David S. Waters, CFP®, CHFC®, CLU®, RHU®, AIF®,CPFA®

•  Founder & President, Great Oak Financial Inc. (est. 1993)
•  Over 40 years of financial services experience
•  Specialties: financial planning, retirement & estate planning, business insurance, charitable giving,   employee benefits, college financial aid strategies
•  Graduate of Dickinson College
•  Cetera Financial Group Circle of Excellence Award: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

David is the President and Lead Financial Advisor at Professional Planning Associates, a firm founded in 1953 and built on a legacy of trust, education, and client-centered service. With over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry, he has dedicated his career to helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence.

In addition to leading PPA, David is the founder and President of Great Oak Financial Inc., established in 1993. He specializes in a wide range of planning services, including personal financial planning, retirement and estate planning, business insurance, charitable giving, employee benefits, and college financial aid strategies. He is widely recognized for his approachable style and ability to simplify complex financial topics.

David is also deeply committed to education, teaching financial planning in adult education programs and sponsoring Continuing Education for CPA's in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Throughout his career, David has been actively involved in the financial community, holding memberships in organizations such as the Philadelphia Estate Planning Council, the Financial Planning Association (FPA), the Society of Financial Professionals, and the National Association of Health Underwriters. He has published articles in Physicians News Digest, Life and Health Advisor, and Smart Business Now, and serves as a study group leader for the Delaware Valley chapter of Certified Financial Planners. He is also a respected business valuation consultant to industry peers.

David takes great pride in the continued growth and success of Professional Planning Associates under his leadership, with a vision centered on delivering thoughtful, personalized financial advice that empowers clients to pursue long-term success and financial confidence.

Outside of the office, David enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and pursuing his passions for golf, tennis, and travel, reflecting his belief in living a well-balanced and fulfilling life.

The Cetera Financial Group Circle of Excellence recognition is not a guarantee of future investment success and should not be construed as an endorsement by any client.