Top Financial Advisors in Irvine, CA

Find an Advisor

Topping our list is First Foundation Advisors, a large fee-only firm. Founded in 1985, the firm is the oldest on our list. First Foundation is a regional bank in California and, in addition to investment management and wealth planning, it also offers retail banking products such as checking accounts, savings accounts, loans and consumer credit cards.

The private wealth management section of the organization includes advisors, planners, trust advisors and more. To become a client you’ll need at least $500,000 in investable assets. The firm's clients include individuals, businesses, trusts, estates, charitable organizations and at least one bank.

As a fee-only firm, advisors do not earn third-party sales commissions on financial products like securities or insurance policies. Instead, the firm and its advisors are compensated only through the fees that clients pay for advisory services. 

First Foundation Advisors Background

While First Foundation was formed as a corporation in 1985, the advisory wing of the bank was originally established as the Keller Group in 1990. The Keller Group, which was one of the nation’s first wealth management firms to offer fee-only wealth management, joined First Foundation bank in 2007 and continued offering advisory services. Today, the firm remains under the ownership of First Foundation, Inc. – a publicly traded company. 

The firm offers clients investment advisory services and standalone financial planning and consulting services, although only to the extent requested by the client.

First Foundation Advisors Investment Strategy

The investment committee at First Foundation follows an investment philosophy that includes rigorous analysis to identify investing strategies, stewardship of your portfolio, valuation discipline, partnership with firms that share similar values, risk control and finding opportunities in inefficient markets.

If you become a client, you’ll have asset allocation portfolio options to choose from depending on your financial objectives and situation. These portfolio options include growth, moderate, conservative, emphasis on growth, emphasis on dividends, emphasis on income and fixed income. Each of these strategies corresponds with an asset mix. For example, emphasis on growth will include allocation among equities, fixed income, cash and with a primary emphasis on equities including private investment funds. 

Find an Advisor

This fee-based firm, which also goes by Trilogy Financial, has more individual clients than the nine other firms on our list – combined. Trilogy also has the lowest account minimum ($5,500) of all the firms that require one. As a result, the vast majority of its clients are individuals but the firm also works with high-net-worth individuals, pensions, profit-sharing plans, charities and corporations.

With offices throughout Southern California, Arizona, Massachusetts and Colorado, Trilogy's advisory staff includes eight advisors with the certified financial advisor (CFP) designation, seven with the accredited investment fiduciary (AIF) designation and other accredited advisors.

However, Trilogy is considered a fee-based firm because its advisors sell insurance and financial products on a commission basis. This may create a conflict of interest, but the firm is a fiduciary and is required to act in the client's best interests. 

Trilogy Capital Background

Jeff Motske founded Trilogy in 1999. Motske, a certified financial planner, author and radio host, remains the firm's principal owner. The firm received its SEC registration in 2015. 

Today, Trilogy offers clients asset management services, financial coaching, retirement planning, college and education planning and insurance services. Trilogy manages portfolios on both a discretionary and non-discretionary basis, meaning some clients give their advisors autonomy to manage and invest their assets. The firm also sponsors a wrap fee program, which bundles management and transaction fees into one consolidated fee. 

Trilogy Capital Investment Strategy

While Trilogy advisors will tailor portfolios to their clients' specific needs, the firm invests in a wide range of securities from individual stocks and bonds, mutual funds and ETFs to real estate investment trusts and alternative investments. Trilogy uses both fundamental and technical analysis in researching and evaluating potential investments.

Advisors also strive to diversify portfolios with non-correlating assets and global companies, strike a balance between growth and value styles and rebalance portfolios as markets change. The firm also offers four different risk-based strategic portfolios.

Find an Advisor

Another fee-only firm, Index Fund Advisors' team includes two female senior vice presidents, both of whom are certified financial planners (CFPs). The firm's overall team of wealth advisors includes four CFPs and two accredited investment fiduciarys (AIFs).

You’ll need at least $100,000 to access the investment advisory services at this firm. Index Fund Advisors provides services to individuals with and without a high net worth, pension and profit-sharing plans and charities. The firm has clients all over the U.S., but it is based in Irvine.

