Chris Sipes, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®, NSSA®

Managing Principal

5.0 out of 5

30 comments

Chris brings over 13 years of experience in the financial industry to Sonoma Wealth Advisors. As a co-founder of Sonoma Wealth Advisors, he operates as the Chief Compliance and Investment Officer. Chris is passionate about investing and is continuously exploring proven strategies and techniques to assist clients in reaching their financial goals.

Chris is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), an Accredited Investment Fiduciary™ (AIF®), a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) and a National Social Security Advisor™ (NSSA®). With these certifications, he's ready to help your family plan for today, tomorrow and beyond!

Chris previously worked for a large national bank serving business owners and high net worth individuals. During that time, he developed a reputation as a trusted partner for his many long-term clients. He began his career in 2006 with a large, family-owned commercial insurance agency, working with business owners to identify their risks and secure customized coverage from a wide range of insurance companies.

Chris relocated from Ohio to California in 2008 to seek sun and adventure in the West. As an avid reader, Chris enjoys the stories and the personalities behind the numbers. He understands that the best plan won’t work if it’s not a plan that will work for you, and that the decisions you face can be approached thoughtfully and strategically. Chris believes the best advice is the advice you’ll implement and see through life’s inevitable ups and downs.

Chris and his wife, Sandra, have 3 daughters and a son. He’s a graduate of The Ohio State University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Finance. In his free time, he enjoys mountain biking, skiing, and hiking with his family.

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Verified Client Reviews

Jun 1, 2026

Chris is so knowledgeable, in so many areas. This isn't just about your "retirement" accounts. He looks at your whole financial picture. He helps with understanding when to "hold" or when to "sell" real estate you own, ideas about when to take social security and life planning in general. He always makes time when I have questions. I've referred other to him as well.

Linda Z.

Amplify

Apr 28, 2026

Chris and the team at Sonoma Wealth Advisors are stellar. I have received nothing but superlative customer service and trust Chris to assist me in making the best financial decisions. I wholeheartedly recommend Chris, Shelby and the rest of the team at Sonoma Wealth Advisors (SWA). I could not be happier in choosing them to advise me with my financial future. Thank you Chris and SWA team!

Pamela D.

Amplify

Apr 28, 2026

My wife and I just love Chris and appreciate him!

Rick P.

Amplify

Apr 23, 2026

Chris has been very thorough and takes his time to explain everything. Great guy! Highly recommend him.

Jason V.

Amplify

Mar 6, 2026

Chris is the best! Just love working with him. He's helpful, patient, kind and I trust him implicitly. He's helped me understand about the markets, guided me to set up a retirement plan and kept me on course throughout all the years we've worked together.

Barbara C.

Amplify

Feb 18, 2026

Chris always makes time to consult with me on various buys and sells to keep me on my financial track.

Honey Mannix

Amplify

Feb 16, 2026

Very helpful with planning my retirement!

Jynx Lopez

Amplify

Feb 11, 2026

I’m what you might call a high maintenance client. But not only that, my portfolio is really not that impressive. But despite these handicaps on my part, it has been my experience that Chris has always treated me as if I was a high-valued customer. His patience and understanding makes me feel like a wanted client. Because of Chris, I believe I’ll be with SWA for generations.

Paul Mark Boddy

Amplify

Feb 10, 2026

Chris and the Sonoma Wealth team have been fantastic in helping me sort my family finances and setting up a reliable future plan. Chris has been very accommodating and flexible to our changing needs, while providing great and trusted advice on choices.

Ken B.

Amplify

Feb 10, 2026

My meeting with Chris Sipes was very positive. He was thorough in reviewing my portfolio and answered all of my questions in language I could understand. I feel confident working with him.

Lynn M.

Amplify

Feb 10, 2026

We love working with Chris. He has the heart of a teacher and being able to ask questions and get answers attuned to our specific needs is so reassuring. He takes the time to listen and truly cares about us as clients. I would highly recommend Chris and the team at Sonoma Wealth Advisors

Michelle H.

