Brian D. Lowder, Inc.

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Client assets under management

$387,818,970

Clients

195

59% high-net-worth

Advisors

of 3 employees

Firm type

Supported

1-4 advisors or >$200M in AUM

Clients per advisor

High

Average account size

$1,988,815

About

The firm provides fee-only financial planning and investment management to individuals, families, trusts, corporations and charitable organizations, addressing matters such as retirement planning, estate planning, business planning, tax planning, college funding and risk management. Its client base includes both individual and high-net-worth clients as well as institutional relationships such as corporate pension and profit‑sharing plans, foundations and endowments.

Investment advice is implemented through a written Investment Policy Statement tailored to each client and the firm does not assign accounts to pre-set model portfolios; portfolios are constructed based on client objectives, tax considerations and risk tolerance. The investment process emphasizes fundamental analysis, diversification and a long-term core portfolio implemented with a core‑and‑satellite approach, while allowing occasional tactical shifts driven by top‑down macro views; accounts are monitored continuously and quarterly reports are provided.

The firm operates with a small advisory team while managing roughly $388 million in discretionary assets across about 197 clients and 643 accounts and remains 100% owned by its founder since its 1987 establishment, reflecting a long-tenured ownership structure. It discloses that a principal serves as trustee for certain client-related trusts and the firm’s retirement plan, uses Schwab Institutional custody and receives adviser support (including a discounted portfolio management software license and occasional event benefits), items the firm notes and monitors as potential conflicts of interest.

Client services

Financial planning Portfolio management

Expertise

General retirement planning General tax planning Wealth management College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.)

Occupation focus

Executive Founder/Business Owner

Fee options

Fixed

Fixed fees quoted in advance for financial planning services; portion up to $500 collected in advance

Percentage

$0 - $750,000: 1.00% $750,000 - $1,000,000: 0.90% $1,000,000 - $2,000,000: 0.70% $2,000,001+: Negotiated

Project-based

Hourly rates for financial planning and continuing services up to $375 per hour

Other

Account minimum: $500,000 minimum for investment management accounts, but may accept less at discretion Minimum fee: Minimum annual fee of $5,000 or $1,250 per quarter for investment management services Fee-only: Fee-only compensation; no commissions or referral fees paid or received by the firm or employees

Main office location

Brian D. Lowder, Inc.

12760 High Bluff Drive, Suite 370

San Diego CA 92130-2068, United States

Number of offices

Most active in

California

Disclosures

Business activities & affiliations

Is not active or affiliated with:

Insurance agent

They sell insurance products and may earn commissions on those sales.

Broker-dealer / trader

They provide brokerage services and may earn transaction-based compensation in addition to advisory fees.

Bank

They're affiliated with a bank that may offer its own financial products and services.

Trust company

They provide trust and estate administration services, typically for separate fees.

Fund sponsor

They manage or sponsor investment funds and may earn management or performance-based fees if clients invest in them.

Accountant / CPA / tax prep

They offer tax and accounting services, typically for separate fees.

Lawyer

They provide legal services, typically billed separately.

Real estate agent

They facilitate real estate transactions and may earn commissions.

Other specialized services

They may provide services such as pension consulting or municipal advisory work, typically for separate fees.

Forms ADV

Form ADV Part 2: Client Brochure Form ADV Part 3: Client Relationship

Quick links

Website 858-794-6800

Advisors at this firm

Rebecca D

CFP®, CFA®

San Diego, CA

Brian D. Lowder, Inc.

Rebecca Dodge is a CFP® and CFA® with seven years of industry experience. She has worked at Brian D. Lowder, Inc. since 2019 and previously spent four years at Brandes Investment Partners. Brian D. Lowder, Inc. provides fee-only financial planning and investment management services to individuals, families, trusts, corporations, and charitable organizations. The firm customizes investment portfolios based on client objectives and risk tolerance, employing a core-and-satellite approach with ongoing portfolio monitoring.

General retirement planning General tax planning Wealth management College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Executive Founder/Business Owner

Michael K

CFP®, CFA®, Series 66

San Diego, CA

Brian D. Lowder, Inc.

Michael Kinnear is a CFP® and CFA® with 22 years of experience in financial advising. He has been with Brian D. Lowder, Inc. since 2002. The firm offers fee-only financial planning and investment management to individuals, families, trusts, corporations, and charitable organizations. It serves a diverse client base, including high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients, and employs a tailored investment approach focused on fundamental analysis and a core-and-satellite portfolio strategy.

General retirement planning General tax planning Wealth management College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Executive Founder/Business Owner

Brian L

CFP®, CFA®

San Diego, CA

Brian D. Lowder, Inc.

Brian Lowder is a CFP® and CFA® with 28 years of industry experience. He has been the principal of Brian D. Lowder, Inc. since 1991. The firm provides fee-only financial planning and investment management services to individuals, families, trusts, corporations, and charitable organizations. Brian D. Lowder, Inc. serves a diverse client base including high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients such as corporate pension plans and endowments. The firm develops customized Investment Policy Statements for each client, focusing on fundamental analysis, diversification, and a core-and-satellite investment approach with ongoing monitoring and quarterly reporting.

General retirement planning General tax planning Wealth management College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Executive Founder/Business Owner

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