Wesley Howard Triani is a seasoned financial planner with over 43 years of experience in the financial services industry. Born and raised in Lindenhurst, Long Island, Wesley was the First National Paperboy of the Year and grew up with parents deeply involved in their community. His father, a design engineer and school board president, instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance. Wesley attended Lindenhurst High School and graduated in 1972 before pursuing further studies at Farmingdale College in Food Technology and SUNY Stony Brook, where he earned a degree in Psychology.
As a financial planner, Wesley specializes in Maximizing your Social Security benefits in conjunction with retirement planning. He has held prominent positions, including President of SC Life Underwriters, and has received multiple accolades like the Stegman Award and the Boy Scouts’ Silver Beaver award. Beyond his career, Wesley is a passionate outdoorsman, musician, and public speaker, and he has read the Bible 28 times, a testament to his dedication to lifelong learning and spiritual growth.
How has your early life as the National Paperboy of the Year influenced your career in financial services?
Growing up as the National Paperboy of the Year instilled in me a sense of responsibility and discipline at a very young age. It taught me the value of consistency—getting up early, delivering papers no matter the weather, and building relationships with customers. Those qualities translated directly into my career in financial services. Just like I did back then, I’ve learned that consistency, persistence, and personal connection are the cornerstones of success. Financial planning isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building trust, just like I did with every house on my paper route.
What’s the most fulfilling part of leading seminars on Social Security and retirement planning?
The most fulfilling part is knowing that I’m empowering people to take control of their financial futures. Social Security is something most people don’t fully understand, and it can feel overwhelming. When I present, I see the relief on people’s faces when they realize there are strategies they can use to maximize their benefits. It’s not just about finances—it’s about helping people live out their retirement years with peace of mind. I consider it an honor to guide them through that process.
How do your hobbies like canoeing, woodworking, and music influence your approach to financial planning?
My hobbies are a big part of who I am, and they keep me grounded. Canoeing and backpacking teach me patience and attention to detail, much like the financial planning process. You have to prepare for the long haul and make decisions that will sustain you over time. Woodworking has taught me precision—if you’re off by just a little, the whole piece can fail. That’s true in financial planning, too. Every detail matters. As for music, it’s about creativity and expression, and it helps me stay balanced. It’s the reminder that while numbers are important, the emotional side of financial planning—people’s hopes, dreams, and fears—are just as crucial.
What’s one piece of financial advice you find most people overlook when planning for retirement?
Most people underestimate the importance of Social Security optimization. They think of Social Security as a set-it-and-forget-it benefit, but there are strategies to maximize your payouts that can make a significant difference in your retirement income. It’s not just about how much you save but about timing and making informed decisions on when to start drawing your benefits. This can add thousands of dollars to your retirement portfolio, but many people don’t realize it until they attend my seminars.
You’ve read the Bible 28 times. How does your faith shape your approach to business and life?
My faith is the foundation of everything I do. Reading the Bible daily has taught me humility, perseverance, and the importance of serving others. In business, this translates into always putting my clients’ best interests first. It reminds me that wealth isn’t just about material success but also about spiritual and emotional fulfillment. I’m here to serve, and whether it’s guiding clients through their financial questions or being involved in my community through Boy Scouts or Kiwanis, faith keeps me centered on the bigger picture.
What’s a challenge you’ve faced in your career, and how did you turn it into a learning experience?
Early in my career, I lost a major client who didn’t agree with my advice on a retirement plan. At first, I took it personally, but over time I realized that it was an opportunity to refine my communication skills. I learned to listen more intently to clients’ concerns, ask the right questions, and present my advice in a way that connects with their personal goals. That experience made me more resilient, and today, I make sure every client fully understands the value of the advice I’m providing before moving forward.
How does public speaking fit into your life as a financial planner?
Public speaking is a natural extension of my work. I love connecting with people, whether it’s one-on-one or in a group setting. Presenting seminars allows me to reach a larger audience and make a complex subject like Social Security easy to understand. It’s about making financial literacy accessible, and I find that when people are educated, they feel more confident in their decisions. Public speaking is also a creative outlet for me, like performing music. It’s about engaging, inspiring, and delivering a message that resonates.
What’s one habit that keeps you productive?
Daily goal-setting is key for me. Every morning, I review my goals, whether they’re for the day, the week, or the month. It keeps me on track, helps me prioritize, and ensures that I’m moving forward. I’ve found that without a clear sense of direction, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds. Keeping a balance between personal and professional goals also keeps me motivated.
When you’re feeling unmotivated or stuck, how do you get back on track?
I head outdoors. Whether it’s a quick paddle on the water or a walk in the woods, being in nature clears my mind. I also go back to basics—exercise, reading motivational material, and tackling the hardest task on my list first. I find that once I’ve made progress on something challenging, the rest of my day falls into place more easily.
You’ve achieved significant milestones in both your personal and professional life. What are you most proud of?
Without a doubt, being married to my wife for 42 years is my greatest accomplishment. It’s a partnership that has brought me so much joy and stability. Professionally, I’m proud of the lives I’ve helped improve through my financial seminars and personal planning sessions. But at the end of the day, it’s my family that keeps me grounded and reminds me what success really means.