Keep in mind that the firm may recommend taxes services through its tax division, IFA Taxes, for a separate fee. If you end up pursuing those services, Index Funds Advisors will earn additional compensation from the transaction. This creates a conflict of interest because the firm has a financial incentive to make certain recommendations to you. Then again, the firm is a fiduciary and must always act in your best interests.  

Index Fund Advisors Background

Mark Hebner is the founder, president and principal owner of Index Fund Advisors. Aside from his decades of experience and MBA, he’s also an author. He wrote “Index Funds: The 12-Step Recovery Program for Active Investors” and created a documentary based on the book to help with his mission of investor education.

Services offered by the firm include financial planning, retirement planning, college planning and charitable giving. 

Index Fund Advisors Investment Strategy

It probably won’t come as a surprise that most portfolios at this firm are invested in index mutual funds or passively managed mutual funds. These portfolios also generally include indexes of fixed-income and real estate investment trusts (REITs). 

Your exact portfolio will correspond with your time horizon, cash-flow needs, net income, risk tolerance, investment knowledge and net savings. You can opt for a glide path portfolio if you’d like your investments to become more conservative over time (as you near retirement).

Find an Advisor

Burnham Gibson Wealth Advisors works with individuals above and below the high-net-worth threshold, as well as corporations, pension and profit-sharing plans.

The firm’s team of financial advisors has an impressive array of certifications, including chartered financial consultants (ChFCs), certified plan fiduciary advisors (CPFAs), chartered life underwriters (CLUs), certified financial planners (CFPs), chartered retirement planning counselors (CRPCs) and chartered financial analysts (CFAs).

Burnham Gibson Wealth Advisors has a $100,000 minimum investment requirement for new clients and/or a minimum account fee of $1,750. The firm typically charges clients for investment management services based on a percentage of assets under management, while it charges flat or hourly fees for financial planning services.

However, the firm earns money from avenues other than the fees that clients pay. Some employees may also earn compensation in additional roles as registered representatives of a broker-dealer or as insurance agents, which creates a potential conflict of interest. The firm still abides by fiduciary duty, though, legally binding it to act in clients' best interests at all times.

Burnham Gibson Wealth Advisors Background

Burnham Gibson Wealth Advisors was founded in 2015 by Darin Gibson, who still serves as the firm's managing partner. Baldwin Krystyn Sherman Partners, LLC, a subsidiary of BRP Group, Inc., owns the firm. BRP is an independent insurance that's publicly traded on the Nasdaq. 

Burnham Gibson Wealth Advisors offers the following services:

• Financial and estate planning
• Wealth management
• Insurance planning
• Retirement plan consulting
• Employee benefits
• Corporate risk management and insurance
• Business succession planning
• Executive benefits

Burnham Gibson Wealth Advisors Investment Strategy

Burnham Gibson Wealth Advisors formulates its investment recommendations for clients based on information provided by each client about their risk tolerance, financial objectives and time horizons, as well as their financial records. The firm recommends an asset allocation mix to clients based on these details. Portfolios typically contain a blend of mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), equities or fixed income, and the firm may recommend investment programs offered by other financial institutions.

The firm's strategies generally avoid frequent trading. It also employs strategies to minimize tax impacts.

Find an Advisor

Alpha Cubed Investments is headquartered in Irvine, but has additional offices in Arizona, Nevada, Washington, California and Texas. 

The firm works exclusively with individual investors. Its current client base comprises nearly an equal number of non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals. Only some of Alpha Cubed's asset management programs have a minimum account balance requirement. The fee-based firm requests that investors contact its chief compliance officer (CCO), Christina Conatser, for more information on these minimums.

Alpha Cubed's advisory team includes eight certified financial planners (CFPs), two chartered retirement planning counselors (CRPCs), two accredited investment fiduciaries (AIFs), one chartered financial analyst (CFA) and one capital markets and securities analyst (CMSA).

Alpha Cubed Investments Background

Alpha Cubed Investments has been in business since 2011. Its majority owner is Todd Walsh, the firm's CEO and one of its portfolio managers.

Alpha Cubed Investments breaks its service offerings into three main categories: asset management, financial planning and family office services. Its list of available financial planning services is extensive, with options including retirement planning, estate planning, charitable planning, education planning, tax planning, real estate analysis, insurance analysis mortgage/debt analysis and lines of credit evaluation. However, only a basic financial plan is included in the advisory fee.

