Seasoned financial advisors working with educators, teachers, and academics in Santa Monica, 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 work in education or academia, your financial needs often include managing irregular income cycles and planning for retirement with public pension systems. A common mistake is overlooking how your unique income patterns and benefits affect long-term financial goals.
- Pension integration. Confirm how they incorporate your public pension into your overall retirement plan, not just your savings.
- Income variability planning. Ask how they handle summer breaks or sabbaticals that affect your cash flow.
- Tax impact awareness. Given California's high income taxes, check how they optimize your tax situation alongside property tax limits under Proposition 13.
- Experience with educators. Seasoned advisors here understand the nuances of academic career paths and benefits, which can differ significantly from other professions.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Paul M
Series 63
Beverly Hills, CA
Cheviot Value Management, LLC
Paul Matheson brings over 50 years of experience and specializes in serving educators, teachers, and academics, making him well-equipped to address the unique financial challenges of this group in Santa Monica. His firm, Cheviot Value Management, employs a value-oriented investment approach and offers flat-fee financial planning and budget coaching, catering to high-net-worth clients with a focus on concentrated stock management and independent advisory services.
Experience: 52 years
Avg account: $1,935,958
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Chad W
Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Sherman Oaks, CA
TIAA-CREF
Chad Weber's 28 years of experience and focus on educators, teachers, and academics make him well-equipped to address the unique financial challenges faced by this group, including retirement planning and estate guidance. As a seasoned advisor at the large firm TIAA-CREF, he offers a 0.30% AUM fee structure and serves high-net-worth clients, providing both point-in-time planning and ongoing portfolio management tailored to those with employer retirement plans.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $523,144
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Michael C
Series 63, Series 65
Santa Monica, CA
Merrill
Michael Cooper's 38 years of experience and specialization in educators, teachers, and academics make him well-equipped to address the unique financial challenges faced by professionals in Santa Monica, including retirement income strategy and tax-loss harvesting. As a seasoned advisor at Merrill, a large firm, he offers a team-based approach with a 1.10% AUM fee, serving mid-career and established professionals, which may differ from smaller or less specialized advisors nearby.
Experience: 39 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Hagop (Jacob) T
Series 66
Los Angeles, CA
RFG Advisory, LLC
Hagop (Jacob) Tujian brings 23 years of experience and specializes in serving educators, teachers, and academics, making him well-equipped to address the unique financial challenges of this group, including pension integration and income variability. Based in Los Angeles, he offers flat fees for planning and consulting, and his firm provides a broad range of services including portfolio management and retirement planning, distinguishing him from others with a comprehensive, independent approach.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $295,694
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