Blog
Client 1st Financial and Keystone Financial Management Donate 550+ Pounds of Food to New Bethany Inc
The April 9 food drive collected items for New Bethany Inc., a local nonprofit dedicated to hunger and homelessness services.
Read MoreHow Client 1st Financial’s Board of Directors Is Changing The Course for Financial Planning Firms
How Client 1st Financial's Board of Directors Is Changing The Course for Financial Planning Firms. When we started our firm in 2011, our vision of putting our clients' interests at the center of our work came naturally. But as time...
Read MoreLessons from a 38-Year Career
Looking back over the last 38 years of my career, I feel tremendous pride in the insights I’ve gained along the way. Through mistakes, milestones, and experiences, each has taught me powerful lessons that have shaped how I operate...
Read MoreThe Six Stages of Charitable Giving
Philanthropic giving is a great way to give back to your community and the causes you care about, but knowing where to start can often stop people from making an impact. At Client 1st Financial, we know that philanthropy is personal,...
Read MoreMichael J. Fischer Receives Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) Designation
The prestigious designation reflects Fischer’s commitment to helping individuals and families make a lasting impact on their communities and the causes they care about.Client 1st Financial announced that Michael J. Fischer has...
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Client 1st Financial’s President, CEO Earns Osaic Ovation Recognition
Michael J. Fischer president and CEO of Client 1st Financial has earned qualification for the prestigious Osaic Ovation Conference.
Read MoreEITC Giving: Turning Tax Dollars Into Community Impact
The EITC allows those who qualify to claim a 90% credit against the state tax they already owe and apply it to approved educational nonprofit organizations.
Read MoreThe Benefits of Partnering with a Community Foundation for Charitable Giving
For many people, giving back starts with a simple question: How can I make a meaningful difference close to home?
Read MoreLehigh Valley Business Names Michael J. Fischer a Recipient of the 2025 Icon Honors
Lehigh Valley Business recognized Michael J. Fischer, president and CEO of Client 1st Financial, as a 2025 Icon Honors recipient during an awards celebration on...
Read MoreThe Pros and Cons of Having a Trust
At Client 1st Financial, we believe that estate planning should reflect your life, values and long-term vision, not just your assets. A trust can be one of the most effective tools in building that plan, but like any financial strategy...
Read MorePlanning for Family-Owned Businesses
At Client 1st Financial, we help to build and protect your legacy, and that’s not just for individuals and families. Considering the legacy of your family-owned business is critical to ensure future success, whether that means succession
Read MoreClient 1st Financial Gifts $35K Through NAP to Support a Local Nonprofit
Client 1st Financial, donated $35,000 to New Bethany Inc. through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s 2024-25 Neighborhood Assistance Program: Special Program Priorities
Read MoreInvesting in Expertise: The Long-Term Value of an Advisor Fee
How much would you pay to make sure you can afford to send your child to college? To pay off your most significant debts? To ensure a comfortable retirement? How does 1% of the value of your assets sound?
Read MoreLeadership in Action: A Year of Client 1st Community Impact
We can’t believe it either: it’s already time for a 2024 year in review! This year has been full of meaningful work and community engagement for Client 1st Financial.
Read MoreA Thank You To Our Family, Friends, and Clients
Dear Family, Friends, and Clients, As we enter this season of gratitude, I am reminded of the countless blessings surrounding me and am filled with a deep sense of thankfulness. This time of year offers us a moment to pause, reflect,...
Read MoreDebunking Five Common Myths About Working with a Financial Advisor
When someone considers working with a financial advisor, many questions may arise. Am I ready to work with one? Will they judge me for my financial situation? Do I have enough money to make it worthwhile? Is it too risky? All of these...
Read MoreProtecting Your Loved Ones with Life Insurance
An important aspect of financial planning is preparing for what happens after you’re gone. It’s a tough topic, but setting up a plan is vital for your spouse, children, and other dependents to be in good hands if something happens to...
Read MoreClient 1st Financial Gifts $30,000 to Support Local Organizations
Both recipients are deeply involved in the local community. Fogelsville, Pa. (July 29, 2024)— Client 1st Financial, a trusted financial advisory firm in Lehigh Valley, donated $30,000 through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit...
Read MoreWhy Social Advocacy is Crucial for All Businesses
We’re sure you’ve heard of the phrase “corporate social responsibility,” abbreviated as CSR. Businesses use this philosophy to create meaningful societal change, whether for an individual, its community, or a national/international...
Read MoreLegacy Through the Eyes of My Child
Dana Nicole Fischer, my daughter, was born on March 18, 2002. She made us all proud on May 4, 2024, when she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Pennsylvania State University. I graduated from Penn State...
Read MoreLocal Financial Professional Recognized for Top Performance by Osaic Wealth Inc.
Michael J. Fischer, CLU, ChFC, CASL, AIF, President, and CEO of Client 1st Financial, a member of Osaic Wealth Inc. (Osaic) recently qualified for the Osaic Ovation Conference, one of the highest honors that Osaic bestows on financial...
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The Benefits of Working with a Financial Advisor
For many adults, strategizing their finances is a scary thought. They might not know where to start, or they might not know if they should trust a third party for help. At Client 1st Financial, we deeply understand these reservations...
Read MoreImpact Investing: Making Money While Making A Difference
Your wealth has the power to meaningfully impact the world. Whether passionate about the environment, the arts, or human welfare, leveraging your wealth through impact investing creates positive, measurable social and economic change...
Read MoreAmplify Your Charitable Impact with Donor-Advised Funds
As a charitable giver, it is important to find ways to refine your giving strategy and maximize the impact of your donations. A donor-advised fund (DAF), a philanthropic account that allows donors to contribute to charity, is a...
