Financial Planning

Financial Advisor for Executives in San Diego

Financial Advisor for Executives in San Diego

If you’re a high-level executive, you know that it’s possible to face financial decisions that go far beyond traditional wealth management. With complex compensation packages, concentrated stock positions, and high-stakes tax considerations, your financial landscape can feel like a second full-time job.

That’s why it’s so essential to have the right support, through a financial advisor for executives you can trust and rely on. At Platt Wealth Management, we serve as a fee-only financial advisor for executives in San Diego and nationwide who want sophisticated, conflict-free advice tailored to their unique professional and personal financial goals.

Our firm specializes in helping corporate leaders optimize executive compensation structures, including equity awards, deferred compensation, and performance-based bonuses, while building long-term strategies that protect and grow multi-million-dollar portfolios.

Why Executives Trust Platt Wealth Management

Executives choose Platt Wealth Management because we understand the unique pressures that come with leadership. From managing concentrated stock positions to analyzing various pension and deferred compensation opportunities, we bring the technical expertise and discretion executives require.

Our team includes experienced executive advisors with advanced credentials, including Jeff Platt, CFP®, CFA, JD, LLM and Curtis West, CFP®. Together, they’ve guided executives like you through career transitions, liquidity events, and complex equity compensation decisions with precision and confidentiality.

Some of the main areas where clients find value from our services include:

  • Expertise in executive compensation structures, including restricted stock units (RSUs), performance shares, and deferred compensation.
  • Commitment to discretion and confidentiality, to ensure that sensitive financial details remain private.
  • Respect for your time, with flexible meeting options and an efficient, structured planning process designed around demanding schedules.

When the stakes are high and your financial decisions carry both personal and professional consequences, we deliver clarity, confidence, and comprehensive strategy.

Specialized Financial Services for Executives

At Platt Wealth Management, we provide specialized financial strategies designed exclusively for executives. Our services integrate two core pillars, which are compensation optimization and long-term wealth management.

We also coordinate closely with corporate benefits teams, attorneys, and CPAs to ensure every element of your financial life works in harmony. From comprehensive planning to investment management, our approach blends sophisticated analysis with actionable, real-world results.

Executive Compensation Optimization

Our goal is to optimize the compensation you receive, helping it work for you as your financial life progresses. There are multiple ways we do that, including:

  • Stock Option Exercise and Tax Planning: We analyze exercise timing, tax implications, and diversification opportunities to help you retain more of your hard-earned value.
  • Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) Management: We create distribution and sale strategies that align with tax brackets, and market performance.
  • Performance Share and Bonus Optimization: We integrate incentive-based compensation into your broader cash flow and investment strategy.
  • Deferred Compensation Planning: We help you balance future income deferrals with liquidity and tax management considerations.
  • Executive Benefit Maximization: From supplemental retirement plans to insurance coverage, we evaluate each benefit and determine the options that are most advantageous for you.

Executive Wealth Management

Managing your wealth goes beyond optimizing your compensation, and we increase our benefits to you through:

  • Concentrated Stock Position Diversification: We design strategic diversification plans that minimize tax impact and preserve upside potential.
  • Tax-Efficient Wealth Accumulation: Through customized investment management strategies, we balance risk, return, and tax efficiency.
  • Estate Planning for High-Net-Worth Executives: We coordinate with your estate planning attorney to integrate charitable trusts, gifting strategies, and legacy planning.
  • Charitable Giving and Donor-Advised Funds: We align philanthropic goals with tax-smart giving strategies.
  • Liquidity Event Planning: For IPOs, acquisitions, or sales, we develop pre- and post-event frameworks to preserve wealth and minimize taxes.

We’re dedicated to ongoing support, with continuous stock option planning and executive compensation strategies that help you turn your income into long-term, sustainable wealth.

Our Executive-Focused Planning Approach

Platt Wealth Management’s planning process is designed specifically for executives who value efficiency, discretion, and actionable insight.We’ll start with a deep-dive discovery session to understand your compensation structure, career trajectory, and long-term goals. From there, we’ll build a cohesive financial plan that integrates investment, tax, estate, and risk strategies.

We offer flexible scheduling, including virtual meetings, along with proactive communication that keeps you informed without overwhelming your calendar. Additionally, we’ll focus on coordination with your existing advisors, ensuring seamless alignment across legal, tax, and corporate benefit teams in.

You can schedule an executive consultation at your convenience to get started optimizing your financial strategy with privacy and professionalism.

Critical Executive Financial Challenges We Navigate

High-achieving executives face unique financial challenges that require nuanced, coordinated solutions. At Platt Wealth Management, we help clients navigate some of the largest challenges, such as:

  • Concentrated Stock Risk: Developing tax-efficient diversification plans that reduce exposure without sacrificing growth potential.
  • Complex Tax Situations: Coordinating multi-state filings, and deferred compensation tax timing.
  • Liquidity Events: Structuring IPO, merger, or acquisition windfalls to preserve wealth while managing tax liabilities.
  • Career Transitions: Managing cash flow, severance, and benefits during corporate exits or leadership moves.
  • Corporate Benefit Optimization: Evaluating and aligning pension, insurance, and retirement plans within your broader wealth strategy.
  • Succession and Legacy Planning: Ensuring wealth transfer aligns with personal and philanthropic goals.
  • Market Volatility: Implementing adaptive investment strategies that protect long-term financial independence.
  • Philanthropic Strategy Integration: Building charitable giving plans that enhance both impact and tax efficiency.

