Scott Coopersmith

I believe that people need more than just financial advice—they require clarity when life feels chaotic, structure when everything is shifting, and a place where everything connects. This belief inspired me to create SDA Wealth Strategies, where I focus on simplifying the complex and helping people build plans they can trust.

My vision for SDA has always been simple: to help people live a financially empowered life.

I grew up in a small town, watching my parents run a business grounded in trust and service. A high school business law class—and Oliver Stone’s Wall Street—sparked my interest in financial markets. It wasn’t the “greed is good” line; it was the idea that money could change lives—and that someone like me could be part of that.

After earning my finance degree from Ithaca College, I began my career at Marsh & McLennan before eventually transitioning into wealth management at Smith Barney and MetLife. In 2012, I launched my independent practice to provide a more integrated and personal approach. Today, I serve as a wealth manager and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), often acting as a financial advocate during emotionally charged transitions. I am also pursuing certification as a mediator to offer neutral guidance when necessary.

The name SDA stands for Simplify, Design, Advocate, and it reflects the initials of me and my two kids, Daniel and Alexa. The business was created with them in mind; everything I do is rooted in family. Over time, many clients have transitioned into friends—and have become like family themselves.

My wife, Gena, and I first met at Ithaca College. After reconnecting post-divorce, we’re raising four teenagers in a blended family that keeps us learning daily. We split our time between New York and Richmond, Virginia, until the kids graduate—and we’re excited to see what’s next.

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family, including our mini golden doodle, Rosie—named after the Springsteen song “Rosalita.” I’m a music lover, a hobby photographer (many of the photos on this site are mine), and a long-suffering Mets, Knicks, and Giants fan.

After losing my grandfather to Alzheimer’s in 2000, I started volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association and later worked in marketing and fundraising for a social service agency based in Brooklyn. I have stayed active in causes dear to my heart, including cancer support and research.

“One step at a time” has become my personal mantra—something I use to stay grounded and frequently share with clients. When life feels uncertain, the next small, intentional step often matters most.