In today’s economy, saving money is of utmost importance, whether you’re an individual or a small business. Having a well-thought-out spending and savings plan can make the difference between sinking and swimming in these challenging times. That’s where individuals like John Melkun, a 47-year-old financial advisor at Forest Hills Financial Group based in Westchester, come into play.

Melkun emphasizes “protection-focused planning,” where he ensures his clients’ potential financial problems are addressed before delving into further financial planning discussions.

But John’s journey into the world of financial planning wasn’t a straightforward one. He initially pursued his passion for music and put his financial dreams on hold. It wasn’t until he met Joel Greenberg, an experienced financial advisor with over 40 years in the industry, that he decided to return to the field, this time with a more holistic approach. With a focus on diligent saving and reverse engineering the spending process for small businesses, Melkun holds licenses and credentials in succession planning, which he believes sets him apart in his market.

One of the standout features of this Larchmont-based financial advisor is that most of his traditional wealth management services, including debt restructuring, investments, and savings planning, are offered for free. He won’t accept a client until he’s helped rectify these crucial elements.

We had the opportunity to chat with John Melkun about his background and philosophy.

Q: How did you get started in financial planning?

A: I was a 21-year-old college graduate fascinated with Wall Street but found it incredibly challenging. I come from very humble beginnings. I tried it for a year and a half after finishing school and fell in love with it, but I just couldn’t make a living.

Q: Tell us more about your clients.

A: I’ve seen everyone, from individual entrepreneurs to large businesses with many employees. The most rewarding part for me is helping people take control of their finances. Most people think, “I’m ready, I don’t need help,” and they don’t embark on financial planning. I want to change that.

Q: What do you mean when you say you take a holistic approach?

A: When we say holistic, this is what we mean. I don’t have children, so I have a bit of a father figure complex; some of my most rewarding experiences come from helping young business owners. A young woman I worked with was amazed by the amount of money she had saved and said, ‘John, no one does this. No one helps people save money without other motives.’ But the fact that my clients realize such a service is possible is what keeps me going.

Q: You lived on Long Island until the end of the pandemic. What do you like most about living in Westchester?

A: I’m a big golfer, so I enjoy the golf courses in this area, but I’ll always go back to Bethpage for a few rounds. I have family in Albany, so being closer to them is always a plus. I genuinely enjoy the neighborhood I’m in and would love to meet more local people.

John Melkun’s approach to financial planning is unique and customer-centric. He’s not just about managing wealth but ensuring that his clients are financially protected and secure. His holistic approach and commitment to helping clients save money without any ulterior motives make him a standout figure in the field of financial planning. If you’re in need of financial guidance or are skeptical about financial planning, John Melkun might just be the advisor to change your perspective.