Cole Bechtel

Wealth Advisor Associate

Santa Barbara

"I am driven by the chance to help people feel secure about their financial future while tackling the analytical puzzles that come with markets and planning. I love taking something complex and turning it into a clear path forward for clients especially as markets change and adapt every single day."

As a Wealth Advisor Associate at Mission Wealth, Cole Bechtel supports his team in delivering comprehensive financial planning services to clients. He is responsible for analyzing client data, preparing personalized financial plans, and assisting with ongoing wealth management reviews and year-end reporting. Through his attention to detail and strong analytical skills, Cole helps ensure that each client’s financial strategy is thoughtfully prepared and aligned with their long-term goals.

Learn About Cole Bechtel

Professional Background

Cole brings hands-on experience across wealth management, investment research, and hedge fund strategy to his work at Mission Wealth. Prior to joining the firm, he worked for the Business Development & Research team at Altus Private Capital, conducting analytically driven investment research. At MKT Advisors, he built financial models and developed a proprietary system to track risk across clients' equity allocations. Cole's expertise spans financial modeling, portfolio analysis, and investment due diligence, with a particular focus on holistic client-first planning objectives. After graduating with a Bachelor's in Economics, he remains closely engaged with the next generation of investment talent at UC Santa Barbara, where he served as a Portfolio Manager for the Dean's Investment Group, helping oversee an $800,000+ endowment fund, and as the president, built Investment Connection into one of campus's largest financial education organizations with over 1,500 legacy members. Cole is currently pursuing his CFA and CFP designations along with his personal research.

Personal Pursuits

Cole loves traveling and exploring new places, cultures and cuisines. He is an active golfer and surfer among other sports and activities. He enjoys a great deal of strategy games, especially Settlers of Catan.

Community Impact

Cole values community involvement and large scale impact through personal and team efforts. He is on the board of Wild Soul Animal Rescue and actively participates in local volunteering initiatives.

In the News

SpaceX (SPCX) Guide: What Equity Holders and Investors Should Do Next

The SpaceX IPO has arrived. Learn tax strategies, equity planning, diversification tips, and wealth management considerations for employees, early investors, and prospective shareholders.

Photos that celebrate Seth Streeter's Retirement Announcement from Mission Wealth

Mission Wealth Announces the Retirement of Co-Founder Seth Streeter After 26 Years of Leadership and Impact

After more than 26 years of visionary leadership, Mission Wealth celebrates the retirement of Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer Seth Streeter. From helping build one of the nation’s leading independent wealth management firms to championing life-centered planning, community impact, and meaningful relationships, Seth leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire our team, clients, and communities for generations to come.

Mission Wealth Named 2026 Company of the Year by the South Coast Business & Technology Awards

Mission Wealth is honored to receive the 2026 Company of the Year award from the South Coast Business & Technology Awards in Santa Barbara, recognizing our commitment to clients, community, and purpose-driven growth.

About Mission Wealth

Mission Wealth is a nationally recognized Registered Investment Advisory firm (RIA) founded in 2000 known for its service model, driven by a world-class technology stack that offers financial planning, investment counsel, tax strategies, estate planning coordination, philanthropic advice, and asset protection solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

Mission Wealth’s vision is to provide caring advice that empowers families to achieve their life dreams. Our founders were pioneers in the industry when they embraced the client-first principles of objective advice, comprehensive financial planning, coordination with other professional advisors, and proactive service. Mission Wealth is a fiduciary, and our holistic planning process provides clarity and confidence.