Why Fee-Only Financial Planning Is Critical for Executives

For executives like you who are managing complex compensation packages and significant wealth, the quality of financial advice matters. Working with a fee-only executive advisor like ours at Platt Wealth Management ensures your financial plan is built entirely around your best interests, not hidden commissions or product incentives.

Unlike a commission-based financial advisor, we operate under a fiduciary standard, meaning our only loyalty is to our clients. This ensures complete transparency and alignment with your financial goals. You deserve advice that’s independent, conflict-free, and grounded in data-driven strategy, and that’s the foundation of our approach 

Ready to Optimize Your Executive Compensation?

Your time is valuable, and your financial decisions are consequential. If you’re ready to take control of your compensation, investments, and long-term wealth strategy, now is the time to act. We offer a complimentary executive financial assessment and compensation review, designed to help you seek clarity and strategic direction.

Take the next step and schedule your consultation today. A complimentary consultation with a financial advisor for executives can provide you with the answers and support you need to make quality, knowledgeable decisions about your financial future.Our mission is to help you optimize, protect, and grow the wealth you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Financial Planners for Retirees in San Diego

Financial Planners for Retirees in San Diego

Transitioning into retirement is one of life’s most significant financial milestones. It’s also one that requires careful planning and expert guidance, along with ongoing support and adjustments. At Platt Wealth Management, we specialize in helping retirees in San Diego and nationwide navigate every stage of retirement with clarity and confidence. 

As a fee-only fiduciary retirement financial advisor, we’re committed to helping you enjoy the retirement you’ve worked a lifetime to achieve. We focus on retirement income planning, tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, and portfolio preservation, so you can maintain your lifestyle, protect your wealth, and spend more time on what truly matters.

We understand the unique concerns you face, from managing healthcare costs and inflation to ensuring your money lasts through an extended lifespan. At Platt Wealth Management, we bring decades of experience and a fiduciary commitment to every relationship, helping you make confident decisions for today and tomorrow. 

Why Retirees Choose Platt Wealth Management

Platt Wealth Management has earned the trust of retirees throughout San Diego and nationwide by providing tailored financial guidance built around stability, tax planning efficiency, and peace of mind. Our experienced retirement advisors have decades of experience guiding clients just like you through the transition from earning income to generating it sustainably in retirement.

Led by Jeff Platt, CFP®, CFA, JD, LLM and Curtis West, CFP®, our team combines deep technical expertise with personal attention. Every financial advisor who works for us takes the time to understand your lifestyle, health needs, and long-term goals. With that knowledge we then design strategies that create reliable income while minimizing taxes and risk through coordinated investment management and comprehensive financial planning services.

Our clients choose us for:

  • Retirement-specific expertise in income distribution, RMD strategies, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), and Social Security optimization.
  • A commitment to personalized service, to ensure every plan is unique to your needs and goals.
  • Proactive risk management, helping you stay confident even during periods of market volatility.

We believe you deserve financial peace of mind when you retire, and that comes from having a certified financial planner and fiduciary financial advisor who helps you prepare for uncertainty before it arrives.

Comprehensive Retirement Financial Planning Services

Our retirement planning services are designed to help you prepare for and thrive in retirement. Whether you’re five years away from retirement or already enjoying it, we offer comprehensive retirement planning that ensures every aspect of your financial life is aligned for long-term stability and growth. To do that, we divide our approach into two phases: Pre-Retirement Planning (Ages 55 to 65) and Active Retirement Management (Ages 65+).

Pre-Retirement Planning (Ages 55 to 65)

The years leading up to retirement are crucial for preparation and optimization. We’ll help you assess readiness and implement tax-smart strategies before your paychecks stop.

Our pre-retirement services include an evaluation of  whether your savings, income sources, and expenses are aligned with your retirement goals, along with Social Security claiming strategy optimization to identify the most advantageous age and claiming strategy for your household.

Additionally, we’ll help you with healthcare and long-term care cost planning to account for out-of-pocket medical and insurance expenses and preserve financial stability.

We will analyze pension benefits to determine the best payout strategy for based on your risk tolerance and income needs. aWe’ll also consider tax-efficient distribution planning and help you coordinate account withdrawals and Roth conversions to minimize your lifetime tax exposure.

Our goal during this phase is to help you enter retirement fully prepared, with a clear roadmap and the confidence that your savings will support your lifestyle.

Active Retirement Management (Ages 65+)

Once your retirement begins, our focus shifts to sustaining income, managing distributions, and protecting your wealth through every stage of life. Our active retirement management services include sustainable retirement income planning to develop a withdrawal strategy that balances your income needs with portfolio longevity, along with required minimum distribution (RMD) strategies to help you structure withdrawals, reduce tax drag, and preserve tax-deferred growth.

We’ll help rebalance your portfolio for income and wealth preservation to maintain an optimal allocation that supports stability while combating inflation. We’ll work with your Estate Planning Attorney to ensure your assets pass efficiently and according to your wishes. Every plan integrates investment management strategies and tax-efficient planning designed to maximize your after-tax income while protecting the principal.

