Large-firm, planning for children with special needs financial advisors in San Ramon, 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 have a child with special needs, planning for their lifelong care and financial security becomes a priority. Without focused guidance, you might overlook critical benefits or legal protections that can affect your child's future.
- Government benefits navigation. Confirm how the advisor helps you understand and preserve eligibility for programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income.
- Special needs trusts. Ask about setting up trusts that protect your child's assets without disqualifying them from public assistance.
- Long-term care planning. Look for advisors who integrate housing, healthcare, and support services into your financial plan.
- Coordination with specialists. Ensure they work with attorneys, therapists, and educators familiar with special needs to align financial and care strategies.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Patrick C
Series 63, Series 65
Walnut Creek, CA
Merrill
Patrick Cronin offers expertise in planning for children with special needs, backed by over 39 years at Merrill Lynch, a large firm known for comprehensive wealth management. His experience includes tax minimization and retirement income planning, with a focus on parents and executives. Located near San Ramon, he provides personalized strategies with a 1.10% AUM fee, distinguishing him through seasoned insight and a client-centered approach.
Experience: 42 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Paul M
Series 66
Walnut Creek, CA
Wells Fargo Clearing
Paul Meyer specializes in planning for children with special needs and serves high-net-worth clients through a large firm, offering flat-fee and AUM-based fee structures. His background in education and focus on young professionals differentiate him from others, while his affiliation with a firm managing over $1 trillion in assets provides extensive resources and a broad range of advisory programs.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $475,575
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Richard S
Series 63, Series 65
Pleasanton, CA
Wells Fargo Advisors
Richard Schacht offers expertise in planning for children with special needs, supported by 38 years of industry experience and a role at Wells Fargo Advisors, a large firm known for comprehensive financial planning services. His background as a founder/business owner and focus on high-net-worth clients distinguish him from others by combining seasoned insight with tailored wealth-transfer and risk strategies.
Experience: 38 years
Avg account: $514,335
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Simon K
Series 66
Alamo, CA
Edward Jones
Simon Knight specializes in planning for children with special needs and is affiliated with Edward Jones, a large firm known for comprehensive wealth management and a broad network of over 23,700 advisors. With a background at Easter Seals Northern California/Catalight and a Series 66 registration, he offers expertise in business succession and estate planning, charging up to 1.35% annually, which may suit clients seeking integrated financial and care strategies near San Ramon.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $246,728
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