Steve De Cesare

A photo of Steve De Cesare in a suit and tie against a city skyline

A Legacy of Trust and Transformation at De Cesare Retirement Specialists

Finance wasn’t just a career choice—it was in my blood. Growing up, I watched my mother, a trailblazing independent financial advisor since the 1990s, build a practice rooted in trust and service. After earning my finance degree and spending two years in a corporate cubicle, I knew the 9-to-5 grind wasn’t my path. A pivotal conversation with my mom changed everything. During a vacation week in March 2000, I studied relentlessly, passed the investment industry licensing exam, and joined her practice with a fire to make a difference.

Together, we founded Independence Financial Group, LLC, later to become De Cesare Retirement Specialists in New Jersey, driven by a bold vision: to offer fee-based, client-first financial planning rather than the transactional model that dominated the industry. Tragically, my mother’s life was cut short by cancer in 2003, but her legacy of loyal clients and unwavering care lived on. I stepped into her shoes, blending her seasoned clientele with my younger, ambitious clients. This vibrant mix of generations—each with unique dreams, from funding a grandchild’s education to launching a second career—fueled our growth. Long-term clients stayed with our family business, trusting us to guide them through life’s transitions.

A Commitment to Excellence

Five years into my journey, I earned the prestigious Certified Financial Planner™ designation, mastering rigorous coursework and passing the board exam. This milestone, along with my membership in the Financial Planning Association, deepened my ability to serve clients with clarity and expertise. As the industry evolved, I steered De Cesare Retirement Specialists toward a fiduciary, fee-based model, focusing on retirement planning and life transitions. This shift wasn’t just a business decision—it was a promise to always put our clients’ dreams first.
Over 25 years, I’ve forged deep, trusted relationships with clients, becoming their go-to advisor for life’s biggest financial decisions. From navigating complex tax strategies to crafting estate plans that secure legacies, I simplify the intricate, solve tough challenges, and communicate with clarity.

Living with Passion, Leading by Example

My Italian heritage and my mother’s influence shaped more than my career—they defined my zest for life. As a child, family trips to Switzerland and northern Italy at age 12 opened my eyes to new cultures, languages, and cuisines. Those experiences, paired with my great-grandfather’s legacy as an Italian butcher and my grandfather’s continuation of that craft in America, cemented food as the heart of our family. As a proud member of the National Italian-American Foundation, I honor the courage of my ancestors who took a leap of faith to build a better life in America, bringing with them enduring culinary traditions.

My mother’s untimely passing at a young age reshaped my priorities. As a young advisor balancing a new career and marriage, I leaned into the values she instilled: health, family, and purpose. Today, I carry forward her traditions—cooking family recipes, gathering loved ones around the table, and teaching my children the importance of connection. Fitness and competition, ingrained in me from youth, remain my anchors; I stay active, compete in sports, and make time to travel with my family. These choices aren’t just personal—they’re a blueprint I share with clients, inspiring them to prioritize what truly matters.

At De Cesare Retirement Specialists, we don’t just plan for retirement—we empower you to live richly, chase your dreams, and leave a legacy. Ready to write your own success story? Let’s make your future as vibrant as your aspirations!