Our Retirement-Focused Planning Process

At Platt Wealth Management, our retirement planning process simplifies complex decisions and builds confidence at every step. Our process begins long before your first withdrawal, and continues throughout your retirement journey. When you work with us, you can expect:

  1. Assessment: We analyze income sources, expenses, taxes, and longevity projections to determine readiness.
  2. Customized Income Strategy: We build a sustainable withdrawal plan that aligns with your lifestyle and cash flow needs.
  3. Tax and Investment Integration: We coordinate tax strategies with your CPA, along with  portfolio management strategies to enhance income efficiency and minimize lifetime taxes.
  4. Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments: We regularly review and rebalance your plan, ensuring it adapts to market shifts, health changes, and evolving goals.
  5. Stress Testing and Longevity Planning: We model your plan against inflation, volatility, and long-term care scenarios to strengthen financial resilience.

Our clients appreciate our disciplined yet flexible approach, as well as the ease of working with a dedicated team that respects their time. To learn more, schedule a consultation and discover how our process helps retirees like you achieve lasting financial confidence with objective financial advice and investment strategies.

Key Retirement Challenges We Help You Navigate

Every retiree faces unique challenges, but most share a common goal of ensuring their money lasts as long as they do. At Platt Wealth Management, we can help you manage and overcome:

  • Longevity risk, by creating sustainable income strategies that account for living well into your 90s or beyond.
  • Market volatility, through structuring portfolios that protect income needs even when markets fluctuate.
  • Healthcare and long-term care costs, with planning for rising medical expenses and insurance coordination to protect assets.
  • Inflation and cost-of-living increases, through implementing growth strategies that preserve purchasing power over time.
  • Tax efficiency, by managing distributions across accounts to minimize taxes throughout retirement.
  • Social Security timing decisions, by coordinating spousal and individual benefits for maximum lifetime income.
  • Legacy and estate planning, through ensuring your wealth transfers efficiently and reflects your values.
  • Philanthropic giving, by designing charitable strategies that balance generosity with tax savings.

By addressing these challenges proactively, we’ll help you move from uncertainty to confidence, knowing that every financial decision supports your comfortable, worry-free retirement.

Why Fee-Only Matters for Your Retirement Security

Working with a fee-only fiduciary retirement advisor ensures your financial guidance is always objective and aligned with your best interests.

Unlike commission-based advisors, Platt Wealth Management operates under a strict fiduciary standard. That means we are legally and ethically bound to act in your best interest, and never recommend products for commissions or incentives.

Ready to Secure Your Retirement?

Whether you’re approaching retirement or already enjoying it, now is the time to take control of your financial future. We offer flexible meeting options for your convenience, including morning, afternoon, and virtual sessions, and every consultation is confidential and obligation-free.

Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation and discover how personalized, fiduciary guidance can help you enjoy financial confidence in every stage of retirement.

Financial Planners for Families in San Diego

Financial Planners for Families in San Diego

When it comes to building and protecting your family’s financial future, few decisions are as important as choosing the right financial advisor for families. At Platt Wealth Management, our mission is to help San Diego families like yours achieve financial confidence at every life stage, from welcoming a new baby to sending a child to college, to retiring with peace of mind.

As trusted fee-only family financial planners, we understand that family financial planning is about more than numbers. It’s about values, relationships, and the legacy you want to create. That’s why we design comprehensive, multi-generational strategies that grow and adapt as your family’s needs evolve, to help you navigate life’s major transitions with clarity and confidence. Here’s what you need to know about working with us.

Why San Diego Families Choose Our Financial Planners

Families like yours choose Platt Wealth Management because we take the time to understand what truly matters most. Our team of experienced family financial planners brings not only technical expertise but also personal insight into the challenges of raising a family, managing expenses, and planning for the future.

We build lasting relationships that often span decades and multiple generations. From the very first meeting, families appreciate our personalized, and empathetic approach as we listen to your goals, learn your family dynamics, and build a financial plan that reflects your values and priorities.

Led by Jeff Platt and Curtis West, our advisors have helped countless San Diego families simplify their financial lives and build long-term wealth. Our family-focused philosophy ensures that every financial decision aligns with your life’s milestones, both now and for generations to come.

Comprehensive Family Financial Planning Services

At Platt Wealth Management, our comprehensive family financial planning services cover every stage of family life. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for retirement, we can help coordinate all your financial goals into one cohesive strategy that meets your needs and provides you with peace of mind.

Our family-centric approach includes everything from family investment management to education funding, tax planning, tax strategies, estate planning, and legacy creation.

Growing Family Needs

For families in their growth years, we focus on stability and protection while laying the groundwork for future success. That includes support and guidance in areas such as:

  • Education funding and 529 college savings plans
  • Life insurance and family protection planning
  • Emergency fund optimization for financial resilience
  • Home buying guidance and mortgage planning
  • Cash flow management for growing household expenses

These early strategies ensure that your family is protected and well-positioned as new financial responsibilities arise over time.

Established Family Wealth Building

As your wealth grows, a financial advisor for families can shift strategies toward optimizing your assets and creating long-term security, in ways like:

  • Investment portfolio management tailored to family goals
  • Tax-efficient wealth accumulation strategies
  • Retirement planning for both spouses
  • Estate planning and multi-generational wealth transfer
  • Charitable giving and values-based financial alignment

This holistic structure allows your family to manage today’s needs while building enduring wealth for future generations.

