Financial Planning

Mission Wealth can assess your current finances, discuss your goals for the future, and then create a strategy to reach them.

A family helps their oldest child pack up to move to college
A financial report on a Southern California desk
Tuition payment
Financial advisor reviewing investment reports with clients

Financial Planning with Mission Wealth means comprehensive care.

Even a well-planned life comes with unexpected surprises. What we do is help you and your family feel financially confident and cared for no matter what comes your way. Financial planning covers everyday decisions like budgeting and saving, as well as bigger goals like buying a home, paying for education, investing, and preparing for retirement. It is for everyone, whether you are just starting your first job, raising a family, running a business, or approaching retirement, because every stage of life comes with financial choices. Having a clear plan helps you spend with intention, build a safety net for unexpected events, reduce stress about money, and steadily build the life you want.

We’re here to help when Financial Planning matters most.

Especially during times of life transition, financial decisions are about more than just money—they’re about the people making them. That’s why it’s important to work with a fiduciary who prioritizes your values and strives to provide a relationship you can rely on no matter what major changes life brings your way.

Every financial journey is unique. If you’re facing a milestone or decision not listed above, reach out—we’re here to help.

Financial Planning can help you prepare for life’s big transitions.

Your financial needs are going to fluctuate in response to transitions that we all go through as we work, raise our families and look ahead to retirement. Let us create a plan so you and your loved ones are cared for through any challenges or changes that come your way.

  • Getting Married

    Marriage financially ties you to your partner, so it’s essential to discuss spending, income, taxes, and budgeting before the big day. Some couples may also want a prenuptial agreement detailing which assets belong to whom. We can refer you to attorneys to explore agreements before marriage, tie your wedding budget into your broader financial plan, and act as your financial advocate so you make sound decisions from day one.

  • Divorce/Separation

    When a marriage ends, the financial consequences can be as significant as the emotional ones, and protecting your personal financial security requires careful planning. Regardless of what stage of divorce you’re in, Mission Wealth can act as your financial advocate and educate you at your own pace so you can make well-informed choices. We coordinate with your other professional advisors and help you understand the trade-offs between your options to support your future well-being.

  • Loss of Spouse

    Beyond funeral costs, losing a spouse raises immediate financial questions around survivor benefits, including Social Security and benefits from unions or veterans associations, and settling your spouse’s estate. Settling the estate is essential to determining what you have to live on and what debts must be repaid, a process that often takes up to a year including court proceedings. Mission Wealth can help you make arrangements ahead of time or provide educated guidance on the steps and financial implications to make this difficult transition simpler to financially navigate.

  • Single Parenthood

    Single parents face unique financial pressures balancing work, income, and the costs of raising a child on their own. With the average parent spending 20% of household income on child care, costs such as daycare can consume a substantial share of a single parent’s income. If you’re entering this phase of life, planning alongside Mission Wealth to build a strong financial foundation early will help you provide for your child while keeping stress to a minimum.

  • Expecting a Child

    Having a child involves a major financial investment, from immediate first-year costs like hospital bills, baby supplies, and preparing your home, to longer-term expenses like education. Raising a child from birth to age 18 costs a middle-income family well over $300,000–and that doesn’t include college. Mission Wealth can help you create a realistic budget and apply it to your financial plan so you can rest assured you’re on track to support your entire family for years to come.

  • Adopting a Child

    Adoption costs vary significantly depending on the path you choose—public agency adoption from foster care, private or independent agency adoption, or international adoption. Whichever route you take, it’s important to understand the procedure and its associated costs before you begin. By planning alongside Mission Wealth and taking advantage of the many resources available, you can focus on what matters most: welcoming a child into your family.

  • Hiring Childcare

    Childcare is a significant recurring expense. According to the Care.com 2026 Cost of Care Report, the average parent is spending 20% or more of annual income on child care, and 31% of parents are dipping into savings to cover the expense. Mission Wealth can help you explore options to offset the cost, including employer pre-tax dependent care savings accounts, on-site daycare, and employer referral resources. Talk to your employer, other working parents, and your financial advisor to find the right care solution for your child and your budget.

