Every investor has the right to know who is managing their money. This goes beyond a firm’s reputation or an advisor’s friendly demeanor; it means digging into their official records, understanding their credentials, and being aware of any past customer complaints or disciplinary actions. Taking these steps is a fundamental part of being a responsible investor. We’ve compiled a comprehensive overview of Edward Jones Broker Joshua Marino (CRD# 6141373) based on public disclosures. This information is intended to help you understand the types of details you should be looking for when vetting any financial professional who handles your investments.

Key Takeaways

Do Your Homework Before Investing: Go beyond the sales pitch and use free tools like FINRA’s BrokerCheck to independently review an advisor’s professional history, licenses, and any past customer disputes.
Establish Clear Expectations from the Start: A healthy financial partnership requires transparency. Insist on a clear, written understanding of all fees, the investment strategy, and your communication schedule to ensure you’re always on the same page.
Trust Your Instincts and Keep Records: If something feels off, from high-pressure tactics to vague answers, pay attention. Documenting every conversation and saving all statements creates a crucial paper trail that protects you if a problem arises.

Who is Joshua Marino?

When you entrust your financial future to an advisor, it’s important to understand who they are and what they do. Knowing their background, role, and qualifications helps you make informed decisions about your investments. Joshua Marino (CRD# 6141373) is a financial advisor currently associated with Edward Jones. Understanding the specifics of his practice is a key first step for any current or potential client.

This information is based on publicly available records and is intended to give you a clear picture of his professional standing. It’s always a good practice to verify your advisor’s credentials and stay aware of their activities. If you ever feel that an advisor is not acting in your best interest, it’s crucial to know that you have rights. Cases of broker fraud and negligence can happen, and being prepared is your best defense. Staying informed about your advisor’s background is a fundamental part of protecting your financial well-being and ensuring your investments are managed properly.

Joshua Marino’s Professional Background

Joshua Marino is a financial advisor who provides personal financial advice to clients. According to his public profiles, he holds a Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designation. This certification involves completing coursework on financial planning, including topics like insurance, retirement planning, and estate planning. Advisors with this designation are expected to have a broad knowledge of financial strategies.

Understanding an advisor’s background and certifications is a critical piece of due diligence for any investor. It helps you gauge their qualifications and the scope of advice they are equipped to provide. It’s also important to remember that certifications alone don’t guarantee performance or ethical behavior. You should always monitor your accounts and question any advice that doesn’t align with your stated goals or risk tolerance.

His Role at Edward Jones

Within Edward Jones, Joshua Marino functions as a Senior Portfolio Advisor. This role allows him to manage custom investment strategies for clients on a discretionary basis. “Discretionary basis” means he has the authority to make investment decisions—like buying or selling securities—on your behalf without needing to get your pre-approval for every single transaction.

This level of authority requires a high degree of trust between the client and the advisor. While it can make managing a portfolio more efficient, it also places a significant responsibility on the advisor to act in the client’s best interest. Any deviation from your agreed-upon investment strategy or unauthorized actions could be a serious issue. If you have concerns about how your portfolio is being managed, understanding your options through securities arbitration can be a valuable step.

Where He Operates

Joshua Marino is based in the Port Jefferson and Patchogue areas of New York and is registered as a financial advisor with Edward Jones. While he is based in New York, financial advisors can often work with clients across the country, depending on their state licenses. It’s important to know where your advisor is physically located and which states they are licensed to operate in.

This information is available on their public disclosure records. Knowing your advisor’s primary location helps you understand the regulatory jurisdiction they fall under. However, investment disputes are not always limited by geography. If you encounter investment issues, legal firms with nationwide experience can represent you regardless of where you or your broker are located, ensuring you have access to guidance no matter the distance.

What Services Does He Offer?

Financial advisors like Joshua Marino typically provide a suite of services designed to help clients manage their wealth and plan for the future. According to his public information, his work focuses on several key areas, from building investment portfolios to preparing for retirement and managing business finances. Understanding the scope of these services is a great first step for any investor. It helps you clarify your own financial goals and evaluate whether your advisor’s approach is the right fit for you.

