Top financial advisors working with HENRYs (high earners, not rich yet) 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're earning a high income but haven't yet built significant wealth, you face unique challenges like managing cash flow while saving aggressively. A common mistake is focusing only on investment growth without addressing tax strategies and debt management tailored to your income level.
- Tax-aware planning. Look for advisors who understand California's high income taxes and how Proposition 13 limits property tax increases, helping you plan your tax burden effectively.
- Cash flow management. Ask how they balance your current expenses with saving goals, ensuring you don't sacrifice today's needs for tomorrow's wealth.
- Debt and savings coordination. Confirm they integrate strategies for paying down debt while maximizing retirement contributions, rather than treating these separately.
- Career growth alignment. See if they adjust plans as your income rises, helping you avoid pitfalls common to high earners not yet rich.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Ernie S
Series 66
Los Angeles, CA
Merrill
Ernie Salgado is equipped to assist high earners in California with tax-aware planning and active portfolio management, addressing the unique challenges of managing cash flow and tax burdens in a high-income environment. Working at Merrill, a large firm with a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million, he brings four years of experience and a Series 66 credential, serving mid-career professionals and business owners in Los Angeles.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Brian E
Series 63, Series 65
El Segundo, CA
Cetera
Brian Emde specializes in serving high earners not yet rich in California, offering expertise in wealth management, tax-loss harvesting, and retirement plans tailored for business owners. With 30 years of experience and a flat-fee structure for financial planning, he operates within Cetera's large firm environment, providing access to diverse portfolio management options and institutional resources, which may offer broader support compared to smaller firms.
Experience: 31 years
Avg account: $306,089
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David K
Series 66
Playa Del Rey, CA
RBC Capital Markets
David Kirksey specializes in serving high earners in California who are not yet wealthy, offering expertise in tax-loss harvesting and concentrated stock management to address complex tax and investment challenges. Operating within RBC Capital Markets, a large firm with flat-fee options, he brings 13 years of experience and a background at Morgan Stanley, providing access to tailored investment strategies and responsible investing approaches that may differ from smaller or fee-only advisors.
Experience: 14 years
Avg account: $1,017,425
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Wesley Y
Series 63, Series 65
Los Angeles, CA
Lido
Wesley Yamada specializes in serving high earners not yet rich in California, leveraging 15 years of experience and expertise in options, real estate investing, and wealth management. Operating from Los Angeles with LIDO, a large firm known for integrated wealth management and discretionary account management, he offers flexible fee structures including flat fees and negotiable hourly rates, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on traditional investment approaches.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $2,926,994
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Gerardo G
CFP®
Vista, CA
Confianza Wealth Management
Gerardo Garcia Jr. specializes in serving high earners in California who are building wealth for the first time, offering expertise in tax strategies for small businesses and equity compensation. As a CFP®-certified, independent advisor with a flat-fee structure, he uniquely understands the challenges faced by millennial business owners and first-generation families, providing tailored guidance that balances cash flow management with long-term growth.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $49,400
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