Large-firm, planning for children with special needs financial advisors in Walnut Creek, 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.
When you have a child with special needs, planning for their lifelong care and financial security becomes a priority. Without focused expertise, advisors might overlook critical benefits or support programs that can ease your family's burden.
- Benefit program knowledge. Confirm the advisor understands government and community resources that can supplement your child's care.
- Long-term care planning. Ask how they incorporate future medical, housing, and support needs into your financial plan.
- Estate and trust strategies. Ensure they can guide you on setting up special needs trusts to protect your child's eligibility for assistance.
- Coordination with professionals. Check if they collaborate with therapists, educators, or legal experts to align financial plans with your child's unique requirements.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Elena C
Series 66
Walnut Creek, CA
Wells Fargo Advisors
Elena Carolan specializes in planning for children with special needs and operates within the large firm Wells Fargo Advisors in Walnut Creek, CA, offering access to extensive research and planning tools. With three years of experience and a Series 66 designation, she also serves high-net-worth clients and brings a background that includes founding a business, which may provide a unique perspective compared to other advisors in this collection.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $514,335
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Patrick C
Series 63, Series 65
Walnut Creek, CA
Merrill
Patrick Cronin's extensive 41 years of experience and specialization in planning for children with special needs make him well-equipped to address complex financial needs in Walnut Creek, CA. As a Senior Vice President at Merrill, a large firm, he offers personalized wealth management and tax minimization strategies, serving parents and executives with a 1.10% AUM fee, distinguishing him through deep expertise and a client-focused approach.
Experience: 42 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Paul M
Series 66
Walnut Creek, CA
Wells Fargo Clearing
Paul Meyer specializes in planning for children with special needs and serves high-net-worth clients in Walnut Creek, CA, leveraging his background in education to understand family needs deeply. Affiliated with Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, he offers flat-fee and asset-based fee structures, providing access to comprehensive wealth management and retirement planning services.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $475,575
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Simon K
Series 66
Alamo, CA
Edward Jones
Simon Knight specializes in planning for children with special needs and is affiliated with Edward Jones, a large firm known for comprehensive wealth management and a broad network of over 23,700 advisors. With a background at Easter Seals Northern California and a Series 66 registration, he offers expertise in estate planning and business succession, charging up to 1.35% annually, which may differ from other advisors in Walnut Creek.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $246,728
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