Seasoned, planning for children with special needs 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’re planning for a child with special needs, you need an advisor who understands the unique financial and legal challenges involved. A common mistake is treating this planning like typical child expenses, which can overlook critical benefits and protections.
- Government benefits navigation. Confirm how they help you preserve eligibility for programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income.
- Special needs trusts. Ask about their experience setting up trusts that protect your child’s financial future without jeopardizing benefits.
- Long-term care planning. Ensure they consider your child’s lifetime care needs, not just immediate expenses.
- Coordination with legal professionals. Check if they work closely with attorneys familiar with special needs law to align financial and legal strategies.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Kate M
Series 63, Series 65
San Mateo, CA
Merrill
Kate Martinez brings 28 years of experience and specializes in planning for children with special needs, offering expertise in wealth management and retirement income strategy. Based in San Mateo, she works at Merrill, a large firm, and collaborates closely with legal and financial professionals, providing a comprehensive approach that includes college savings and legacy planning, distinguishing her from other advisors in the Palo Alto area.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Stanley M
Series 63, Series 65
Los Altos, CA
Mok Capital Management
Stanley Mok offers seasoned expertise in planning for children with special needs, backed by 47 years in the industry and a firm that serves diverse clients including trusts and charities. His independent approach and value-based investment strategy, combined with experience in elder care and estate planning, distinguish him from others in the Palo Alto area, while his local leadership roles reflect strong community ties.
Experience: 47 years
Avg account: $860,117
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Laura M
CFP®, Series 66
Menlo Park, CA
Wells Fargo Advisors
Laura Miri's 21 years of experience and CFP® certification equip her to address the complex financial needs of families planning for children with special needs, including navigating government benefits and special needs trusts. Based in nearby Menlo Park and affiliated with Wells Fargo Advisors, she offers access to extensive resources and serves high-net-worth clients, distinguishing her through a large-firm platform and expertise in business exit strategies.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $514,335
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Sean A
ChFC®, Series 63, Series 65
Cupertino, CA
Infinity 8 Investments, LLC
Sean Akiyama brings 25 years of experience and specializes in planning for children with special needs, retirement income strategy, and tax planning, making him well-equipped to handle complex financial needs in Palo Alto. As an independent advisor at Infinity 8 Investments, he serves high-net-worth clients and integrates behavioral finance with comprehensive planning, distinguishing him from others by offering a personalized, holistic approach.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $1,906,727
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