How to Find the Best CFP® in San Diego

Looking for the best CFP® in San Diego to help you take control of your investments, taxes, or retirement plan? You’re in the right place!

You have finally taken a step towards finding someone to help you with your investments and financial plans. Yet, as soon as you decide, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. That newfound excitement could slowly turn into anxiety and indecision.

To make matters worse, you have trouble sorting through the hundreds of firms, advisors, and CFP® options available to you in San Diego.

You aren't alone!

If I were you, I’d want to know how to find a competent professional that would work in my best interest. I wouldn’t want to sit through a pushy sales pitch. I’d want real, practical advice.

I’ll share good news. In San Diego, there’s no shortage of qualified financial professionals ready to help. You just need to find the right one for you.

That’s why I’ve put together this guide. By the end of this post, you’ll be ready to navigate the process with confidence and find a professional financial partner who can help you achieve your goals.

If you want to jump ahead, I share my top recommended firms in San Diego at the end of the post.

What is a CFP®? And Why It Matters for San Diego Residents

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) is a financial professional who has met rigorous education, experience, and ethical standards.

Unlike some financial advisors who may focus on selling specific products, CFP®s are required to act as fiduciaries, meaning they must put your best interests first. That’s a big deal when it comes to investing your hard-earned money.

To earn the CFP® designation, a planner must:

• Complete a comprehensive financial planning education

• Pass the CFP® Board’s exam

• Have several years of relevant financial experience

• Commit to ongoing ethics and professional development
  

CFP®s are the real deal. They help with everything from retirement planning and tax strategies to estate planning and investment management.

Why Hiring a CFP® in San Diego Can Save You Time, Money and Mistakes

San Diego is a beautiful place to live, but it’s also an expensive one. Whether you’re a high-earning professional, a business owner, or planning for retirement, working with a local CFP® can help you navigate financial challenges unique to the area, such as:

• High cost of living – Ensuring you save and invest wisely so you can maintain your lifestyle.

• Real estate planning – Helping you strategize and incorporate homeownership and/or real estate investments into your overall financial plan.

• Tax efficiency – California isn’t exactly known for low taxes, so having a CFP® who understands state and federal tax strategies can save you thousands.

• Retirement planning – Whether you want to retire in San Diego or move, a CFP® can ensure your savings align with your vision.

How to Find the Best CFP® in San Diego for You

Now that you know why a CFP® is essential, the next step is finding the right one. Since you are in the market for a financial advisor, the following read will be time well spent.

Check out my complete guide to choosing a financial advisor for more detailed steps.

Of all the tips, my greatest advice is to trust your gut. Your meeting with a professional should put you at ease, not make you feel uncomfortable. Consider any weird feelings a giant red flag.

Top CFP®s in San Diego: Where to Start Your Search

If you’re looking for a great CFP® in San Diego, here are a few places to start:

• The CFP® Board’s website – You can search for certified professionals in your area.

• The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) – A great resource for finding fee-only CFP®s.

• Local referrals – Ask friends, colleagues, or professionals like CPAs for recommendations.

• Google Reviews & Yelp – Online reviews can provide insights into client experiences and give you a sneak peek into the advisor/client relationship.
  

Of course, if you're comparing options and want a second opinion, I'm happy to chat. I specialize in working with high-income professionals in San Diego and offer a one-time plan or ongoing support depending on your needs. You can learn more about my approach here.

"Garrett is awesome! He has been our financial advisor for many years. He is knowledgeable, calm, patient and has a way of making the un-understandable (at least to us) understandable! Roxana, (Senior client service partner) is always a pleasure as well" - Tom B.

My Top Firms in San Diego

1.    Imeson Wealth Partners – As a CFP®  with 15 years of experience in working with hundreds of clients in San Diego, I’ve learned what it takes to build a top-notch financial plan.

I prioritize a low-cost investment strategy, with an emphasis on tax and financial planning. On top of that, I’m one of the few financial advisors in the country who specializes in designing Roth conversion strategies.

2.    Pure Financial Advisors – Pure has been serving the San Diego area since 2007. With an emphasis on using low-cost investments and tax planning, they share in a common investment philosophy. They offer a team approach for those interested in working with a larger firm.

3.    EP Wealth Advisors – Founded in 1999 by two friends who, at one time, worked at a San Diego yogurt shop, EP Wealth has become a premier San Diego firm. Like Pure, they operate in a team-based approach built around a fiduciary standard.

4.    Bull Oak Capital – Bull Oak specializes in stock options like RSUs, NSOs, and ISOs. Although they have higher minimums and investment thresholds, they do a wonderful job for executives and high-income professionals in the tech space.

If you are a firm in San Diego that would like to be considered in my rankings, please reach out to me. This list is "live" and will be kept up-to-date.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right CFP® in San Diego isn’t just about credentials. It’s about finding someone who understands your goals, communicates clearly, and acts in your best interest.

Take your time, ask the right questions, and choose a CFP® who makes you feel confident about your financial future.

Remember, financial planning isn’t just about numbers. It’s about creating a life you can enjoy today and tomorrow with confidence. A great CFP® helps you get there with less stress and more clarity.

What’s been your experience in finding/working with a financial firm in San Diego? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Disclosures:

This statement is a testimonial by a client of the financial professional as of 02/26/2025. The client has not been paid or received any other compensation for making these statements. As a result, the client does not receive any material incentives or benefits for providing the testimonial. These views may not be representative of the views of other clients and are not indicative of future performance or success.

Traditional IRA account owners have considerations to make before performing a Roth IRA conversion. These primarily include income tax consequences on the converted amount in the year of conversion, withdrawal limitations from a Roth IRA, and income limitations for future contributions to a Roth IRA. In addition, if you are required to take a required minimum distribution (RMD) in the year you convert, you must do so before converting to a Roth IRA.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.