Amplify

Feb 9, 2026

I just left Chris a smashing review a month ago.

Douglas A.

Amplify

Feb 9, 2026

I have been happy with the work done by Chris Sipes. Even with the market as unpredictable as it's been, my account has consistently grown. I appreciate knowing my account is in good hands.

Jill M.

Amplify

Feb 9, 2026

Chris is knowledgeable, helpful, and reassuring. I've enjoyed working with him for many years and look forward to many more!

Catherine A.

Amplify

Feb 9, 2026

Responsive, managing our account very well.

Jessica C.

Amplify

Feb 7, 2026

Chris has been our advisor for over a decade and notably, Sonoma Wealth Advisors has served three generations of my family. Chris is an absolute treasure to work with. Extremely professional and a person of high integrity, he responds quickly to all our concerns. He guides our finances with the care he would family. We are grateful to be clients of Chris and Sonoma Wealth Advisors!

K.E.

Amplify

Jan 19, 2026

Chris has been advising us for several years and we couldn't be happier. He is kind, knowledgeable, and very helpful with our financial planning. I recommend his services any time I can.

Deborah S.

Amplify

Jan 9, 2026

We have enjoyed working with Chris. His is responsive & helpful every time we call.

Narda C.

Amplify

Jan 9, 2026

Chris is always attentive and willing to educate me. He's patient with my occasional crackpot ideas. We know our money is in good hands with Chris.

Sid B.

Amplify

Jan 9, 2026

My experience with Chris Sipes has been entirely positive. He is always available to answer my questions and explains concepts in a way that I can understand. Very pleasant, easy to talk to.

Lynn M.

Amplify

Jan 8, 2026

I have been delighted with my working relationship with Chris. He answers all my questions, offers advice and lets me try new investments always looking out for my best interests!

Honey Mannix

Amplify

Jan 8, 2026

I recommend anyone to work with Chris. He is very knowledgeable, helpful, and easy to work with. I have recommended him to all of my family.

Laura B.

Amplify

Jan 8, 2026

Has really done a fantastic job of keeping our money stable even while providing both retirement income and special project money. Very pleased.

Anonymous

Amplify

Jan 8, 2026

Chris is very response and reassuring

Rebecca Speer

Amplify

Jan 8, 2026

Chris had been invaluable. He is knowledgeable and very patient. Chris has helped me build my retirement plan so that I am almost debt free and able to retire. He helped walk through a major life change that had some financial impact but also person issues to consider. I really appreciated his insight. I have worked with him over the last 15 years. My prior financial advisor was a poor choice who was only out for himself and I am glad I found Chris.

Tricia S.

Amplify

Jan 7, 2026

Chris has been careful and easy to work with, despite our relative uncertainties and insecurities with all things-Investment! He's patient, knowledgeable and never makes you feel like, "You really should be getting this by now." We appreciate his availability and ease, despite the life difficulties we've thrown his way. We trust and enjoy working with Chris and the good team at Sonoma Wealth!

Douglas A.

Amplify

Jan 7, 2026

Mr. Sipes is an excellent advisor. He explained all planning in detail and I’m very comfortable with his expertise. He provided a great service and I trust him. Thank you to Chris and the Sonoma Wealth team for all they do.

Kelly M.

Amplify

Jan 7, 2026

Chris is always helpful with all my questions and financial needs. The information he has given me regarding my financial changes has been very useful.

Marlene M.

Amplify

Jan 7, 2026

Chris has been helpful, responding in a timely manner, and knowledgeable since we have began working together since July. My portfolio has performed well and he has also provided me with useful advice regarding future financial planning/retirement and I have listened to the weekly podcast as well which provides some insight and perspectives.

Kenneth W.

Amplify

Jan 7, 2026

I am very happy with your company. Chis has been supportive and knowledgeable. Appreciate his help.

Inna K.

Amplify

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Looking for more?

Chris joined our life and money podcast, It's All Money, to ask an overlooked question: Why Does The Stock Market Even Exist?

See more It's All Money episodes with Chris and our team RIGHT HERE on YouTube, or audio on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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