs, ESPPs, and concentrated stock positions to build tax-aware, goal-aligned strategies.
  • Cash Flow & Budgeting – We help bring structure and intention to your spending, savings, and debt repayment plans without rigid budgeting tools.
  • College Planning – Whether you’re planning for one child or several, we help you set savings targets, evaluate 529 plans, and understand financial aid impacts.
  • Estate & Insurance Planning – We ensure you have the right legal documents in place and adequate risk protection without overpaying for unnecessary coverage.
  • Behavioral Coaching – We integrate behavioral finance principles to help you avoid emotional decision-making and stick with your long-term strategy.

Additional Information

I built my firm to eliminate the conflicts of interest that often cloud traditional financial advice. I do not sell products or manage investments for a percentage fee, because I believe the best advice comes from someone who’s not trying to sell you anything.

With over 18 years of experience in personal finance and a background that includes wealth management, tax planning, and estate strategy, I saw firsthand how often clients were being sold products they didn’t need or given advice that wasn’t in their best interest. That experience is what drove me to launch Open Book: to be a true fiduciary and an open, honest partner to those navigating financial decisions.

I hold a deep appreciation for simplicity—breaking down complex topics into understandable, actionable steps. My focus is on building strong relationships with clients, meeting them where they are, and helping them get where they want to go. i believe financial planning should be collaborative, empowering, and even enjoyable.

NAPFA Start Date

March 24, 2025

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Disclaimer: Limitations. This list only serves as a resource to assist an individual in identifying a potential advisor for their review and consideration. The appearance of an adviser on the list is not endorsement by NAPFA of that advisor's services. There can be no assurance that you will experience a certain level of results or satisfaction if you engage a listed advisor. Except for the NAPFA membership fee, the listed advisor did not pay NAPFA a separate fee to appear on the list.
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Download vCard
Disclaimer: Limitations. This list only serves as a resource to assist an individual in identifying a potential advisor for their review and consideration. The appearance of an adviser on the list is not endorsement by NAPFA of that advisor's services. There can be no assurance that you will experience a certain level of results or satisfaction if you engage a listed advisor. Except for the NAPFA membership fee, the listed advisor did not pay NAPFA a separate fee to appear on the list.

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This Office

3 Charred Oak Lane East Windsor, NJ 08520-1803 Phone: (215) 421-8872
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