"Invest Like an Optimist but Save Like a Pessimist"
Story
About us
Optimism - an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events. Hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something. As it relates to individuals, optimism can show itself as someone who can see the “Brightside" of a situation.
Ralph Wasiakowski, Founder of Brightside Wealth Planning, is an optimist at his core. At Brightside Wealth Planning we believe in holistic financial planning delivered from our Core Values. We like to say that we “invest like an optimist but save like a pessimist.”
At Brightside Wealth Planning, we are your guides to help you plan for and traverse the sometimes rocky path to your desired destination. We follow a personalized process: defining your goals, mapping out a path forward, and working with you to navigate course corrections needed throughout your family’s lifetime. With a bit of bravery, a sprinkle of patience & some discipline we believe everyone can set themselves up for lasting success. We are here to serve our clients, guide you on your journey, and hold you accountable when you need it.
Check out our bios
Our Team
Who We Are
Ralph is an Optimist; Loyal, and Intentional. Ralph gets energy from being around people - meeting, talking, sharing stories. Ralph values family, effort, fitness, humility, bravery, focus, independence, authenticity, passion, and intensity.
Ralph Wasiakowski -
Founder, Financial Advisor
Ralph has been advising clients since 2003, having spent the first 9 years of his career with Ameriprise Financial. Ralph embarked on a new journey to provide clients personalized advice with a collaborative relationship.
Ralph’s goal is to help make the complexities of personal finance less daunting and allow clients to focus on what matters most in life: your family, your work, your life’s passions.
Ralph graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from DeSales University (formerly Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales - go Centaurs!) in Center Valley, PA.
When not working with clients, Ralph enjoys reading and following current events, fitness, and finding ways to get outdoors. Ralph is happiest when taking adventurous trips with his wife, Nicole and children, Jack & Hannah. Whether in the office or at home, chances are the 5th member of the Wasiakowski family, Golden Retriever, Bolt, is close by, begging for some snacks!
Ralph is also passionate about helping military veterans, his father served during the Korean War, earning the Purple Heart during combat.
Ralph volunteers with:
•The Travis Manion Foundation
•Hire Heros USA

Nicole is perceptive, dependable, and conscientious - anchored by empathy. She finds her purpose in helping others solve problems and creating harmony. She values family, health, love, gratitude, resilience, harmony, simplicity, kindness, authenticity, and movement.
Nicole Wasiakowski -
Chief Operating Officer, Financial Advisor
Prior to joining Brightside Wealth Planning, Nicole spent the past 15 years at SEI Investments Company, a financial services company headquartered in Oaks Pennsylvania, where she held many roles directly supporting Financial Advisors.
Most recently, she was the Director of Communities helping build and manage several advisor communities designed to create connections between members & share best practices. Nicole has consulted with Registered Investment Advisors on technology, marketing, business planning, workflows, and improving client service models.
Before joining SEI, Nicole was a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial. She was responsible for providing financial planning solutions to high net worth individuals.
Nicole graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics & Business from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania and currently holds the Series 7 and 66 licenses.
When not working, Nicole enjoys spending time outside with her family: her husband Ralph, children, Jack & Hannah, and golden retriever, Bolt. Nicole also enjoys traveling, hiking, fitness, and coaching her daughter’s soccer team.
Our Values
At the Core
With the right people, culture, and values, you can accomplish great things. Here's what we believe in.
Showing Strength in the Face of Fear or Difficulty (“Faith in the Future”)
Staying the Course Regardless of Delays and Roadblocks. Making Slow Progress in the Right Direction Is Better Than No Progress at All
Making Small Sacrifices Now to Benefit the Future - Creating Habits That Become Routines - “Hard Now Easy Later”
Default Kindness in All Interactions - “Leave People Better Than You Found Them”
Taking Time to Recognize What Is Most Meaningful in Our Lives
What You See Is What You Get - Staying True to Values - Being Honest and Accountable
Process
Step by Step
1.
Discuss & Define Goals and Values
What's most important to you?
2.
Begin Your Journey/ First Steps
Where are you right now?
3.
Create a Roadmap / Plan
What do we need to do to get you from A to B?
4.
Evaluate Your Progress
When and what course corrections to make?
5.
Legacy Planning
Passing along your map to the next generation or charity.