CFP®-certified, passive / index investing financial advisors in Oakland, CA
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 want to grow your investments steadily without frequent trading, a passive or index investing advisor can help you stick to that plan. The biggest mistake is chasing market trends or trying to time buys and sells, which can erode returns over time. CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, including investment strategies.
- Long-term discipline. Ask how they keep you focused on your goals during market ups and downs, rather than reacting to short-term noise.
- Cost awareness. Confirm they prioritize low fees and expense ratios, since high costs can eat into passive investment gains.
- Portfolio simplicity. Look for advisors who explain index funds clearly and avoid unnecessary complexity or frequent changes.
- Tax efficiency. In California, high income taxes matter; ask how they manage your investments to minimize tax impact, including property tax considerations.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Nicholas L
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Oakland, CA
Apella Wealth
Nicholas Levinson, a CFP® with 24 years of experience in Oakland, specializes in passive and index investing alongside tax-loss harvesting and factor investing. His firm, Apella Wealth, serves high-net-worth clients using a quantitative, model-driven approach and offers flexible fee structures including flat fees and hourly rates, distinguishing him from advisors with more traditional or commission-based models.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $1,287,176
-
Cheryl V
CFP®, Series 65
Oakland, CA
Balance Financial Planning, LLC
Cheryl Vesely specializes in passive and index investing with a CFP® certification, offering disciplined, low-cost portfolio management tailored to high-net-worth clients in Oakland, CA. Her independent firm emphasizes diversification and tax-efficient strategies, charging flat fees for financial planning and a 0.50% AUM fee, which may appeal to those seeking transparent, personalized service compared to larger firms.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $1,117,615
-
Anthony S
CFP®, Series 65
Oakland, CA
Secure Investment Management, LLC
Anthony Smith, a CFP® with six years of experience in Oakland, specializes in passive and index investing alongside active portfolio management and tax-loss harvesting. His firm, Secure Investment Management, uses a quantitative, factor-based approach focusing on long-term, diversified allocations with low-cost funds, offering flat-fee and negotiable AUM pricing, which may appeal to clients seeking disciplined, cost-aware investment strategies.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $45,551
-
William S
CFP®, CFA®, Series 63, Series 65
Alameda, CA
Phocas Financial Corporation
William Schaff offers expertise in passive and index investing combined with real estate and active portfolio management, supported by 22 years of experience and CFP® and CFA® credentials. Operating from Alameda, CA, his firm focuses on U.S. small-cap value and REIT strategies with a 1.0% AUM fee, catering to high-net-worth clients seeking disciplined, research-driven portfolio management near Oakland.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $1,638,924
-
John F
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
San Francisco, CA
John Friedman Financial
John Friedman, a CFP® professional with 24 years of experience, specializes in passive and index investing through his independent San Francisco-based firm. His advice-only model emphasizes low-cost, match-the-market strategies without managing portfolios directly, charging hourly fees instead of percentage-based ones, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent, project-based financial coaching near Oakland.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $0
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Oakland, CA
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)