Etzler Financial Advisors, LLC

About My Practice

The concept of retirement has evolved dramatically over the last fifty years. We're living longer, perhaps retiring earlier, and redefining what "retirement" represents. Government benefits continue to change and you're increasingly responsible for providing your own income in retirement; a period of your life that may well last thirty years.

You have questions... When can you retire comfortably? How do you calculate what you'll need? Will you have enough to maintain your lifestyle? How do you minimize taxes? When should you start drawing Social Security? Which pension survivor option should you choose? What should you do with your TSP? Should you consider a Roth conversion? How should you invest? Do you need to keep FEGLI or buy long-term care insurance? And more…

These are important questions. And while a lot of information is available from the internet, your friends, and the break room, making sense of it all and applying it to your situation can be a real challenge.

Who can you turn to for competent answers and guidance about Federal benefits without the worry of a sales pitch or conflicted advice? After all, in spite of warm-fuzzy marketing, the primary function of bank, brokerage, and insurance representatives is to sell products. You need answers to BIG, important questions, not a conflicted sales person seeking a BIG payday at your expense!

For more than 30 years, I have provided seasoned guidance and solutions to Federal employees and their families across the nation and abroad. I've built an advisory practice that doesn't sell products, only guidance to help people make the most of their life and their money. Working exclusively as a fee-only fiduciary, I’m proud to be included in the select group of professionals that put client interests first – the way that it should be. My conflict-free approach isn't about investment returns or the sale of a product - it's about providing answers to your questions… solutions to your challenges… and exploring the possibilities to make life more.

I approach personal finances in a comprehensive manner addressing retirement, investments, taxes, cash flow, risk management, estate preservation and anything else that impacts one’s financial life. I help to sort through the information, misinformation, and confusion to help you make informed decisions. My role is to help you define the direction of your journey and achieve milestones, suggest changes in course when needed, and provide support for everything that life brings your way.

I value continuing education to better serve my clients and have attained the following professional designations: Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), Chartered Federal Employee Benefits Consultant (ChFEBC^SM), Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC®), and Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS®). In addition, I am a licensed tax advisor.

The foundation of a better "retirement" experience is achievable with integrated strategies to help you build, protect, and carry on what's important. I call it commitment. You'll call it peace of mind.

Entering into an advisory relationship is an important decision that has significant lifelong implications. For this reason, we offer a no-charge, no-obligation introductory consultation. Using technology tools, we can collaborate whether you’re local or thousands of miles away. If we're in a position to help you and we're a good fit, we'll provide you with a written proposal that outlines what you can expect from our relationship. Our services are available by the hour, by the project, or on a retainer basis. And because we're fee-only fiduciary advisors, you can be assured that you will receive 1) real advice and planning, never a sales pitch; 2) a prudent process; and 3) a comprehensive approach to your situation.

To schedule your no-charge introductory consultation, click here.

Offering Advice Since

1982

Areas of Specialty

Comprehensive financial planning
Retirement planning
Investment planning and asset management
Estate planning
Insurance
Long-term and elder care
Tax preparation
Budgeting and cash management

Licenses, Certifications, Education, and Affiliations

Designations:  CFP®, CRC®, CRPS®, ChFEBC^SM
Security Licenses:   65
Other Licenses, Certifications, Designations:    California Registered Tax Preparer
Investment Advisor Registration:  134022
Associations & Affiliations:  National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), Financial Planning Association, Financial Therapy Association, National Association of Estate Planners & Councils, International Foundation for Retirement Education, National Financial Educators Council, and Western Pension & Benefits Council

Charges to Clients for Services

Fee for financial planning (project, hourly, and/or retainer)

My Association with the Office or Firm

Owner/Partner

My Broker / Dealer Affiliation

None: We are an independent Registered Investment Adviser (RIA)