Financial Planning

The Roadmap To Success

 

The bedrock of working with Sonoma Wealth Advisors is your Financial Plan. We provide clarity in everything we do, and we know Financial Planning is commonly confused with Investment Management.  So let's take a moment right here to get clear:

 

Financial Planning

The basis for Financial Planning is time. A timeline of expected or proposed events like retirement, purchasing real estate, entering or exiting a business, college savings and more.  Where do you want to be at age 65?  That's a question answered in your financial plan.  And how can we achieve those milestones with tax efficiency?

Investment Management

With your plan in place, our advisors can then recommend the types of investments and contributions to make.  The timeframe for your financial plan determines what kind of risk is appropriate for your investment management.  For example, a 30-year timeframe could handle more risk than a financial plan with a 10-year window.

Learn More About Investment Management

 

 


Our Financial Planning Keys

Goals

Your goals, not ours.  We're here to serve you and support where you want to go.  You share your dreams; we'll listen and create a plan to achieve them.

 

Cash Flow Planning

Depending on your situation, you may be considering taking Social Security, pension payments or invest income.  Did you know that when you decide to take income can affect how much you get?  Our advisors help determine optimal timing based on all the factors in your portfolio.

Tax Efficiency

The investments you make and the types of accounts they are in can greatly impact your tax burden.  Our advisors determine the path that benefits you most.

 

Ongoing Communication

Signing on the dotted line is just the beginning of our relationship.  Expect regular check-ins with your advisor and availability to address new developments.  As life happens, we're here to adjust the plan with you. 

 


Our Promise

 

Confidentiality

It goes without saying, but we'll say it anyway- all matters discussed, facts revealed, and the nature and content of all documents you provide to Sonoma Wealth Advisors are confidential.  Your security and privacy are at the forefront of our service to you.

 

Free Wealth Analysis

77% of Americans
have no financial plan

According to this survey, only 23% of Americans have a written financial plan.  Would you believe that this study found that people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them than the people who just thought about them?

Source: Forbes.com, Dr. Gail Matthews Dominican University of California

What is Financial Planning?

Financial planning is the roadmap to managing your money effectively. It involves setting goals like buying a house or retiring comfortably, understanding what you earn and spend, and making smart decisions to achieve those goals. Aspects include budgeting, saving, investing, and protecting against risks like illness or job loss. Financial Planning is ultimately about making your money work for you to secure your future and achieve your dreams.

Staff Specializing in Financial Planning

Daren Blonski, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®, CDAA

Managing Principal

Daren Blonski, CFP® is the Co-founder and Managing Principal of Sonoma Wealth Advisors. He is a learner, educator, entrepreneur, and life coach.

Chris Sipes, CFP®, AIF®

Managing Principal

Chris brings over 15 years of experience in the financial services to Sonoma Wealth Advisors. As a co-founder of Sonoma Wealth Advisors he operates as the Chief Investment and Compliance Officer.

Clay Dunkle, CFP®, AIF®, AAMS®

Financial Advisor

A Sonoma local who's ready to help your family as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™.

Zach Paul, CFP®

Principal Advisor

A skilled collegiate soccer player, Zach's mission is simple: to provide clients with a decisive edge in financial management. 

Russell Van Sistine, CFP®

Principal Advisor

Russell likes to help people. The greatest satisfaction is knowing you did everything you could to support people and make a difference in their life.

Todd Gomes, AIF®

Principal Advisor

With a financial advisory practice rooted in tried-and-true money management principles, Todd approaches wealth management from a customized planning perspective.

Ben Sedillo, AAMS®, AIF®

Principal Advisor

Ben's commitment to service runs deep, across decades, organizations and locations. He brings his breadth of service experience to help clients succeed today and in the future.

Shelby Wirick

Financial Advisor

Shelby has enjoyed a dynamic career in finance and corporate executive management, encompassing over a decade of service with internationally renowned Fortune 500 companies.

Terri Updegraff

Financial Advisor

Terri Updegraff is a licensed investment advisor representative dedicated to helping individuals and couples thrive financially.

Gaetano Bettinelli

Financial Advisor

Gaetano has always felt called to serve others, which led him to serve his country in the Armed Forces. After the Marine Corps, he transitioned into finance to continuing serving others.

Ready to Get Started?