CFP®-certified, equity compensation tax strategy financial advisors in Santa Cruz, 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 have equity compensation like stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs), you need an advisor who understands how to minimize the tax hit when these assets vest or are sold. A common mistake is treating equity compensation like regular income, which can lead to paying more taxes than necessary. CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, including tax strategies relevant to your equity awards.
- Tax timing strategies. Ask how they plan the timing of exercising options or selling shares to reduce your overall tax burden.
- Alternative minimum tax (AMT) awareness. Confirm they know how to manage AMT, a separate tax calculation that can affect incentive stock options.
- Integration with your pay. Check how they coordinate equity compensation tax planning with your salary and bonuses to optimize your total tax picture.
- State tax nuances. Since California has high income taxes but limits on property tax increases, ask how they factor state rules into your equity compensation plan.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Craig B
CFP®, Series 65, Series 66
Campbell, CA
Private Advisor Group, LLC
Craig Brooks, a CFP® with 22 years of experience, specializes in equity compensation tax strategy and options & derivatives strategies, making him well-equipped to handle complex tax timing and AMT issues in Santa Cruz. His affiliation with Mariner Advisor Network offers clients access to diverse services including portfolio management and retirement plan consulting, with flexible fee structures such as flat fees and hourly rates, distinguishing him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $330,212
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David H
CFP®
Campbell, CA
Petersen and Hicks
David Hicks specializes in equity compensation tax strategy and general tax planning, making him well-suited to help manage the tax implications of stock options and RSUs in Santa Cruz, CA. His flat-fee structure and experience with high-net-worth clients at Petersen and Hicks, combined with his CFP® certification and independent status, differentiate him from others by offering transparent pricing and personalized, fiduciary-aligned advice.
Experience: 4 years
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Lance P
CFP®
San Jose, CA
Concentrum Wealth Management
Lance Pieper specializes in equity compensation tax strategy and holds CFP® certification, making him well-equipped to manage tax timing and AMT considerations for clients with stock options or RSUs. Based in San Jose, he offers flat-fee financial planning through Concentrum Wealth Management, which serves high-net-worth clients and employs advanced investment strategies including derivatives and margin, setting him apart from other advisors in Santa Cruz.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $2,323,944
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