  • Child with Special Needs

    Raising a child with special needs often brings additional costs like medical treatments, private tutoring, or specialized equipment that require planning ahead. In some cases, it may be beneficial to set up a trust to provide care for your child that will last for their lifetime. Mission Wealth is experienced in special needs planning and will coordinate with your team of advisors to build a reliable, long-term solution that ensures financial security and protection for your loved one.

  • Child Getting Married

    It is an important day for your child: a new beginning, a new commitment, a new life. Though your child will be the center of attention on that special day, parents are often an important part of the planning, providing guidance, making decisions, or offering financial support. We can refer attorneys to discuss your child’s options or prenuptial agreements; tie your contributions to their wedding, honeymoon, or post-marriage living situation into your financial plan; and act as a financial guide for you and your child through this exciting life event.

  • Empty Nest

    When children leave home, many empty nesters face the decision of whether to stay in their current home or downsize, along with new questions about lifestyle and finances. Newly freed-up time and income create opportunities to travel, pursue hobbies, and increase savings or investments. However, with record numbers of adult children moving back home (nearly 1 in 3), flexibility may also need to be a key component of your plan, and Mission Wealth can help.

  • Special Family Event

    Milestone gatherings like reunions, anniversaries, baptisms, and bar mitzvahs can be surprisingly costly, especially for large families. Planning ahead and staying organized are the keys to a successful event. Building these celebrations into your financial plan lets you focus on family rather than finances on the big day.

  • Assistance to Family Member

    Many Americans lack adequate emergency savings, and a family member’s job loss, disability, or other setback may prompt them to turn to you for financial help. Determining the right level and duration of assistance means assessing their need against your own financial resources, and deciding whether repayment will be expected. The team at Mission Wealth can help you care for your family by caring for you and your financial plan.

  • Health Care Concerns

    Access to health care essential, and also can be expensive, particularly when you or someone in your family requires specialized care, medications, or services. Families face many choices about how to handle disability insurance, caregiving expenses, and how to navigate complex health insurance options like Medicaid and Medicare. Whether you are experiencing new health concerns or just planning ahead, Mission Wealth can help care for the financial side of medical challenges so you can stay focused on the people who are navigating them with you.

  • Relocating

    Whether for a career change, family, or a fresh start, every relocation carries significant costs from purchasing a new home to the expense of the move itself. Mission Wealth can help you evaluate your unique financial considerations whether you’re moving across the world or across town.

  • Child Going to College

    College can be a significant expense for families, with tuition averaging nearly $12,000 per student per year at in-state public universities and approximately $45,000 per year for private colleges. Starting with customized projections based on your schools of choice, Mission Wealth can help you determine the appropriate savings rate to cover college expenses and explore solutions like 529 plans.

Financial Planning Insights and Resources

Frequently asked questions about Financial Planning.

Financial Planning
questions?

Schedule a complimentary 30-minute discovery call to discuss your unique situation and financial goals.

Request an introduction

What our clients are saying about our Financial Planning services.

Anonymous Client

09/16/2026

Wes has been fantastic since the get-go. He always shows up prepared and ready to go, will check in if it's been a while. He'll follow up if I've dropped the ball or forgotten something. He's been great about being in touch with *other* people he has nothing to do with, but are tied into my finances, and relaying info back and forth that can get complicated and probably beyond his job description. If that guy ever has a bad day, I wouldn't know about it. He brings nothing less than positive energy and full attention at every meeting or last minute reach out--like the time I almost got stuck in Costa Rica. He has helped me with issues ranging from very basic transfers to complex and larger financial understanding. He's consistently available and has gotten to know me, from there tailoring advice and guidance to my own financial goals while steering me on the right path. I trust him and am happy he's working with me Wouldn't wish for different advisor!

Dan S.

