Faces of Philanthropy: Aaron Bert

Aaron Bert

Annunciation Catholic Church

PGAC Vice Chair

I grew up in Central Florida, and I built my career around a simple idea: good planning turns uncertainty into confidence. Since 2008, I’ve helped families align money with what matters most. My work blends investment management, retirement planning, tax awareness, insurance, estate coordination, and charitable giving. I serve as a fiduciary, which means my advice is designed to put your interests first.

Today, I serve as President of Certified Financial Group® and Certified Insurance Corp. I am a CFP® professional, an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designee, and a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®). I am an Investment Advisory Representative of Certified Advisory Corp, a Registered Investment Advisor, as well as a Registered Representative with Fortune Financial Services, Member FINRA SIPC. Securities are offered through Fortune Financial Services, Inc., and financial planning and investment management are offered through Certified Advisory Corp. Certified Advisory Corp and Fortune Financial Services are separate and not affiliated.

My path to financial planning started with service and building. I earned a B.S. in Management from the United States Air Force Academy, then served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force Medical Service Corps, working as Group Practice Manager for the Primary Care Clinics of the 6th Medical Group at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. After the Air Force, I worked in Orlando as a Superintendent for Turner Construction Company, where I learned how planning, coordination, and clear communication keeps complex projects on track.

I continued my education with an MBA from the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona. I completed the Certified Financial Planner® professional education program at the College for Financial Planning in Denver and the Financial Planning Association Residency program at the University of California, Irvine. I am a past board member of the FPA of Central Florida and an active member of our community, including service on the Planned Giving Advisory Council for The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida.

I am passionate about the Diocese of Orlando schools having attended K-12 in the diocesan school system and did the same with all 3 of my children. I met my wife Kelly at Bishop Moore Catholic High School as well. On weekends, you might find us outside, at a school event, or supporting local causes.

Faces of Philanthropy Q & A with Aaron Bert:

Q: What motivated you to join the Planned Giving Advisory Council?

A: I joined the PGAC as an opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and learn additional ways to support the Diocese, Catholic Church, and its parishioners.

Q: What’s one misconception people often have about planned giving?

A: A common misconception about planned giving is that it is difficult or takes time. Oftentimes it’s as simple as updating a beneficiary form.

Q: Who taught you about giving or stewardship?

A: I learned about supporting the Diocese like most children who grew up in the Church… turning in the family envelope each week in the collection basket. That’s often where the charitable seeds are planted.

Click here to learn more about our Planned Giving Advisory Council.