Independent, income 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 rely on income from investments or retirement accounts, you need an income planning advisor to help you avoid running out of money too soon. A common mistake is not accounting for taxes and inflation, which can quietly erode your spending power over time. Independent advisors here operate without firm constraints, giving you more flexibility in how they approach your income strategy.
- Tax-aware withdrawal plans. Confirm how they factor in California's high income taxes and property tax limits under Proposition 13 when designing your income streams.
- Inflation adjustments. Ask how they ensure your income keeps pace with rising living costs without risking your principal.
- Longevity risk management. Check if they model your spending needs over a realistic lifespan, not just short-term goals.
- Flexible income sources. See how they balance Social Security, pensions, and investment withdrawals to optimize your cash flow.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Steven W
CFA®, Series 66
Venice, CA
Lilac Wealth, LLC
Steven Walraven specializes in income planning and operates independently from his Venice, CA-based firm, Lilac Wealth, LLC, offering flat-fee financial planning and wealth management services. With 10 years of experience and credentials including CFA® and Series 66, he serves high-net-worth clients using a portfolio approach grounded in modern portfolio theory, including access to alternative investments and cryptocurrencies, distinguishing him from other advisors in the Santa Monica area.
Experience: 11 years
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Jordan G
CFP®, Series 66
Santa Monica, CA
CGN Advisors, LLC
Jordan Grzesczyk offers income planning expertise in Santa Monica, leveraging 11 years of experience and CFP® certification to address tax-aware withdrawal strategies and longevity risk. His firm, CGN Advisors, LLC, serves diverse clients with flexible fee options including flat fees and retainers, and employs tax-aware investment vehicles, distinguishing him from others by combining personalized planning with institutional collaboration.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $1,174,087
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Mark T
Series 65
Venice, CA
Life UnLocked Partners LLC
Mark Tennenbaum specializes in income planning with a focus on early retirement and cash flow management, making him well-suited for clients seeking independent income planning in the Santa Monica area. His experience as CFO for multiple businesses and use of a quantitative ETF arbitrage strategy differentiate him from others by combining practical executive insight with a data-driven investment approach, supported by a 2.0% AUM fee and $300 hourly planning rate.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $327,985
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Thea N
Series 65
Santa Monica, CA
Applied Wealth Management
Thea Nesis specializes in income planning and cash flow budgeting, making her well-suited for managing income strategies in Santa Monica's tax environment. Her firm, Applied Wealth Management, serves high-net-worth clients with a focus on strategic asset allocation and offers flat-fee and ongoing planning options, providing flexibility compared to hourly-only fee structures.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $560,976
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John P
Series 63, Series 65
Santa Monica, CA
Sowell Management
John Padilla specializes in income planning and retirement income strategy, making him well-suited for managing income streams in Santa Monica's tax environment. With 28 years of experience and a flat-fee structure up to $10,000, he offers independent advice through Sowell Management, which serves diverse clients using model portfolios and third-party sub-advisors, providing flexible and seasoned guidance compared to other local advisors.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $681,786
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