Curtis West, CFP®, MSBA

LEAD FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Curtis joined Platt Wealth Management in 2021 with the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP®) designation and over 20 years of experience in financial services. As the lead financial advisor, he works with clients to map out their financial plans so they can feel more confident that their day-to-day financial decisions align with their long-term goals.

Curtis completed his Bachelor’s degree in Management at Clemson University and obtained his Master’s in Business Administration from San Diego State University. Since then, he has been an advisor at several prominent firms, including Wells Fargo and Merrill Lynch, gaining invaluable experience and knowledge.

Curtis came to San Diego from Maryland but now considers himself a native. He lives in North Park with his sweet senior dog, Lila, and leads an adventurous life filled with traveling, motorcycles, and mountain biking.

Which hobby are you most passionate about? 

Motorcycles and mountain biking! I’ve been on two wheels since I was 12 or 13, and I used to race cross-country and downhill. I even opened a retail bike shop in Pine Valley in my mid-20s that unfortunately succumbed to wildfires in the early 2000s.

What quality of yours makes you best suited for what you do?

I have empathy for all of my clients. I genuinely care and feel for my clients, whatever they’re going through, and I want to help ease any financial burdens or concerns they may have.

Why did you become a financial advisor/what inspired you to work in finance?

I was surprised that no matter how much money a person has, almost everyone is still worried about their finances. It is rewarding to help clients feel more confident with their financial situation and achieve their goals.

What’s your favorite spot in San Diego, and why?

That’s a tough one. If I had to choose, it would be Pine Valley at the base of Mt. Laguna. Some of my favorite memories are mountain biking down Noble Canyon trail and taking spirited motorcycle rides along Sunrise Highway.

What are the causes you care about? Or tell me a little about the organizations you or your family support.

I have volunteered with Experience Camps for seven years as a counselor and, more recently, associate director of the California-based camp. ExCamps is a free summer camp for kids who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. Since I lost my mom at a young age, I know what these kids are going through and want to help them work through and understand all of the emotions they’re experiencing.

Knowledgeable and expert.