Our Family-First Financial Planning Process

Our family financial planning process is designed to make financial planning simple, collaborative, and family-friendly, and it begins with an in-depth conversation to understand your goals, family dynamics, and priorities. Both you and your spouse are encouraged to participate in every step, ensuring that the plan reflects your shared vision.

As your children grow, we’ll adapt your strategy to keep pace with new milestones, whether that means adding college savings goals or shifting your retirement horizon. We’ll hold regular family financial reviews to evaluate progress, refine strategies, and make sure everyone feels confident about their financial direction.

To learn more about how we can help, schedule a family consultation and discover how our process can bring your financial goals into focus with a certified financial planner.

Common Family Financial Challenges We Solve

Every family faces unique financial challenges, but some are nearly universal. Our advisors help families just like yours navigate:

  • Balancing current lifestyle needs with future goals
  • Funding college education without sacrificing retirement savings
  • Protecting family income through insurance and estate planning
  • Managing the costs of homeownership and childcare
  • Coordinating investments and cash flow across multiple accounts
  • Preparing for unexpected events and financial emergencies
  • Supporting aging parents while planning your own retirement
  • Creating a tax-smart legacy plan for children and grandchildren

By addressing these challenges head-on, we’ll empower you and your family to make informed, confident financial decisions, both now and in the future for long term financial stability.

The Family Advantage of Fee-Only Financial Planning

Choosing a fee-only family financial planner means your family’s best interests always come first. Unlike commission-based advisors who may earn from product sales, our compensation comes solely from client fees, and that helps ensure our advice always remains transparent, objective, and entirely focused on your family’s specific goals.

As fiduciaries, we maintain a steadfast fiduciary responsibility to act in your best interest at all times. That means you can trust that every recommendation is designed to strengthen your family’s financial security and future.

This client-first philosophy provides peace of mind and confidence that your financial plan is guided by your family’s values, not by any outside incentives and reviewed by a financial professional.

Ready to Secure Your Family’s Financial Future?

Your family’s financial goals deserve a clear, strategic plan backed by experienced professionals who understand your life stage. Whether you’re just starting your family, managing busy school years, or approaching retirement, a financial advisor for families at Platt Wealth Management is ready to help.

We offer a complimentary family consultation with flexible scheduling options for busy parents, including virtual meetings for your convenience. There’s no cost or pressure, just an opportunity to explore how our planning process can make a difference for your family.

Take the first step toward your family’s financial confidence and schedule today with Platt Wealth Management.

Financial Advisor for Young Professionals in San Diego

Financial Advisor for Young Professionals in San Diego

Ambitious young professionals face many unique financial challenges, including irregular income, complex compensation structures, and fast-moving career transitions. That’s why Platt Wealth Management is the right choice for San Diego professionals like you who are seeking clarity, confidence, and control over their financial future.

As a firm with deep expertise serving doctors, lawyers, executives, and entrepreneurs, we understand the intricate balance between growing wealth and managing professional demands. Our fee-only, fiduciary approach ensures every recommendation we provide is guided solely by your best interests, and not by any commissions or product sales.

Whether you’re optimizing your stock options, navigating a career transition, or laying the groundwork for financial independence, Platt Wealth Management delivers sophisticated, customized financial planning that evolves alongside your professional and personal life. Here’s how we can help you grow your wealth as you focus on advancing your career.

Why Professionals Trust Platt Wealth Management

At Platt Wealth Management, our success is built on expertise and genuine partnership. Our experienced team includes credentialed professionals with the CFP® and CFA designations that reflect advanced knowledge in financial planning, portfolio management, and strategic wealth growth. Led by Jeff Platt, CFP®, CFA, JD, LLM and Curtis West, CFP®, our entire team provides insight and direction to clients like you who expect precision and professionalism.

Every financial advisor for young professionals specializes in the needs of high-income earners who require more than just basic financial advice. We’ll help you make sense of deferred compensation packages, optimize your employer benefits, and manage stock options, all while designing long-term wealth strategies that align with your demanding career through tailored financial planning services.

We’ll also respect your time and priorities, offering a high-touch, efficient experience that integrates seamlessly into your professional lifestyle, so you can move toward your financial goals with confidence.

Specialized Financial Services for Professionals

Our comprehensive financial planning process provides clarity and structure across every stage of your career. From early professional growth to advanced wealth management, we’ll work with you to create tailored plans that reflect your evolving financial position and goals.

Career and Income Planning

Young professionals like you often face fluctuating income and complex compensation packages, but at Platt Wealth Management we provide guidance to turn these challenges into opportunities. Some of the ways we can help include:

  • Stock option planning and equity compensation strategies
  • Deferred compensation plan analysis and optimization
  • Financial planning for career transitions and promotions
  • Professional liability and disability insurance review
  • Executive benefit optimization and coordination

Every financial advisor for business professionals integrates all aspects of your professional life to ensure each decision supports your broader financial vision.

Wealth Building and Legacy Planning

As your income and assets grow, we’ll be here to help you preserve and expand your wealth strategically through personalized investment management and tax-smart planning with a certified financial planner organizing your financial planning services. Among our supportive guidance options are:

  • Tax-efficient investment strategies
  • Retirement planning and 401(k) optimization
  • Estate planning and wealth transfer coordination
  • Education funding for children or future family goals
  • Charitable giving strategies aligned with personal values

We also collaborate with your CPA, attorney, and insurance professionals to ensure all aspects of your financial life work together seamlessly and you enjoy peace of mind.

