Top planning for children with special needs 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.
When you have a child with special needs, planning for their lifelong financial security is crucial. Without careful preparation, you risk overlooking key benefits and protections that can support your child's future.
- Government benefits navigation. Confirm how the advisor helps you understand and preserve eligibility for programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.
- Special needs trusts. Ask about their experience setting up trusts that protect assets without disqualifying your child from benefits.
- Long-term care planning. Ensure they consider future care costs and housing options tailored to your child's unique needs.
- Coordination with other professionals. Look for advisors who work closely with attorneys and care coordinators to create a comprehensive plan.
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 planning for children with special needs and offers flat-fee financial planning services starting at $3,000, including ongoing management for assets up to $1 million. Based in Marina, CA, she brings four years of experience and integrates investment management with coordinated planning alongside other professionals, differentiating her through a comprehensive approach and independent status.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $532,212
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Jeffrey M
Series 63, Series 65
Brentwood, CA
Wells Fargo Advisors
Jeffrey Martin's 33 years of experience and focus on planning for children with special needs in Santa Cruz, CA, equip him to address complex financial security needs, including government benefits and special needs trusts. As a seasoned advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors, he serves high-net-worth clients through a large firm offering comprehensive investment and fee-based planning, distinguishing him from smaller or less specialized advisors.
Experience: 34 years
Avg account: $514,335
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Namrata A
Series 66
San Jose, CA
Merrill
Namrata Agrawal specializes in planning for children with special needs, leveraging Merrill's large-firm resources to manage customized investment strategies and special needs trusts. Based in San Jose, she combines nine years of experience with expertise in ESG investing and retirement income strategy, offering a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million, which may appeal to clients seeking comprehensive wealth management with a socially responsible focus.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Sean A
ChFC®, Series 63, Series 65
Cupertino, CA
Infinity 8 Investments, LLC
Sean Akiyama specializes in planning for children with special needs, offering 25 years of experience and a Chartered Financial Consultant designation. Based in Cupertino, his independent firm, Infinity 8 Investments, integrates comprehensive financial planning with investment management, including retirement and tax strategies, catering primarily to high-net-worth individuals. This combination of expertise and personalized service distinguishes him from other advisors in the Santa Cruz area.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $1,906,727
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Marisa O
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Morgan Hill, CA
Edward Jones
Marisa Otto specializes in planning for children with special needs and brings 23 years of experience as a CFP®-certified advisor with Edward Jones, a large full-service firm. Located near Santa Cruz in Morgan Hill, she offers comprehensive estate and retirement planning, supported by a broad network and a program fee up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing her from smaller or less specialized advisors.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $246,728
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