Independent 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 live in Santa Monica and want an advisor who operates independently, you likely need help navigating complex financial decisions without firm-imposed product limits. The biggest risk is working with someone whose advice is influenced by their employer's product lineup rather than your unique situation.
- Firm independence. Confirm how their independence affects the range of products and strategies they can offer you.
- Local tax knowledge. Santa Monica's high income taxes and Proposition 13 property tax limits require nuanced planning; ask how they incorporate these into your strategy.
- Experience depth. Independent advisors often have varied backgrounds; check how their years of experience translate into handling your specific financial needs.
- Fee structure clarity. Independent status can mean diverse fee models; understand how they charge and what services you receive in return.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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George G
CFP®, Series 66
Santa Monica, CA
Guttman Financial Planning
George Guttman offers independent financial advice in Santa Monica, specializing in cash flow, debt management, and college savings, with 21 years of experience and CFP® certification. His firm focuses on comprehensive planning for high-net-worth individuals, using a long-term, buy-and-hold investment strategy and charging 1.25% AUM or $320 hourly, distinguishing him with a strong local tax and estate planning emphasis.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $153,127
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Skip Z
Series 66
Santa Monica, CA
Ocean Avenue Wealth Management
Skip Zwahlen offers independent financial advice in Santa Monica, specializing in options, derivatives, real estate investing, and annuities, with 19 years of experience and a Series 66 designation. His firm serves high-net-worth clients and employs multiple analytical methods without discretionary trading, providing negotiable fee structures including AUM and hourly rates, which may appeal to clients seeking flexible, hands-on portfolio management.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $3,066,959
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Mary K
Series 63, Series 65
Santa Monica, CA
Victus Capital Wealth
Mary Kusnic's 26 years of experience and expertise in options, derivatives, and private investments equip her to navigate Santa Monica's complex financial landscape independently. At Victus Capital Wealth, she offers a blend of fundamental and technical analysis with flexible fee options, including a 1.25% AUM fee and hourly rates, serving high-net-worth clients through a small, focused team.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $1,482,537
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Michael H
CFP®, Series 66
Santa Monica, CA
McDonald Hartman Wealth Advisors
Michael Hartman offers independent wealth management in Santa Monica, leveraging 12 years of experience and CFP® certification to navigate complex financial decisions. His firm employs diverse strategies like asset allocation and technical analysis, charging flat fees between $1,000 and $10,000 per project, which may appeal to clients seeking transparent, project-based pricing compared to traditional AUM fees.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $906,897
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Devon G
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 65
Santa Monica, CA
Serenus Wealth Advisors, LLC
Devon Galindo offers independent financial advice in Santa Monica, specializing in active portfolio management, options and derivatives strategies, and private investments, which suits high-net-worth clients navigating complex local tax environments. His flat-fee structure and 13 years of experience, combined with Serenus Wealth Advisors' diverse investment approach and comprehensive planning services, distinguish him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $10,439,411
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