Michael's Background

My Mission

I have always been a disciplined individual with excellent communication skills. Perseverance, determination, and work ethic are a few of my core principles that guide me in my everyday life. My planning style is to simply "tell it like it is" and I believe my clients appreciate this approach. While my clients lead busy lives personally and professionally, I help them stay on track and keep them "financially fit!"

Professional Organizations

Michael is an active member of Provisors and Legacy Forum Networks. Both these organizations allow Michael to have access to a national network of experts and specialists in every field of business. If you have unique needs that requires the insights from others, Michael will align you with highly recommended business partners. 

Michael and his family

Get to Know Michael

I was born in Harbor City, CA and have lived the majority of my life in the San Fernando Valley (Tarzana and Sherman Oaks). I am happily married to my wife, Jocelyn, and we have two beautiful daughters-Faye and Amber.

My parents have been excellent role models. They have been married for over 50 years! They are retired and "living the dream" in San Clemente, CA. I have two older sisters who live in Orange County.

Besides planning, my two other passions are running and music. I run 5-6 times per week usually at 5 a.m. That is how I like to start my day. I have completed 26 marathons (Boston and New York being the highlights), dozens and dozens of half marathons, and countless 10K's/5k's. I entered the ultramarathon world in 2019. I have completed 2 50K’s (32 miles) and a 50 miler.

Music is very near and dear to me. I love going to concerts and discovering new bands. If I’m lucky, I’m able to grab the setlist from that night! I have over 20 setlists from various bands including the Imagine Dragons, Incubus, Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crue, Blondie and The Specials.

Get to Know Michael

Advanced Education

Michael believes in continued professional development! He stays informed on the latest laws and trends in the financial industry and continues to earn professional designations and licenses.

Michael currently holds the following designations:

Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®)

A CLU® is a financial professional with extensive knowledge of life insurance. In most states, a CLU® designation exempts you from pre-licensing education and underwriting certification requirements. This means a CLU® has obtained a level of life insurance expertise that exceeds basic life insurance underwriting requirements.

A CLU® certification gives advisors:

  • In-depth knowledge of life insurance underwriting concepts and life insurance law within the context of overall risk management
  • The necessary knowledge to help clients address their estate planning needs

Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)

A ChFC® is a professional designation representing the completion of a comprehensive course consisting of financial education, examinations, and practical experience. Chartered Financial Consultant designations are granted by the American College upon completion of nine required courses and two elective courses. Those who earn the designation are understood to be knowledgeable in financial matters and to have the ability to provide sound advice.

A ChFC® certification gives advisors:

  • In-depth education in topics such as estate planning and employee benefits planning.
  • Knowledge to help those wishing to retire early
  • Advanced education in asset protection planning

Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®)

The RICP® designation is earned by financial professionals who demonstrate an understanding of the concepts, methods, and strategies for providing financial advice to individuals on retirement income planning. The growing number of retirees and senior citizens in the U.S., together with longer life expectancies, have created a significant need for estate planning, retirement income planning, portfolio management strategies, Social Security, personal finance, and life insurance solutions.

A RICP® certification gives advisors:

  • In-depth knowledge of income distribution strategies
  • A detailed understanding of social security, Medicare, minimizing taxes, 401(k)s and IRAs

Michael holds his Life and Health License #0F99522 as well as his Series 6, 7 and Series 63 investment licenses.

Your iCore Team

Each of us are committed to providing exceptional service. If you need to schedule an appointment, request service, or have a question about a policy or account, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Photo of Director of Client Relations Lori D Kellems

Lori D Kellems

Director of Client Relations

Lori is our Director of Client Relations as well as an Associate Financial Representative on the team. She grew up as a “valley girl” but after graduating from the University of California, Irvine she planted roots in Orange County. She has a background in Human Resources along with owning her own invitation business. She has been married to her husband, Scott, for 32 years and is a proud mom to her two kids, Camille and Jack. In her spare time, she enjoys being with friends and family, attending ballets and concerts.

Lori holds her Life and Health License.

How Lori Can Help You:

  • Billing/Payment issues
  • Beneficiary and address changes
Photo of Associate Wealth Management Advisor Jolene Sandberg

Jolene Sandberg

Associate Wealth Management Advisor

With over 15 years in the financial planning industry, I am dedicated to helping clients build plans that support their goals and dreams, always keeping their financial well-being top of mind.  Outside of work, you’ll find me spending time with my family – cheering on my daughters at dance recitals and soccer games or enjoying the great outdoors together.  I’m also actively involved in my community, coaching soccer, volunteering at my children’s school and always rooting for the Oregon Ducks!

T R

Tory Rakosi

Investment Operations Assistant

Photo of Director of Marketing Angelina Leonetti

Angelina Leonetti

Director of Marketing

Angie started her career with Northwestern Mutual in 2015. She is responsible for utilizing strategic marketing and media strategies to help us meet our growth goals. With a master's in communications from University of Illinois, she is an innovative marketing communications executive with 15+ years of experience in corporate marketing including branding, customer relations, creative team leadership, advertising and media relations.

Network of Specialists

Through Northwestern Mutual, I have access to a Network of Specialists. We help each other, share ideas and common values, and leverage each other's talents to help you achieve your personal dream of financial security.

Photo of Wealth Management Advisor Michael A Waxberg

Michael A Waxberg

CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®, RICP®

Wealth Management Advisor

Photo of Wealth Management Advisor Todd M Gindy

Todd M Gindy

CFP®, RICP®

Wealth Management Advisor

Lending a hand in our community.

Along with making the financial lives of our clients better, we're improving our community, too. In particular, we support childhood cancer prevention and treatment organizations including:

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer (ALSF)

We believe no child should face cancer! ALSF funds cancer research, raises awareness, and supports the families of children with cancer. Since 2012, Northwestern Mutual, its employees, and financial professionals like me have donated more than $20 million to support ALSF and fund over 400,000 research hours.

LA for Alex's

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers, we are now The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), the world's largest voluntary (nonprofit) health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services.

leukemia and lymphoma society

Pablove Foundation

Providing kids with an outlet and the opportunity to develop a creative voice during their treatment is crucial. That’s why The Pablove Foundation is dedicated to our unique approach of addressing childhood cancer through art + science to realize our mission to: Improve the lives of children living with cancer through the arts Invest in underfunded, cutting-edge pediatric cancer research It’s what we call fighting childhood cancer with love. We believe that the world can be a better place by embracing joy and hope – even in the darkest moments.

Pablove Foundation Logo