Top social Security optimization financial advisors in Salinas, 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’re approaching Social Security age and want to maximize your benefits, you need an advisor who understands the complex rules and timing options that affect your monthly payments. A common mistake is claiming benefits too early or in the wrong sequence, which can permanently reduce your lifetime income.
- Claiming strategy expertise. Look for advisors who explain how to coordinate spousal, survivor, and retirement benefits to boost your total household income.
- Tax impact awareness. Social Security benefits can be taxable depending on your income; ask how they factor this into your overall plan.
- Coordination with other income. Confirm they consider how your pensions, investments, and work earnings affect your Social Security claiming decisions.
- State tax nuances. Since California has high income taxes but limits on property tax increases, check how they incorporate these factors into your Social Security optimization.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Carmel Y
Series 65
Marina, CA
Clym LLC
Carmel York specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement planning, offering flat-fee financial planning starting at $3,000 and managing assets up to $1 million. Located near Salinas in Marina, CA, she brings four years of experience and a background in mortgage and banking, differentiating her with integrated planning and discretionary investment management tailored to individual and institutional clients.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $532,212
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David J
Series 66
Salinas, CA
Ameriprise
David Jenkins specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, making him well-equipped to help clients in Salinas, CA maximize their benefits. With 25 years of experience at a large firm like Ameriprise, he offers tax-efficient planning and personalized recommendations, supported by a 0.15% AUM fee, distinguishing him from advisors with less extensive firm resources or experience.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $471,167
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Alexander D
Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Monterey, CA
Merrill
Alexander Duddy specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, making him well-equipped to help clients in Salinas, CA maximize their benefits. Working at Merrill, a large firm, he brings 15 years of experience and offers a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies, with expertise in tax minimization and values-based investing, which may appeal to clients seeking comprehensive retirement planning.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Edward L
Series 63, Series 66
Salinas, CA
Empower Advisory Group
Edward Lopez specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, making him well-equipped to help clients in Salinas, CA maximize their benefits. With 23 years of experience at Empower Advisory Group, a large firm offering flat-fee and subscription pricing, he serves employer-sponsored retirement plans and retail clients, focusing on long-term portfolio returns and integrated financial planning.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $565,063
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Patrick C
CFP®, Series 65
Monterey, CA
Evanson Financial, LLC dba Evanson Asset Management
Patrick Collins specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, making him well-equipped to help clients in Salinas, CA maximize their benefits. His firm manages over $5 billion in assets with a focus on diversified low-cost passive funds and a buy-and-hold approach, offering flat-fee financial planning starting at $800, which may appeal to high-net-worth clients seeking independent advice.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $5,973,361
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