NSSA Names Ernie Camerino as Advisor of the Year for Excellence in Retirement Planning

The National Social Security Advisor Award acknowledges Camerino's commitment to empowering retirees with effective Social Security planning

CINCINNATI, March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Social Security Association in Cincinnati, Ohio has selected Ernie Camerino, the Founder and President of Charting the Course, LLC, and retirement consultant for Buttelman and Associates Financial Services, as its National Social Security Advisor (NSSA) of the Year.

The prestigious award was announced by Marc Kiner, board member of the National Social Security Association. Kiner is a partner at Premier Social Security Consulting of Cincinnati, which teaches the NSSA Social Security education courses to advisors across the nation. The NSSA Advisor of the Year award honors advisors who demonstrate exceptional dedication, integrity, and commitment to educating clients about Social Security. The recipient is chosen based on their contributions to their clients, the community, and the advancement of Social Security education.

"With more than 35 years of experience in education, Ernie has dedicated his career to helping others achieve their goals, and he exemplifies what it means to be a true advocate for retirees. As a classroom teacher and administrator, Ernie has had the privilege of guiding thousands of employees toward a secure and fulfilling retirement," said Kiner. "Ernie is continuing to guide and educate retirees, in order to improve their quality of life—now in the private sector."

During his tenure with the Palm Beach County, Florida school district, Camerino recognized that every individual's retirement journey is uniquely personal, with each person facing distinct challenges and opportunities. Upon retiring, Camerino decided to channel his passion for helping others into founding his own company, Charting the Course, LLC. Additionally, as a retirement consultant for Buttelman and Associates Financial Services of West Palm Beach, Florida, Camerino works closely with clients to develop tailored financial blueprints that meet clients' unique needs.

"One critical component often overlooked in the retirement planning process is Social Security," said Camerino. "I firmly believe that developing effective Social Security strategies to maximize benefits is essential to creating a comprehensive and successful retirement plan."

The NSSA program is the nation's first Social Security education certificate program. The NSSA Advisor certificate is awarded to advisors who take the NSSA course and pass an assessment after going through the program. To date, more than 3,000 advisors have received the prestigious certification.

Camerino has distinguished himself by integrating Social Security planning seamlessly into his retirement advisory services, offering clients customized financial guidance that ensures they maximize their retirement benefits.

"It is a true honor to be recognized as the National Social Security Advisor of the Year. The NSSA program has provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge that not only sets my consulting apart in the industry, but it also enables me to cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships with my clients," said Camerino.

Camerino is recognized not only for his deep expertise but also for his commitment to ongoing education. He frequently conducts workshops, seminars, and individual consultations to educate the public about the complexities of Social Security and retirement planning.

"Each individual's circumstances—such as their work history, marital status, and long-term financial goals—require a tailored approach. Making the wrong decisions could result in leaving money on the table, misunderstanding eligibility, or even incurring penalties," explained Camerino. "Educating people on how to make informed decisions about when to claim benefits, how to coordinate with spousal benefits, or how Social Security integrates with other retirement income sources is essential to maximizing their long-term security," said Camerino. "Ultimately, providing accurate, clear, and relevant information empowers individuals to make confident decisions about their financial future."

Premier partner Jim Blair, a 35-year veteran of the Social Security Administration, agrees with this sentiment. "Social Security continues to grow in complexity, presenting unique challenges for individuals in various situations—whether they are single, divorced, widowed, part of a married couple, or navigating significant age differences in a marriage. The NSSA program equips advisors with up-to-date education and ongoing resources, ensuring they can guide clients toward the best possible claiming decisions," said Blair.

"Today, advisors are fielding more Social Security questions than ever, ranging from cost-of-living adjustments and pension considerations to spousal benefits. Understanding these situational factors is crucial to making informed choices. The best claiming strategy is always tied to an individual's unique circumstances—a concept we refer to as Situational Social Security. With approximately 73 million baby boomers in the U.S., having knowledgeable advisors is important," Blair added.

For more information on Buttelman and Associates Financial Services, visit http://www.buttelmanandassociates.com/.

For more information about the National Social Security Advisor certificate program and to see a full list of dates for the program, email Kiner at [email protected].

SOURCE National Social Security Association