Large-firm, private / alternative investments 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.
If you're considering private or alternative investments, you likely have complex assets that don't fit traditional portfolios. A common mistake is underestimating the unique risks and liquidity challenges these investments carry.
- Firm resources matter. Large firms often provide deeper research and access to exclusive deals, which can impact your investment options.
- Risk assessment expertise. Confirm how the advisor evaluates the specific risks tied to private assets, including market and regulatory factors.
- Tax implications. Ask how they navigate high state income taxes alongside Proposition 13's property tax limits to optimize your after-tax returns.
- Liquidity planning. Private investments can be hard to sell quickly; ensure the advisor plans for your cash flow needs accordingly.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Brian W
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Walnut Creek, CA
Sanctuary Advisors, LLC
Brian Westcoat specializes in private and alternative investments within a large-firm setting in Walnut Creek, leveraging 26 years of experience and CFP® certification to manage complex portfolios. His firm, Sanctuary Advisors, offers customized investment programs with access to multiple sub-advisors and third-party platforms, providing a broad resource network that supports diverse client types including individuals and corporations.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $1,618,113
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Thomas H
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Walnut Creek, CA
Creative Planning
Thomas Howard specializes in private and alternative investments within a large firm setting in Walnut Creek, CA, leveraging 13 years of experience and CFP® certification. His firm, Creative Planning, emphasizes a financial planning–led investment process with low-cost indexing and buy-and-hold strategies, offering flat-fee structures and serving high-net-worth clients, which distinguishes him from advisors with different fee models or investment approaches.
Experience: 14 years
Avg account: $2,113,277
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Mehul K
Series 63, Series 66
Walnut Creek, CA
J.P. Morgan Securities
Mehul Khivesara at Focus Partners Wealth, LLC in Walnut Creek, CA, specializes in private and alternative investments, supported by six years of experience and a Series 66 designation. His firm, a large one, offers a long-term, tax- and fee-sensitive investment approach with active and passive strategies, catering to high-net-worth clients with flat-fee options, distinguishing him from others by combining personalized service with institutional resources.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $318,381
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Miguel O
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Walnut Creek, CA
Charles Schwab
Miguel O'Hara specializes in private and alternative investments within a large firm setting in Walnut Creek, CA, leveraging 14 years of experience and CFP® certification. His affiliation with Charles Schwab provides clients access to extensive research, discretionary managed accounts, and a wealth advisory wrap fee program with a 0.80% annual AUM fee, distinguishing him through robust firm resources and multi-asset model portfolios.
Experience: 15 years
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Daniel S
CFP®, Series 65
Walnut Creek, CA
Mariner
Daniel Smyth specializes in private and alternative investments within a large firm setting in Walnut Creek, CA, offering expertise in options and derivatives strategies. He serves high-net-worth clients with a flat-fee structure and integrates values-based and ESG investing approaches, distinguishing him from others by combining comprehensive planning with socially responsible investment options.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $2,116,909
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