In California's diverse and dynamic landscape, residents can access a world of opportunities, from the picturesque ski mountains to renowned wine country and stunning blue beaches. Enlisting the services of the best financial adviser in California is an excellent decision to make the most of what the Golden State offers.
These expert advisers can help you navigate the intricacies of financial planning, investment management and wealth building tailored to your unique needs and aspirations. Explore this comprehensive guide to find the top financial advisers in the state and unlock your path to financial success.
Quick Look: Financial Advisers in California Near You
- Best for Global Portfolio Management: Ascend Financial Advisers
- Best for Comprehensive Service: Beacon Pointe Advisers LLC
- Best for Risk Management: Sierra Investment Management
- Best for Personalized Approach: SEIA
- Best for Life Transitions: EP Wealth Advisers
Best Financial Advisers in California
1. Best for Global Portfolio Management: Ascend Financial Advisers
Ascend Financial Advisers, Inc. is a fee-only independent California financial adviser that provides financial planning and investment management services to individuals and families. Ascend helps its clients achieve their financial goals by offering customized solutions that address their needs and circumstances. It also provides services to entities related to an individual or family client, such as trusts, estates and family businesses.
Ascend charges a fixed fee for its financial planning services, which varies depending on the complexity and scope of the plan. It also charges a percentage of assets under management (AUM) for its investment management services, between 0.75% and 1.5%, depending on the account size. The firm does not charge commissions, referrals or other hidden fees.
Ascend Financial Advisers Services
- Retirement planning
- Estate planning
- Risk management
- Cash management
- Tax planning and coordination
- Stock option analysis
- Post-divorce planning
- College funding consulting
Ascend Financial Advisers Investment Strategy
Ascend investment strategy revolves around tactical asset allocation, addressing each client's specific objectives, income requirements and tax circumstances. It employs a mix of passive and active investment tools, such as index and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), actively managed funds, dividend-paying stocks and municipal bonds, to optimize returns and manage risk through global diversification.
2. Best for Comprehensive Service: Beacon Pointe Advisers LLC
- A percentage of assets under your management
- Hourly charges
- Fixed fees (other than subscription fees)
- Financial planning services
- Pension consulting services
- Selection of other advisers (including private fund managers)
- Publication of periodicals or newsletters
- Educational seminars/workshops
- CONSULTING SERVICES
Address
24 CORPORATE PLAZA SUITE 150NEWPORT BEACH CA, 92660
Phone number
949-718-1600
Beacon Pointe Advisers LLC is a registered financial adviser in California, founded in 2002. With 45 offices across the United States and a dedicated team of over 440 employees, the firm offers objective and comprehensive financial guidance to institutions, individuals and families. It proudly serves a client base of over 13,332 persons and oversees over $28 billion in AUM.
One of the distinctive features of Beacon Pointe is its Women's Advisory Institute, which empowers female clients to achieve their financial goals and navigate major life transitions. This institute provides education, advocacy and mentorship to women of all ages and backgrounds. The firm's corporate leadership team comprises over 50% women, making Beacon Pointe the nation's largest women-led Registered Investment Adviser (RIA).
Beacon Pointe Adviser Services
- Private wealth management
- Institutional consulting
- Retirement planning
- Adviser partnerships
Beacon Pointe Adviser Investment Strategy
Beacon Pointe strongly emphasizes effective risk control through robust portfolio diversification. The firm believes diversifying client portfolios across various asset classes and investment managers is essential to mitigate investment volatility and risk. This approach is considered more favorable regarding risk-to-return profiles than concentrating on a single asset class or manager. Beacon Pointe seamlessly integrates active and passive management strategies.
3. Best for Risk Management: Sierra Investment Management
Sierra Investment Management is a fiduciary firm based in Santa Monica, California, with additional offices in Irvine, California, and Scottsdale, Arizona. With a history dating back to 1987, Sierra specializes in tactical, global and multi-asset-class portfolio management, making it one of the top financial advisers in California. The firm's primary focus is on serving the needs of conservative investors, aiming to preserve their capital while achieving a moderate return on investment.
Sierra's investment team boasts over 100 years of combined experience in asset allocation, manager research and portfolio construction. It conducts a daily review of holdings, allowing it to make swift and disciplined decisions to safeguard clients' wealth during market downturns. The team actively seeks to capitalize on market opportunities when trends are favorable.
Sierra Investment Management Services
- Tactical asset allocation
- Portfolio construction and management
Sierra Investment Management Investment Strategy
Sierra Investment Management employs an active approach, actively monitoring holdings and implementing proprietary stop-loss tactics to limit drawdowns during market declines. Sell signals prompt temporary shifts to safer assets, while buy signals lead to a return to the previous fund unless a better option arises. This strategy applies consistently to all accounts and programs to capture up-trends and avoid prolonged down-trends.
