Broker Check

About Our Team

Our Focus
Helping You Focus On What Truly Matters

Founded in 2012 and proudly rooted in Brielle, New Jersey, our private practice operates as a part of the larger organization, Acorn Financial Services. We are dedicated to eliminating financial anxiety by organizing and optimizing your finances. Our mission is simple yet profound: to help you live a happier life by providing comfort and nurturing through our no-pressure educational processes.

At our firm, we believe that financial planning should be empowering, not overwhelming. We are committed to guiding you with the utmost purpose, positioning, personality, values, and experience. These core values shape every interaction and decision we make, ensuring that you receive the highest standard of care and expertise.

Our team of experienced financial advisors is here to support you through every stage of your financial journey. Whether you're planning for retirement, exploring solutions for long-term care, or looking to grow your wealth, we offer personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs and goals. Join us at Acorn Financial Services, where we transform financial anxiety into financial confidence, allowing you to live your best life.

A Look Into Our Process

Our process is designed to be as nurturing and empowering as possible. We are committed to walking this journey with you, every step of the way, helping you create the life you are meant to lead.


Step One:
Understanding Your Personal & Financial Circumstances

We start by getting to know you – your values, your dreams, and your current financial situation. This foundational step allows us to see the full picture and understand what truly matters to you.


Step Two:
Identifying & Selecting Goals

Next, we help you identify and prioritize your financial goals. Whether it's saving for retirement, buying a home, or funding your children's education, we work with you to select goals that align with your values and aspirations.


Step Three:
Analyzing Your Current Course Of Action

We then analyze your current financial strategies to determine if they are aligned with your goals. This step helps us identify any gaps or areas that need adjustment.

for layout purposes, not shown on site


Step Four:
Developing The Plan

Based on our analysis, we develop a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your unique circumstances and goals. This plan serves as a roadmap to guide you towards your desired future.


Step Five:
Presenting The Plan

We present the plan to you in a clear and understandable manner, ensuring that you are comfortable and confident with the proposed strategies. We take the time to address any questions or concerns you may have.


Step Six:
Implementing The Plan

With your approval, we move forward with implementing the plan. This involves putting the recommended strategies into action and making any necessary adjustments to your financial portfolio.


Step Seven:
Monitor & Review

Our relationship doesn’t end once the plan is implemented. We continuously monitor your progress and review your plan to ensure it remains aligned with your goals. Life is dynamic, and we are here to make adjustments as needed, providing ongoing support and encouragement.

About MoneyGuidePro

Throughout our financial planning process, we help our clients to utilize MoneyGuidePro, a revolutionary financial planning software designed to adapt to life's ever-changing landscape. With MoneyGuidePro, creating a personalized financial plan is a seamless and engaging experience. We start by collecting your personal information and then dive into your unique goals, categorized into needs, wants, and wishes, to prioritize what truly matters to you – whether it's buying a new car, funding a college education, or providing care for a loved one.

Our comprehensive approach ensures we don't overlook critical aspects like healthcare costs and longevity. We meticulously evaluate all your resources, from retirement income, pensions, and Social Security to investment assets, insurance, rental properties, and stock options. We also take into account any liabilities to give you a complete net worth statement.

Understanding your risk tolerance is key, and with the Confidence Meter provided by the software, we provide a clear and easy-to-understand assessment of your probability of successfully funding all your goals without running out of money. Join us in leveraging MoneyGuidePro to spark meaningful planning conversations and craft a financial roadmap tailored just for you.

Meet The Team
Who You’ll Be Working With

Lead advisor


David M. Shave, CFP®, ChSNC®

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), and Chartered Special Needs Consultant® (ChSNC®) at Acorn Financial Services, I have the privilege of running all aspects of our business and working closely with our clients as a financial planner. With over 34 years of experience in the financial services industry, I am well-versed in all arenas of the financial planning process. My expertise spans wealth accumulation, retirement planning, taxation and tax planning, estate planning, and all aspects of insurance planning.

My journey in financial services began at my father's insurance brokerage business, where I learned the ropes before founding my own business in 1997. Prior to starting my career, I attended Muhlenberg College. One of my greatest motivations is helping our clients eliminate financial anxiety so they can live better lives. I find the most fulfillment in creating true financial plans using MoneyGuide Pro Elite software. On a client's "Day of Discovery," I get to watch their concerns and worries disappear as we deliver a comprehensive plan tailored to their needs.

In addition to my professional achievements, I have a personal connection to special needs planning. My adult son, Glen, is autistic, and in 2018, I earned the Chartered Special Needs Consultant designation from The American College. This specialization allows me to provide even more tailored financial planning services to families like mine.

I am a native of Matawan, New Jersey, and currently reside in Howell with my wife, Lori. Together, we have a blended family of five adult children: Lori's sons, Joseph and Glen, and my three children from a previous marriage – Devin, Christian, and Jolie. Outside of work, I am an avid sportsman with a passion for fishing and hunting. My true sanctuary is spending a day in God’s perfectly designed wilderness. Additionally, I am deeply committed to our homestead, where we grow our own food in a utility garden. From seeding in our greenhouse to harvesting until Thanksgiving, running the homestead and serving fresh, farm-to-table food brings me immense joy. Our hens, all with female country star names, also provide wonderful eggs, adding to the fulfillment of living a self-sustained lifestyle.  Our autistic son Glen, loves to collect the eggs and put the ladies to bed each night.

Contact Us
We Want to Hear From You

Schedule an appointment with our experienced financial advisors to start building a roadmap towards financial security and prosperity for you and your loved ones. Take the first step towards securing your future by booking a consultation with us today.

Thank you!
Oops!