Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC
Data sourced from SEC public records (and other sources when available). Refreshed weekly • Updated today.
Client AUMClient assets under management
$719,989,416
Clients
462
Advisors
5
of 7 employees
About
Gradient Capital Advisors provides investment advisory and financial planning services to individuals (including high‑net‑worth clients), trusts, pension and corporate clients, and retirement plan sponsors. The firm offers comprehensive portfolio management, written financial plans or consultations, and retirement plan consulting, and it acts as a sponsor for a wrap fee program as described in its Part 2A and Wrap Fee Program Brochure.
The firm describes a multi‑disciplinary investment process that uses charting, cyclical, fundamental and technical analysis and implements a wide range of strategies — including long‑ and short‑term purchases, active trading, short sales, option writing, and margin borrowing — across ETFs, mutual funds, individual securities and alternative investments such as REITs. Client accounts are reviewed at least quarterly and the firm generally manages accounts through its wrap program and established custody/execution relationships outlined in the brochure.
What distinguishes Gradient from many peers is the combination of being a wrap fee program sponsor while also employing derivatives and borrowing in separately managed accounts (the brochure explicitly discusses options, short sales and margin), and the firm’s materials reference third‑party ratings in its marketing. The brochure also notes several atypical service offerings — such as corporate tax and cost segregation work and explicit ERISA fiduciary designations for retirement plan engagements — and reports roughly $742 million in regulatory assets under management with the majority managed on a discretionary basis.
Client services
Expertise
Occupation focus
Fee options
Flat fees generally range from $500 to $10,000 for Financial Planning & Consulting services
$100 to $350 per hour for Financial Planning & Consulting services
Fee-only: Hourly fees from $100 to $350; flat fees from $500 to $10,000 for Financial Planning & Consulting services
Main office
2125 Poinsettia Drive
San Diego CA 92107
Advisors at this office
5
Most active in
Arizona · California · Colorado · Florida · Idaho · Nevada · New York · Oregon · Texas · Utah · Washington
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.
Quick links
Advisors at this firm
Rodney S
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 63
San Diego, CA
Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC
Rodney Simms is a CFP® and ChFC® with 28 years of industry experience. He is currently with Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC, where he has worked since 2014. The firm is a team advisory practice managing institutional-scale assets for individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, pension and corporate plan sponsors. Gradient Capital Advisors employs a combined fundamental and technical investment approach, offering services that include comprehensive portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting.
Eric Y
CFP®, Series 66
San Diego, CA
Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC
Eric Yeager is a CFP® professional with 25 years of industry experience, currently serving at Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC since 2015. He holds the Series 66 designation and is based in San Diego, CA. Gradient Capital Advisors is a team advisory firm managing institutional-scale assets for individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, and pension and corporate plan sponsors. The firm employs a blend of fundamental and technical investment strategies, including option strategies, short sales, and margin transactions, offering comprehensive portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting.
Eric S
Series 63
San Diego, CA
Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC
Eric Simms is a financial advisor with Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC, holding a Series 63 designation and bringing 28 years of industry experience. He has been with Gradient Capital Advisors since 2014. Gradient Capital Advisors is a team advisory firm managing institutional-scale assets for individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, and pension and corporate plan sponsors. The firm employs a combination of fundamental and technical investment strategies, including option strategies, short sales, and margin transactions, and offers comprehensive portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting.
Timothy S
CFP®, CFA®, Series 66
San Diego, CA
Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC
Timothy Sagawa is a CFP®, CFA®, and Series 66 credentialed advisor with 22 years of industry experience. He is currently with Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC, where he has worked since 2014. Gradient Capital Advisors is a team advisory firm managing institutional-scale assets for individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, and pension and corporate plan sponsors. The firm employs a combination of fundamental and technical investment strategies, including option strategies and short sales, and offers comprehensive portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting.
Trevor S
CFP®
San Diego, CA
Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC
Trevor Shaw is a CFP® professional with four years of industry experience, currently serving at Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC. He has been with Gradient Capital Advisors since 2015, working continuously in various capacities within the firm. Gradient Capital Advisors is a team advisory firm managing institutional-scale assets for individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, and corporate plan sponsors. The firm employs a combined fundamental and technical investment approach, utilizing a range of strategies including options, short sales, and margin transactions, and provides comprehensive portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting.
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