CFP®-certified, private / alternative investments financial advisors in Sunnyvale, 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 have complex assets like private company shares or alternative investments, you need an advisor who understands their unique risks and liquidity challenges. Without this expertise, you might face unexpected tax bills or miss opportunities to optimize your portfolio.
CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, which helps them integrate private investments into your broader financial picture.
- Valuation insight. Ask how they determine the worth of illiquid assets, since market prices aren’t always available.
- Tax strategy awareness. Confirm they consider state tax nuances, like California’s high income taxes and Proposition 13 limits on property tax increases.
- Liquidity planning. Ensure they help you manage cash flow needs given the long lock-up periods common in alternative investments.
- Risk assessment. Look for advisors who evaluate how private assets fit your overall risk tolerance and investment goals.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Howard S
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
San Jose, CA
Cerity partners LLC
Howard Sussman is well-equipped to manage private and alternative investments with his 23 years of experience and CFP® certification, offering expertise in wealth management and retirement plans for business owners. Based in nearby Los Altos, he works at Cerity Partners LLC, a large firm managing $126.9 billion in assets, providing flat-fee financial planning and access to diversified portfolios including alternative investments.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $4,574,620
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Dalten S
CFP®, Series 66
Sunnyvale, CA
Charles Schwab
Dalten Smith's CFP® certification and expertise in private and alternative investments equip him to navigate the complexities of illiquid assets and tax strategies in Sunnyvale, CA. Working at Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers a 0.80% AUM fee and integrates multi-asset model portfolios, distinguishing him with access to extensive resources and a blend of discretionary and non-discretionary investment solutions.
Experience: 4 years
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Peter T
CFP®, Series 63
Mountain View, CA
Wealth Architects, LLC
Peter Trinh, a CFP® with six years of experience, specializes in private and alternative investments, equity compensation tax strategy, and concentrated stock management, making him well-suited for complex asset planning in Sunnyvale. Operating from Wealth Architects, LLC, he offers flat-fee and AUM-based pricing, serves high-net-worth clients, and employs modern portfolio theory with tailored portfolio management and regular reporting, distinguishing him from other advisors.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $5,476,972
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Mark P
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Santa Clara, CA
Edelman Financial Engines
Mark Palmer's 28 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to handle complex private and alternative investments, integrating them into comprehensive retirement and tax-loss harvesting strategies. Based in nearby Santa Clara and affiliated with the large firm Edelman Financial Engines, he offers flat-fee and AUM-based pricing, blending technology-enabled advisory services with personalized planning for clients including retirees and business owners.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $375,508
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Daniel H
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Mountain View, CA
Independent Financial Group, LLC
Daniel Hahn's 33 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to manage complex private and alternative investments effectively in the Sunnyvale area. His firm, Independent Financial Group, LLC, offers a broad range of services including brokerage and retirement plans, with flexible fee structures such as flat fees and hourly consulting, distinguishing him from advisors focused solely on asset-based fees.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $474,424
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