Our Firm
Your Team
At our firm, we have the client—and only the client—in mind.

Over the years, we have found that a team approach can be an effective method to help clients who have a wide variety of needs as they maneuver through a complex financial-services world. We invite you to discover and experience the power of our services. We believe it has far-reaching benefits for our clients to get opinions from several sources with diverse backgrounds, education, and experience.
No one strategy fits everyone, which is why every client gets our undivided attention—from planning to execution to follow-up. We take a proactive approach to helping you develop a strategy to address your financial goals and objectives, using the most efficient methods available.
Paul Bufty
Founder
215-396-3306
Paul Bufty believes people deserve clear and objective financial education.
Since 1991, Paul has served our community by helping people better understand and take control of their financial decisions.
Your financial goals and dreams are supported by these decisions.
Since founding our firm in 1991, Paul’s mission has always been simple – ‘Provide financial education and personal financial service to people who have worked hard for their money.’
Paul and the Financial Group of Philadelphia provide financial education and implementation of retirement, investment and insurance solutions to individuals, organizations and unions.
Paul is a Temple University School of Business-Finance alumni. He has earned recognition throughout his career for outstanding, unwavering client service and performance.
The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) is an international association of leading Financial Professionals recognized as the standard of excellence in the financial services profession. Paul is a member of the Top of the Table, which represents the top 1% of MDRT members.
Paul’s commitment, dedication and professionalism are your assurance of the highest standard of service.
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
Benjamin Franklin
Michael Bufty
Managing Partner
215-396-3306
Michael always knew he wanted to do something in life that involved helping people but it wasn't until he was a young teen that he realized what that was. It was during that time, he noticed that school wasn't providing the necessary tools for Financial Literacy. He believes that is one of the largest downsides in the current educational curriculum.
Financial Group of Philadelphia was started over 30 years ago and set out to provide Financial Education to the community, companies and local labor unions in the tri-state area. By joining his families firm, Michael could provide Financial Education and in turn help everyone who needed guidance.
Michael operates with full transparency. His number one concern is the best interest of the clients our firm serves. He is backed by a fully independent financial services firm. In 2021, he became the Managing Partner of Financial Group of Philadelphia.
He is also a member of Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), a global, independent association of the world's leading Financial Services Professionals from more than in 70 nations around the world.
In Michael’s leisure time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He is an avid golfer and is most relaxed with a golf club in his hand
Bridget Galen
Director of Client Services
Bridget joined the Financial Group of Philadelphia as a Director of Client Services in the fall of 2021. She is from Holland, Pennsylvania and graduated from Villa Joseph Marie High School.
She was awarded an academic and athletic scholarship to Saint Joseph’s University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in finance. Bridget was a member of the division one soccer team for four years.
After graduating from Saint Joseph’s University, Bridget started at Vanguard as a client service associate. During her time at Vanguard, she obtained the Series 7 and Series 63 certifications.
At Financial Group of Philadelphia, Bridget strives to provide the best client experience possible.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family playing in recreational soccer leagues, and being on the beach in Ocean City, New Jersey.
Lisa Agster*
Medicare Insurance Specialist
215-396-3306
Lisa's specialty is helping people protect themselves against healthcare costs and making the most of their protection program, as it relates to Medicare. Lisa also has helped many of her clients address the substantial financial liability of long-term care.
In addition to health care protection, Lisa is also properly licensed to provide retirement vehicles that provide fixed and guaranteed** interest and income. In many cases, many of these plans also have tax-preferred accumulation and can lower existing tax liabilities.
Lisa is a fully licensed insurance professional who can also implement protection plans for income replacement utilizing life and disability insurance.
Lisa's patience and pleasant demeanor is one of the many reasons all of her clients find her enjoyable to work with.
Lisa Agster brings a personal approach to her clients. As a person who grew up with parents many years her senior, she has a special perspective when addressing and helping seniors deal with many of the unique financial decisions they need to make.
Lisa attended Albright College and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She has an extremely active lifestyle with many interests and hobbies.
David Chesner, DO, FACR, FACOI
Investment Adviser Representative
David Chesner is Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, and Clinical Assistant Instructor of Medicine, Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington, PA. Dr. Chesner received his BS from Selton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, where he graduated Cum Laude.
Dr. Chesner received his DO from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. His post-doctoral training included an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Hospital Consortium, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a fellowship in rheumatology at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. He is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine and Subspecialty of Rheumatology.
Ellen Boyce*
Practice Administrator
215-396-3306
As the administrator for The Financial Group of Philadelphia, Ellen is dedicated to the communication of information and the servicing needs of all our clients.
Ellen provides first contact when clients telephone our office so that they can be quickly and efficiently directed and serviced. Her interpersonal skills, developed over many years of management provide for an easy communication connection.
In addition to maintaining office organization, providing our clients with scheduling support and communication is vital to our company goals for individual personal service.
Ellen’s father was a successful financial professional for almost 50 years. Twenty years ago, Ellen became the office support person for her father, until his retirement.
Since joining the Financial Group of Philadelphia in 2009, she has been a leading part of the Financial Group of Philadelphia's presence in our community.
Ellen has been married to Glenn for forty years. They have three children and one grandson. While she resides in Bucks County, being raised in Philadelphia, she follows all professional sports but is a true diehard Phillies Phan.
* Not Registered Representatives of Lion Street Financial, LLC.
** Guarantees provided are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company
Million Dollar Round Table® (MDRT) is a global, independent association of life insurance and financial services professionals, who demonstrate professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct, and outstanding client service. MDRT members must annually complete an application, submit certifying letters, and pay dues. Belonging to MDRT is not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance, should not be construed as an endorsement, and is no guarantee as to future investment success.

Client Centered
Whether you are investing to build wealth, protect your family, or preserve your assets, our personalized service focuses your needs, wants, and long-term goals.
Our team of professionals have years of experience in financial services. We can help you address your needs of today and for many years to come. We look forward to working with you.