At The CP Welde Group, we are a goal-focused and plan-driven financial services organization operating in a culture that is market-focused and performance-driven.

We can help reposition your investments to maximize your retirement income and minimize your lifetime tax burden.

• Trust.  We have faith in our work and in ourselves.  Our first and only allegiance is to our clients.
• Expertise.  We are relentless in our commitment to a lifetime of learning.  We have boundless enthusiasm for our work.
• Respect.  We treat each relationship as a special privilege.  We are considerate, genuine, empathetic, and appreciative.
• Value.  We are unique because we know our value.  We consistently deliver it with confidence and passion.

Our mission is to help you make the right kind of financial plan. We coordinate your income planning and tax planning so that you can make better investment decisions with a higher likelihood of achieving your goals.

One of the central, most influential forces in my life has been my parents, for whom I am extremely grateful. They had 11 children and gave us everything, all without expecting anything. They are my heroes!

We were a competitive set of siblings though, growing up in a twin home outside the suburbs of Philadelphia. I slept in an attic that I shared with four brothers. My six sisters occupied two bedrooms on the second floor. Mom and Dad had the remaining bedroom. There was only one bathroom for all 13 of us. Thus, a competitive spirit was bred early on. 

In the Welde family, education was a big deal. Mom made certain our homework was done, and Dad signed all of the report cards. Good grades, participation in sports, a potential scholarship – that was the formula. I ended up paying my way through Villanova University working on the back of a trash truck (it paid very well!). Each of my siblings earned their college degree. Mom and Dad, job well done!

My lifelong path of growth and development has not been completely linear. Like plenty of others, I’ve had my share of ups and downs. I’m grateful for my wife, Peg, who never stopped believing in me even when I stopped believing in myself. I’m blessed with three beautiful daughters, commonly referred to “Charlie’s Angels.” One daughter works with me in our financial services business. My other daughters are learning and growing in their respective careers. Two identical twin grandchildren (girls!) and a grandson complete the Welde Clan. Peg and I are on cloud nine and loving every minute of it.

I began my career in public accounting in the early ‘80’s. As a CPA, I felt something was missing after 15 years of working 50 hour weeks. I was introduced to financial planning in the mid ‘90’s and fell in love with this new profession. My transition into it felt entirely organic. I was solid with numbers and great with people.

Unlike accounting (cleaning up the past), financial planning gave me the opportunity to help people create a future. I was so energized by this that I considered selling my tax practice and going full time into financial planning. However, my Dad (bless his soul), instructed me to not leave my day job and he was right. Our tax practice drives our financial planning business and vice versa. Tax planning and financial services are very much interrelated!

One of the great gifts delivered by the profession I’ve chosen is the capacity it gives me for lifelong learning. Learning is cumulative and what accumulates is wisdom. As a result of this drive and inclination, in 2012, I became a member of an exclusive Mastermind Group, composed of 300 competitive, like-minded professionals who share ideas and empower each other to be “the best of the best” in the financial planning world. Our mission is to simplify financial planning for American families. I also take pride in being an Ed Slott Master Elite IRA Advisor and a Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Round Table.

It’s interesting to note that 40 million Americans find themselves between their 50th birthdays and their retirement dates. Nearly every one of them has investments, but few have a written holistic plan. I recommend that people in this age range segregate their money into six buckets: now, soon, later, taxable, tax deferred and tax free. This makes it easier to relate to your finances.

I recently sat down with a 62-year-old woman to discuss her retirement goals. We created a customized plan that will completely eliminate her income tax bill within eight years. She said, “Wow! Why isn’t everyone doing this?”

In a world that is market focused and performance driven, our holistic planning process will focus your attention on your date- and dollar-specific goals. Five years from today, you’ll be five years older, five years closer to retirement or five years into retirement.

Dad passed away in 2004 and Mom in 2011. Both died peacefully in their sleep. Shortly before passing, my brother John asked Mom to share some insight, just something she would like to pass on to her children and grandchildren. She looked at John with a smile and said, “Johnny, it’s later than you think!”

Wisdom for the ages!!

Charles Welde, CPA, CFP®

Holistic Financial Planner

The CP Welde Group