Frequently Answered Questions

A fiduciary is a financial advisor who is required to prioritize their clients’ best interests over their own. They have a duty to act in the best interests of their advisory clients. When working with a financial planner, partnering with a fiduciary is vital if you want your interests placed above your advisor’s.

Independent financial advisors are dedicated to crafting completely customized financial and retirement plans for clients. With a straightforward, transparent fee structure, clients will always know the cost of services. Since fiduciaries are not bound by a larger entity overseeing the sale of certain investment products, independent financial advisors continuously monitor your portfolio to strive toward it holding up well over time. 

Alliance Financial is a fee-based financial advisory firm. Fee-based means we charge our clients’ accounts a fee for managing their assets. Our firm and our clients share a common goal under this approach, with our success being directly tied to the success of our clients.

We operate using a team approach, with certain advisors specializing in certain financial topics. With this approach, we are better suited to serve our diverse clients, and as our client, you can feel confident you’re working with someone who is a professional in the area you need.

Because of the age of our firm, we are able to walk alongside you the whole way as you prepare for, begin, and live in retirement. Our objective is to get to know you and your situation very closely so we can make any needed tweaks as time goes by.

There are plenty of do-it-yourself financial books on the shelves for you to purchase. However, there are several downfalls with this approach. The books don’t know you and your goals. You can’t consult with the author of the book when questions come up. The books are not updated with the most current tax laws. Conversely, a financial advisor will always be available in person or on the phone to answer your questions. We nurture long-term relationships with our clients—and that is something you can’t get from a financial book.

LPL Financial is a broker-dealer we partner with. Alliance Financial is proud to partner together with LPL on your financial journey. 

*As reported in Financial Planning magazine June 1996-2022, based on total revenues.

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Alliance Financial 
Phone: (610) 376-5981
12 Commerce Drive
Wyomissing, PA 19610

Alliance Financial 
Phone: (717) 258-0751
43A Brookwood Avenue Suite 6
Carlisle, PA 17015

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The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Some of this material was developed and produced by Indigo Marketing Agency to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named representative, broker – dealer, state – or SEC – registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

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Securities offered through LPL Financial, MemberFINRA/SIPC. Investment Advice offered through Alliance Financial, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

CRPS conferred by the College for Financial Planning.

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Pamela Smith

Client Services Specialist

Pamela oversees the daily operations of the Wyomissing office and is the primary point of contact for all client administrative requests for that office. In addition, she assists with ongoing client communications and all client events. Pam is also a Notary Public for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Pam has spent the past thirteen years as a Client Service Manager with a different financial advising practice located in Myerstown, PA. Before that position, she worked twenty years in the banking industry in various roles, including Assistant Branch Manager. Pam also spent eight years working at a local school district in accounts payable/payroll.

Outside of the office, Pam lives in Myerstown, PA, with her husband Daryll and has one grown daughter. She loves to travel, especially to the beach for their annual family vacation, enjoys cooking, baking, reading, and taking walks.

Susanne Burke-Hvizdos

Client Services Specialist

Susanne oversees the daily operations of the Carlisle office and is the primary point of contact for all client administrative requests. In addition, she maintains ongoing client communications and oversees all client events. She maintains her PA Life and Health Insurance licenses and is a Notary Public for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

A lifelong resident of Carlisle, Susanne joined the firm in August of 2006. Susanne is looking forward to fostering relationships with current and future clients.

Kerry Luehrs

Operations Manager

Kerry oversees all operations and projects of the firm.  In addition Kerry works closely with the Principal of the firm to maintain records and files per FINRA and SEC regulations. She is the main point of contact for our branch audits and coordinates the implementation of ongoing industry compliance requirements for the firm.

Kerry joined our firm in June 2006 and holds the Series 6 and Series 63 securities registrations held through LPL Financial. Prior to this Kerry worked for a non-profit organization as a Residential Supervisor providing support and assistance in daily life skills to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Stephanie L. Baity

LPL FINANCIAL ADVISOR, CFP®

Stephanie is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, she maintains the Series 7 and 66 securities registrations through LPL Financial as well as her PA Life and Health Insurance licenses. She brings over fifteen years’ experience working in the financial services industry.

Stephanie works to provide the firm’s clients with the highest degree of professional service to include portfolio management, research, trade execution and on-going financial planning services and investment advisory consultation.

