Top general estate planning guidance financial advisors in San Jose, 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.
You might seek general estate planning guidance if you're organizing your assets to protect your family or planning for potential incapacity. Without clear planning, your estate could face unnecessary taxes or legal hurdles that complicate your heirs' inheritance.
- Comprehensive asset review. Ensure the advisor considers all your property types, including real estate and investments, to create a cohesive plan.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they address California's high income taxes and the protections from Proposition 13 on property taxes.
- Succession planning insight. Confirm they help design strategies that smoothly transfer your estate to beneficiaries, minimizing probate delays.
- Coordination with legal counsel. Verify how they work alongside your estate attorney to align financial and legal documents effectively.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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David K
Series 66
San Jose, CA
Morgan Stanley
David Knudsen offers general estate planning guidance in San Jose, leveraging 12 years of experience and a Series 66 designation. Affiliated with Morgan Stanley, a large firm managing $2.74 trillion in assets, he provides access to extensive advisory programs and financial planning services, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $670,481
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Kai Leung C
CFA®, Series 66
San Jose, CA
Pension Maxima Investment Advisory, Inc.
Kai Leung Cheung offers general estate planning guidance in San Jose, leveraging 11 years of experience and CFA® credentials to address complex retirement income and charitable giving strategies. His firm, Pension Maxima Investment Advisory, Inc., provides flat-fee financial planning options and focuses on pension and 401(k) plan consulting, distinguishing him with a non-discretionary, recommendation-based approach and expertise in coordinating estate and income planning.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $266,667
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Vivek T
Series 66
San Jose, CA
Merrill
Vivek Thoppay offers extensive expertise in general estate planning guidance, leveraging 24 years of experience and a focus on complex financial situations for ultra-affluent clients in San Jose, CA. His approach includes close coordination with CPAs and attorneys, and he operates within Merrill's large-firm environment, providing tailored strategies with a 1.10% AUM fee for managed accounts under $2 million.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Brian H
Series 63, Series 66
San Jose, CA
PFG Advisors
Brian Horiuchi offers general estate planning guidance in San Jose, leveraging 38 years of experience and expertise in wealth management and active portfolio management. His firm, PFG Advisors, uses a macroeconomic allocation approach with index-based ETFs and provides flat-fee financial planning services, making him a seasoned, independent choice for clients seeking comprehensive estate and retirement plan strategies.
Experience: 38 years
Avg account: $421,263
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Dennis L
CFP®, Series 66
San Jose, CA
Edward Jones
Dennis Laughlin offers general estate planning guidance in San Jose, leveraging 18 years of experience and CFP® certification to address complex asset and succession planning needs. Affiliated with Edward Jones, a large full-service firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, he provides access to diverse advisory strategies with a program fee up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms or with narrower service scopes.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $246,728
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