A comprehensive financial strategy should be tailored to your unique circumstances, risk tolerance, and long-term objectives. Whether you’re planning for retirement, managing a business, or creating a legacy for your family, it’s important that the advice you receive aligns with your personal goals. Below is a breakdown of the primary services Joshua Marino offers to his clients in Port Jefferson, NY, giving you a clearer picture of his areas of focus.

Investment Planning

At its core, investment planning is about creating a roadmap to help you reach your financial goals. Joshua Marino’s role involves providing personal financial advice to do just that. This process usually starts with a conversation about your objectives, such as saving for a home, funding a child’s education, or growing your wealth over time. From there, an advisor helps construct a portfolio of investments—like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds—that matches your timeline and comfort with risk. A solid plan is essential, but it’s equally important to be aware of potential investment issues that can arise if your portfolio is not managed with your best interests in mind.

Retirement Planning

Planning for retirement is a long-term commitment, and it’s a service many financial advisors offer. Joshua Marino’s profile mentions helping businesses with their retirement plans, which could include setting up and managing 401(k)s or other employee benefit programs. For individuals, retirement planning involves creating a strategy to ensure you have enough income to live comfortably after you stop working. This often includes managing IRAs, annuities, and other retirement accounts. The goal is to build a sustainable nest egg through consistent saving and appropriate investment strategies that align with your retirement timeline.

Estate and Legacy Strategies

This area of financial planning focuses on what happens to your assets after you’re gone. Joshua Marino assists clients with estate and legacy strategies, which involves organizing your financial affairs to ensure a smooth transfer of wealth to your heirs. This isn’t just for the very wealthy; anyone who wants to decide how their property is distributed can benefit from an estate plan. The process often involves coordinating with legal professionals to draft wills and trusts, with the aim of carrying out your wishes while minimizing potential taxes and legal hurdles for your loved ones.

Services for Business Owners

Entrepreneurs and business owners face a unique set of financial challenges that often blend personal and professional finances. Joshua Marino offers services specifically for this group, addressing needs like managing cash flow, planning for succession, and setting up employee retirement plans. Business owners often have complex financial situations that require careful handling. It is vital that their advisor acts with diligence and care to avoid issues like broker fraud and negligence. A well-structured financial plan can help an entrepreneur protect both their business and their personal wealth for the long run.

What Are His Qualifications?

When you trust someone with your financial future, you need to know they are qualified for the job. This goes beyond a fancy title or a nice office. It’s about understanding their professional credentials, their history in the industry, and how they are regulated. For any broker, including Joshua Marino, this information is publicly available and serves as a critical tool for your due diligence. Looking into a broker’s background isn’t about being suspicious; it’s about being a smart, informed investor who takes control of their financial well-being.

Checking qualifications involves looking at a few key areas. First, you’ll want to see their licenses and any special certifications they’ve earned. These show a baseline of knowledge and a commitment to their profession. More importantly, you need to review their regulatory record. This is where you’ll find any past customer complaints, disciplinary actions, or other red flags that could signal potential investment issues. Finally, it helps to understand the broader system of oversight that governs all broker-dealers. Knowing how the industry is regulated helps you understand the standards your advisor should be meeting.

Licenses and Certifications

Joshua Marino is a financial advisor with Edward Jones and holds the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designation. This certification signifies he has completed advanced coursework in financial planning, covering topics from insurance and retirement planning to estate strategies. While designations like the ChFC® show a commitment to ongoing education, they are just one piece of the puzzle. It’s important to remember that licenses and certifications demonstrate knowledge, but they don’t guarantee ethical conduct or sound judgment. They are a starting point for your research, not the final word on an advisor’s trustworthiness.

His Regulatory Record

Every investor should become familiar with BrokerCheck, a free tool from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). This database provides a detailed report on a broker’s employment history, licenses, and—most critically—any disclosures. These disclosures can include customer disputes, regulatory actions, or even criminal records. Reviewing a broker’s record on this platform is a non-negotiable step before investing. It offers a transparent look into their professional history and can reveal patterns of broker fraud and negligence that you wouldn’t find on a company website.

How Broker-Dealers Are Regulated

Brokers and their firms operate under a strict regulatory framework designed to protect investors. Government bodies and self-regulatory organizations like the SEC and FINRA set the rules for the industry. You can use the IAPD system (Investment Adviser Public Disclosure) to access information about investment adviser firms and the individuals who work for them. This oversight is meant to ensure compliance and hold firms accountable. However, the system isn’t perfect, and disputes still happen. When they do, investors often turn to a process called securities arbitration to resolve them.

