Joseph R. Zingone, CFE is Chief Economist for Realistic Economist
Having spent close to four decades working with retirees, their families, and companies, Joe brings a wealth of experience for all to benefit. Joe started his career with Prudential, ultimately rising to the level of economist. For nearly a decade, he designed and presented programs for William Paterson University’s School of Adult and Continuing Education. As a Certified Financial Educator (CFE) and registry member through the national non-profit Heartland Institute for Financial Education located in Denver, Joe provides ongoing financial education to corporations, their employees, and the general public.
He has written eight books. Current titles include: The Survivor’s Guide, Simple Ways to Manage Your Money—Harness the Power of Budgeting and Build Your Financial Foundation, Social-in-Security, The Road You’re On, and The Bad and Ugly: Eight Retirement Income Risks. His ninth book, The Accountant Always Keeps Score, will be released in late 2021.
Holding a degree in accounting, Joe is certified by the NJ Department of Education as having completed the prerequisites to obtaining a CPA certification by examination or reciprocity. This background and an MS in Economics are used extensively in his books, and ongoing education.
Joe has been married to his high school sweetheart, Kathy (for the last 100 years) and together they have four children, five grandchildren, two cats, and they reside in Morris County, NJ.
Kathleen Zingone, CEO Advanced Planning Concepts
For the last 35 years, Kathy has been working primarily with women allowing them to retire with dignity. Women have many times been treated as second class citizens when it comes to financial and planning issues. They often take the back seat to males with their finances, suffering much discrimination and financial loss due to raising a family or caring for aged relatives.
A few years after her oldest daughter was born, Kathy went into a car dealership to buy a new car. The sales person was polite but refused to talk business with a woman and her child in a stroller. He said to Kathy “why don’t you come back with your husband and we will help you then.” This remark pushed Kathy to start Advanced Planning Concepts (APC) in 1985. APC attends to the affairs of giving woman equality, financial education, and ultimately, retirement dignity. APC has empowered women and families all over the state of New Jersey for over 35 years.
Kathy has been married to Joe since 1977 and together they have four children, five grandchildren, two cats, and they reside in Morris County, NJ.
Dan Di Francesco
Dan has been an advisor in the investment industry for over 31 years serving the needs of clients in every aspect of their financial lives. Dan has a strongly held belief, that education and honest straightforward advice, provides the best underpinning for a successful financial plan.
Slightly over a decade ago he partnered with Joe as his practice evolved to serving the needs of pre-retirees and retired individuals, helping to empower themselves to take control and feel confident regarding their financial future.
Dan uses his many years experience as an investment profession to help shape retirees golden years.
Dan has been married for 42 years and has two sons (no grandkids yet) and lives in NY.