Our Streamlined Process for Busy Professionals

We recognize that successful professionals like you have limited time, which is why our comprehensive financial planning process is designed for efficiency and clarity. We’ll begin with a focused discovery meeting to define your priorities and identify short- and long-term objectives, then develop a personalized plan outlining actionable strategies to help you achieve financial growth and security under the care of seasoned financial professionals.

Flexible meeting formats, including virtual consultations, make it easier for you to stay engaged even with a packed schedule, and once your plan is in place, we’ll provide proactive updates, regular progress reviews, and strategic adjustments as your career and life evolve.

Ready to take the first step? Schedule a consultation with a financial advisor for business professionals at your convenience to experience how Platt Wealth Management can simplify complex financial planning for professionals like you.

Common Financial Challenges We Help Professionals Navigate

Every career path presents distinct financial challenges, and our team is dedicated to helping high-achieving professionals overcome common roadblocks, including:

  • Managing irregular income and cash flow stability
  • Optimizing stock options, RSUs, and deferred compensation plans
  • Transitioning between companies or roles without disrupting financial progress
  • Planning for taxes associated with bonuses or equity compensation through proactive tax planning
  • Balancing aggressive debt repayment with investment growth
  • Evaluating and maximizing professional benefit packages
  • Preparing for early retirement or financial independence
  • Protecting income and assets through tailored insurance coverage

Whether you’re a physician managing a demanding schedule, an attorney entering into a partnership, or an executive navigating equity compensation, a financial advisor for young professionals can craft custom strategies to meet your unique reality.

The Advantage of Fee-Only Financial Planning for Professionals

When your financial future is at stake, transparency matters, and our fee-only financial planning model ensures that you’ll receive objective, conflict-free advice focused entirely on your specific goals.

Unlike commission-based advisors, we’re compensated solely by our clients and never through product sales or third-party incentives. That means every recommendation reflects your best interest.

As fiduciaries, we operate under the highest ethical fiduciary standard and offer you the professional-to-professional respect and accountability you deserve. For young professionals managing high incomes and complex financial opportunities, that level of integrity is not just reassuring, it’s essential.

Ready to Optimize Your Financial Strategy?

Your career is advancing quickly, and it’s important that you don’t let your financial strategy fall behind. At Platt Wealth Management, we help driven professionals like you align their income, investments, and lifestyle with a long-term wealth vision. We offer a complimentary, confidential consultation with flexible scheduling and virtual meeting options to accommodate your professional life supported by comprehensive financial planning services.

Start making your money work as hard as you do, and schedule today to see how Platt Wealth Management can help you build, protect, and maximize your wealth for the future you’re creating.

Financial Advisor for Business Owners in San Diego

Financial Advisor for Business Owners in San Diego

Running a business isn’t just a full-time job. It quickly becomes a lifestyle. Business owners juggle strategic decisions, daily operations, and long-term growth planning, all while trying to maintain personal financial stability. At Platt Wealth Management, we understand that your personal and business finances are inextricably linked. That’s why we specialize in helping entrepreneurs and business owners take control of both, with smart, integrated financial planning you can feel confident in.

We aren’t just financial advisors. We’re partners on your entrepreneurial journey. Our fee-only, fiduciary approach ensures that your success is our only priority. With no commissions, no hidden incentives, and no product pushing, you get objective, personalized advice that puts your goals first.

Whether you’re planning an exit, navigating tax complexity, or balancing reinvestment with personal savings, our advisors offer strategic guidance rooted in experience and a deep understanding of the challenges business owners face.

Why Business Owners Choose Platt Wealth Management

Successful business owners don’t settle for off-the-shelf solutions, and neither do we. At Platt Wealth Management, our client-centric approach and niche expertise set us apart. We focus on entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners who need more than basic investment advice. If you’re looking for small business financial advisors that understand your business on a deeper level, our financial strategies are built around your business lifecycle, risk profile, tax situation, and personal goals.

Our team’s credentials reflect our commitment to excellence. With Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) professionals, Chartered Financial Analysts (CFAs), and decades of experience working with business owners, we bring unmatched technical expertise to every relationship. No two businesses are exactly alike, and we know your business needs a focused, strategic approach that fits you and your goals and plans.

Our founder Jeff Platt has dedicated his career to helping clients simplify complex financial lives, while Curtis West leads with a deep understanding of business ownership and long-term wealth planning. You can expect every member of our team to provide quality information and use their years of experience to ensure you’re getting the best data and advice for your business’ needs.

We take a holistic approach to your financial planning by looking at your business and personal finances as a single, interconnected ecosystem. And we collaborate seamlessly with your existing team of CPAs, attorneys, and other advisors to create a unified strategy with no blind spots. Whether you’re operating a large business or a smaller one, we know that having the right advice and support matters.

Comprehensive Financial Services for Business Owners

Financial planning for business owners requires a dual lens, meaning the optimizing of both the business and personal sides of wealth. At Platt Wealth Management, we offer comprehensive financial planning and investment management services tailored specifically to the entrepreneurial experience.

We’ll help you make informed decisions about how and when to reinvest in your business, how to prepare for succession or sale, and how to ensure your personal wealth keeps pace with your professional success. Through tax optimization, retirement plan design, and more, our advisors can help you build a strong financial plan for today and confidence for the future.

Business Financial Planning

Small business owners and enterprise owners alike know that your business is your engine of wealth, but also your greatest financial risk.

