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Our Story

Our financial planning firm has roots in a well-established accounting practice that serviced businesses and individuals in the Westerly, Rhode Island area. Stephen C Poplaski started the firm in 1980, providing traditional public accounting and tax services. Over the years, Steve found that his passion was working with business owners to help them streamline their operations and improve profitability.

After going through the planning process, the business owners would often be so pleased with the results that they asked Steve to provide the same level of analysis to their personal finances. So Steve set out to expand his knowledge leading him to become a Certified Financial PlannerTM professional, then on to graduate school and ultimately earning a PhD in Personal Finance from Kansas State University.

Our firm, Lighthouse Financial Management, LLC, officially opened its doors and started taking assets under management in 2003 as a state-registered adviser. As the business grew, Lighthouse began to add dedicated employees separate from the accounting firm to help provide services to our investment management clients. As a result, our complete team now includes several CFP practitioners and an Enrolled Agent, and the accounting firm solely exists to serve our Lighthouse clients.

Meet Our Experienced Team

Stephen C. Poplaski, PhD, CPA, CFP®

401-596-3392

401-596-3332

scp@lighthousefm.com

Stephen C. Poplaski, PhD, CPA, CFP® is a Certified Public Accountant, (CPA) and a Certified Financial Planner™ Practitioner, (CFP®). Stephen has been with Lighthouse Financial Management, LLC, since its starting date in...

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Maureen J. Poplaski, CFP®

401-596-3392

mjp@lighthousefm.com

Maureen J. Poplaski, RICP®, CFP® is a Certified Financial Planner™ Practitioner, and a Retirement Income Certified Professional®. Maureen works with our clients to design and implement effective retirement plans that...

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Aaron P. Wade

Aaron P. Wade is a Certified Financial Planner™ Practitioner who joined Lighthouse Financial Management, LLC in 2014 with prior work experience in a financial services firm. Aaron is responsible for providing ongoing support for...

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Paul Drechsler-Martell

Paul Drechsler-Martell is an Enrolled Agent who has been providing assistance to Lighthouse clients since 2011. Paul is responsible for assisting our clients with the preparation...

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Our Affiliations

National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)

The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) is the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors— highly trained professionals who are committed to working in the best interests of those they serve. Since 1983, Americans across the country have looked to NAPFA for access to financial professionals who meet the highest membership standards for professional competency, client-focused financial planning, and Fee-Only compensation.

Members of NAPFA are committed to the highest standards of proficiency in the industry and adhere to the NAPFA Fiduciary Oath.


American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)

As the national, professional organization for all Certified Public Accountants, the AICPA’s mission is to provide members with the resources, information, leadership, and tools that enable them to provide valuable services to benefit the public as well as employers and clients. From financial literacy to public policy issues and peer review transparency to audit committee effectiveness, the AICPA is working to ensure that the public remains confident in the integrity, objectivity, competence, and professionalism of CPAs.

Financial Planning Association (FPA)

The Financial Planning Association® (FPA®) is a professional organization for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professionals, educators, financial services providers and students who seek advancement in a growing, dynamic profession. FPA members adhere to the highest standards of professional competence, ethical conduct, and clear, complete disclosure to those they serve and take part in FPA’s One ConnectionTM for professional education, business success, advocacy and community at the national and chapter levels.