Seeking financial advisor/manager for inheritance
We have been fortunate to have received an inheritance that is fairly substantial. We do not want to manage it on our own and are seeking a financial advisor and manager. We understand we will probably need to pay around 1% in AUM fees. It is worth it to us to not have the burden of managing the funds and to receive expert advice. I'd prefer someone local, who understands the housing market for example. Having a good tax component is necessary. And it is important to us to work with a firm of a few individuals rather than a solo or almost solo provider. Also, a firm with women and minority leadership is desireable. And of course a verifiable record of good investment management. Any leads would be greatly appreciated.
Jul 26, 2025
Parent Replies
No firsthand experience with them or any other financial advisor (we self manage our portfolio of about $6M through Vanguard to give you an idea), BUT I get the newsletter from North Berkeley Wealth Management and I've thought if we ever wanted a personal advisor we'd try them first. I believe they meet all your criteria about being a diverse team.
I work with ROMAR Wealth Management in Oakland, RJ is super knowledgeable and he helped me understand the market.
How fortunate indeed! I hope this gives you more opportunities to live your life in a stable and meaningful way.
I started working with Summitry in Foster City a few years ago because I needed financial support to stabilize through and after a complex divorce. I am very happy with their level of customer service and wealth management. Initially, I thought I would work with them for a couple of years, then self-manage through one of the large brokerage firms with a robust online platform. Now that I understand the breath and value of their service, I am comfortable paying their fees (vary base on the value of assets managed) and working with them for the foreseeable future. They are a good-sized, boutique, local firm with a long track-record and deep understanding of the financial implications of living in the Bay Area (including real estate). They work with a network of related professionals who can address most aspects of my financial life. They are all around professional and decent people who are in financial services for all of the right reasons.
If you decide to reach out to them, feel free to let them know I recommended them to you.
I have personally worked with R. Paul Herman at HIP Investor. www.hipinvestor.com. I like that he helped me get a fossil fuel free for 401(k) when I worked at a bigger company. I like that he does by the hour advising not a percent of assets, so can be much more affordable.
You can email him directly/ RPaulH [at] hipinvestor.com (RPaulH[at]hipinvestor[dot]com)