About Balanced Financial Concepts
Balance is the key to leading a fulfilling life. Just as in life, balance is critical to building a confident financial future and enjoying a comfortable retirement.
Balanced Financial Concepts (BFC) was founded in 1987 on the idea that a financial advisor should be truly independent. As an independent financial services firm, we have the ability to make decisions based on what’s best for you. Being independent means that we believe in partnering with our clients to determine what is and isn’t a good fit for them–and by doing so we can truly align ourselves with clients’ goals.
Our Process
One size fits all? Hardly.
First, we begin with the end in mind. (Thank you, Stephen Covey.*) Where do you want to be 1 year from now? 5 years from now? 10 years from now? Your situation and vision are as unique as you are. And your financial path should be too.
Do you know why you own the investments you do and the role each plays in your financial picture?
This is your money, so we make sure you understand your portfolio, the strategy in place and how it intends to accomplish your goals. We carve out a path forward and help you maintain the discipline required to follow it, serving as your coaches along the way.
*7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey.
Your Team
Gautam M. Pai, CWS®, AIF®
Gautam joined Balanced Financial Concepts in 2009 to eventually take over the business his father started in 1987.
Gautam specializes in providing customized financial guidance for the unique situations of his select group of clients. His goal – above all else – is to keep life simple for clients and help them navigate their finances in a logical and easy-to-understand way.
In 2016, Gautam earned both is CERTIFIED WEALTH STRATEGIST® and ACCREDITED INVESTMENT FIDUCIARY® designations. The CWS designation enables him to bridge any gaps in a client’s overall financial plan. The AIF designation further reinforces his role as fiduciary for all clients, putting them first no matter what.
To provide clients with a small-team experience with big-company resources, Balanced Financial Concepts is part of the Prosperity Network of Advisors, a national firm based in Overland Park, KS. The clients of Balanced Financial Concepts will have the resources of more than 150 financial advisors standing behind them, overseeing over $5 Billion of combined assets.
Gautam is a graduate of The Ohio State University. He is a past President of and served on the Board of Directors for The Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club - one of Cleveland's largest young professional organizations. During his down time, he enjoys reading, tennis, time with family, and anything active or outdoors.
Gautam and his wife, Rhonda, live in Twinsburg with their son, Monroe, and their dog, Cupcake.
LinkedIn Bio
Carrie Vitale
Client Service Specialist
Caroline (Carrie) Vitale joined Balanced Financial Concepts in 2018.
With previous experience in the industry and a depth of related knowledge, Carrie understands that the financial industry is constantly changing and strives to build meaningful client relationships. She has a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Case Western Reserve University and an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University.
You can contact Carrie directly if you have questions regarding:
- Account maintenance or transition for new clients, new account paperwork, changes to accounts or account updates.
- Tracking account activity and getting updates on recent account maintenance
- Updating contact information
In her free time, Carrie attempts to practice yoga. She enjoys attending Indians and Cavs games. She lives in Lyndhurst.
Kym Lunardi
An alumna from Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio with a B.A. in International Business, Kym enjoys the fast-paced scene of the financial world combined with building meaningful client relationships. With 5 1/2 years of experience in the financial industry, she takes great pride in her drive to provide exceptional client care and to be an integral part of a successful team. She is also a Notary Public.
Kym typically answer the phones, but you can contact her directly if you need help with:
- Scheduling and/or confirming a meeting or phone call with Gautam, including sending any required meeting materials ahead of time
- Tracking account activity and getting updates on recent account changes
- Updating any contact information (address, phone, email, etc.)
- Questions about our e-mail newsletter, website, and/or Social Media
- Speaker Programs – let her know if there is a topic you would like to see covered!
In her free time, Kym enjoys traveling, mountain biking, gardening, and going to concerts. She lives in Solon with her husband of 20+ years and their two sons.
Fanitta R. Ballard
Client Service Administrator
Fanitta has been with Balanced Financial Concepts since 2008.
She is integral to the team, as she is responsible for all new and existing client service administration. She oversees business processing, client service, account maintenance, and account-related inquiries. She has a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a focus on Graphic Design from Cleveland State University. It is Fanitta's critical eye and attention to detail which makes her an asset here at Balanced Financial Concepts.
You can contact Fanitta directly if you have questions regarding:
- Account maintenance or transition for existing clients, account paperwork, changes to accounts or account updates
- Tracking account activity and getting updates on recent account maintenance
- In-force insurance policies and in-process insurance applications
Fanitta lives in Solon with her daughter, Mckenzey, and enjoys laughing, painting, baking, cooking, outdoors, and family.
Mukund G. Pai
Registered Representative
Mukund has over 30 years as an investment professional and started Balanced Financial Concepts in 1987.
He holds a Master's degree in Engineering from Cleveland State University and a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from the University of Bombay in India.
In his spare time, he enjoys volunteering as a RedCoat at the Playhouse, at Bedford Medical Center, Meals on Wheels, and at the Cleveland International Film Festival. He also spends as much time as possible with his grand-dog, Cupcake. You can't tell from the picture, but you will know soon...Mukund loves Pink Floyd!
He lives in Solon with his wife, Surekha. They are both thrilled with their roles as Abu and Amma to their grandson, Monroe. Mukund also enjoys his position in the office as CEO: Chief Entertainment Officer.