How Does the Client-Advisor Relationship Work?

Working with a financial advisor is a partnership built on trust and clear communication. Before you commit your hard-earned money, it’s essential to understand exactly how that relationship will function. This means getting specific about everything from fees and investment strategies to account minimums and how you’ll stay in touch. A transparent advisor will welcome these questions and provide straightforward answers. If you feel like you’re getting the runaround or the details are fuzzy, that’s a sign to press for more clarity.

Knowing the operational details of your account isn’t just about logistics; it’s about protecting yourself. Misunderstandings about costs can erode your returns over time, while a mismatch in investment philosophy could put your capital at unnecessary risk. By establishing clear expectations from the outset, you create a strong foundation for your financial future and empower yourself to spot potential problems early on. Think of it as creating a user manual for your financial partnership—one that you can refer back to and hold your advisor accountable to. If the terms of the relationship ever seem to change without your consent, you may be facing serious investment issues.

Understand the Fees and Costs

Fees are one of the most critical factors in your investment returns, and they can be complex. At a firm like Edward Jones, you might encounter a range of charges, including commissions for trades, annual management fees, platform fees, and expenses baked into mutual funds. These costs can add up, with some clients paying 2% or more per year. It’s your right to have a complete and clear picture of every single fee you’ll be charged. Ask for a written schedule of fees and review it carefully. If an advisor is hesitant to provide this or explains it in a confusing way, consider it a major red flag for potential broker fraud and negligence.

Review His Investment Philosophy

Every advisor has a general approach to managing money, and it’s important that their philosophy aligns with your goals. According to his public profile, Joshua Marino provides personal financial advice to help clients in Port Jefferson, NY, reach their money goals. You should ask how he translates that mission into a concrete strategy. Does he favor aggressive growth or capital preservation? How does he approach diversification? A good advisor should be able to clearly articulate their investment philosophy and explain how it will be tailored to your specific risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial situation. Your life savings should never be a one-size-fits-all experiment.

Know the Account Requirements

Before opening an account, make sure you understand all the requirements. Some advisory programs have specific financial thresholds. For instance, the Edward Jones “Advisory Solutions” program, which uses pre-designed investment models, requires a minimum investment of $25,000. Always ask if there are minimums to open or maintain an account. You should also inquire about any restrictions, such as how quickly you can access your money or if there are penalties for early withdrawals. Understanding these rules upfront helps ensure the account is a practical fit for your financial life and prevents unwelcome surprises down the road when you need access to your funds.

Clarify Communication Methods

Consistent communication is the backbone of a healthy client-advisor relationship. You need to know how and when you’ll receive updates about your portfolio’s performance. Joshua Marino’s profile notes that he offers flexible appointment times, including evenings, weekends, and web conferences. This is a good starting point, but you should establish more specific expectations. Will you meet quarterly or annually? Will you receive monthly statements by mail or email? Who should you contact with questions, and what is their typical response time? Setting these ground rules ensures you stay informed and feel confident that your account is being monitored properly. If you feel left in the dark, it may be time to contact us to discuss your concerns.

Know the Red Flags of Broker Misconduct

Working with a financial professional should feel like a partnership, but sometimes, the relationship can sour. It’s important to trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Being aware of the common signs of trouble can help you protect your investments and make informed decisions. Understanding these red flags is your first line of defense against potential financial harm.

Common Warning Signs to Watch For

Pay close attention to how your broker operates. Are they consistently hard to reach or slow to respond to your questions? Do the fees on your statements seem unusually high or difficult to understand? A major warning sign is a broker who aggressively pushes specific investments without providing a clear, logical reason that aligns with your financial goals. These behaviors can indicate that your broker’s priorities are not centered on your success. If you notice these patterns, it may be a sign of broker fraud and negligence. Always remember that you have the right to clear answers and transparent service.

Spotting High-Pressure Sales Tactics

Feeling rushed into making a significant financial decision is a huge red flag. A broker should give you the time and space you need to review information and feel comfortable with your choices. If you feel pressured to act immediately with claims of a “limited-time opportunity,” it’s often a sales tactic designed to generate a commission for the broker rather than benefit you. Your financial well-being is the top priority, and any strategy should be built on careful consideration, not on impulse. Don’t be afraid to step back and say you need more time to think.

