Phil Cannella’s Crash Proof Retirement System: Dom and Linda Magazu


One of the most recent success stories belonging to Phil Cannella’s Crash Proof Retirement System is that of Dom and Linda Magazu of Gibbstown, N.J., who are the subjects of this week’s Crash Proof Retirement Spotlight.

Years before coming to Crash Proof Retirement, the Magazus were courted by a securities advisor—with disastrous results.

“We went with a firm that turned out to be a complete fraud,” lamented Dom Magazu. “They got us to turn over all of our funds to them… and then we never saw any of that money—or [the advisors] again. The law tried to do as much as they could for us, but the money was gone along with the people and the firm.”

Phil Cannella Restores The Magazus’ Faith

Feeling burned and betrayed by the financial industry, Dom and Linda spent the rest of their working lives depositing their money into a bank account, avoiding all other investment opportunities. As they approached their retirement years, however, the Magazus realized the need for more security through investment returns that would outpace inflation.

But after being out of the game for so long, Dom and Linda knew they had a lot to learn. So they attended a Crash Proof Educational Event at Adelphia Restaurant in Deptford, N.J. Upon meeting Phil Cannella and Joann Small, CEO of First Senior Financial Group, they knew this wouldn’t be the same old story.

“My husband went up to Phil Cannella before the dinner,” recalled Linda Magazu, “and he asked ‘have you ever had any failure?’ Phil looked him right in the eye and said no. I thought that was good because eye contact with somebody tells a lot about a person.”

The Magazus decided to take the next step to becoming Crash Proof by visiting our King of Prussia headquarters. It wasn’t until that meeting that Phil Cannella and Joann Small learned the sad truth—Dom Magazu had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

At First Senior Financial Group, each client received a customized Crash Proof Retirement Guide. But in light of Dom’s diagnosis, it was obvious that the Magazus’ case would require unique tailoring to meet the needs of Dom and his family. The design team put together a plan that would protect the Magazus financially, while allowing Dom to maintain his dignity and independence regardless of the course his health takes.

“I became enamored with Crash Proof Retirement—and it was beyond the money,” said Dom. “I need to know that my wife and kids are taken care of, and now I have that security and an honest, forthright plan that I can live with.”

After being burned by a previous advisor, then receiving a life-altering diagnosis, Dom Magazu needed a plan he could trust to provide safety and security for his loved ones. Luckily, Crash Proof Retirement was up to the task. At a time in his life when avoiding stress is of paramount importance, Dom Magazu says he’s grateful for his Crash Proof experience.

“Everybody we’ve talked to has been like family,” he said. “I haven’t seen that in any other organization—even the bank that I’ve been with for almost 40 years. I don’t have the same feeling of personal contact and security that I do since we’ve been with Crash Proof Retirement.”