Large-firm, planning for children with special needs financial advisors in Santa Ana, 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 face unique financial challenges that can affect your family's future security. Without focused expertise, it's easy to overlook critical benefits or mismanage funds meant to support your child's care.
- Government benefits navigation. Confirm how the advisor helps coordinate Social Security, Medicaid, and other programs to avoid jeopardizing eligibility.
- Special needs trusts. Ask about their experience setting up and managing trusts that protect assets while providing for your child's needs.
- Long-term care planning. Ensure they consider your child's lifetime care costs, not just immediate expenses.
- Coordination with other professionals. Look for advisors who work closely with attorneys and therapists to align financial plans with legal and care strategies.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Derick R
Series 66
Tustin, CA
Edward Jones
Derick Roberts specializes in planning for children with special needs and operates within Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, which supports comprehensive wealth management and trust services. With eight years of industry experience and a Series 66 license, he offers an annual program fee up to 1.35% AUM and serves clients from Tustin, CA, near Santa Ana, providing access to a broad advisor network and affiliated financial resources.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Michael M
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Orange, CA
Wells Fargo Advisors
Michael Mcquilkin's 30 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to address the complex financial needs of families planning for children with special needs, particularly through his work at Wells Fargo Advisors, a large firm offering extensive planning services. His background as a founder and principal owner of wealth management firms in Orange, CA, combined with expertise in high-net-worth client services and business exit strategies, distinguishes him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $514,335
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Samuel J
Series 66
Newport Beach, CA
Merrill
Samuel June is well-equipped to assist families planning for children with special needs, leveraging his 16 years of experience and expertise in wealth management and special needs financial strategies at Merrill, a large firm. His background includes working with executives and business owners, and he offers a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies, providing a comprehensive approach that balances retirement, education, and special needs planning from his Irvine location.
Experience: 16 years
Avg account: $860,085
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