Independent Wealth Solutions
Data sourced from SEC public records (and other sources when available). Refreshed weekly • Updated today.
About
Independent Wealth Solutions is a state-registered advisory firm that serves individual investors and retirement plans, offering portfolio management through third-party sub‑advisers and 401(k) plan consulting and administration on the Betterment at Work platform. The firm operates with a very small client base and two advisors, and provides tailored advisory and solicitation services rather than managing most assets directly in-house.
Rather than directly executing investment strategies, Independent Wealth Solutions evaluates client goals and selects sub‑advisers to implement portfolios, furnishes each recommended adviser’s Form ADV Part 2, and documents solicitor disclosures when referring clients. For plan clients the firm coordinates with Betterment’s recordkeeping, discretionary advisory, and participant-management tools, and reviews sub‑advisers periodically for ongoing suitability.
Distinctive features noted in the brochure include an affiliation with an insurance entity and the sale of fixed annuities by firm personnel, with commissions possible for those insurance sales, which the firm discloses as a potential conflict of interest. The firm also discloses receipt of referral compensation and business-development benefits from third parties (including Betterment), and a succession arrangement and organizational restructuring that underscore its small, closely held operating model.
Client services
Expertise
Occupation focus
Main office
See office763 2nd St, Suite 200
Encinitas CA 92024-4481
Advisors at this office
1
Offices (2)
Most active in
California
Also doing business as
Independent Financial Solutions · Independent Wealth Solutions · Wittenberg Financial And Insurance Services, Inc. · Wittenberg Financial, Lp · Wittenberg, Steven S.
Disclosures
Exclamation point means they have disclosures of this type. Check mark means no disclosures of this type were found.
Business activities & affiliations
Is active or affiliated with:
Insurance agent
They sell insurance products and may earn commissions on those sales.
Is not active or affiliated with:
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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
Steven W
Series 63, Series 65
Cardiff by the Sea, CA
Independent Wealth Solutions
Steven Wittenberg is the sole advisor at Independent Wealth Solutions with 23 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has operated Wittenberg Financial and Insurance Services, Inc. since 2015. Previously, he was involved with The Inspired Youth from 2011 to 2017. Independent Wealth Solutions provides advisory services to individuals, corporations, and tax-qualified 401(k) plans primarily through selecting and referring third-party investment advisers and acting as a solicitor. The firm also offers pension consulting and 401(k) plan services using the Betterment at Work platform and is affiliated with an insurance entity that sells fixed annuities.
Maxwell W
Series 65
Encinitas, CA
Independent Wealth Solutions
Maxwell Wittenberg is a financial advisor at Independent Wealth Solutions with six years of industry experience. He holds a Series 65 designation and has worked at Northwestern Mutual Investment Services LLC and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company since 2019. Outside of advisory work, he has prior experience as a property manager for Wittenberg Rentals. Independent Wealth Solutions provides advisory services to individuals, corporations, and tax-qualified 401(k) plans primarily by selecting and referring third-party investment advisers and acting as a solicitor. The firm is affiliated with an insurance entity and offers pension consulting and 401(k) plan services using the Betterment at Work platform.
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