08/05/2026

We've been with Brown Wealth, now Mission Wealth, for over 10 years. We built a solid plan covering goals, investments, insurance, estate planning, and taxes. We have monitored progress on a routine basis. Tim Brown has been very reliable and responsive to all emails and calls. I couldn't ask for more. We are meeting all of our goals!

Richard H.

05/28/2026

Mark Herman has been great to deal with. He has done a fantastic job managing our finances but has also given us great guidance in many other areas such as estate planning, 529 setup, effective tax strategies etc. I highly recommend MW and Mark.

Dan V.

05/15/2026

Our advisor, Lisa Murphy, is outstanding! Her meticulous preparation and attention to detail in our financial planning and asset management have far exceeded our expectations. In addition to being highly skilled and professional, she is warm, caring, and a joy to work with. Thank you for all that you do!

Jean R.

05/07/2026

My team from Mission Wealth, Shinaola Atoro and Emilija Ilic, are a pleasure to engage with on my financial planning. Shinaola has been exceptionally focused on understanding my goals and aligning our planning accordingly. He has provided insightful direction, and I have a high degree of confidence in the work they both perform on my behalf.

Jessica G.

04/16/2026

We always appreciate the time Wes takes to explain everything clearly and make sure all of our questions are answered. Wes also always takes the time to understand our financial goals and needs. Wes and Eric are quick to respond to any questions we have, and we really enjoy working with them.

Bradley E.

03/10/2026

We appreciate the level of service in addition to Mission's investment expertise. We feel we have a plan that makes sense for our personal situation.

Edward R.

03/07/2026

Our overall experience with Mission Wealth has been excellent & extremely helpful. Ethan is very knowledgable and well informed regarding our investment goals. He is prepared at every meeting and keeps us informed of next steps and potential best financial options. We trust Ethan as an advisor and appreciate the overall guidance we have received from the Mission Wealth team. Thank you!

Kerry M.

03/07/2026

This firm is not about the sales pitch or boasting. They are about listening to their clients, having open and honest discussions about your money and goals and coming to the table with clear action plans, strategies and “what-if” scenarios. They don’t need to boast because the experience speaks for itself. No fluff, no cookie cutter plans just real good planning and strategizing to meet your goals. Highly recommend!

Rusty P.

03/07/2026

I have been working with Byron Valles for several years now, and I cannot recommend him highly enough! From our very first meeting, it was clear that he truly listens to my wife and I, taking the time to understand our financial goals and unique needs of our family. What sets him apart is his personalized approach; he doesn't just offer generic advice but tailors his guidance to our specific objectives and risk tolerance, which continue to evolve over time. Whether discussing retirement planning, investment strategies, or changes in market conditions, he ensures we feel informed and confident in our decisions. His commitment to our financial well-being has made him an invaluable partner in our journey.

Larry M.

03/05/2026

Over the past five years, my wife and I have been most impressed with the service and results achieved by Wes Patton and the Mission Wealth team. Wes excels at communication: cadence, responsiveness, and attention to our concerns. He clearly explains strategy and alternatives to ensure we are in agreement with the plan, and he is comfortable discussing options and potential outcomes as needed while staying focused on the risk level appropriate for our situation. I would highly recommend Wes and Mission Wealth.

Janice R.

03/04/2026

Shinaola and the team have been very thorough in answering our questions and have brought very good advice for improving out financials. Estate planning, social security, and taxes are some of the highlights.

Ellin T.

03/04/2026

Wes Patton and his team have provided me with tremendous leadership and innovative financial structures to assist my development of a strong financial position. He is consistently prompt, steady, exact, and very well spoken. His advice is measured, and has proved to be wise. Highly Recommend.

Kerri N.

02/20/2026

I have had the pleasure of working with Mission Wealth for the past year and they have exceeded all expectations. Peter Ahrens and his team have handled my financial planning with grace and expertise, all while patiently answering my multitude of questions, without judgement. I can’t recommend Peter and Mission Wealth enough for any type of personal financial planning, no matter your goals. You will sleep better at night knowing that this is your team!

William C.

02/19/2026

Bryant was exceptional.He has helped us through some complex financial decisions. He always gets back to me quickly and provides great advice.

