About Us
Our Story
People First, Numbers Second.
When you work with Millstone Financial Group, we get to know you on a deeper level, so you’re more than a managed portfolio—you’re family. The financial concerns, goals, and perspectives you have are deeply personal, and we start our process by learning what those look like for you. So when we say, “people first, numbers second,” we mean every word.
As financial planners in Central New Jersey, we specialize in retirement planning and investment management. With over 50 years of combined experience in the financial industry, we’ve assisted with a wide variety of retirement scenarios. No matter your goals and concerns, our mission remains the same: to help pre-retirees and retirees on an individual basis and guide them through retirement with a trusted advisor.
Trust
We build each relationship on a foundation of trust. We’ll start by getting to know your goals and concerns and then maintaining high fiduciary standards by acting in your best interests.
Integrity
As fiduciaries, we’re legally obligated to hold your financial interests above our own at all times. You can count on us to do what’s right for you.
Solutions
As an independent financial advisory firm, we’re able to offer custom retirement planning strategies that you won’t find at large corporate firms. The solution you get is tailored to your financial situation.
You have our word
When you choose to work with us, you become part of the Millstone Family. This family won’t let you face your financial pressures alone. Our chief concern is building a relationship where you feel comfortable relying on us for financial advice and wealth management strategies that guide you toward the retirement life you’ve been dreaming of.
Meet
Our Leadership
Don Albach
president
With over 26 years of experience in the financial industry, Don specializes in retirement planning, crafting strategic retirement income plans to steer clients towards financial independence. A graduate of Norwich University, the nation’s oldest private military college, Don has dedicated his entire career to the financial services sector, having contributed his expertise to First Boston, MetLife, and C&A Financial Group.
Don met Michael Russo while they were working at MetLife, and in 2003, both Don and Mike transitioned to C&A Financial Group, where they spent the subsequent decade. It was during this tenure that they recognized the need for a specialized firm exclusively focusing on retirement income planning, leading to the establishment of Millstone Financial Group in 2012.They both had a desire to help people navigate the complexities of retirement and created Millstone Financial to do just that.
Don currently lives in Monroe Township, NJ, with his wife, Tina, to whom he has been married since 1992. They have three children together: Paige, Donny, and Ally. Don’s two passions are sailing and watching college football, and he also enjoys cooking Sunday dinner for his family.
Michael Russo
Chief Financial Officer
Bringing over three decades of industry expertise, Mike is dedicated to providing clients with robust investment management philosophies and retirement distribution strategies aimed at safeguarding their financial well-being throughout retirement. A graduate of Montclair State University with a degree in Business Administration and a focus on Finance, Mike garnered over a decade of valuable experience at Brown Brothers Harriman and MetLife.
During his time at MetLife, Mike crossed paths with Donald Albach, leading to the founding of Millstone Financial Group. Together, they established a mission to guide individuals through the intricacies of retirement planning.
Mike’s upbringing in a modest household, where family always came first, shaped his values and integrity. He credits his success to the unwavering work ethic instilled by his parents. Since 1992, Mike has been happily married to his wife, Maryann, and together, they reside in Howell with their three children: Matt, Craig, and Kellie. Mike is an avid sports fan and golfer. He is also a member of Battleground Country Club and enjoys being out on the course or having dinner with good friends and clients.
Meet
Our Expert team
Barry is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM Practitioner (CFP®) at Millstone Financial Group and has worked in the financial services industry since 1984. Barry has extensive experience helping individuals with comprehensive financial planning, including retirement income planning, Social Security planning, 401(k) and IRA distribution strategies, and estate planning. Barry graduated from Rutgers University and then attended the College for Financial Planning, where he earned his CFP® certification.
He currently lives in Branchburg, NJ, with his wife, Karen. Together, they have two boys, Daniel and Evan. When he’s not working, you can find him golfing, bicycling, and enjoying the outdoors
Kevin is an experienced Financial Advisor at Millstone Financial Group, specializing in retirement planning and investment management. A Rider University graduate in Finance, Kevin utilized the Post-9/11 GI Bill after his honorable discharge from the United States Navy. His military service included a five-year tenure in Jacksonville, FL, during which he was deployed for nine months to patrol the Persian Gulf, gaining invaluable experience in diverse financial landscapes.
Kevin’s financial career began at Merrill Lynch, where he served as a Financial Solutions Advisor for seven years. There, he excelled in providing tailored financial advice, creating sophisticated brokerage and retirement portfolios, and becoming a trusted resource for optimizing 401(k) plans.
Driven by a passion for helping clients secure their financial futures, Kevin now focuses on managing IRAs and 401(k) accounts, as well as retirement strategies and wealth management services at Millstone Financial Group. His unwavering commitment to his clients ensures his continued use of dynamic strategies that align with their unique financial goals.
Outside work, Kevin enjoys spending time with his partner Amanda and their daughters, Kiley and Savannah. An avid sports enthusiast, he loves cheering on his favorite teams and engaging in friendly competition on the golf course, baseball diamond, or basketball court.
Maryann Archesi
Client Service Manager
Maryann was born and raised in Morris County, NJ, and has been in the financial industry since 2002. She began her financial services career as an Agent and Registered Representative for New York Life. Prior to joining Millstone Financial Group as their Client Service Manager, Maryann worked with The Guardian Life Insurance Company as the Office Administrator and Recruiter in Tampa, FL, then as Executive Assistant to the General Agent in Wall, NJ.
Having worked in both sales and office management, Maryann brings her skills and experience to her current role of processing business and servicing clients at Millstone Financial Group, and firmly believes that service is not a department, but an attitude of kindness, integrity and professionalism. She is dedicated to always making her clients feel supported and important.
Maryann graduated in 1978 from The University of Fairleigh Dickinson with a degree in Business Administration, majoring in Business Law. She currently resides in Manchester, NJ and loves to read, cook, take long bike rides, and spend time at the Jersey Shore.
Juliana Murphy
MARKETING MANAGER
Juliana brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Marketing Manager at Millstone Financial Group. She joins the team with 30+ years of experience spanning business management, retail sales, and event planning.
As the driving force behind the company’s growth and success, Juliana’s leadership, innovative ideas, and unwavering dedication help propel the organization forward. She embodies the essence of Millstone Financial Group’s core values, exemplifying excellence, integrity, trust, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Juliana finds joy in both cherished moments with her family and exploring new destinations through travel. She is dedicated to diligently upholding a harmonious balance between her professional and personal life.
Plan Today for a Lifetime of tomorrows
We’ll help you set sail to and through retirement with customized retirement planning that fits your financial situation. Get started by scheduling your complimentary review.