Dennis O'Brien
Coastal Financial Advisors, Inc.
President and Founder
Dennis O'Brien
Coastal Financial Advisors, Inc.
President and Founder
As a fee-only financial planner, my focus is to offer unbiased financial advice to help you achieve your life goals. - Dennis O'Brien
Fee-Only financial planner located in Farmingdale, NJ, serving clients locally and nationwide

Dennis O'Brien is a Farmingdale, NJ fee-only financial planner. Coastal Financial Advisors provides comprehensive financial planning, investment management, risk management, and corporate retirement plans to help individuals and business owners organize, grow and protect their assets through life’s transitions. As a fee-only, fiduciary, and independent financial advisor, Dennis O'Brien is never paid a commission of any kind, and has a legal obligation to provide unbiased and trustworthy financial advice.
Dennis O'Brien began his career journey working for top technology firms such as Verizon (formally Bell Atlantic) and AT&T Labs. These experiences gave him the foundation and appreciation for how even the smallest details can be pieced together to form a comprehensive network. As a result, he desired to build a company to help clients realize their life goals through financial guidance that puts their fiduciary responsibilities first.
In 2004, Dennis achieved this goal and established his financial advisor and wealth management company, Coastal Financial Advisors Inc., in Farmingdale, New Jersey. Built on comprehensive and holistic financial advising, he additionally chose to practice as a “fee-only” Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). By choosing to be “fee-only,” the firm cannot accept commissions from third-party providers, such as broker-dealers or insurance companies, allowing them to offer independent, unbiased opinions and become truly trusted advisors. Today, Dennis continues to be committed to developing long-term relationships with each of his clients and establishing customized financial programs according to their individual needs and goals.
Beyond guiding clients, Dennis and the firm prioritize giving back to charities and the community through donations of their time, financial and operations expertise, and monetary gifts. Dennis serves on the Monmouth Board County of Directors of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, and has developed a Board governance program for the United Way were he sits on the finance and audit committee. He also serves on the Education Committee for the Howell Board of Education, where he reviews student curriculum and enhances classroom materials.
Throughout his career, Dennis remains committed to his education and learning within the industry. He holds a master’s degree in Technology Management from the New York University Tandon School of Engineering (formally Polytechnic University) in New York, a master’s certificate in Project Management from Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey, in addition to a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Rutgers University.
Dennis O'Brien is a Member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors

The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) is a leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors - highly trained professionals who are committed to working in the best interests of those they serve.
NAPFA members live by three important values:
- To be the beacon for independent, objective financial advice for individuals and families.
- To be the champion of financial services delivered in the public interest.
- To be the standard bearer for the emerging profession of financial planning.
Coastal Financial Advisors was founded after several years of providing advice to business acquaintances, family, and friends. We knew from the start we would provide our services on a fee only basis as a fiduciary. With over 30 years of financial and tax experience, our skills and background lead us to be one of the few firms that truly provide comprehensive wealth management that would provide customized portfolio management with an emphasis on strong, long-term client relationships. Remaining true to the original philosophy, we continue today providing a full range of financial, asset management and tax services.
On request of our business clients, we expanded into corporate retirement plans including 401(k), SEP and SIMPLE.
Our corporate philosophy is a personal one as well. We support non-profit organizations with donations, volunteerism, and leadership. The activities and events we have been involved with have a cumulative value of several million dollars. We hold board leaderships positions. We volunteer on a regular basis year-round.
We continue to work with all families and business owners.
Fee-Only, Fiduciary, Independent: Three Important Criteria to Consider When Choosing a Financial Advisor.
Specialties
- Comprehensive Financial Planning
- Retirement Income Planning
- Investment Management
- Tax Preparation and Planning
- College Education Planning
Ideal Clients
- Retirees and Near Retirees
- Business Owners and Executives
- Growing Families
- Divorce - before, during and after
- Novice Investors
Working Together
- Virtual Meetings
- In-Office Meetings
- Clearly Defined Fees
- No Product Sales
- Unbiased Advice
Professional Designations & Affiliations
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Dennis O'Brien is a NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisor
The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) is a leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors—highly trained professionals who are committed to working in the best interests of those they serve.
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Dennis O'Brien is a member of Ed Slott's Elite IRA Advisor Group
Ed Slott's Elite IRA Advisor Group℠ is an exclusive organization of financial advisors who are dedicated to being leaders in the IRA industry. Ed Slott has created Ed Slott's Elite IRA Advisor Group℠ as a single resource for serious professionals. Ed Slott's Elite IRA Advisors are equipped with up-to-date tools and resources to help their clients
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Dennis O'Brien is a Member of The National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA)
Enrolled Agents (EAs) are America's Tax Experts®. EAs are the only federally licensed tax preparers who also have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS. “Enrolled” means to be licensed to practice by the federal government, and “agent” means authorized to appear in the place of the taxpayer at the IRS. Only enrolled agents, attorneys, and CPAs have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS.
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Dennis O'Brien is a Member of the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP)
The National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) believes that all taxpayers should be supported by caring and well-educated tax professionals. NATP members are industry leaders who hold an exceptional understanding of how to apply the federal tax code to their clients’ unique situations.
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Dennis O'Brien is a Member of the National Society of Tax Professionals
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Dennis O'Brien is the Treasurer of the Howell Chamber of Commerce
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Coastal Financial Advisors, Inc. is a Member of the Jersey Shore Chamber of Commerce
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Dennis O'Brien is a Featured Advisor in Divorce Magazine
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Dennis O'Brien is Featured on DivorcedMoms.com
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Dennis O'Brien Supports the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties
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Dennis O'Brien is Quoted in InvestmentNews: "Small family foundations grapple with losses, costs"
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Dennis O'Brien is Quoted on NJ.com: "Study shows 43 percent of Americans have less than $10K saved for retirement"
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Dennis O'Brien is Quoted in Asbury Park Press: "Markets React Poorly to Obama"
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Dennis O'Brien is Quoted in Asbury Park Press: "Looking for Direction"
Contact Dennis O'Brien
Office Locations:
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503 Casino Dr.
Farmingdale, NJ 07727