Independent financial advisors 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.
When you live in Palo Alto, CA, managing your finances means navigating high income taxes alongside unique local rules like Proposition 13, which can cap property tax increases for homeowners. Without an advisor familiar with these nuances, you might miss opportunities to optimize your tax situation or protect your home's value.
- Local tax knowledge. Confirm how they incorporate California's income tax rates and Proposition 13 limits into your long-term plan.
- Independent advice. Independent advisors here aren't tied to specific products, so ask how they select investments that fit your goals.
- Experience with high-net-worth clients. Palo Alto's wealth levels often require strategies beyond basic planning; check their comfort with complex portfolios.
- Coordination with other professionals. Effective planning often involves working with your tax preparer or estate attorney—ask how they collaborate with your team.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Patrick S
CFA®
Palo Alto, CA
Frank, Rimerman Advisors LLC
Patrick Sullivan offers independent financial advice in Palo Alto, leveraging 22 years of experience and a CFA® designation to serve high-net-worth clients with tailored wealth management and passive investing strategies. His firm employs diversified portfolios and collaborates with third-party asset managers, providing fixed fee options alongside traditional AUM and hourly fees, distinguishing him from advisors with less flexible fee structures or narrower investment approaches.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $31,992,240
-
Lavina N
CFP®, Series 65
Palo Alto, CA
Maya Advisors, Inc.
Lavina Nagar offers independent financial advice in Palo Alto, specializing in general retirement planning with 15 years of experience and CFP® certification. Her firm, Maya Advisors, serves high-net-worth clients using a long-term investment approach with low-cost mutual funds and ETFs, and provides a client-managed portfolio service, distinguishing her from others with flexible fee options including flat fees and hourly rates.
Experience: 16 years
Avg account: $3,544,586
-
Kanaka S
CFP®, Series 63
Los Altos, CA
Gates Pass Advisors, LLC
Kanaka Szabo Cummings offers independent financial advice with 26 years of experience, specializing in retirement, income, and tax planning, which is crucial for navigating Palo Alto's complex tax environment. Based in nearby Los Altos, she serves high-net-worth clients with a flat-fee structure and emphasizes tax-aware portfolio construction, setting her apart through a blend of seasoned expertise and a comprehensive, independent investment approach.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $3,008,496
-
Alfred A
CFP®, Series 65
Los Altos, CA
Diversifi Capital Inc
Alfred Au's experience with high-net-worth clients and expertise in equity compensation tax strategy and business exit planning make him well-suited for managing complex financial needs in the Palo Alto area, including navigating local tax nuances like Proposition 13. His independent, flat-fee approach and focus on established professionals differentiate him from others by offering transparent pricing and specialized services such as managed 401(k) oversight and private equity fund sponsorship.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $2,436,357
-
Nicholas R
Series 63, Series 65
Los Altos Hills, CA
The Raffin Group LLC
Nicholas Raffin, based in nearby Los Altos Hills, offers independent financial advice with 11 years of experience and expertise in options strategies, tax-loss harvesting, and passive investing, which can help navigate Palo Alto's complex tax environment. His firm manages discretionary portfolios for high-net-worth clients using model allocations and individualized policies, charging a 0.50% annual fee, distinguishing him through a blend of advanced trading strategies and personalized planning.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $399,234
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Palo Alto, 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”)