Top private / alternative investments financial advisors 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 have significant assets outside traditional stocks and bonds, like private equity or real estate investments, you need an advisor who understands these complex holdings. Without that expertise, you might miss risks or opportunities unique to private or alternative investments.
- Valuation insight. Private assets often lack clear market prices. Ask how the advisor determines fair value and monitors changes.
- Liquidity planning. These investments can be hard to sell quickly. Confirm how they help you manage cash flow and unexpected expenses.
- Tax implications. Alternative investments can trigger unusual tax events. Check if the advisor knows California's tax environment, including how Proposition 13 affects property taxes.
- Portfolio fit. Ensure they consider how private assets balance with your public investments and overall goals.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Charles P
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
San Rafael, CA
WealthSpire Advisors
Charles Pyfer III specializes in private and alternative investments, offering expertise in retirement income strategy and tax-loss harvesting, which is crucial for managing complex asset classes in California. With 19 years of experience and a CFP® certification, he operates within Wealthspire Advisors, a large firm known for a relationship-driven, customized investment approach and flat-fee structures, catering primarily to high-net-worth clients, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller practices or different fee models.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $3,410,246
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Matthew S
Series 66, Series 63
San Francisco, CA
Charles Schwab
Matthew Smith specializes in private and alternative investments, making him well-equipped to manage complex holdings like real estate and multi-state taxation issues in California. Working at Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers a 0.80% annual AUM fee and integrates brokerage, custody, and financial planning services, providing a comprehensive approach compared to smaller firms.
Experience: 12 years
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John R
Series 63, Series 66
San Francisco, CA
1919 Investment Counsel, LLC
John Roberson specializes in private and alternative investments, making him well-suited for managing complex holdings like private equity and real estate in California. With 19 years of experience and a role at 1919 Investment Counsel, which manages nearly $24 billion and serves high-net-worth clients, he offers both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management with a core and satellite approach, charging a 1% annual fee on equity and balanced accounts.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $4,080,449
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Beau C
Series 66
Sacramento, CA
Private Advisor Group, LLC
Beau Chandon specializes in private and alternative investments, making him well-suited to manage complex holdings like private equity or real estate in California. His firm, Mariner Advisor Network, offers flexible fee structures including flat fees and negotiable AUM rates, and serves a diverse client base with portfolio management and consulting, distinguishing him from advisors with more traditional approaches or less flexible payment options.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $303,047
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Elaina S
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
San Francisco, CA
Parallel Advisors, LLC
Elaina Serotte specializes in private and alternative investments, making her well-suited to manage complex holdings like private equity and real estate in California. With 16 years of experience and CFP® certification, she offers a multi-faceted investment approach through Parallel Advisors, LLC, including options strategies and tax-loss harvesting, and provides flat-fee tax preparation services, distinguishing her from other advisors in the region.
Experience: 16 years
Avg account: $2,223,505
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