CFP®-certified financial advisors working with educators, teachers, and academics in California
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
If you work in education or academia, your financial path often includes unique income cycles, retirement plans, and sometimes delayed career earnings. Without an advisor familiar with these specifics, you might miss opportunities to optimize your benefits or plan for sabbaticals and career shifts.
- Retirement plan nuances. Confirm how they handle public school or university retirement systems, which differ from typical 401(k)s.
- Income variability insight. Ask how they plan for summers off, grants, or adjunct teaching gigs that affect cash flow.
- Education-related benefits. Check if they incorporate loan forgiveness programs or tuition assistance into your strategy.
- Career transition planning. See how they support moves between academia, administration, or consulting roles, which can impact your financial goals.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Lee C
CFP®, Series 66
San Francisco, CA
RFG Advisory, LLC
Lee Crocker is well-suited for educators and academics in California, bringing 19 years of financial services experience and CFP® certification to address unique income cycles and retirement plans common in education. Operating from San Francisco with RFG Advisory, LLC, he offers flat-fee financial planning and combines active and passive investment strategies, differentiating him with a broad client base including charitable organizations and ERISA plans, which may provide a wider perspective than advisors focused solely on individual educators.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $295,694
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Komal M
CFP®
Pasadena, CA
TIAA-CREF
Komal Motwani is well-suited for educators and academics in California, offering expertise in retirement plans for business owners and general estate planning, which can address unique income cycles and retirement nuances common in education careers. Based in Pasadena and affiliated with the large firm TIAA-CREF, she serves high-net-worth clients with a 0.30% annual wrap fee, bringing seven years of experience and a CFP® certification that supports mid-career professionals approaching retirement.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $523,144
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Christie J
CFP®, Series 66
Placerville, CA
Edward Jones
Christie Johnson is well-equipped to assist educators and academics in California with retirement income strategies and planning, leveraging her 14 years of experience and CFP® certification. Working at Edward Jones, a large full-service firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, she offers comprehensive wealth management with an annual program fee up to 1.35%, which may suit clients seeking a broad range of advisory services within a large firm environment.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $246,728
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James W
CFP®, Series 65
Beverly Hills, CA
Cheviot Value Management, LLC
James Whiting is a CFP® with eight years of experience and specializes in serving educators, teachers, and academics in California, making him well-equipped to address unique financial needs like retirement plan nuances and income variability common in education careers. His firm, Cheviot Value Management, uses a value-oriented investment approach and offers flat-fee financial planning up to $10,000, distinguishing him with a focus on high-net-worth clients and discretionary portfolio management.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $1,935,958
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Michael L
CFP®, Series 66
Calabasas, CA
Ares Financial Consulting LLC
Michael Lambrakis is a CFP® with 14 years of experience, specializing in educators, teachers, and academics in California, making him well-versed in the unique financial challenges of this group. His firm, Ares Financial Consulting LLC, offers a diversified, model-based investment approach, flat-fee and hourly pricing options, and corporate retirement plan consulting, providing a broad range of services beyond typical retirement planning.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $843,432
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