We offer:

  • Tax Optimization Strategies: We work with you and your CPA to reduce tax planning burdens across business and personal filings, including entity structuring and pass-through income optimization.
  • Retirement Plan Design: Whether it’s a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA, Solo 401(k), or a custom plan for employees, we help determine retirement solutions that help you and your team save more, with tax advantages aligned to your growth stage.

Personal Wealth Management

Once your business is thriving, it’s crucial to protect and grow your personal wealth. Our personal planning services help you achieve financial independence while managing risk. Consider support for areas such as:

  • Investment Management and Portfolio Optimization: Tailored portfolios that balance liquidity, diversification, and long-term growth, with full alignment to your risk tolerance and goals.
  • Estate Planning Strategies: Ensure your legacy is protected with structured estate plans, business succession strategies, and coordinated legal support.
  • Risk Management and Insurance Review: We’ll help identify gaps in coverage and ensure your business and personal assets are properly insured.
  • Cash Flow Management: Gain visibility into your spending, income timing, and reserve needs across both business and personal accounts.
  • Retirement Planning: Transition from business income to financial independence with confidence, knowing your exit plan is fully aligned with your personal financial roadmap.

Our Proven Process for Business Owners

We know your time is valuable. That’s why we use a structured, streamlined process designed to uncover your goals, identify opportunities, and deliver ongoing value. We can learn what you need, address your concerns, and work with you to make adjustments to protect your financial future.

  1. Discovery Call: This is a complimentary consultation to understand your unique business and personal financial situation.
  2. Deep-Dive Analysis: We’ll gather relevant financial statements and analyze your current strategy, identifying risks and opportunities.
  3. Customized Plan Creation: With knowledge and information we can deliver a comprehensive, integrated financial plan tailored to your goals.
  4. Implementation Support: We’ll collaborate with your legal and tax advisors to ensure all recommendations are executed smoothly.
  5. Ongoing Management: We can provide continuous oversight of your plan, including investment management, retirement planning, and tax strategies.
  6. Regular Reviews and Adjustments: Our advisors know life changes, and so does your business, so we’ll meet regularly to review performance and adapt your plan as needed.

Our process is transparent, collaborative, and built for the demands of entrepreneurial life, so you know who you’re working with and what kind of plans you have in place. We’re here to make operating your business and planning for retirement easier, less complicated, and less stressful.

Common Financial Challenges We Help Business Owners Solve

Business owners like you face unique financial hurdles, many of which a standard business financial advisor isn’t equipped to handle. At Platt Wealth Management, we help you navigate these challenges with clarity and confidence.

  • Blurring of Business and Personal Finances
  • Unpredictable Income and Cash Flow
  • Tax Complexity
  • Retirement Planning with No Corporate Pension
  • Investment Diversification Beyond the Business
  • Balancing Reinvestment with Personal Wealth Growth

No matter which of these challenges you’re facing, or how several of these issues may tie together for your business, our advisors have the business planning knowledge to create a comprehensive roadmap that’s tailored to your company. We want to see you succeed and thrive, and collaborative efforts with financial professionals are among the best ways for you to do that.

Why Fee-Only Financial Planning Matters for Business Owners

The financial advice industry is filled with advisors who earn commissions by selling products. At Platt Wealth Management, we believe your advisor should only be paid by one person: you. That’s why we use a fee-only, fiduciary approach that eliminates conflicts of interest and ensures complete objectivity. We don’t earn commissions, and we don’t push products. Instead, we always act in your best interest.

That’s especially important for business owners, who face complex decisions about insurance, retirement plans, and tax strategies. A commission-based advisor might steer you toward a high-fee product that benefits them more than you, but we won’t.

When you work with us, you get transparent pricing, total accountability, and a long-term relationship based on trust, not products or transactions.

Ready to Take Control of Your Financial Future?

You’ve built a business, and now it’s time to build your future. Platt Wealth Management offers tailored financial guidance that integrates your business and personal goals, simplifies complexity, and puts you in control. Whether you’re seeking smarter tax strategies, a retirement plan, or a path to personal financial freedom, we’re here to help.

Schedule your complimentary consultation today. There’s no obligation. We’ll have a conversation about where you are, where you’re going, and how we can help you get there, so you can decide on the next steps toward the financial support you deserve and the future you’ve been dreaming of. Whether you’re a small business owner or a budding tycoon, we have the financial management expertise you need to secure your company’s future.

Best Financial Advisors in San Diego

Best Financial Advisors in San Diego

At Platt Wealth Management you can expect to partner with expert financial advisors who offer a unique and personal approach to wealth management. You deserve smart strategies built specifically for your individual needs and a financial advisor who takes the time to listen to your goals and dreams. When you work with a local San Diego financial advisor you can develop that in-person connection from a trusted boutique advisory firm. You won’t get that level of care from just anyone.

Not only does Platt Wealth Management focus on a client-first approach to financial planning, but we take our fiduciary responsibility seriously. Our team of advisors, Jeff Platt, Curtis West, and Kai Kramer are experienced professionals dedicated to understanding your concerns. They will work with you to develop a comprehensive financial strategy that fits your current situation and future plans.

By learning your goals we can look at all the ways you can get there. Then, we will tailor our strategy to meet or exceed those goals. You can reach your goals and realize your dreams, and it’s easier with the right support and guidance from financial professionals who take what matters to you seriously. Here’s what to know about us, why we’re different, and what to look for when you choose a financial advisor.

