CERTA Story
CERTA Financial Planning was founded in 2019 by German Ramirez following more than 15 years as an industry veteran. Steven Balch joined the firm in 2022, bringing complementary experience and a shared philosophy around thoughtful, client-first planning. In 2024, Chris joined the team, further strengthening CERTA’s ability to serve clients with depth, continuity, and care. Today, CERTA is represented by a growing team of financial professionals with two offices serving clients across the South Florida market and the North Jersey / NYC metro area.
The meaning behind CERTA is intentional. Derived from the Latin root certus, it represents determination, dependability, and discernment, qualities that guide how we work with clients and how we approach every financial decision.
Just as building, preserving, and implementing wealth is a lifelong process, CERTA itself reflects the culmination of German’s and Steven’s professional journeys and lived experience within an increasingly complex financial landscape.
From German achieving financial independence at age 16 as the son of first-generation immigrants, to German and Steven’s early collaboration guiding clients through the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, to years spent “in the trenches” at both large institutions and boutique advisory firms, each chapter has shaped CERTA’s standard of client care. That standard is brought into every client conversation, every financial plan, and every investment decision, with the goal of helping clients move forward with clarity and confidence.
Meet the Team
Managing Director & Founder
German M. Ramirez, CFP®
German founded CERTA in 2019 based on his desire to create a firm founded on his long-standing vision to combine 21st-century guidance with time-tested financial planning and investment principles. Today, he delivers comprehensive financial planning and investment advisory services to CERTA's clientele based on his 20+ years of industry experience. Among his many experiences in the field, he has formerly held the position of co-founder and Chief Investment Officer at BluePrint Wealth Alliance, was nominated and served as part of the Chairman's Club during his time at Charles Schwab and has held client-facing roles at firms such as SunTrust, AXA-Equitable, and Mass Mutual. When not running the ship at CERTA, German – a proud father and husband – resides in South Florida with his wife Lorena and their children Emily and Jack.
Director of Financial Planning & Wealth Management
Steven C. Balch, CFP®
Steve Balch joined CERTA Financial Planning in 2022 as the head of Financial Planning and Wealth Management. Before joining CERTA, he was VP Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab for over a decade. While at Schwab, Steve focused on the financial planning and investment needs of 400 individuals and families, managing over $1 billion in client money.
Steve graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Business in Marketing and Finance and earned his CFP® certification in 2015. Steve resides in his home state of New Jersey with his wife and two children. In his free time, Steve can be found on the golf course, coaching his kids in sports, or working on his lawn, rain or shine.
Head of Business Development
Christopher Callaway, CFP®
Christopher Callaway joined CERTA Financial Planning in 2024 as Head of Business Development and a Personal Wealth Advisor. Prior to joining CERTA, he served as Vice President and Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab. In addition to his work at Schwab, Christopher supported high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients through the Schwab Advisor Network, providing sophisticated financial planning and investment guidance.
Christopher attended the University of Miami and Florida Atlantic University and earned his CFP® certification in 2016. A native of Florida, he resides in Miami Beach with his wife, Cynthia, and enjoys spending his free time on the ocean and playing with his retrievers.
Certa Financial Planning has partnered with Independent Financial Partners (IFP) to provide the technological, compliance, and operational support we need. Through our alliance with IFP, we have access to a wide variety of tools and resources to support plan sponsors, plan participants and private investors.
IFP fully supports advisor independence, allowing us to take advantage of the many services they offer while putting your interests above all else. We’re also able to leverage their network of financial advisors and subject matter experts from across the nation to help address even the most complex needs of our clients.
Independent Financial Partners is a broker-dealer and registered investment adviser based out Tampa, Florida. Their firm’s independent platform empowers advisors through freedom of choice and a constantly evolving technology suite that’s designed to help build better client experiences.
IFP Support Team
Chief Executive Officer
William Hamm, CFA, CFP®, CLU
Bill began his career in financial planning in 1983 with the CIGNA Corporation. He grew his private practice for almost 20 years when, in 2000, he had the opportunity to acquire an OSJ group of 10 advisors operating on the hybrid RIA platform within what was formerly known as Mutual Services Corporation (a broker-dealer later to be acquired by LPL). Wanting to expand this group, he decided to build a firm that he as an advisor would want to join…a firm of advisors built by an advisor. Growing from 10 advisors in 2000 to now over 200 nationwide, IFP is on the cutting edge of the hybrid RIA industry and has served as a preferred platform for financial advisors seeking the path of independence.
Mr. Hamm is an employee of Independent Financial Partners and not affiliated with Certa Financial Planning.
FINRA BrokerCheck: Check the background of investment professionals associated with this site on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.
Chief Operating Officer, IFP
Chris Hamm
Chris started in the wealth management industry in 2010 as a Private Client Associate at Bernstein Global Wealth Management in New York City. In 2012, transitioned to IFP to oversee the growth of the firm’s staff, infrastructure, and advisor network.
Mr. Hamm is an employee of Independent Financial Partners and not alliliated with Certa Financial Planning.
FINRA BrokerCheck: Check the background of investment professionals associated with this site on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.
Chief Investment Officer
Aaron Gilman, CFA, CFP®
Aaron Gilman serves as the Chief Investment Officer for Independent Financial Partners and the President of IFP Asset Management. He conducts analytical research and due diligence for all investment types, portfolio analyses and construction, portfolio management, and directs all activities in IFP’s asset management group. Mr. Gilman also serves as the head of the IFP Investment Advisory Committee.
Mr. Gilman is an employee of Independent Financial Partners and not alliliated with Certa Financial Planning.
FINRA BrokerCheck: Check the background of investment professionals associated with this site on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.