Read MoreDemystifying Donor-Advised Funds
Philanthropy is an important part of the wealth-management process. At Client 1st Financial, we believe in showing you that there are many ways to be a philanthropist, depending on your strategy. One way to give back is by using a...
Read MoreClient 1st Foundation Announces 2023 Award Recipients
Michael J. Fischer, CLU, ChFC, CASL, AIF, President and CEO of Client 1st Financial, and a member of Osaic, announced the 2023 Client 1st Foundation grant has gifted a total of $10,000 to eight local nonprofits. Clients and...
Read MoreMichael Fischer Recognized for Top Performance by Royal Alliance
Michael J. Fischer, CLU, ChFC, CASL, AIF, president and CEO of Client 1st Financial, a member of Osaic Wealth, Inc. (Osaic), recently qualified for the Osaic Royal Court, one of the highest honors that Osaic bestows on financial...
Read MoreAligning Your Values: Incorporating Philanthropy into Financial Planning
70% of Americans say they plan to change their lifestyles in the next year to make a more positive impact on the world. Those who value sustainability may begin shopping local or opting for reusable grocery bags. Meanwhile, donating...
Read MorePlanning for the Future: Charitable Giving and Estate Planning
Philanthropy has a special place in Americans’ hearts. Last year, over 499.33 billion dollars and 8.7 billion hours of time were given to charitable organizations. Philanthropy also has a special place in financial planning. At...
Read MoreTax Benefits of Charitable Giving
Giving has the power to change lives. No matter how big or small the donation, every dollar makes a difference, from giving a child the opportunity to go to school to feeding a family in your neighborhood. Client 1st Financial...
Read MoreTeaching Generosity: Instilling Philanthropic Values in the Next Generation
Recent studies have found that people who participate in philanthropy experience greater overall happiness, lower stress levels, better physical health, and a heightened sense of connection to others. As parents, we strive to...
Read MoreLeaving a Lasting Gift: A Guide to Effective Legacy Planning
Legacy planning is about more than just our own lifetime; it involves considering the impact we leave behind for future generations. By shaping our financial resources and aligning our values, we can make a lasting influence. Whether...
Read MoreWhat is Legacy Planning & Why Should You Care About It?
Merriam-Webster defines legacy as “something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor.” We all have a responsibility to handle our own legacies for those who come after us. They aren’t unique to the...
Read MoreMichael Fischer on WFMZ with Eve Russo
President & CEO, Michael Fischer, was recently on WMFZ 69 News at Sunrise with Eve Russo to discuss legacy planning.Watch the segment here!
Read MoreInvestment Portfolio Tips for Beginners
When you have minimal financial experience, the word “investing” can be daunting, and building an investment portfolio might sound even scarier. An investment portfolio is a collection of assets, including stocks, bonds,...
Read MoreMichael J. Fischer Achieves Prestigious Top of the Table MDRT Qualification
Michael J. Fischer of local Client 1st Financial C1F in Fogelsville, PA has qualified for Top of the Table, a coveted milestone achievement for their membership in the MDRT. Fischer’s membership equips them with tools and...
Read MoreMistakes to Avoid When Saving for Retirement
Saving for retirement throughout your working life is extremely important. Every person does it a little differently, depending on income, hobbies, family situations, and more. Without proper savings, you will likely feel restricted or...
Read MoreThe Pros and Cons of Early Retirement
Retirement: that time we think about for most of our professional lives, wondering what it will be like to have exponentially more downtime, not to have to ask for days off, and to do the things you enjoy most. When work has been a...
Read MoreClient 1st Financial President & CEO Steps into Leadership Role of Bethlehem Board
As a local financial firm, Client 1st Financial (C1F) heavily emphasizes charitable giving and community service. The firm’s leadership team shares the same values. Michael J. Fischer, C1F president and CEO, has recently been...
Read MoreHow to Raise Financially Responsible Children
For most children, money is an abstract concept. Maybe they equate it with swiping a card or receiving a birthday gift, but they probably lack an understanding of financial decisions, savings, and its real value. By teaching them...
Read MoreBenefits of Charitable Giving
At Client 1st Financial, we firmly believe in the importance of supporting those in our community, so much so that philanthropic planning is one of our four primary services. We see it as a crucial way to use your capital for causes...
Read MoreClient 1st Financial Provides Funds to Grant for Bethlehem Nonprofit
Client 1st Financial (C1F) has contributed $35,000 to New Bethany Ministries (NBM) through Pennsylvania’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP). As the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to affect the Lehigh Valley...
Read MoreRoyal Alliance Associates Recognizes Local Financial Professional for Exceptional Performance
Fogelsville, PA (June 5, 2022) Michael J. Fischer, CLU, ChFC, CASL, president and CEO of Client 1st Financial, a member of Royal Alliance Associates (RAA), recently attended the Royal Alliance Associates Royal Court Meeting at the...
Read MoreClient 1st Foundation Announces 2021 Award Recipients
Michael J. Fischer, CLU, ChFC, CASL, AIF, President and CEO of Client 1stFinancial, and a member of Royal Alliance Associates (RAA), recently announced the 2021 Client 1st Foundation grant awardees. Recipients were nominated by clients...
Read MoreMichael Fischer Recognized for Top Performance by Royal Alliance Associates
Michael J. Fischer, CLU, ChFC, CASL, AIF, President and CEO of Client 1st Financial, a member of Royal Alliance Associates (RAA), recently qualified for the Royal Alliance Associates Royal Court, one of the highest honors that RAA...
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