The firm's family office services are designed to meet the needs of wealthy families and help them handle both their personal and business affairs. Services fall into the categories of tracking and oversight; estate and fiduciary; and tax and expense. There are also concierge services available.

Alpha Cubed Investments Investment Strategy

Alpha Cubed Investments offers both individualized investment advice, as well as pre-built model portfolios. Generally, client portfolios consist of some blend of individual stocks or bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), options, mutual funds and short sales. Alpha Cubed will adjust asset allocations, both to market sectors and certain securities, as makes sense depending on clients' specifications and market conditions. 

Find an Advisor

Cooper McManus Wealth Management is a fee-based firm whose advisors can receive third-party compensation in addition to the fees that clients pay. This additional compensation, which creates a conflict of interest, can include commissions from the sale of certain financial products. The firm is still a fiduciary, though, requiring it to always act in clients' best interests.

Cooper McManus requires different minimums depending on the services clients utilize. For example, the firm's asset management program has no minimum, whereas its WealthPort wrap fee program has a $5,000 minimum initial investment. The firm primarily offers investment advice to individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans.

Seven members of the firm's advisory team hold the certified financial planner (CFP) credential. There's also one certified private wealth advisor (CPWA) and one chartered financial analyst (CFA) on staff. 

Cooper McManus Wealth Management Background

Managing director Arthur Cooper is the founder and owner of Cooper McManus Wealth Management. He is a CFP and has been employed in the financial services industry since 1985.

The firm's services include investment management, financial planning and business consulting. The firm can also help you with your estate plan, tax strategy and insurance needs.

Cooper McManus Wealth Management Investment Management Options

Though Cooper McManus' specific investment strategies are tailored based on each client's risk tolerance and long-term objectives, the firm is generally focused on capital preservation. In addition to navigating market fluctuations, the firm also places an emphasis on tax efficiency, another way to ensure clients preserve their assets. Additionally, the firm integrates clients' investment strategies with estate, tax, insurance and retirement planning.

Once a portfolio is constructed, the firm uses its performance reporting to track clients' progress in achieving their long-term objectives. The firm will revisit a portfolio's investment strategy when necessary. 

Find an Advisor

Benefit Financial Services Group is a financial advisor firm with offices in both Irvine and Phoenix. The firm's team of financial advisors holds a wide range of certifications. There are certified financial planners (CFPs), qualified 401(k) administrators (QKAs), certified public accountants (CPAs), chartered financial analysts (CFAs), an accredited investment fiduciary (AIF) and an accredited investment fiduciary analyst (AIFA) on staff. 

The firm serves institutional investors through its BFS Institutional Services division and individual clients through its BFS Wealth Management division. The firm's clients include non-high-net-worth individuals, high-net-worth individuals, pooled investment vehicles, pension and profit-sharing plans, as well as charitable organizations.

The firm requires a $5,000 minimum investment for its robo-advisor service called Wealth Accumulator and a $100,000 minimum for portfolio management services. Aside from these two minimums, the firm does not impose a universal minimum requirement. It is a fee-only firm, so it's advisors don't earn sales commissions.

Benefit Financial Services Group Background

Founded in 2007, Benefits Financial Services Group is part of the Focus Financial partnership. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the publicly traded company that has partnered with wealth management firms across 30 states.

The firm offers the following services and programs:

• Investment portfolio management
• Automated investment program (Wealth Accumulator)
• Pension consulting
• Financial planning
  • Cash flow and debt management
  • College savings
  • Employee benefits optimization
  • Estate planning
  • Financial goals identification and planning
  • Insurance review
  • Investment analysis
  • Retirement planning
  • Risk management 
  • Tax planning strategies
• Educational seminars

Benefit Financial Services Group Investment Strategy

Benefit Financial Services Group uses each client's personal investment policy to shape their asset allocation and the subsequent management of their portfolio. Specifically, the firm looks at objectives, time horizons, risk tolerance and liquidity needs, but it also considers a client's prior investment history as well as their family framework and background. Tax implications are also taken into account when monitoring portfolios. 

