Seasoned financial advisors working with self-employed clients 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 run your own business, you face unique challenges like managing irregular income and planning for taxes that can vary widely year to year. Without an advisor experienced in self-employment finances, you might miss opportunities to optimize your tax situation or plan for retirement effectively. Seasoned advisors bring decades of experience navigating these complexities, helping you avoid common pitfalls.
- Income smoothing strategies. Ask how they help manage fluctuating earnings to keep your tax burden steady and predictable.
- Tax planning expertise. Confirm they understand deductions and credits specific to self-employed individuals in California.
- Retirement options. Explore how they evaluate plans like SEP IRAs or solo 401(k)s to fit your business structure and goals.
- Property tax insights. Since California’s Proposition 13 limits property tax increases, ask how they incorporate this into your long-term financial plan.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Curt R
Series 63, Series 65
Redwood City, CA
VOYA Financial Advisors, Inc.
Curt Radetich's 37 years of experience and expertise in retirement planning and business ownership considerations make him well-suited to address the financial complexities faced by self-employed clients in the Palo Alto area. Operating from VOYA Financial Advisors, a large firm offering flat-fee and hourly consulting options, he combines model portfolios with manager-driven strategies, providing flexible planning tailored to diverse client needs.
Experience: 38 years
Avg account: $236,678
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Darryl C
Series 63, Series 65
Palo Alto, CA
Schwab Wealth Advisory
Darryl Celkupa's 31 years of experience and focus on self-employed clients in Palo Alto make him well-equipped to address the unique financial challenges of business owners. Affiliated with Schwab Wealth Advisory, he offers access to integrated wealth management services and employs both passive and active investment strategies, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms or with narrower approaches.
Experience: 32 years
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James G
Series 66
San Jose, CA
LPL Enterprise
James Gagnon Jr. brings 26 years of experience and a Series 66 designation, specializing in general retirement planning and tax-loss harvesting for self-employed and founder clients. Operating through LPL Enterprise, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning and access to model portfolios, he combines advisory and brokerage services, which may provide broader options compared to smaller firms in the Palo Alto area.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $239,757
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David U
ChFC®, Series 63, Series 65
San Carlos, CA
Guardian Life
David Umbenhaur brings 30 years of experience advising self-employed clients and founders, with expertise in business exit strategies and tax-loss harvesting. Operating from San Carlos, CA, he offers flexible fee options including flat fees and subscription plans through a large firm, Park Avenue Securities, which provides diverse investment strategies and comprehensive account services, distinguishing him from other advisors in the Palo Alto area.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $230,599
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Curtis C
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
San Mateo, CA
Chen Financial Group, LLC
Curtis Chen brings 29 years of experience advising self-employed clients, including founders and business owners, making him well-equipped to address the unique financial challenges faced by this group in the Palo Alto area. His firm offers comprehensive financial life planning with flat or hourly fees, emphasizes written plans without managing assets directly, and coordinates with other professionals, distinguishing him from advisors who may manage assets or use different fee structures.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $0
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