Large-firm financial advisors working with LGBTQIA clients in Irvine, CA

Scott Schiffer is a financial advisor at Centaurus Financial, Inc. with 28 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 63 designation and has been with Centaurus since 1998. In addition to his advisory role, Schiffer is a senior partner at Kieckhafer Schiffer LLP, a certified public accounting firm where he oversees client tax matters and supervises accounting staff. Centaurus Financial, Inc. provides advisory and brokerage services to a diverse client base, including individuals, families, businesses, corporations, trusts, and foundations. The firm offers financial planning, portfolio management, retirement-plan consulting, and specialized services, employing a variety of investment analyses and both discretionary and non-discretionary arrangements.

Steven Henningson is a financial advisor at Carson Wealth with Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and 41 years of industry experience. He has held positions at firms including Cetera, Creative Planning Institutional Advisors, and Citigroup Global Markets. Outside of his advisory work, he serves on the advisory board of a community church focused on recovery ministries and is involved with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Library. Carson Wealth is an enterprise platform managing approximately $50.6 billion through a network of over 650 advisors. The firm offers discretionary asset management, financial planning, and retirement plan services, using an Investment Committee to construct and monitor model portfolios and providing tailored solutions that integrate custodial and technology partnerships.

Spencer Johnston is a financial advisor at Carson Wealth with five years of industry experience. He holds Series 66 and Series 63 licenses and has held roles at firms including Thrivent Financial and Ameriprise Financial Services. Johnston’s prior work includes a 15-year tenure at EWI Worldwide. Carson Wealth operates an enterprise platform overseeing approximately $50.6 billion through more than 650 advisors. The firm offers discretionary asset management, financial planning, and retirement plan services, with an investment approach guided by an Investment Committee that manages model portfolios and provides tailored solutions including custom indexing and alternative investments.

Richard Lewis is a CFA charterholder with seven years of industry experience. He has worked at White Stork Asset Management LLC since 2018 and previously at Raj Vasudevan LLC from 2016 to 2018. He is based in Irvine, CA. White Stork Asset Management provides discretionary investment management to individuals, non-profit organizations, and institutions, focusing mainly on equities and U.S. Treasury securities. The firm’s bottom-up, fundamental investment approach emphasizes undervalued market leaders for long-term holding, active allocation, and risk controls at the position level, serving a client base that includes a notable share of non-U.S. investors.

William Oconnor is a financial advisor with Applied Financial Planning, Inc. in Irvine, CA, holding a Series 63 designation and over 40 years of industry experience. His career includes roles at LPL Financial and Midland National Life, and he currently owns and operates several financial and tax-related businesses. He also hosts a radio program called The Money Guys, which promotes local news and financial planning ideas. Applied Financial Planning, Inc. provides tax preparation and tax planning services to individuals, institutions, and various organizations, focusing on tax-efficiency and long-term investment considerations. The firm bills on a fixed-fee or hourly basis and does not manage client investment accounts directly.

John Baggett is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with 10 years of industry experience. He has worked at Edward Jones since 2018 and previously held roles at JPMorgan Chase Bank and JPMorgan Securities LLC. Outside of his advisory work, he rents a room in his secondary residence to a friend. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients. The firm offers a range of advisory programs and investment solutions, supported by a large nationwide network of advisors and branch offices.

Raymond Conboy is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has been serving clients since 1998, beginning his career at Prudential Securities before joining Banc of America Investments in 2003, where he continues to provide financial advisory services. Raymond works with wealthy families, business owners, businesses, and non-profit organizations, assisting them in recognizing, understanding, and realizing their priorities and goals. His expertise encompasses areas such as divorce transition planning, services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits, investment consulting for defined contribution and benefit plans, LGBT wealth planning, liquidity management, philanthropic planning, socially responsible and ESG investing, and tax minimization. Raymond aims to preserve and grow his clients' assets leveraging the broad financial capabilities of Merrill alongside the banking services of Bank of America. Raymond earned an Associate's Degree from Galway Mayo Institute of Technology and holds professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). Originally from Ireland, he moved to the United States in his early twenties. Outside of work, Raymond engages in hiking, triathlons, open water swimming, music, refereeing soccer, and spending time with his family. He also volunteers with organizations in his community, reflecting his commitment to community involvement.

At Empowering Finance we know that you are bold, ambitious, and a total badass. That's why you need a financial plan that allows you to pursue your passions and live your most authentic and powerful life. The problem is a buttoned-up approach to financial planning isn't going to meet your needs. You're worried that your dreams and aspirations will get lost in a cookie-cutter system. We believe you deserve a financial planner who listens to your unique dreams and helps you build a plan to get there. We understand that you want someone who will treat your money as we do our own. Which is why we combine our experience, authenticity, financial knowledge to connect with you and enable you to pursue your passions. Here's how we do it 1) We are a fiduciary: We are legally bound to put your interests ahead of our own 2) Diversity and authenticity matter to us: We are a woman-owned business, LGBTQIA+ friendly, and welcoming to anyone and everyone who needs an ally and friend with financial savvy. 3) Our services are fee-only: We keep things simple: no surprises charges or hidden fees So, Let's Chat. So you can stop worrying you won't reach your dreams and instead work with a passion-driven firm focused on achieving your life's dreams. Read Empowering Finances's blog here: https://empoweringfinance.com/blog/

