Who Tom Helps
Helping People Reach Their Goals
From families planning for the future to retirees enjoying the next chapter, I work with people who value straightforward financial advice and personal service. No matter your background or career, you’ll receive independent guidance, plain-English education, and a financial plan built around your goals, not a template.
Individuals & Families
Build Confidence And Clarity
Managing family finances can feel complicated—from college savings to home purchases to long-term goals. I help you organize your financial picture, simplify decision-making, and build a plan that keeps your family secure today and prepared for tomorrow.
Pre-Retirees
Prioritize A Smooth Transition To Retirement
As you approach retirement, every decision matters—when to claim Social Security, how to balance risk, and how to turn savings into income. I’ll create a personalized retirement strategy so you can move into this next stage with confidence and clarity.
Retirees
Plan For Reliable Income And Lasting Security
Your retirement should be about enjoying life, not worrying about market swings. I’ll help you structure your income to last, protect what you’ve built, and make adjustments as your needs change — so you can focus on what matters most.
Educators & State Employees
Make PSERS and SERS Benefits Work for You
I work closely with Pennsylvania educators and state employees to help them understand their pension options, PSERS and SERS benefits, and how those fit into a broader retirement plan. I’ll coordinate your investments, savings, and pension income to maximize your long-term results.
Industry Professionals

Make Your Wealth Work As Hard As You
Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, or the trades, you deserve financial guidance that speaks your language. I help blue-collar professionals manage investments, prepare for retirement, and make informed decisions without the jargon or sales pressure.
Healthcare Professionals

Get The Same Level Of Care You Provide
From shift work to complex benefit options, healthcare professionals face unique financial challenges. I’ll help you coordinate your employer benefits, retirement accounts, and investment strategy to build a balanced plan that supports your goals, both now and in the years ahead.
Common Questions About Working Together
Here are a few questions I often receive from clients about my process, services, and how we’ll work together to build your plan.
- What does it mean that you’re an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®)?
Being an AIF® means I follow a formal fiduciary process designed to protect your best interests. Every recommendation I make must be objective, documented, and built around your goals, not my preferences. You get transparency and accountability in every decision.
- How does the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) designation help me?
As a CRPC®, I’ve completed advanced coursework in retirement income planning, Social Security, and transitioning from accumulation to distribution. It means I can help you design a retirement strategy that supports your lifestyle and adjusts as your needs evolve.
- Do these certifications mean you’re regulated differently?
Yes. Both AIF® and CRPC® designations hold me to rigorous ethical and continuing education standards. They ensure my advice remains current, compliant, and always aligned with your best interests.
- How do these credentials benefit me day-to-day?
They translate into confidence. You can trust that the guidance you receive is not only experienced but held to a professional standard of care — from portfolio construction to retirement income decisions.
Advice Without The Jargon
Learn about Tom Garlic’s personal, plain-English approach to financial guidance and what sets BenchMark apart.
An Approach Built for You
See how Tom’s step-by-step approach brings clarity, structure, and confidence to every stage of your financial plan.
Explore Financial Solutions
Discover personalized services — from retirement income planning to investments — all designed around your goals.