What is Unauthorized Trading?

Unauthorized trading is exactly what it sounds like: a broker buying or selling securities in your account without your permission. This is a serious violation of the trust you place in your financial advisor and can lead to substantial losses. You can spot this by carefully reviewing your account statements and trade confirmations. If you see transactions you didn’t approve, you need to address it immediately. This type of activity is one of the more serious investment issues an investor can face and requires prompt action to protect your assets.

Recognizing Poor Communication

Clear, consistent, and honest communication is the foundation of a healthy client-advisor relationship. If your broker is frequently unresponsive, dodges your questions, or uses confusing jargon to explain your investments, it’s a cause for concern. You should always receive straightforward answers about your portfolio’s performance and the reasoning behind any recommendations. A lack of transparency can sometimes hide bigger problems, like poor investment choices or excessive fees. If you can’t get a clear picture of what’s happening with your money, it might be time to re-evaluate the relationship.

How to Protect Your Rights as an Investor

Taking an active role in your financial future is one of the smartest things you can do. This means more than just picking investments; it means understanding your rights and knowing how to protect yourself. When you work with a financial professional, you’re placing a significant amount of trust in them. While most are trustworthy, it’s essential to be prepared and vigilant. Protecting your investments starts with being an informed and engaged client. This involves asking the right questions, keeping meticulous records, and recognizing when something doesn’t feel right. By taking these proactive steps, you build a strong foundation for a secure financial journey and empower yourself to act decisively if any issues arise.

Why You Need to Document Everything

From your very first conversation with a financial advisor, get into the habit of documenting everything. Before you commit to working with anyone, it’s your responsibility to do your homework. As the California Department of Justice advises, you should always “ask questions” and “evaluate the background of any financial advisor, including checking for licenses and any disciplinary action, before you hand over your hard-earned money.” Keep notes on their answers, save all email correspondence, and file away any documents they provide. This paper trail isn’t about mistrust; it’s about diligence. Should a dispute ever arise, having clear documentation of what was said and promised can be your most valuable asset in cases of broker fraud and negligence.

Keep Detailed Records

Your documentation shouldn’t stop after you’ve chosen an advisor. Maintain a dedicated file for all your financial matters. This should include account statements, trade confirmations, performance reports, and notes from every meeting or phone call. If you ever feel uneasy about a conversation, jot down what was said and why it concerned you. When you review your statements, look for red flags like high fees, unfamiliar charges, or investments that don’t align with your stated goals. Keeping detailed records helps you spot potential investment issues early. It also creates a clear timeline of your relationship with your advisor, which is crucial if you ever need to prove that your instructions were ignored or that you were misled.

Know Your Legal Rights

As an investor, you have fundamental rights. Financial advisors are held to specific ethical and professional standards. They have a duty to act in your best interest, recommend suitable investments, and execute your orders properly. According to SmartAsset, “Financial advisors are expected to uphold certain ethical standards when managing client finances and offering advice.” Understanding these obligations is your first line of defense. If an advisor makes recommendations that seem too risky for your stated tolerance or pressures you into products you don’t understand, they may be violating their duties. Knowing your rights empowers you to identify misconduct and understand when you may have grounds to pursue a claim through securities arbitration.

Steps to Take if You Suspect a Problem

If you notice a red flag, don’t ignore it. Your first step should be to ask your advisor for a clear explanation. For instance, if an advisor is hesitant to explain their fee structure, that’s a major warning sign. As Prudent Investors notes, “If a prospective advisor is not willing to share their flat fee, hourly rate, or commission model, that should automatically raise a red flag.” Put your concerns in writing via email so there is a record of your communication. If their response is vague, dismissive, or doesn’t resolve your concern, it may be time to seek a second opinion. If you believe your account has been mishandled, it is important to act quickly. You can contact a securities attorney to discuss your situation and understand your options for recovery.

When to Contact a Securities Attorney

Realizing something might be wrong with your investments is a stressful experience. It’s easy to second-guess yourself or hope the problem will resolve on its own. However, when it comes to your financial security, taking a proactive approach is always the right move. If your advisor’s actions or the performance of your portfolio raises concerns, it may be time to speak with a legal professional who understands the complexities of the financial industry. An attorney can provide clarity on your situation and outline a clear path forward.

