First Command Financial Advisor - SJ Cruz, MBA

Amy Szarenski joined First Command Financial Services as a Financial Advisor in August 2024. She previously worked for 15 years as an Elementary School Teacher at Glenwood School and Broward County Public Schools. Prior to teaching, she was a stay-at-home mom following a 7-year career in the United States Army, where she attained the rank of Sergeant. Amy understands the challenges and opportunities associated with life in the military and is committed to helping service members and their families get their financial lives squared away. Amy has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Columbus State University and an associate’s degree in general studies, concentrating in Business from Troy State University. She holds Series 6, 63, and 65 securities licenses plus life and health insurance licenses in FL, AL, and WA. Amy is committed to coaching clients to pursue their financial goals and lifetime dreams by bringing sound financial knowledge and trustworthy advice to a lasting relationship with each individual and family she serves. Active in her community, Amy is a member of the Coral Springs Coconut Creek Regional Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Coral Springs. Amy is also a member of the American Legion and the Veterans Coalition of Coral Springs. In her free time, Amy enjoys reading, spending time with family, and spending time with friends. First Command offers a comprehensive set of financial planning products and services, including banking, investments, insurance, and retirement planning. More than 500 First Command Financial Advisors across the country and abroad are committed to the company’s Mission of “Coaching those who serve in their pursuit of financial security.”

As a First Command Financial Advisor, I am committed to helping clients consistently make the smart, informed financial decisions that are essential to the pursuit of long-term financial security. I chose this profession because I believe it gives me the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of the people I work with. Experience has taught me that the biggest obstacle to financial security for most people is their own behavior. That’s why I seek to form trusting, long term relationships with clients, serving as their personal financial coach by: 1. Helping them set specific and meaningful goals that are aligned with their values 2. Providing them with a comprehensive, personalized plan for effectively pursuing their goals 3. Encouraging and motivating them to adopt and consistently practice the productive financial behaviors necessary to successfully execute their plan 4. Making strategic adjustments in their plan as their circumstances and goals evolve over time I don’t believe in shortcuts to financial security. I advocate time-tested financial principles including prudent and responsible debt management, disciplined saving and investing and a thoughtful insurance strategy for managing financial risk. And as an Investment Advisor Representative (IAR), I am held to a fiduciary standard, required in all cases to act in the clients’ best interests. About First Command First Command was founded in 1958 by a retired Air Force officer intent on improving the financial well-being of service members and their families. Today, more than 500 First Command Financial Advisors across the country and abroad are committed to fulfilling the company’s Mission of “Coaching those who serve in their pursuit of financial security”.

Michael Brown joined First Command Financial Services as a Financial Advisor in June 2007. A graduate of the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and Nova Southeastern University with a Master of Business Administration degree, Michael holds Series 6, 63 and 65 securities licenses plus state life, health and variable annuity insurance licenses. As a First Command Financial Advisor, Michael is committed to helping his clients pursue their financial goals and lifetime dreams by bringing sound financial knowledge and trustworthy advice to a lasting relationship with each individual and family he serves. Michael regularly hosts Lunch and Learn workshops at federal agencies, and he enjoys helping federal employees integrate their benefits into a comprehensive financial plan to help them pursue their financial goals.