Desert Wealth Management LLC
Data sourced from SEC public records (and other sources when available). Refreshed weekly • Updated today.
About
Desert Wealth Management is a fee-only investment adviser that provides discretionary asset management primarily for individual and high-net-worth clients. According to the firm brochure, it managed approximately $49.6 million in discretionary client assets as of December 31, 2025 and works with a small client base (about 39 clients) supported by two advisors.
The firm describes an academic investment approach that emphasizes macroeconomic analysis alongside fundamental security analysis to set asset allocation and select investments, and it implements long-term, short-term and trading strategies as appropriate to client objectives. Accounts are managed on a discretionary basis, clients may impose written investment restrictions, and the firm requires the use of a specified custodian for trade execution and custody.
A few operational features distinguish the firm from many peers: ownership is highly concentrated (one owner holds a substantial majority interest), the firm does not aggregate trades for block execution and does not vote client proxies (clients receive and vote their own proxy materials). The brochure also notes the firm is deemed to have limited custody because advisory fees are deducted by the custodian and it uses third‑party standing letters of authorization (SLOAs) while providing invoices and client statements concurrent with fee deductions.
Client services
Expertise
Fee options
Annual investment advisory fee not to exceed 1.20%, billed monthly in advance based on assets under management
Account minimum: $500,000 (may be lowered or waived in certain instances) Fee-only: Fee-only investment management firm
Main office
Palm Desert CA
Advisors at this office
2
Most active in
California
Disclosures
Exclamation point means they have disclosures of this type. Check mark means no disclosures of this type were found.
Business activities & affiliations
Is not active or affiliated with:
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Insurance agent
They sell insurance products and may earn commissions on those sales.
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Broker-dealer / trader
They provide brokerage services and may earn transaction-based compensation in addition to advisory fees.
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Bank
They're affiliated with a bank that may offer its own financial products and services.
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Trust company
They provide trust and estate administration services, typically for separate fees.
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Fund sponsor
They manage or sponsor investment funds and may earn management or performance-based fees if clients invest in them.
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Accountant / CPA / tax prep
They offer tax and accounting services, typically for separate fees.
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Lawyer
They provide legal services, typically billed separately.
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Real estate agent
They facilitate real estate transactions and may earn commissions.
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Other specialized services
They may provide services such as pension consulting or municipal advisory work, typically for separate fees.
Forms ADV
Advisors at this firm
James E
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 63, Series 65
Palm Desert, CA
Desert Wealth Management LLC
James Estes is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) with 16 years of industry experience. He has worked at Desert Wealth Management LLC since 2018 and previously spent seven years at Alpha Wealth Management, LLC. Outside of his advisory role, he held a position with FINRA for nearly two decades and has been affiliated with California State University. Desert Wealth Management is a fee-only investment adviser serving primarily individual and high-net-worth clients. The firm employs an academic investment approach that combines macroeconomic and fundamental security analysis to guide asset allocation and investment selection, managing accounts on a discretionary basis for a small client base.
Maria M
CFP®, Series 66
Palm Desert, CA
Desert Wealth Management LLC
Maria Melecio is a CFP® professional with 11 years of experience in the financial industry. She has worked at Desert Wealth Management LLC since 2018 and previously held roles at Alpha Wealth Management, LLC and as an insurance agent. Outside of her advisory work, Ms. Melecio serves as a FINRA arbitrator and is an adjunct professor at California State University San Bernardino. Desert Wealth Management is a fee-only investment adviser managing approximately $49.6 million in discretionary assets for a small client base, primarily individuals and high-net-worth clients. The firm employs an academic investment approach that integrates macroeconomic and fundamental security analysis to guide asset allocation and investment selection.
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