Deciding to Seek Legal Counsel

Trust your instincts. If you suspect your financial advisor has engaged in unethical or illegal behavior, it’s crucial to seek legal counsel. You don’t need to have definitive proof of broker fraud and negligence to have a conversation. Simply feeling that something is off is reason enough to ask questions and get a second opinion from a qualified securities attorney. An initial consultation can help you understand if your concerns are valid and what your rights are as an investor. Waiting can sometimes limit your options, so addressing potential issues early is a key step in protecting your assets and your future.

What Documents You’ll Need

If you decide to move forward, preparation is key. Before speaking with an attorney, try to gather all relevant documents related to your accounts and your advisor. This includes account statements, contracts or agreements you signed, and any correspondence, such as emails or letters. These documents tell the story of your financial relationship and provide critical evidence. For example, account statements can show excessive trading or unsuitable investments, while emails might reveal high-pressure tactics or promises that were never kept. Organizing these materials will help an attorney quickly and effectively evaluate your potential claim.

Explore Your Options for Recovery

When you’ve been let down by a financial professional, it can feel like you’re out of options, but that’s rarely the case. You have several avenues for recovery. One path is filing a complaint with regulatory bodies, but to recover your losses, you will likely need to pursue legal action. Many investment disputes are resolved through a process called securities arbitration, which is a specialized forum for hearing these types of cases. A securities lawyer can explain the pros and cons of each option and recommend the strategy best suited to your specific situation, giving you a clear understanding of how you can work to get your money back.

How an Attorney Can Protect You

A securities attorney acts as your advocate, dedicated to protecting your rights. They can analyze your case for signs of misconduct, such as an advisor operating without the proper registration, and explain the complex rules that govern the industry. An attorney handles communication with the brokerage firm, files the necessary legal claims, and represents you throughout the entire process. This allows you to focus on your life while a professional handles the fight for your financial recovery. If you’re facing serious investment issues, having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side ensures your case is presented effectively and you have a strong voice fighting for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I verify the information about my own financial advisor? You can and should independently verify your advisor’s background using the free tools provided by regulators. The two most important resources are FINRA’s BrokerCheck and the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website. Simply type in the advisor’s name to see their employment history, licenses, and, most importantly, any customer disputes or disciplinary actions on their record. Think of it as a routine background check for one of the most important professional relationships in your life.

What does “discretionary basis” really mean for my account? When you give an advisor discretionary authority, you are giving them permission to buy and sell investments in your account without needing your approval for every single transaction. This is common, but it’s built on the strict understanding that they will follow the investment strategy you both agreed upon. The advisor’s power is not unlimited; it’s confined to the goals, risk tolerance, and instructions you’ve established. If you see trades that seem to contradict your strategy, it’s a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

My advisor is hard to get in touch with. Is that a real problem? Yes, it can be a significant red flag. A healthy client-advisor relationship is built on clear and consistent communication. While you shouldn’t expect your advisor to be available 24/7, persistent difficulty in reaching them, unreturned calls, or vague answers to direct questions are causes for concern. Your advisor has a responsibility to keep you informed about your investments. A breakdown in communication can sometimes hide bigger problems, like poor performance or unauthorized activity in your account.

What’s the most important question to ask a potential financial advisor? While you should discuss many things, always start with a direct question about fees. Ask them to explain every single way they will be compensated from your account and to provide you with a complete, written schedule of fees. Costs can include trade commissions, annual management fees, and internal fund expenses. High or hidden fees can seriously damage your returns over time. An advisor who is transparent and straightforward about costs is starting the relationship on the right foot.

I’m not sure if my problem is serious enough to contact a lawyer. How do I know? You don’t need to have a perfect, open-and-shut case to speak with a securities attorney. If you feel that you’ve lost money due to poor advice, have spotted transactions you didn’t approve, or simply believe your advisor has not acted in your best interest, that is reason enough to seek a consultation. An initial conversation can help you understand if your concerns point to actual misconduct and what your options might be. Trust your gut; if something feels wrong, getting a professional opinion is a smart and proactive step.

Edward Jones Broker Joshua Marino (CRD# 6141373): Investor Guide