At Silicon Beach Financial, we believe in the transformative power of your wealth. We’re more than just a financial guide—we’re your dedicated partner in realizing ambitious dreams and shaping the future. Our mission is to support visionary entrepreneurs and innovators who are driven to make a significant impact on the world. Our approach is deeply rooted in collaboration and partnership. We start by understanding your unique vision and then craft a comprehensive financial plan that aligns with your goals. Whether it’s managing investments to secure both short-term needs and long-term opportunities, or navigating the complexities of tax planning to maximize your wealth, we’re here to ensure you’re always ahead of the curve. We’re passionate about empowering individuals who are not only driven by financial success but also by a desire to create meaningful change. Our values—organization, accountability, objectivity, proactivity, education, and partnership—define how we work with you. We bring order to your financial life, help you make informed decisions, and anticipate life’s transitions with proactive strategies. Founded by Christopher Stroup, a recognized LGBTQ+ leader in financial planning, Silicon Beach Financial was created specifically for those who dare to dream big and make a difference. If you’re ready to transform your financial future and leave a lasting impact, let’s partner to turn your vision into reality. With us, your wealth isn’t just about accumulation; it’s about making a difference in the world.

Discover The Freedom Of Financial Clarity with Orchard Financial Group! At Orchard Financial, we empower you financially in a judgment-free zone, providing practical guidance in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Ideal for individuals and families who appreciate clear, straightforward advice in a relaxed setting where you're safe and valued. Are We the Right Fit for You? We're experts in supporting queer individuals and families with specialized knowledge in LGBTQ+ financial areas such as estate planning, family planning, and gender-affirming care costs. We also serve non-queer families looking for a personalized and non-judgmental approach to financial planning. Facing unique challenges or seeking direct financial guidance? Contact us to see how we can assist you. How Can We Work Together? The Total Package: Designed for those with substantial assets, this service offers thorough financial planning and investment management. Benefit from clear, actionable advice and a dynamic, evolving roadmap. Regular check-ins help us focus on growing your wealth with steadfast support. Makin' Money Moves: Ideal for clients needing a one-time, comprehensive financial plan. We begin with a detailed strategy session and support you in implementing it. Over three months, we'll develop a customized financial strategy with a clear action plan and success roadmap. Project Work: With our tailored project-based services, you can target specific financial goals. Whether you're making a significant purchase or optimizing savings, we provide personal, actionable strategies tailored to meet your needs. Orchard Financial Group is a proud woman-owned, queer-owned, and Certified LGBTBE® business. As a fee-only fiduciary and independent advisor, we commit to unbiased, trustworthy advice without any commission. Together, let's balance your finances with your dreams.

Jeffrey Park is a financial advisor at Merrill with eight years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at Merrill and affiliated firms since 2011, including roles at JPMorgan Chase Bank and J.P. Morgan Securities. Outside of his advisory work, he is a sole owner and co-owner of family rental properties in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutional investors.

Scott Mahoney is a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley in New York, NY, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and bringing 34 years of industry experience. He has been with Morgan Stanley since 2009, including roles at Morgan Stanley Private Bank, N.A. Outside of his advisory work, he is involved with Giants Foot Cubed LLC. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a large SEC-registered investment adviser and broker-dealer that serves both individual and institutional clients. The firm offers a wide range of advisory programs and financial planning services supported by structured planning tools and broad investment resources.

Elizabeth Brown is a Series 66 licensed financial advisor with J.P. Morgan Securities in New York, NY, where she has worked since 2012. She has 26 years of industry experience. J.P. Morgan Securities provides institutional consulting services to clients such as corporations, foundations, and defined contribution plan sponsors, offering asset allocation advice, investment manager and fund searches, and customized performance reporting through a select group of Wealth Advisors. The firm combines large institutional advisory operations with brokerage, distribution, and investment management capabilities.

Wesley Pool is a financial advisor at Wells Fargo Clearing with 15 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and previously worked at JPMorgan Securities LLC for seven years. Outside of finance, he has been involved with #TagMeBro LLC and Fry Street Public House. Wells Fargo Advisors is a national securities firm serving individual, corporate, and institutional clients with investment advisory services, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting. The firm manages approximately $671 billion in assets and offers both brokerage and advisory solutions.

Willie Myles is a financial advisor with Equitable Advisors in Cary, NC, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and bringing 16 years of industry experience. He has worked at Equitable Advisors since 2016, previously serving at Axa Advisors and MSI Financial Services. Outside of advising, he is a co-chairman of a fundraising campaign for Alpha Light Fund Inc., a nonprofit focused on renovating the House of Alpha. Equitable Advisors serves a range of clients including individuals, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations, providing financial planning, retirement consulting, and asset management through a network of representatives and third-party managers. The firm offers various investment vehicles and ERISA fiduciary services, relying on third-party program sponsors and an affiliation with a publicly traded parent company.