Matthew Costigan, CFP®, CPA/PFS

Matthew Costigan is a principal and senior financial advisor in the HBKS^® Pittsburgh office. He began his public accounting career specializing in individual and trust taxation in 2003 with a Big Four firm. He joined HBK CPAs & Consultants in 2006 and began working as a personal financial advisor with HBKS^® in 2008. His clients benefit from his extensive knowledge and practical experience with tax laws and best practices as they affect individuals, including planning for the tax impact of qualified and non-qualified investments.

Matt earned dual B.S. degrees in finance and accounting from Syracuse University. He holds Certified Public Accountant/Personal Finance Specialist and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ designations, and licenses in accident, life and health insurance.

Have you always been interested in finance?

It might sound odd, but it’s true. I’ve always been interested in finance, even as a kid. One of my dad’s favorite stories is about taking my brother and me with him to the grocery store. I was about 6 and my brother about 9  or 10. We were almost to the store when he realized he didn’t have his wallet. He looked at us and asked, “Either of you have any money?” It was a joke of course, but while my brother gave him an empty stare, I was proud to answer, “I have $37.” It was every bit of cash I had, but still, a pretty good amount of savings for a 6 year-old.

I’ve always been interested in saving and investing. I knew in high school I would major in finance and accounting in college. I truly believe it’s my calling in life and I’m fulfilling it as an advisor for HBKS^®.

Why have you stayed at HBKS^® as long as you have?

I get to work with my clients on all aspects of their finances. I give independent advice on investments and insurance, help them minimize their income and estate tax liability, work with them on all kinds of important financial decisions. I can help them sell their business to an outsider or pass it along to their kids, and develop their strategy for taking their social security payments – really, the full realm of financial issues they face.

We’re set up to do whatever is in our clients’ best interests. That’s really important. We offer such a wide a variety of services and expertise, wide enough to help them throughout their lives as their objectives and needs change. I enjoy digging into the details and coming up with strategies and solutions they might not have thought of. They appreciate that – and I love it.

How have your interests outside HBKS^® affected how you work?

I started my career young and single. I’m now married with three adorable daughters. My life as a husband and father definitely affects how I view the world and what I believe is truly important. I understand what it’s like to be responsible for the livelihood of others. I see how important it is to stay on track with our financial goals and to insure against risks that can derail those goals. I understand that my clients have those same responsibilities, and how our planning and execution affects their lives. Family comes first, and clients need a trusted advisor that can help them make sure their goals for their families are met.

What do you see as the future of HBKS^®?

We have the right stuff for a very bright future. We’re an independent registered investment advisory. And we’re associated with a top tier regional CPA firm. How can you provide guidance on someone’s wealth without a good working knowledge of taxes? Investment advisors who aren’t focused on the total picture – financial planning, including tax planning – they simply aren’t relevant anymore. Our firm will continue to grow as people experience how an ongoing relationship with a firm staffed by credentialed professionals is their best advisory option.