Generally, the firm seeks to both satisfy client's individual needs and goals while increasing their capital. Strategies are typically centered on multi-capitalization publicly listed stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds. For more socially conscious investors, the firm offers Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) portfolios.

Find an Advisor

Apriem Advisors' advisory team includes a total of 12 accredited investment fiduciaries (AIFs), five certified financial planners (CFPs), five chartered financial analysts (CFAs) and one chartered financial consultant (ChFC). In addition to Irvine, you can find Apriem offices in San Diego and Torrance, California.  

To become a client of this firm, you'll need at least $500,000 in investable assets. The firm reserves the right to waive or adjust this minimum requirement.

Apriem Advisors is a fee-based firm, as it is also a licensed insurance agency that earns commissions from the sale of insurance products. This represents a potential conflict of interest, though it is still legally bound by fiduciary duty.

Apriem Advisors Background

Harmon Kong and Mark Iwamoto founded Apriem Advisors in 1998 after they each spent a decade in wealth management at corporate financial firms. Kong, a CFP, is the primary owner of the firm and serves as chief wealth manager. Other owners of the firm include firm president Rhonda Ducote and chief investment officer (CIO) Benjamin Lau. Two other principals collectively own 11% of the firm. 

The firm offers investment management, wealth management, family wealth management and an industrial retiree practice. The latter is a retirement account service that Apriem offers to large industrial companies like ExxonMobil.

Apriem Advisors Investment Strategy

Depending on the services you require, Apriem Advisors will manage your investments on a customized basis or according to one of the firm's proprietary strategies: tactical index or passive index strategies. The tactical index strategy relies on technical analysis, which is applied to a diversified mix of ETFs. The passive index strategy, meanwhile, typically calls for investing in a mix of ETFs, mutual funds, as well as open and closed-end funds. 

Find an Advisor

West Wealth Group is a fee-based firm, as some advisors can earn commissions for selling insurance. While this represents a potential conflict of interest, all must act in the best interest of the client when acting as an advisor. There is no minimum account size at West Wealth.

The overwhelming majority of West Wealth clients are individuals without a high net worth, although several dozen have reached the high-net-worth threshold. The only institutional clients at the firm are pension and profit-sharing plans.

There is one certified financial planner (CFP) at the firm.

West Wealth Group Background

West Wealth was founded in 2021, making it the youngest firm on our list. Founders Brian Levy and Michael Clark still own the firm and work as advisors.

Services include asset management, model portfolios and financial planning.

West Wealth Group Investment Strategy

After meeting with you to discuss your financial circumstances, investment goals and risk tolerance, the firm will allocate your assets to model portfolios developed by third-party asset managers. The firm uses a range of investment strategies, including fundamental, technical and cyclical analysis, modern portfolio theory and targeted asset allocation.

Find an Advisor

MGO Private Wealth wraps up our list of the top financial advisor firms in Irvine. This fee-based practice primarily works with individual clients who do not have a high net worth. However, the firm also serves high-net-worth individuals, retirement plans, charities, corporations and other businesses. MGO Private Wealth does not require a minimum investment or account size. 

The firm has at least one certified financial planner (CFP) on staff. But keep in mind that as a fee-based firm, advisors at MGO Private Wealth are also licensed insurance agents who can receive commissions on certain product sales. While this creates a conflict of interest, the firm and its advisors are required to act in your best interests. 

MGO Private Wealth Background

Founded in 2016, MGO Private Wealth is principally owned by CEO Robert Roman and Kevin O'Connell through a pair of limited liability companies they control. 

MGO Private Wealth's suite of services includes financial planning and coaching, tax planning, investment planning, estate planning, credit and debt planning, insurance and benefits planning, as well as income and cash flow planning. 

MGO Private Wealth Investment Strategy

MGO Private Wealth offers both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management. As a result, some clients give the firm full discretion or control over their accounts, while others retain the final say on individual transactions. 

When it comes to investing clients' money, MGO Private Wealth tailors portfolios to the needs of its individual clients. The firm primarily allocates assets to mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, individual debt and equity securities, as well as independent investment managers. If eligible, the firm may also recommend that you invest in privately placed securities, which can include debt, equity and/or interests in pooled investment vehicles like hedge funds.