Tim Buggy, CFP®
Retirement Planning Specialist

Tim Buggy loves his job.  Tim has been providing personal financial services to his clients for over 35 years and wouldn’t dream of doing anything else.  He believes in an approach that focuses on client’s long-term financial goals and objectives.  But it’s not all about the numbers, Tim also uses a holistic approach to planning, taking into account what his client’s value and want to achieve financially.

As a Retirement Specialist, Tim understands that planning for retirement can often be confusing and time consuming.  He offers educational webinars on a variety of topics that focus on income planning and asset preservation.  Tim sets aside the time to answer questions about retirement goals and discuss what options are available.  He naturally enjoys getting to know and helping his clients out.

But he does not go it alone.  Tim is grateful to be supported by a team of professionals that help him maintain long-term relationships with his clients and provide responsive customer service.  Tim prides himself on building a business based on trust and open communication.

Tim received a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  He completed additional coursework at Duquesne University and currently holds a CERTIFIED FINANCAL PLANNER™ professional certification. He also received a Certificate in Retirement Planning from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania – a curriculum developed to provide Equitable Advisors financial professionals with a higher level of preparation and knowledge. 

Tim has been happily married to his wife, Cherri, for over 30 years and has three children, Kara, Sara, and Timmy.  Outside the office, Tim enjoys fitness, skiing, golf, and cheering on the Steelers.

You can reach Tim at 724-766-7836 or tim.buggy@equitable.com.

Securities offered through Equitable Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA, SIPC (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI & TN). Investment advisory products and services offered through Equitable Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.  Annuity and insurance products offered through Equitable Network, LLC. Retirement Planning Specialist title awarded by Equitable Advisors, based upon receipt of a Certificate in Retirement Planning from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.  These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.  AGE- 162517(11/21)(Exp.11/23)

Dave Pratti 
Financial Planner

When Dave Pratti joined Tim Buggy's team in 2006, he became instantly impressed with the company’s focus on targeting specific client needs rather than a one-size-fits-all model.  He teams up with Tim to understand each client’s financial picture and help them pursue their life goals. From initial client meetings to developing effective, appropriate, and suitable investment strategies, Dave is actively involved in each step of the planning process.

Dave holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Robert Morris University.  He holds a Series 7 and Series 66 registrations and Life, Accident Health Insurance licensing. 

Outside of work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, Laura, and his four children, Josie, Vanessa, Leah, and David.  He also appreciates the great outdoors by hunting, fishing, and gardening. 

You can reach Dave at 724-766-7838 or dave.pratti@equitable.com.

Dana Balluch
Client Services Assistant

As the Client Services Assistant, Dana acts as a liaison between the client and financial professional.  She assists with customer service requests, including opening new accounts, completing account changes, and processing client deposits.  Dana plays the critical role of helping to prevent and solve problems before they happen, making clients’ lives easier. 

Dana holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Pennsylvania State University. Prior to joining the Pittsburgh team in 2017, Dana worked as a financial analyst in the healthcare industry for seven years, as well as holding other accounting positions.  In these roles, she learned the value of attention to detail, research, and good listening skills.

Outside of the office, Dana enjoys playing volleyball and hiking with her husband, Drew, and daughter, Alyssa.  She is also a roller coaster enthusiast.

You can reach Dana at 724-766-7837 or dana.balluch@equitable.com.

Patrick Buggy
Client Services Assistant

Patrick Buggy was brought in to assist Tim and Dave in late 2020.  He is responsible for new account set up, insurance policy delivery, and client service activities.  Patrick shares his banking and insurance experience which has made him a welcome addition to the team.

Patrick attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  He has over 18 years of experience working in finance.  He served in multiple finance roles over the years. These include lending, small business, insurance, and relationship management.

Patrick enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Jesica, and two children, Izel and Lucas.  He participated in a sprint triathlon in 2017 and you would be surprised to know that he also went skydiving once, just once. 

You can reach Patrick at 724-766-7078 or patrick.buggy@equitable.com.

Sheri Ward
Marketing Associate

Sheri Ward joined the Pittsburgh team in 2014.  She serves as the team’s marketing and administrative associate.  She is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing marketing strategies and supporting Tim’s financial education workshop activities.  She manages the website, social media, and print and electronic communications.  Sheri also assists with new business activities.

Sheri received a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.  She has over 15 years of experience working in the financial services industry, where she focuses on marketing and public relations activities.

Sheri enjoys spending time with her husband, Paul, and her two girls.  In her spare time, Sheri enjoys hiking, gardening, and teaching yoga.  She also enjoys Pittsburgh’s local comedy scene.

You can reach Sheri at 724-766-7828 or sheri.ward@equitable.com.

Dana Balluch, Patrick Buggy, and Sheri Ward are not registered/licensed to offer securities, investment advisory services or insurance in any state.