A long time Carlisle resident, Stephanie received her B.A. and M.S. from Shippensburg University. She has been involved in several community nonprofit committees and has been a volunteer for Junior Achievement. She currently serves on the Finance board for the YWCA of Carlisle, and is involved in several capacities with the Carlisle United Methodist Church. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys running and spending time with her family and friends.

Jacqueline L. Powell

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™

A native of Nebraska, Jackie received her undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Nebraska.

Jackie holds the Certified Financial Planner Designation. She maintains the Series 7, 24 and 63 securities registrations through LPL Financial as well as life and health insurance licenses.

Ms. Powell specializes in the needs of individuals and families in transition. In the past, as a noted speaker on topics related to financial planning, Jackie has been asked to address area businesses and organizations including the Pennsylvania White House Conference on Aging. In 2015, Jackie was awarded the Women of Influence Award by Central Pennsylvania Business Journal. In 1999, she was named one of the top 50 Women in Business in Pennsylvania by Governor Tom Ridge.

Jackie is the past president of the Central Pennsylvania Association of Women Executives, Cumberland County Estate Planning Council and the Financial Planning Association of Central Pennsylvania. She has also served on the board of directors of the Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce, the Carlisle YWCA, Leadership Cumberland and the Carlisle Industrial Development Corp and was past chair of the board of Partners for Better Health (formerly Carlisle Area Health and Wellness Foundation). Since she started her firm, she has mentored over 20 students through Shippensburg University and the Dickinson College internship program.

In 2007 she was elected to membership in the Nebraska Women’s Leadership Network, a select group of women graduates of the University of Nebraska. She was named the Alumna of the year in 2010.

Eric Mischler

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

After a successful prior career as a Client Relationship Manager, Eric fulfilled his goal of becoming a Financial Advisor and obtained a General Securities Series 7 registration as well as a Series 66 registration held through LPL Financial. By working with each client to understand and determine their financial needs and objectives, Eric assists individuals and businesses in working toward those objectives by developing and implementing a customized strategy with each client. He brings a relaxed, approachable style to his work and looks forward to helping you in the future.

Eric earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Pittsburgh. Eric resides in Sinking Springs, PA with his wife Kara and their three daughters. In his personal time Eric enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, working out, and reading.

Thomas Drexler

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Tom grew up in Wernersville, a small town in Berks County. He graduated from Conrad Weiser High School and attended Shippensburg University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance. In 2011, Tom participated in Shippensburg’s study abroad program and attended the University of the Sunshine Coast in Sippy Downs, Australia. In 2014, he moved to Lancaster County, where he still resides with his wife, Samantha.

As a Financial Advisor, Tom is committed to helping individuals and businesses pursue their financial objectives. Tom underwent extensive training in 2015 regarding Social Security. He regularly attends industry training and educational events to stay up to speed with the ever changing landscape and to continue furthering his professional skills. He likes to spend his free time traveling, cooking or on the golf course.

Thomas Drexler

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Tom grew up in Wernersville, a small town in Berks County. He graduated from Conrad Weiser High School and attended Shippensburg University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance. In 2011, Tom participated in Shippensburg’s study abroad program and attended the University of the Sunshine Coast in Sippy Downs, Australia. In 2014, he moved to Lancaster County, where he still resides with his wife, Samantha.

As a Wealth Advisor, Tom is committed to helping individuals and businesses pursue their financial objectives. Tom underwent extensive training in 2015 regarding Social Security. He regularly attends industry training and educational events to stay up to speed with the ever changing landscape and to continue furthering his professional skills. He likes to spend his free time traveling, cooking or on the golf course.

Kevin Fox

Financial Advisor

As a CFP® and an active member of the community, Kevin is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses build their financial futures. To stay on top of his field and develop his professional skills, he regularly attends industry training and certification programs.

Kevin grew up in Lebanon County. He graduated from ELCO High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Penn State University. In 2000 he accepted a position with Ameriprise Financial where he worked until 2006. He became President of Alliance Financial in 2006 and was affiliated with INVEST Financial Corporation until 2018 when the advisors of Alliance Financial joined LPL.

Maintaining a strong sense of community and a solid professional foundation are very important to Kevin. Kevin serves as the Mount Aetna Lions Club President. Kevin enjoys watching football, running, travel and vacationing at the beach. Kevin resides in Wernersville with his wife Michelle and son Bryce.