For families in Paramus, New Jersey, a 403(b) plan is often the primary vehicle for building long-term security, yet it is frequently the most misunderstood account in the household portfolio. Hudson Companies provides independent, fee-only investment management for families in Bergen County and Rockland County who want a clear strategy for these accounts—one that coordinates with their broader financial life rather than existing in a silo.
Hudson is an SEC-registered investment adviser. The firm manages the investment portfolio and serves as the central coordinator for the other professionals a family already works with—the accountant, the attorney, the insurance advisor, and any trustee. The goal is to ensure that every financial decision, from a 403(b) contribution to an estate document, is based on the same set of facts and the same long-term objectives.
Chris Conover founded Hudson Companies in 2008 and continues to lead the firm today. He began his career on Wall Street in 1995, and he has lived in Rockland County his entire life. He earned a BA in Economics and an MBA in Finance from Fordham University, and he began doctoral coursework there in behavioral economics—a field that informs how the firm helps families avoid costly, emotion-driven decisions during market volatility.
Consider a public school teacher in Paramus who has accumulated a substantial 403(b) balance over a twenty-five-year career. The account has grown through consistent contributions, but the investment options are limited, the fees are opaque, and the family has never had a comprehensive conversation about how this money fits with their pension, their home equity, and their estate plan. Hudson steps in to manage that account with the same rigor applied to the rest of the portfolio, while coordinating with the teacher’s pension advisor and tax preparer to ensure that every withdrawal, rollover, and contribution decision is made with full knowledge of the tax consequences.
The core of what Hudson does is manage the portfolio. That means making investment decisions, monitoring performance, and rebalancing assets as circumstances change. But the work extends beyond the portfolio itself. Hudson keeps the accountant, the lawyer, the insurance professionals, and any trustee on the same page. When a family is making a significant financial decision—selling a home, funding a grandchild’s education, or restructuring a business—everyone involved should be working from the same set of assumptions.
The family pays Hudson directly for this work.
For families in Paramus and the surrounding areas, this level of coordination is particularly valuable. A 403(b) plan is often tied to an employer, and the options within the plan may be limited. Hudson evaluates those options carefully, considering fees, investment quality, and how the account fits with the rest of the family’s assets. If a rollover makes sense, Hudson guides the family through the process. If staying in the employer plan is the better choice, Hudson says so. The decision is based on the specifics of the family’s situation, not on a formula.
The same approach applies to other workplace retirement accounts, IRAs, taxable investment accounts, and any other assets the family holds. Hudson looks at the entire picture, not just one account in isolation. This holistic view is what allows the firm to make recommendations that truly serve the family’s long-term interests.
Paramus is home to many educators, healthcare professionals, and public servants who have dedicated their careers to serving others. These individuals often have access to 403(b) plans through their employers, and they have been diligent about saving. But the complexity of these accounts, combined with the demands of a busy career and family life, can leave even the most careful saver with gaps in their plan.
Hudson’s role is to fill those gaps. The firm brings a level of expertise and attention that most families do not have the time or inclination to develop on their own. By managing the portfolio and coordinating with the family’s other advisors, Hudson provides a comprehensive approach that gives families confidence in their financial future.
The firm’s office is located in Pearl River, New York, just a short distance from Paramus. Hudson works with families throughout Rockland County and Bergen County, and the firm’s deep roots in the region mean that Chris Conover understands the local landscape—the school systems, the employers, the real estate market, and the unique financial considerations that come with living and working in this area.
Financial planning is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing relationship that evolves as life changes. A family’s needs at age forty are different from their needs at age sixty, and Hudson’s approach reflects that reality. The firm builds long-term partnerships with the families it serves, providing steady guidance through market cycles, career changes, and life transitions.
For a teacher approaching retirement in Paramus, the questions are specific and consequential. When should they begin taking distributions from their 403(b)? How does Social Security factor into their overall income plan? What are the tax implications of their pension and their investment accounts? Hudson helps answer these questions with clarity and precision, ensuring that the family can make informed decisions with confidence.
Schedule a conversation at the intake form or call (845) 920-1600. Hudson Companies is located at 1 Blue Hill Plaza, Pearl River, New York.