4. Best for Personalized Approach: SEIA
- A percentage of assets under your management
- Hourly charges
- Fixed fees (other than subscription fees)
- Financial planning services
- Selection of other advisers (including private fund managers)
- Educational seminars/workshops
Address
2121 AVENUE OF THE STARS SUITE 1600LOS ANGELES CA, 90067
Phone number
310-712-2323
SEIA, which stands for Signature Estate & Investment Advisers, is an independent investment advisory firm with a rich history of providing comprehensive wealth management services since 1997. Operating from offices in California, Virginia and Texas, SEIA serves clients nationwide. With over $11 billion in assets and a dedicated team of over 62 advisers, it is recognized as a leading financial adviser in CA.
SEIA's financial advisers adopt a highly personalized approach to help clients achieve their financial objectives. It follows a structured six-step process, which includes:
- Understanding the client's unique needs, objectives, values and preferences
- Assessing the client's risk tolerance, time horizon and liquidity requirements
- Developing a tailored asset allocation strategy that aligns with the client's profile and market conditions
- Implementing the strategic plan by using various investment vehicles and strategies
- Periodically rebalancing the portfolio to maintain the optimal risk-reward balance
- Providing ongoing guidance, support and clear communication of results to clients
SEIA Services
- Wealth counseling
- Business advisory
- Estate planning
- Tax planning
- Risk management
- Philanthropic planning
SEIA's Investment Strategy
SEIA's investment strategy revolves around its client-centric six-step process, ensuring individualized solutions. The firm offers diverse programs tailored to different client types. SEIA integrates ESG factors into its investment analysis, aligning with traditional financial metrics. This approach combines various asset classes, investment styles and vehicles to achieve client objectives. SEIA's strategy is versatile and focused on adapting to each client's unique needs.
5. Best for Life Transitions: EP Wealth Advisers
- A percentage of assets under your management
- Hourly charges
- Fixed fees (other than subscription fees)
- Financial planning services
- Selection of other advisers (including private fund managers)
- Educational seminars/workshops
- RETIREMENT PLAN ADVISORY SERVICES
Address
21515 HAWTHORNE BLVD SUITE 1200TORRANCE CA, 90503
Phone number
310-543-4559
EP Wealth Advisers is a fiduciary financial adviser in California that caters to individuals and families going through life transitions, such as retirement, divorce, inheritance, business sale, career change or loss of a spouse. The firm assists clients to achieve their financial goals and live their best lives.
When you work with EP Wealth Advisers, you'll have access to a team of Certified Financial Planners™ (CFP®), Chartered Financial Analysts® (CFA®), Certified Public Accountants (CPA®), Certified Divorce Financial Analysts (CDFA®) and other professionals who can provide comprehensive and personalized advice on various aspects of your financial situation.
EP Wealth Advisers Services
- Tax planning
- Estate planning
- Charitable giving
- Education funding
- Retirement planning
EP Wealth Advisers Investment Strategy
EP Wealth offers personalized investment advice tailored to clients' unique financial situations, goals and preferences. Clients have the flexibility to establish their portfolio restrictions and guidelines, ensuring their investments align with their objectives.
While EP Wealth's primary investment strategy is not focused on short-term trading, the firm may occasionally employ this approach, considering the client's risk tolerance and objectives. The goal is to optimize returns while managing potential risks.
Get Matched with an Advisor
Choosing the right financial adviser can help you achieve your financial aspirations. From global portfolio management to tailored support for life transitions, California's top financial advisers assist you in navigating your unique financial journey. Their expertise and personalized strategies can be your compass in the ever-evolving financial landscape of the Golden State, ensuring you make the most out of what this remarkable state has to offer.
- Best For:Quick and Convenient Financial GuidanceVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Money Pickle's website
- Best For:Comparing AdvisorsVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through SmartAsset Financial Advisors's website
- Best For:High Net Worth IndividualsVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Empower's website
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of hiring a financial adviser in California?
Hiring a financial adviser in California can provide professional guidance, personalized financial planning, help with investment decisions and peace of mind in managing your finances.
Can I work with a financial adviser remotely in California?
Yes, many financial advisers in California offer remote services, allowing you to work with them through virtual meetings, phone calls and secure online platforms.
How often should I meet with my financial adviser in California?
The frequency of meetings with your financial adviser in California depends on your needs and goals. Generally, it is recommended to have regular check-ins at least once or twice a year to review your financial plan and make any necessary adjustments.
About Anna Yen
Anna Yen, CFA is a personal finance writer with over two decades of professional finance and writing experience in roles within JPMorgan and UBS derivatives, asset management, crypto, and Family Money Map. She specializes in writing about personal finance topics ranging from investments, budgeting, debt management, credit, student loans, insurance, and retirement planning to real estate and cryptocurrencies. Her work has been published on sites like Quicken, the crypto exchange Bybit, and Credit.com.