 

What to Look for in a San Diego Financial Advisor

Selecting the right financial advisor is a critical decision that can significantly impact your financial well-being. To ensure you choose a professional who aligns with your financial goals and interests, there are some essential criteria you want to carefully consider.

First, assess the advisor’s qualifications and credentials. Certifications such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and Master of Science in Business Administration (MSBA) indicate expertise in financial planning, investment strategies, and data-driven decision-making. For example, a CFP® has undergone rigorous training in financial planning and ethics, and a CFA specializes in investment management strategies. Someone with an MSBA brings advanced business skills to the table, providing sound advice for your financial decision-making.

Second, prioritize advisors who operate under a fiduciary duty, like those at Platt Wealth Management. We have a fiduciary duty to all our clients, which minimizes any conflicts of interest. This is a crucial distinction, because not all financial advisors are required to follow this standard.

Some may operate under a suitability standard, meaning they can recommend products that are merely appropriate but may not be the best option for you. Many are commission-based, and may choose a higher-commission product over a lower-commission option, even if it’s not necessarily the right product for your needs.

Choosing a fiduciary financial advisor ensures that your advisor is legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest. Here’s why that matters:

    • Fiduciaries Put Your Interests First: Unlike non-fiduciary advisors who may recommend products that earn them commissions, a fiduciary must prioritize your financial well-being over their own compensation.
    • Transparency & Trust: Fiduciary advisors must disclose all potential conflicts of interest, ensuring you get objective and honest advice.
    • Fee-Based vs. Commission-Based: Many fiduciary advisors operate on a fee-only model, meaning they earn money directly from you rather than commissions from financial products. This minimizes bias in their recommendations.
    • Higher Standard of Care: Fiduciaries must follow the “Prudent Person Rule,” meaning they must make careful and well-researched decisions in managing your assets.
    • Long-Term Financial Success: Since their compensation is often based on a percentage of assets managed (or a flat fee), fiduciaries are incentivized to grow and protect your wealth, rather than push products that may not suit your needs.

Another key to choosing the right financial professional is their fee structure. A fee-only financial planner earns compensation solely from client fees rather than commissions on financial products. This model ensures transparency and reduces the likelihood of biased recommendations. In contrast, commission-based advisors might have incentives to push specific financial products, which could create a conflict of interest.

Customization is also an essential part of selecting a financial advisor. Your financial situation, risk tolerance, and long-term objectives are unique to you, and a one-size-fits-all approach may not give you what you’re looking for. You should seek out an advisor who takes the time to understand your financial goals, whether that’s retirement planning, wealth preservation, or tax efficiency, and tailors their advice accordingly.

Additionally, evaluate an advisor’s communication style and accessibility. We want you to be comfortable talking to us, feel heard, and get your questions answered. Our advisors strive to be proactive, responsive, and capable of explaining complex financial concepts in a way that you understand.

Lastly, check out our advisors’ track records and client reviews. Research their backgrounds through regulatory bodies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for your peace of mind, to help you feel secure in choosing us to manage your funds and provide you with financial advice.

Choosing a financial advisor requires due diligence, but by focusing on fiduciary duty, fee transparency, credentials, and personalized strategies, you can make an informed decision that supports your long-term financial success and see how Platt Wealth Management can meet your needs.

 

Meet the Financial Advisors at Platt Wealth Management

Understanding who will be managing your finances and growing your wealth is extremely important, and you want to feel confident that you’re making the right choice.

 

Jeff Platt, JD, LLM, CFA, CFP® – Founder & Chief Investment Officer

  • Over 30 years of experience in investment management and wealth planning.
  • Over eleven years in commercial real estate.
  • Holds CFP®, CFA, JD, and LLM in Taxation from USD School of Law.
  • Specializes in high-net-worth financial planning, investment strategy, and tax efficiency.
  • Serves on multiple San Diego investment and financial committees.

 

Curtis West, CFP®, MSBA – Lead Financial Advisor

 

  • Over 20 years of experience in financial services.
  • Holds a Masters of Science in Business Administration (MSBA) and CFP® certification.
  • Passionate about helping clients develop financial strategies that eliminate uncertainty.
  • Specializes in retirement planning, investment growth, and tax-efficient strategies.
  • Dedicated to mentoring and financial education, volunteers at CalEx Experience Camp.

 

Kai Kramer, CFA Candidate Level 1 – Financial Advisor

  • CFA Level 1 Candidate with Series 65 Investment Adviser License.
  • Background in economics and financial research from UCLA.
  • Works on portfolio management, investment strategy, and financial planning analysis.
  • Focuses on helping clients develop long-term wealth-building strategies.

Our advisors have years of experience and dedication to clients, giving you peace of mind, support, guidance, and the information you need for comprehensive financial planning.

 

Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor Before Hiring Them

Before you hire a financial advisor there are plenty of important questions to ask. You want to be prepared for consultations so you can make informed decisions for your financial future. At a minimum, be sure you understand the advisor’s approach, fees, and expertise. Then, ask questions that can help you gauge trustworthiness, experience, and compatibility. Here are some of the biggest questions to ask before choosing a financial advisor.

