Partnership at the Center of Our Client’s Financial Lives
Zacharey J. Cerruti I Henry P. Cerruti I Nicholas A. Llerena
At Strategic Planning Associates, we deliver comprehensive planning, investment, and insurance services to help our clients plan for the life they want to live and realize a confident and secure financial future. We specialize in advanced financial planning for business professionals, business owners, and families with complex financial needs. Backed by Northwestern Mutual’s 160-year history, and as members of Northwestern Mutual’s Private Client Group, we combine the deep resources and expertise of Northwestern Mutual with our signature planning process to deliver tailored financial plans and wealth management solutions.
Hank Cerruti, Nick Llerena, and Zacharey Cerruti bring over 60 years of experience with Northwestern Mutual, building thriving wealth management practices. The partnership is based on our shared desire to deliver a unique client experience driven by the planning process. Strategic Planning Associates has grown to a team of fourteen dedicated professionals. Our credentials and professional designations include CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL®), Registered Employee Benefits Consultant (REBC®), Registered Health Underwriter (RHU), Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP®), Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®), and Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®).
We pride ourselves on being a team of dedicated professionals, who work collaboratively to help our clients plan for the life they want to live.
Henry P Cerruti CFP®, ChFC®, AEP®
Founder, Partner and Private Wealth Advisor
As Founder, Partner and Private Wealth Advisor of Strategic Planning Associates, Hank has helped clients gain clarity around their planning needs for nearly four decades. He believes in getting to know his clients personally, professionally, and financially and always asks “what do you imagine financial independence will look like?” His intense desire to get to know his clients’ needs and goals makes him so adept at planning for their financial independence.
Hank joined Northwestern Mutual in 1985, after attending Syracuse University. He became a Wealth Management Advisor in 2008 and today offers both fee-based planning and asset management services. Hank is a Million Dollar Roundtable qualifying/life member, Forum member and has received numerous industry and company awards. He has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL®), Registered Employee Benefits Consultant (REBC®), Registered Health Underwriter (RHU), Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®), and Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®) professional designations.
Born and raised in New Jersey to Italian immigrants, Hank is married to Kimberley, and they have two children, Zacharey and Amanda and a brand-new daughter-in-law, Kayla. Zach has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2017 and has recently joined the firm as a partner. After graduating from Ithaca college with a degree in Communications and a stellar volleyball career, his daughter is currently living in California working as a Producer for Access Hollywood. In his spare time, Hank enjoys golfing, hiking, fishing, and traveling with his family, colleagues, and friends.
Designations
CFP®, ChFC®, AEP®
Nicholas A LLerena CFP®, ChFC®, CASL®, AEP®, RICP®
Partner and Private Wealth Advisor
Nicholas LLerena is a Principal of Strategic Planning Associates. For over 21 years, Nicholas has been challenging his clients to plan for financial security. Not only does he help clients achieve their goals but does so in a manner that reduces stress and provides a greater sense of empowerment.
As a graduate of Binghamton University in 2002, Nick joined Northwestern Mutual eventually becoming a Wealth Management Advisor. Nick is a Million Dollar Roundtable qualifying/life member. Believing in the value of education, he has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional certification, Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL®), Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®), and Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®) professional designations.
Born and raised in Queens to immigrant parents from Colombia and Peru, Nicholas was exposed to and continues to value different cultures and cuisines and it is one of the main reasons he loves to explore new restaurants with his family. Nicholas is married to Andrea, and they have two small children, Ford and Kennedy. Nicholas enjoys snowboarding, traveling, reading, listening to music, spending time with family and friends and a renewed passion for tennis which he strives to play at least 2 times per week.
Designations
CFP®, ChFC®, CASL®, AEP®, RICP®
Zacharey J. Cerruti CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP®
Partner and Private Wealth Advisor
Zach, a Partner and Private Wealth Advisor with Strategic Planning Associates, focuses his relationship around developing a deep understanding of his client’s goals and vision for their financial success. He believes in acting as his client’s Financial CEO taking on the task of financial planning in order to give them the time to spend focusing on their families and careers.
Zach started his career with Northwestern Mutual in 2015 as a Financial Representative Intern while pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Finance at Marist College. Upon graduation in 2017, Zach officially launched his practice as a Financial Advisor. Within 3 years Zach earned his CFP® designation, making him a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. He also holds the ChFC®, CLU® and RICP® designations.
Recently married, Zacharey enjoys spending time with his wife Kayla and dog Odin. He enjoys his free time restoring his classic ’71 Datsun 240Z, golfing, reading, snowboarding, and running.
Designations
CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP®