CFP®-certified financial advisors working with founders and business owners in Palo Alto, 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 recently started or acquired a business, you need an advisor who understands how to align your personal and business finances. A common mistake is treating your business income and personal wealth as separate, missing opportunities to optimize taxes and growth together. CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, which helps them navigate complex founder and owner needs.
- Business and personal integration. Ask how they coordinate your business cash flow with your personal financial goals to avoid surprises.
- Tax strategy awareness. Confirm they consider California's high income taxes and Proposition 13's property tax limits when advising on your business and home assets.
- Exit and succession planning. Find out how they help plan for selling or passing on your business without jeopardizing your retirement security.
- Risk management. Check if they evaluate insurance and liability risks unique to founders and business owners in your area.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Jeffrey W
CFP®, Series 66
Palo Alto, CA
Red Crane Wealth Management, LLC
Jeffrey Wu is a CFP®-certified advisor in Palo Alto with 21 years of experience, specializing in founder and business owner financial needs. His firm offers flat-fee financial planning and employs active portfolio management with options, derivatives, and alternative investments, providing a flexible approach that may suit clients seeking integrated personal and business financial strategies.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $945,375
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Victor M
CFP®, PFS™, Series 63
Los Altos, CA
Cetera
Victor Mandella's 28 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to integrate personal and business finances for founders and business owners near Palo Alto. His expertise includes retirement plans for business owners and tax-loss harvesting, with flexible flat-fee and hourly consulting options through Cetera, a large firm serving diverse clients, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower focuses or fee structures.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $306,089
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Kanaka S
CFP®, Series 63
Los Altos, CA
Gates Pass Advisors, LLC
Kanaka Szabo Cummings is a CFP® with 26 years of experience, serving founders and business owners near Palo Alto from Los Altos. She offers flat-fee financial planning and wealth management through Gates Pass Advisors, focusing on tax-aware portfolio construction and asset diversification, which may benefit high-net-worth clients seeking integrated personal and business financial strategies.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $3,008,496
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Phaby U
CFP®, CFA®, Series 63, Series 65
Palo Alto, CA
J.P. Morgan Securities
Phaby Utomo is a CFP® and CFA® charterholder based in Palo Alto, specializing in wealth management for founders and business owners. Working at J.P. Morgan Securities, a large firm offering institutional consulting and customized investment services, he charges a 0.30% annual AUM fee and brings experience from UBS and Bordeaux Wealth Advisors, providing a blend of personal and institutional financial expertise.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $318,381
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Louis C
Series 63, Series 65
Palo Alto, CA
Merrill
Louis Cano's extensive 31 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to integrate personal and business finances for founders and business owners in Palo Alto, addressing complex tax and retirement planning needs. His focus on tax-managed strategies, large-firm resources at Merrill, and specialization in executive and women professionals distinguish him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 32 years
Avg account: $860,085
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