Our Knowledge, Shared With You

From professional financial advice to in-depth guides and stories of success, we’ve distilled our decades of experience into informative resources for our community. 

Financial Freedom Through Smart Investments: Early Retirement Plan

Financial Freedom Through Smart Investments: Early Retirement Plan

Imagine retiring early and enjoying the freedom to pursue your passions…

Protecting Your Legacy: Why Estate Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy

Protecting Your Legacy: Why Estate Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy

Estate planning is a crucial aspect of protecting your legacy, regardless…

Navigating Market Volatility: Strategies for Retirement Portfolio Management

Navigating Market Volatility: Strategies for Retirement Portfolio Management

Market volatility can be a daunting prospect for those nearing or…

Navigating Retirement Preparedness: The Ultimate Checklist

Navigating Retirement Preparedness: The Ultimate Checklist

As you approach retirement, navigating the complex landscape of financial planning…

Investing 101: Grow Your Wealth Without the Wall Street Jargon

Investing 101: Grow Your Wealth Without the Wall Street Jargon

We get it – investing can feel like trying to navigate…

Tax-Smart Financial Strategies: Maximize Your Refund (or Minimize What You Owe)

Tax-Smart Financial Strategies: Maximize Your Refund (or Minimize What You Owe)

Navigating the treacherous waters of tax season can feel akin to…

Ellen R. Horn

Vice President

Ellen is a native Californian and comes from a family of educators. She graduated from California State University, Northridge with a BA in Liberal Studies and an additional 30 postgraduate units in special education. Always interested in the business world, she incorporated her knowledge and background with children and was the Primary Director of a Resident and Day Camp in Malibu. Her leadership skills helped grow and organize the business to make it one of the most successful Children’s Camps in Southern California.

After a decade long career as an educator, her teaching credentials enabled her to help clients understand how to reach their financial goals. Ellen has been in the financial business since 1992 and has been working with Charlie for over 25 years. One of her priority roles with Classic Financial is to help clients better understand the programs and tools they implement to reach their financial goals. She has direct contact with every client and coordinates all quarterly, semiannual and annual reviews. Ellen is a member of the MDRT’s Quarter of the Table and has received numerous acknowledgments for her financial success and professionalism. 

Charles M. Russo, CFP®

President, CEO

Charlie moved from New York to California in 1982 and began his career in the Financial Planning industry with Mutual of New York in Beverly Hills. In 1994, Charlie decided to extend his education and obtain his Certified Financial Planning designation. In addition to completing a comprehensive financial planning curriculum approved by the CFP Board, CFP® professionals are required to complete continuing education coursework. This includes a CFP Board-approved code of ethics course that sets forth their ethical responsibilities to the public, clients and employers. CFP® professionals must have a minimum of three years’ experience in the personal financial planning process prior to earning the right to use the CFP® certification marks.

Charlie has been helping individuals, business owners and health professionals reach their financial goals for over 30 years. In effort to provide clients with a more personalized and comprehensive approach, he began Classic Financial in 2000. Charlie is also an Investment Advisor Representative and Insurance Agent. He is a member of the MDRT’s Top of the Table and has been recognized several times for his financial aptitude.