Is there a license for financial planners?
Yes, a Certified Financial Planner® must pass an extensive exam and meet industry experience requirements. And the Certified Financial planner must continue studies in their field to maintain that license.
Are financial planners regulated?
I am a Registered Investment Advisor with the State of California. It means that I need to comply with standards of performance as well as disclosure about how I operate my business. This includes making one form that I file with the state, Form ADV, available to you upon request.
Am I a Fee Only Financial Planner? Yes.
Will I put my client’s interest above her own interests? Yes.
I conform to the guidelines of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) the only financial planners’ professional association that requires a review of a financial plan by our peers before admittance and the acceptance of a fiduciary oath.
How do I give back to the field of financial planning?
I was an adjunct faculty member at Golden Gate University in the Masters of Science Financial Planning program for insurance and estate planning. I also taught at University of California Extension.
And I served as a board member of the San Francisco chapter of the FPA (Financial Planning Association) chairing the Sponsorship Committee.
Where did I get the necessary experience?
- Six years in my own practice as an independent financial planner preceded by four years as a paraplanner (think “As a paralegal is to a lawyer…) for other financial planners
- Ten years of financial services sales experience.
What is my educational background?
I have a Bachelor of Arts from University of California at Santa Barbara in Business Economics with an Accounting Emphasis.
What do I do for fun?
If I am not on the water I like to hike the trails on Mt. Tamalpais and entertain friends in my home. I am grateful for having moved to Marin County in 1997. I have found my home, my community and my spiritual practice here. And as a financial planner, I have found my way to make a difference in people’s lives.
Why am I so enthusiastic about racing sailboats on the Bay?
Most weekends you can find me out on the Bay racing sailboats. It’s a great sport that allows me to work closely within a team as we push the boat and sometimes the team to its limits. It’s a great community of people who share a passion and that know how to have fun together.