    • Are you a fiduciary, and do you always act in my best interest?
    • What are your qualifications and certifications?
    • How do you charge for your services (fee-only, commission, or fee-based)?
    • What is your investment philosophy?
    • Do you have experience working with clients in my financial situation?
    • How will we communicate, and how often will we meet?
    • What happens to my financial plan if something happens to you?
    • How do you handle market volatility and changes in economic conditions?
    • Can you provide client testimonials or references?
    • What sets your firm apart from other top financial advisors in San Diego?

 

Our advisors are happy to answer your questions. We understand the value of transparency and operate with an openness you can rely on. While choosing a financial advisor should be based on what they can do for you and your financial future, you also want to choose someone you feel comfortable with and can work with for the long term.

 

Why Choose Platt Wealth Management?

When you need a trusted San Diego financial firm operating with fiduciary duty, you need Platt Wealth Management. We’re a boutique firm with a highly personalized approach to financial planning and a fee-only structure that prioritizes client interests over commissions, so you know you’re getting the investment advice and strategy that’s right for your needs. Unlike many independent wealth management firms, we align our services to your goals and dreams, sharing our knowledge and expertise to increase your portfolio.

We offer a range of comprehensive services, including tax strategies, investment planning, and retirement planning, so you can work on your wealth management plans for your current situation and in the long-term. Choosing a financial advisor doesn’t have to be difficult when you come to us. We understand the serious nature of making this decision, and are dedicated to making it easy for you to see why we are a quality choice for your needs.

 

How to Choose the Best San Diego Financial Advisor

Selecting the right financial advisor is a critical decision that can significantly impact your financial well-being, both now and for the future. To ensure you choose a professional who aligns with your financial goals and interests, there are some steps we suggest.

 

Step 1: Identify Financial Goals

What are your financial objectives? Before searching for an advisor, you should be clear on whether you’re focused on retirement planning, wealth preservation, tax efficiency, or investment growth. Having clear goals will help you find an advisor who specializes in your needs.

 

Step 2: Research and Compare Fee Structures, Credentials, and Advisory Approaches

Once you know your goals, it’s time to research potential advisors. Look for professionals like ours, with relevant credentials such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). These certifications indicate expertise in financial planning, investment management, financial guidance, and decision-making.

Additionally, consider the advisor’s fee structure. Our fee-only advisors, who earn compensation solely from client fees, can provide transparent and unbiased advice that may not be offered by commission-based advisors. Before you settle on any fee-only advisor, evaluate their advisory approach to ensure it aligns with your financial philosophy.

 

Step 3: Schedule Consultations to Discuss Strategy, Communication Style, and Fiduciary Status

Meeting with potential advisors is crucial for assessing compatibility. During a consultation, ask them to talk about their investment strategy, communication style, and whether they adhere to a fiduciary duty. Our firm operates as fiduciaries, so we’re legally and ethically required to act in your best interest. Also ask about your potential advisor’s approach to ongoing financial planning and how often they review investment portfolios.

 

Step 4: Review Investment Philosophies and Long-Term Planning Capabilities

A financial advisor’s investment philosophy should align with your risk tolerance and long-term goals. Some advisors take an aggressive approach, while others focus on wealth preservation. Additionally, you should assess an advisor’s ability to develop a long-term financial plan that evolves as your life changes, market conditions fluctuate, and economic trends adjust. You want, need, and deserve ongoing support and adjustments to keep your plans on track.

By following a structured approach to finding an advisor you can confidently choose someone who understands your financial goals, which can help you experience long-term success.

 

 

 

Secure Your Financial Future with Expert Guidance

Choosing one of our expert advisors at Platt Wealth Management can help you grow your wealth, manage your investments, and experience peace of mind. Our fiduciary responsibility and commitment to clients comes through in everything we do, and our focus is on how we can help you see more value from your portfolio.

We’re here to help you recognize your goals and dreams, and get closer to them every day with trusted guidance and support. Schedule a free consultation today to talk about how our advisors can put their experience and expertise to work for your future.

Dream. Plan. Do.

FAQs

What services does Platt Wealth Management offer?

Platt Wealth Management offers financial planning services including retirement planning, tax strategy, charitable giving, investment management, and custom financial planning options.

 

How does Platt Wealth Management charge for its services?

Platt Wealth Management is an independent, fiduciary, fee-only firm, meaning we don’t sell commission-based investment products, annuities, or insurance. When it comes to financial advisor cost, we charge only transparent fees for assets under management or flat fees for our services.

 

What is the advantage of working with a boutique financial firm?

Working with a boutique firm gives you the advantage of white glove services and custom strategies designed specifically for your financial situation. Our advisors understand that every client and their situation is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

 

How can I schedule a consultation with a Platt advisor?

You can schedule a consultation with a Platt advisor on our website, by emailing info@plattwm.com, or by calling us at 619.255.9554. We’re located in San Diego, CA.

 

Is Platt Wealth Management a fiduciary?

Yes, Platt Wealth Management is a fiduciary with the legal and ethical requirement of providing advice, services and investments that are best for you, the client.

 

What should I prepare before my first meeting?

Before your first meeting, make a list of questions you want to ask. You can bring financial statements and other information about your current situation, as well as thoughts about your goals and dreams for the future. Our advisors will help with the rest.

Contact Us

We look forward to speaking with you about your financial plans and investments. 

Email

info@plattwm.com

Phone

619.255.9554

Office Address

3838 Camino del Rio North, Ste 365

San Diego, CA 92108 






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