Pursue Your Goals & Retire With Confidence
Helping hardworking families, retirees, and business owners in Central Pennsylvania make confident financial decisions and enjoy the life they’ve worked for.
You Deserve Financial Advice That Feels Personal
At BenchMark, you work directly with Tom Garlic, an independent advisor who keeps things simple and personal. Tom helps clients understand their finances in plain English, design portfolios that fit their goals, and create retirement income strategies. Every plan is built around what matters most to you, not sales quotas or corporate models.
Simple, Straightforward Steps Toward Financial Freedom
Your financial plan should fit you—your goals, your values, and your lifestyle. That’s why Tom starts by getting to know your full picture, from your income and benefits to your dreams for the years ahead. Together, you’ll build a strategy that helps you retire on your terms and support the generations that follow.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
Whether you’re years from retirement or already enjoying it, Tom is here to help you make smart, confident financial decisions. You’ll always get a quick response, straightforward answers, and guidance that puts your best interests first.
Financial Services Designed Around You
From planning for retirement to managing investments and understanding your pension benefits, BenchMark offers practical solutions designed around your needs.
- Financial Planning
- Retirement Planning
- PSERS & SERS Guidance
- Investment Management
- Insurance & Protection
- Estate & Legacy Planning
- Education Planning
- Business Planning
Helping Hardworking People Plan with Confidence
Individuals & Families
Helping households organize their finances, plan for milestones, and protect what matters most.
Pre-Retirees
Creating clear, efficient plans for those preparing to transition from working years to retirement income.
Retirees
Helping retirees turn savings into a steady income while protecting their lifestyle and legacy.
Educators & State Employees
Navigating pension and benefit options, including PSERS and SERS, with experience and personal care.
Level Up Your Financial Literacy
Helpful videos, articles, and tools to support confident financial decisions — covering retirement income, tax strategies, lifestyle planning, and more.
Making a Charitable Gift
Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline
Succeeding at Business Succession
Answers to Common Questions
Learn more about working with an independent fiduciary and how personalized planning can help you reach your goals.
- What does it mean to work with an independent financial advisor?
An independent advisor isn’t tied to one company’s products or quotas. Tom works for you — not a brokerage firm — which means every recommendation is based on your goals, your risk comfort, and your timeline. You get transparent advice and clear explanations in plain English, so you always understand your options.
- Are you a fiduciary, and why does that matter?
Yes. As a fiduciary, Tom is legally required to put your best interests first — every time. That means no hidden fees or product pushes, just guidance designed to help you reach your financial goals with confidence.
- How do you get paid for your services?
Tom believes in value-driven efficiency. Most clients work with him through a transparent, fee-based model, meaning your success and his success are aligned. There are no surprise commissions or confusing layers of costs.
- Can you help with PSERS and state employee retirement plans?
Absolutely. Many of Tom’s clients are Pennsylvania state employees or educators who participate in PSERS or SERS. He helps you understand your pension options, coordinate benefits with other retirement accounts, and plan your income confidently for life after work.