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Our Services

Comprehensive Financial Guidance, Tailored to You

From investments and retirement planning to insurance and beyond, Premier Financial Management offers a full range of financial services designed around your individual situation.

Three Areas. One Dedicated Team.

Whether you’re just getting started or approaching retirement, Sam is here to build a strategy that works for your life, and adjust it as your needs change.

Our Specialty

A Niche Area That Requires Deep Expertise

Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) is a niche area of financial planning that requires in-depth knowledge and a nuanced understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities it presents.

If you have company stock inside an employer-sponsored retirement plan — like a 401(k) — this strategy could make a meaningful difference in your tax picture at retirement. Sam has spent years working with clients in this space, helping them understand whether they qualify and how to navigate the decision with confidence.

Sam showing NUA documents to a client
Sam and clients - services page

Why It Matters

NUA isn’t a difficult concept to understand. But not taking the time to understand it — and the risks of not handling it properly — could expose you to unnecessary taxes.

Authentic Tradition

What Sets Us Apart

There’s no shortage of financial advisors. Here’s why our clients choose Sam Thomas at Premier Financial Management — and why they stay.

Personalized Approach

Every strategy is built around your individual situation. We get to know you — your goals, your timeline, your concerns — before we get to work.

Deep Expertise

A focused depth of experience in financial services with specialized expertise in areas like NUA planning that require knowledge most advisors don’t have.

Genuinely Accessible

Sam is known for being genuinely available to her clients. Not just at annual reviews, but whenever you have a question or something changes.

National Reach

Based in Saratoga Springs, NY and licensed to serve clients across 14 states. Sam travels whenever she can to meet clients where they are.

Frequently Asked Questions


Do I need a minimum amount of assets to work with a financial advisor?

No. Premier Financial Management works with clients at all stages of their financial journey — whether you’re just starting to save or approaching retirement with a substantial portfolio. What matters most is that you’re ready to take your financial future seriously. If you are, Sam is ready to help.

What states does Premier Financial Management serve?

We are based in Saratoga Springs, NY and currently licensed to serve clients in the following states: AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IN, KY, MA, MI, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, SC, VA, VT, and WI. If you’re not sure whether we’re licensed in your state, reach out and we’ll let you know.

How do I find a financial advisor in Saratoga Springs, NY?

If you’re looking for a financial advisor in Saratoga Springs, Premier Financial Management is right here in the community. Sam Thomas has been serving individuals and families in the Capital Region and beyond since 2012. She offers a personal, hands-on approach that’s hard to find at larger firms. We’d love to connect — your first consultation is always free.

What is Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) and do I qualify?

Net Unrealized Appreciation, or NUA, is a tax strategy that applies to highly appreciated company stock held inside an employer-sponsored retirement plan like a 401(k).

Rather than rolling all of your retirement assets into an IRA and paying ordinary income tax on everything, NUA allows the appreciation on your company stock to be taxed at the lower long-term capital gains rate instead.

It’s a niche strategy that requires precise execution — but for the right client, it can result in significant tax savings. Sam specializes in NUA planning and can help you determine whether you qualify. Read more on our blog or schedule a call to discuss your specific situation.

What is the difference between an Investment Advisor and a Financial Planner?

An Investment Advisor Representative (IAR) is a licensed professional who provides investment advice and manages client portfolios.

A Financial Planner takes a broader view — helping clients map out a comprehensive financial strategy that may include retirement planning, tax strategies, estate planning, and more.

Samantha Thomas holds the Investment Advisor Representative designation and provides both investment guidance and comprehensive financial planning for her clients.

Can I work with a financial advisor remotely?

Absolutely. While we’re based in Saratoga Springs, NY, Sam serves clients across 14 states — many of whom she works with entirely remotely via phone and video. She also travels whenever she can to meet clients in person. Distance is never a barrier to getting the financial guidance you need.

How do I know if I’m ready to retire?

Retirement readiness isn’t just about hitting a number — it’s about making sure your income, investments, expenses, and healthcare needs all line up for the long haul. Some key questions to ask:

  • Will your retirement income cover your current spending?
  • Do you have a plan for healthcare costs?
  • Have you thought about how taxes will affect your withdrawals?

Sam works with clients to answer exactly these questions and build a retirement plan that gives you confidence — not just a target date.

What should I look for when choosing a financial advisor?

Look for someone who takes the time to understand your individual situation — not someone who puts you in a one-size-fits-all portfolio. Ask whether they’re a fiduciary (meaning they’re required to act in your best interest), what their areas of specialization are, and how accessible they are when you have questions. At Premier Financial Management, Sam is a dedicated, accessible advisor who specializes in retirement planning and NUA strategy — and she’s genuinely invested in the financial wellbeing of every client she works with.

Get in Touch

Not Sure Where to Start?

That’s exactly what the first conversation is for. Sam will help you figure out which services make sense for your situation — no jargon, no pressure.

PFMNY