John H.

01/23/2026

Ethan Cooper has been a great asset to our family financial planing. Ethan is always pleasant and plain spoken with suggestions and guidance. Very happy with his direction.

Rick W.

11/04/2025

We have had nothing but a positive experience since starting with Mission about 18 months ago. We really appreciate the comprehensive financial planning approach which integrates social security timing, healthcare cost management, asset allocation, Roth conversion/timing, tax planning, RMDs, estate planning etc. Working with Ethan has been a pleasure. What else could you want?

Rick M.

10/25/2025

Claudia and her team are the best. Claudia has a deep understanding of financial matters and cares about her clients as people. She is patient and tolerant with my many questions. I would not have been able to buy a second home without her advice and understanding. Love this company. We have all our money with them.

Craig H.

10/16/2025

Can not thank Andrew and Pat enough!!! Working with Mission Wealth and Andrew and Pat has been the best thing we could have done. They are proactive, attentive, they listen to our goals and plans and make things work!!! Their demeanor is outstanding; friendly, trustworthy, extremely knowledgeable, and very professional. They make managing our financial situation a breeze. Thanks to you both

Doug H.

10/15/2025

Great job by Ethan Cooper and his team in working with me to leverage the money in my IRA to by my wife a new car. They advise was positive and constructive. They executed the funding moves promptly and with minimal effort on my part. Throughout my association with Mission Wealth Ethan and his team have made my savings grow at a phenomenal rate, while helping me leverage the IRA to achieve multiple short term goals. Wonderful team to work with.

Sharon O.

09/30/2025

Cray Coppins is more than an advisor—he feels like part of our family. He understands our goals and makes sure every decision supports what is best for our family. He explains complex topics in a way that’s easy to understand but also offers a more detailed analysis, which my husband appreciates. His responsive, thorough, and thoughtful approach gives us confidence in every decision. I would highly recommend Cray and Mission Wealth.

Cheryl D.

09/11/2025

I love Peter's knowledge and passion, but most importantly, I feel like he really cares about helping me and helping me make the most out of my earnings. I love knowing that I have options available to me, and he explains the thinking behind his recommendations and takes the time to help me understand and feel comfortable with my choices. The timing of both Peter and me joining Mission Wealth and being matched up is ideal. I feel like I have more than an advisor, I have a trusted partner…which is exactly what I was hoping. Some companies look at their employees as resources to use, and others look at employees as assets for investment and growth. I’m glad to see Mission Wealth falls into that latter category.

Richard H.

09/11/2025

Trica Fahnoe is an outstanding financial advisor. She is up to date, wise, and keeps the client's best interest as her primary concern. We have worked together for 14 years, and she has helped us with family financial decisions above and beyond expectations. It is so nice to have someone I can trust.

Justin & Janice S.

09/11/2025

My wife and I have been clients of Mission Wealth for two years. From our first meeting to explore an advisory relationship with MW, the MW team and our primary advisor, Shane Holt, have been exceptional. Shane is a thoughtful and insightful listener. He and the MW team have translated our aspirations into well-constructed strategies and action plans that have performed well. Shane responds promptly to all our inquiries and has provided excellent sources for reference and follow-up. We have a modest-sized portfolio, and we couldn’t be more pleased with our experience at Mission Wealth.

The testimonials displayed are from current clients. Clients were not compensated and there are no material conflicts of interest. Testimonials may not be reflective of the experience of all clients and are not a guarantee of future performance.

Request an introduction.

Request an introduction.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*
Address*

By providing a telephone number and submitting the form, you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message and agreeing to our privacy policy and disclaimers. Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out of further messaging. Reply HELP for more information.

Kyle Buffo, smiling and dressed in a blazer, represents professionalism and expertise at Mission Wealth.

Kyle Buffo, CFP®

Client Development Advisor

Let’s align your wealth with your purpose.

Schedule a complimentary 30-minute discovery call to discuss your unique situation and financial goals.

Prefer a phone call? Call us: 805-902-4550