Top social Security optimization 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're approaching Social Security eligibility, you need an advisor who understands how to maximize your benefits based on your unique work history and income. A common mistake is claiming benefits too early or in the wrong sequence, which can reduce your lifetime income.
- Benefit timing strategies. Ask how they determine the best age to start benefits, considering your full earnings record and retirement goals.
- Spousal and survivor benefits. Confirm they evaluate options for coordinating benefits with your spouse to optimize household income.
- Tax impact awareness. Social Security benefits can be taxable; check how they plan around your overall tax situation, especially in California's high-income tax environment.
- Coordination with retirement income. Ensure they integrate Social Security decisions with your other income sources for a sustainable retirement plan.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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David H
Series 63, Series 65
Los Angeles, CA
Henney Wealth Management
David Henney specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, making him well-equipped to help clients in Santa Monica maximize their benefits. With 28 years of experience and a focus on ETFs and closed-end funds, his independent firm offers both discretionary and non-discretionary management, serving individuals and high-net-worth clients with a 1.25% AUM fee.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $1,422,965
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Zoya L
Series 63, Series 65
Los Angeles, CA
Ameriprise
Zoya Lechtholz specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, making her well-suited to help clients in Santa Monica maximize benefits and coordinate spousal options. Based in nearby Los Angeles, she brings 22 years of experience at large firms like Ameriprise, offering a 0.15% AUM fee and leveraging tax-efficient planning and research-driven models for clients approaching retirement.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $471,167
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Melanie P
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Los Angeles, CA
Sustainable Wealth Advisory Group
Melanie Perry specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, making her well-equipped to help Santa Monica clients maximize their benefits. With 25 years of experience, CFP® certification, and a flat-fee structure, she offers personalized planning through Sustainable Wealth Advisory Group, focusing on women business owners and professionals, and integrates tactical asset management with comprehensive financial planning.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $119,897
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Jacob G
Series 66
Santa Monica, CA
Merrill
Jacob Guyette specializes in Social Security optimization and general retirement planning, making him well-suited to help Santa Monica clients maximize their benefits. His affiliation with Merrill provides access to extensive resources and banking capabilities, while his focus on tax minimization and experience with mid-career professionals and high earners distinguishes him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $860,085
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David Y
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Playadel Rey, CA
Pacific United Planning, Inc.
David Yu specializes in Social Security optimization and general retirement planning, bringing 18 years of experience as a CFP® and independent advisor near Santa Monica. His firm uses a blend of modern portfolio theory and technical analysis, offering fee-only services with a 1.40% AUM fee, which may appeal to clients seeking personalized investment strategies alongside Social Security benefit planning.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $253,240
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