Norman Politziner is a highly respected independent financial advisor whose deeply felt set of values - of family, personal accomplishment, and professional integrity - are all expressed in his work. A financial advisor and Certified Financial Plannerâ„¢ practitioner for more than 30 years, the 66-year-old Politziner entered the field after spending a decade in his father's business, and it was that experience - of handling the challenges small-business owners face, and of seeing his parents' own personal concerns after retiring from business -- that ultimately inspired him to become a financial advisor. His practice today, based in his hometown of Highland Park, assists accomplished professionals and business owners, many of whom have relied on him and his firm since the 1970s. Down-to-earth and with a gift for humor, Politziner (pronounced Pol-itz-EE-ner) stands in sharp contrast to less experienced competitors. He is a published author, lecturer, musician and lifelong veteran of the amateur stage, all a reflection of his rich and cultured upbringing. "I am the luckiest guy in the world," Politziner writes with affection in the 2005 book he co-authored on retirement planning, Living & Learning. "I grew up in a family filled with music, art and humor. Every day I awoke to music by Mozart, Brahms and Beethoven, and Broadway tunes from 'Oklahoma' to 'The Pajama Game'." In college he commuted to NYU, earning a BS in Business Administration; he later received his MBA from Rutgers. His first job: A coveted assistant buyer's position for Bloomingdale's. When a salesman fell ill in his father's toy-distribution business, Politziner returned and helped anchor the enterprise. After his parents retired, he considered a new course. He interviewed with 27 insurance firms, ultimately choosing the one which he felt would best support his business vision. There he stood out for his steadfast defense of his clients' interests. What's more, he eschewed the Chartered Life Underwriter designation, and instead pursued the broader designation, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER certification - the first at the company. "There's more to life than life insurance. I didn't want to be pigeonholed." Thus Politziner prepared himself for his own financial-advisory practice. These days his clients are a diverse group of accomplished business owners, professionals and physicians, with assets ranging from $1 million to $20 million. He adopts new technologies regularly; the latest allows clients to track all of their assets daily, even their frequent-flier miles. Nowadays Politziner is as selective of clients as they are of him - "I smile every time a client calls - that's the way we all want it to be." Over the years Politziner has been a part of no fewer than 30 plays and musicals. A favorite role: Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys & Dolls. "I'm the second banana a lot." Today Politziner himself sits on the board of directors of the professional George Street Playhouse of New Brunswick. Politziner, fit and trim, is a black belt in Kung Fu; he plays conga drums in a band at his temple. His wife of nearly 40 years, Dorothy Politziner, is the author of three children's musicals. The Politziners have known each other since she was in junior high school. She is "the biggest influence in my life," Politziner writes. "Every day we take a walk together. It's our chance to talk through all the matters of our lives." The parents of two grown daughters, they recently became grandparents. They live in Monroe Township.

DISCLOSURE: Norman J. Politziner is a Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative of Equity Services Inc. (ESI). Securities and investment advisory services are offered solely by Equity Services Inc. Broker/Dealer and Registered Investment Advisor affiliate of National Life Insurance Company, Montpelier, VT. Member FINRA/SIPC ( www.finra.org and www.sipc.org ). 7 East Frederick Place, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927. Telephone (973) 538-9100. All entities referenced are independent of ESI unless otherwise noted. CA Insurance license: 0661589. Tax advice is exclusive of Equity Services Inc. Approval #TC36467(1007)