CFP®-certified, 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 the unique risks and opportunities these bring. Without that expertise, you might miss tax advantages or face liquidity issues that could disrupt your financial goals. CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, which helps them integrate alternative investments into your broader strategy.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they navigate California's high income taxes alongside Proposition 13's property tax limits when managing your alternative assets.
- Liquidity planning. Confirm they consider how long it takes to convert private investments into cash, so your spending needs are met without forced sales.
- Valuation methods. Inquire about how they assess the value of illiquid assets, since accurate appraisals affect your net worth and borrowing power.
- Portfolio fit. See if they explain how private investments complement your public holdings to balance risk and return over time.
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 is well-equipped to assist with private and alternative investments in California, leveraging his 19 years of experience and CFP® certification to navigate complex tax and liquidity considerations. Operating from Wealthspire Advisors, a large firm known for its diversified, institutional-style asset allocation, he offers flat-fee planning and serves high-net-worth clients, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller practices or different fee structures.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $3,410,246
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Elaina S
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
San Francisco, CA
Parallel Advisors, LLC
Elaina Serotte's 16 years of experience and CFP® certification equip her to manage private and alternative investments effectively, addressing tax implications and liquidity concerns in California. At Parallel Advisors, she supports high-net-worth and corporate clients with a multi-faceted investment approach including options strategies, offering financial planning and discretionary portfolio management with flexible fee options such as flat fees for tax preparation.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $2,223,505
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Jerod W
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Roseville, CA
Carson Wealth
Jerod Wurm's 28 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to manage private and alternative investments effectively, addressing tax impacts and liquidity planning crucial for California clients. His role at CWM, LLC, a large firm serving high-net-worth families and institutions, offers access to discretionary portfolio management with diverse investment models, while his flat-fee structure and expertise in tax-loss harvesting and retirement income strategy distinguish him from other advisors.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $875,860
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Melissa S
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
San Diego, CA
Creative Planning
Melissa Saxton's 17 years of experience and CFP® certification equip her to manage private and alternative investments effectively, addressing tax implications and liquidity concerns specific to California. Working at Creative Planning, a large firm known for a financial planning–led approach with low-cost indexing and buy-and-hold strategies, she serves high-net-worth clients with flexible flat-fee arrangements, distinguishing her from advisors with smaller practices or different fee models.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $2,113,277
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Lauren A
CFP®, Series 65
Carlsbad, CA
Mariner
Lauren Alvey's CFP® certification and expertise in private and alternative investments equip her to manage complex asset classes like private equity and real estate within California's unique tax environment. Working at Mariner Wealth Advisors, a large firm with $98.6 billion in assets, she offers flat-fee and hourly financial planning services, catering to high-net-worth clients and integrating socially responsible investing strategies, which distinguishes her from other advisors in the region.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $2,116,909
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