Wesley Howard Triani is a highly experienced financial planner based in Bayport, NY, with over 43 years of expertise in Social Security and retirement planning. His journey began in Lindenhurst, Long Island, where he learned the values of hard work and service to others from his parents, both of whom were active in the community. After earning degrees in Food Technology from Farmingdale College and Psychology from SUNY Stony Brook, Wesley embarked on a career in financial services, where his focus on persistence, personal growth, and community engagement has been central to his success. Alongside his professional achievements, Wesley is an avid outdoorsman, spiritual seeker, and dedicated family man who believes that true success encompasses balance in all areas of life.
What does success look like to you?
Success, to me, is a multifaceted concept. It’s not just about reaching professional milestones or financial goals—it’s about living a balanced life where you’re growing personally, contributing to others, and finding fulfillment in the relationships that matter most. From a professional standpoint, success means helping my clients achieve financial security, especially when it comes to Social Security and retirement planning. Knowing that I’ve helped someone navigate these often-confusing waters and set themselves up for a secure future is incredibly rewarding.
But success is much broader than that. It’s about balance—finding time for family, maintaining your health, nurturing your spiritual life, and still being able to serve your community. I’ve been married to my wife for over 42 years, and that’s one of my proudest achievements. It’s a success that comes from love, commitment, and working together toward common goals. So, to me, success looks like a life well-lived in all areas—professionally, personally, and spiritually.
How has your approach to success changed over the years?
Early in my career, I think I measured success more traditionally—by promotions, recognition, and the number of clients I could bring in. And while those are important, I’ve come to realize that success is about longevity, consistency, and how well you serve others over the long haul. My persistence in the face of challenges has been a key factor in my success. I’ve had clients reject my advice, and early on, that would’ve felt like a failure. But I’ve learned that success is about continuing to show up, continuing to educate, and sticking to what you know is in the client’s best interest.
Over time, I’ve also grown to appreciate the quieter aspects of success—spending time in nature, taking joy in the small moments, and deepening my spiritual practice. I’ve read the Bible 28 times, and each time it gives me new insights. That, to me, is a personal success—continuing to grow and deepen my understanding of life and my place in it.
What role does service play in your definition of success?
Service is central to everything I do, both in my career and in my personal life. Growing up, my parents were always involved in the community, and that’s something that stayed with me. I believe that success is not just about what you achieve for yourself but about the impact you have on others. In my role as a financial planner, I view myself as a guide for my clients, helping them make decisions that will benefit them and their families for years to come.
Outside of work, I’ve always been involved in community service, whether it’s through the Boy Scouts, where I’ve been honored with the Silver Beaver Award, or through environmental initiatives like Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly. Success, for me, is about leaving the world a little better than you found it, and I strive to do that in both my professional and personal life.
What’s been one of the most significant challenges in your career, and how did it shape your perspective on success?
One of the biggest challenges in my career has been overcoming setbacks with clients who initially rejected my advice. There have been times when I was certain a financial or retirement plan was the best option for a client, but they didn’t see it that way at first. Early in my career, I might have taken that as a failure. But over time, I learned that persistence is key. I would follow up, provide more information, and eventually, many of those clients reconsidered.
That experience taught me that success isn’t about getting it right the first time—it’s about staying committed to the process and continuing to show up, even when things don’t go as planned. It shaped my view of success as something long-term, built over time through consistent effort and dedication.
How do you stay motivated after more than four decades in the financial services industry?
I stay motivated by the impact I can have on people’s lives. Financial planning, especially Social Security and retirement planning, is personal. People are trusting you with their future, their dreams, and their peace of mind. Knowing that I can help someone secure a comfortable retirement or navigate complex financial decisions keeps me going. There’s nothing quite like seeing the relief on a client’s face when they realize they’re in good hands.
On a personal level, my motivation comes from continuing to grow. I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself, whether it’s through reading, learning something new, or spending time outdoors. Nature, especially canoeing and kayaking, offers me the space to clear my head and refocus. I believe that when you’re motivated by growth and service, both professionally and personally, you never really run out of fuel.
How does your philosophy of persistence influence the advice you give to your clients?
Persistence is at the heart of my approach to both life and financial planning. When I work with clients, I remind them that success doesn’t happen overnight. Whether you’re building a retirement portfolio, planning for Social Security, or paying down debt, you have to stay the course. There will be ups and downs, market fluctuations, and unexpected expenses, but persistence is what carries you through.
I also encourage clients to be persistent in their learning. Financial literacy is crucial to making informed decisions, and I see my role as an educator as much as an advisor. I want my clients to feel empowered, not overwhelmed, by their financial future. Persistence in planning, saving, and staying informed is what will lead to long-term success.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone striving for success in both their personal and professional life?
Set goals in all areas of your life, not just in your career. It’s easy to get caught up in chasing professional success, but real fulfillment comes from balancing all aspects of your life. Set personal goals for your health, your relationships, your personal growth, and your spiritual well-being. And don’t just set those goals—revisit them regularly and hold yourself accountable.
Also, don’t be afraid of setbacks. They’re inevitable, and they don’t define you. It’s how you respond to them that shapes your success. Stay persistent, stay focused on your goals, and always keep the bigger picture in mind. Success is a journey, not a destination, and the more you can find balance and growth along the way, the more rewarding that journey will be.
Wesley Howard Triani’s unique blend of professional expertise, personal integrity, and deep community involvement make him a powerful advocate for his clients. His emphasis on persistence, balance, and service offers a model for long-term success in both life and career.