CFP®-certified, retirement income strategy 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.
You might seek a retirement income strategy advisor if you're planning how to draw down your savings without outliving your money. A common mistake is not accounting for California's unique tax environment, including high income taxes and property tax limits under Proposition 13.
- Tax-aware withdrawal plans. Confirm how they factor in California's income tax rates and property tax protections when designing your income streams.
- Longevity risk management. Ask how they balance income needs with the risk of living longer than expected.
- Income source coordination. Check if they integrate Social Security, pensions, and investment withdrawals into a cohesive plan.
- CFP® training relevance. Their certification means they understand comprehensive retirement planning, not just investment management.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Robert P
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Santa Monica, CA
Vanguard Advisers
Robert Pothier, a CFP® at Vanguard Advisers in Santa Monica, specializes in retirement income strategy and tax-loss harvesting, making him well-suited for managing California's unique tax environment. His firm combines automated and human-supported advice with a goal-based, algorithm-driven approach, offering low account minimums and serving mid-career professionals and HENRY clients, which differentiates him from advisors with more traditional, high-minimum practices.
Experience: 0 years
Avg account: $416,078
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Eric Z
CFP®, Series 66
Los Angeles, CA
IFC Advisors LLC
Eric Zurbrugg's expertise in retirement income strategy and CFP® certification equip him to address California's tax complexities and longevity risks effectively. His firm, IFC Advisors LLC, serves high-net-worth clients with a tax-aware, goal-oriented investment approach, offering both flat-fee financial planning and negotiable AUM fees, distinguishing him from advisors with more traditional fee structures.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $6,087,331
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Patrick W
CFP®, Series 66
Los Angeles, CA
Whalen Financial Planning
Patrick Whalen offers retirement income strategy expertise with 19 years of experience and CFP® certification, serving clients near Santa Monica from his Los Angeles-based independent firm. His approach emphasizes tax-efficient, passive investment strategies using index funds and ETFs, with flexible hourly and project-based fees, distinguishing him from advisors with discretionary management or higher account minimums.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $39,953
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Melanie P
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Los Angeles, CA
Sustainable Wealth Advisory Group
Melanie Perry's 25 years of experience and CFP® certification equip her to design retirement income strategies that consider Social Security optimization and Medicare planning, crucial for retirees in Santa Monica's tax environment. Her firm offers a flat-fee structure with comprehensive planning services and emphasizes financial literacy for women, distinguishing her approach with a focus on education and tailored tactical asset management.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $119,897
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Shawn L
CFP®, Series 66
Los Angeles, CA
HCR Wealth Advisors
Shawn Landis offers retirement income strategy expertise with 18 years of experience and CFP® certification, serving high-net-worth clients from Los Angeles. His firm, HCR Wealth Advisors, manages nearly $2 billion with tailored portfolio management and offers flexible fee structures including flat fees and tiered AUM rates, distinguishing him from others by combining comprehensive planning with personalized investment oversight.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $2,079,638
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