Top planning for children with special needs financial advisors working with high-net-worth individuals 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.
When you have a child with special needs, planning isn't just about finances—it's about securing their long-term care and quality of life. Without focused expertise, advisors might overlook critical benefits or legal protections that can affect your child's future.
- Government benefits navigation. Confirm how they help coordinate your child's eligibility for programs like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income, which have strict income and asset rules.
- Special needs trusts. Ask about their experience setting up trusts that protect your child's benefits while providing for additional needs.
- Estate planning integration. Ensure they consider how your overall estate plan supports your child's care without jeopardizing their benefits.
- Coordination with care providers. Look for advisors who work alongside therapists, educators, and medical professionals to align financial plans with your child's evolving needs.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Brandon S
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Fresno, CA
Wells Fargo Advisors
Brandon Schwartz specializes in planning for children with special needs, making him well-suited to address the complex financial and legal considerations involved in securing long-term care for these families. With 24 years of experience, CFP® certification, and affiliation with Wells Fargo Advisors, he offers high-net-worth clients in California access to comprehensive financial planning, investment services, and firm-backed research tools, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms or with less extensive resources.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $514,335
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Laura C
CFP®
Sausalito, CA
Balanced Financial Advisors
Laura Chernov specializes in planning for children with special needs, offering tailored financial strategies that include estate planning integration and coordination with care providers, which is crucial for high-net-worth families in California. With 19 years of experience and CFP® certification, she leads Balanced Financial Advisors, an independent firm that manages discretionary portfolios using Modern Portfolio Theory, and offers flexible fee structures including a 1.00% AUM fee and hourly consulting rates.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $1,872,011
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Paul M
Series 66
Walnut Creek, CA
Wells Fargo Clearing
Paul Meyer specializes in planning for children with special needs, making him well-suited to address the complex financial and legal considerations involved in securing long-term care for such families. Based in Walnut Creek, CA, he offers flat-fee services through Wells Fargo Clearing, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, and brings a unique perspective from his prior experience in education, particularly with educators and young professionals.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $475,575
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Sean A
ChFC®, Series 63, Series 65
Cupertino, CA
Infinity 8 Investments, LLC
Sean Akiyama specializes in planning for children with special needs, offering tailored financial strategies that include retirement income and general tax planning, which are crucial for high-net-worth families in California. As an independent advisor with 25 years of experience, he integrates comprehensive financial planning with investment management, providing a personalized approach from his Cupertino-based firm, Infinity 8 Investments, LLC, distinguishing him from larger firms with broader client bases.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $1,906,727
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