Seasoned, general tax planning financial advisors 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 face complex tax situations or anticipate changes in your income or deductions, a seasoned general tax planning advisor can help you navigate these challenges. Without expert guidance, you might miss opportunities to reduce your overall tax burden or mismanage timing that affects your cash flow.
- Comprehensive income review. Look for advisors who evaluate all income sources, including investments and business earnings, to create a cohesive tax plan.
- Property tax insights. Confirm they understand local rules like Proposition 13, which can limit property tax increases and impact your long-term planning.
- Tax law updates. Ask how they stay current with changing tax regulations to adjust your strategy proactively.
- Coordination with other advisors. Effective tax planning often requires working alongside your accountant or financial planner; check how they collaborate to align your goals.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Daniel S
CFP®
Santa Monica, CA
Daniel M.. Stern, LLC
Daniel Stern offers seasoned general tax planning in Santa Monica, leveraging 23 years of experience and CFP® certification to address complex tax situations with a comprehensive approach including cash flow and debt management. His independent, flat-fee firm serves a small client base with personalized, hourly financial planning and a long-term, passive investment strategy using low-cost index funds and ETFs, distinguishing him from advisors with larger client loads or different fee structures.
Experience: 23 years
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Andrea S
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Los Angeles, CA
Lewis M. Wallensky Associates
Andrea Spatz offers seasoned expertise in general tax planning and retirement strategies, backed by 32 years of experience and CFP® certification. Operating from nearby Los Angeles with Lewis M. Wallensky Associates, she provides flat-fee financial planning and emphasizes written plans and independent adviser selection, distinguishing her approach from others who may focus less on structured documentation or fee transparency.
Experience: 33 years
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Kelly K
Series 63, Series 65
Santa Monica, CA
Valley Wealth Strategies, LLC
Kelly Kruzick offers seasoned expertise in general tax planning with 38 years of experience and holds Series 63 and 65 licenses, making her well-equipped to handle complex tax situations in Santa Monica. Her firm, Valley Wealth Strategies, manages $1.2 billion with a long-term investment approach and provides flat-fee and hourly options, serving a diverse client base including families, trusts, and small businesses.
Experience: 38 years
Avg account: $344,317
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Stephanie H
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Culver City, CA
Hancock Wealth Advisory
Stephanie Hancock brings 31 years of experience in general tax planning, supported by her CFP® certification and independent status, which suits complex tax situations in the Santa Monica area. Operating Hancock Wealth Advisory since 2002, she offers flat-fee and hourly pricing, backed by LPL Financial's research and investment solutions, differentiating her with a broad client base and personalized service options.
Experience: 32 years
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Larry S
Series 63, Series 66
Los Angeles, CA
Merrill
Larry Schnaid offers seasoned expertise in general tax planning, leveraging 23 years of experience and a background as a CPA and CFP® professional. Based in nearby Los Angeles, he works within Merrill's large-firm environment, focusing on wealth management and tax-loss harvesting for mid-career professionals and high earners, with a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $860,085
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