Chad Swanson

I specialize in helping software developers and data engineers at tech companies navigate the complexity of equity compensation (RSUs, ESPPs, ISOs) and maximize their wealth through strategic tax planning. If you're vesting six figures in company stock annually and wondering how to optimize the tax hit, when to sell, and how to diversify without leaving money on the table—I can help. TYPICAL CLIENT: - $200K-500K household income - $100K-300K+ vesting in RSUs annually - Works at companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta, Apple, Salesforce, Adobe, Intel, etc. - Dealing with: Tax complexity, concentration risk, when-to-sell decisions, Mega Backdoor Roth eligibility, AMT on ISOs MY EXPERTISE: - Equity compensation optimization (RSUs, ESPPs, ISOs) - Strategic tax planning for high earners - Diversification strategies & concentration risk management - Tech industry benefits analysis & optimization I translate complex financial strategies into clear action plans—because you'd rather spend your time coding than Googling "what happens if I exercise my ISOs." While my expertise is rooted in the tech community, I'm always happy to have a conversation with high-earning individuals and families ($200K+ household income) who value comprehensive financial planning and strategic tax optimization. If you're dealing with complex financial situations—regardless of industry—let's talk. CREDENTIALS: - CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional - NAPFA Board Member (Genesis Board) - B.S. Finance, Magna Cum Laude | Arizona State University - Fee-Only Fiduciary Based in Arizona, serving clients nationwide via virtual meetings.

Martin Zaklikowski is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing over 35 years of experience in financial and wealth management. Since joining Merrill Lynch in 1995, he has specialized in advanced investment strategies, retirement planning, and estate planning. His approach emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of client needs to develop tailored wealth management strategies. He holds a bachelor's degree in Finance and Political Science from Canisius College and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certificant, a designation granted by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. Martin is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., and holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. He has also served on the boards of Hopevale, Inc., St. Francis High School, and the Frontier Community Education Advisory Committee. Outside of his professional work, Martin enjoys gardening, music, and spending time with his wife Rebecca and their two children, Adam and Lauren.

Nicolas Castaneda is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. With over 25 years of experience, he specializes in wealth management for professional athletes, particularly those at the top levels of their careers. His expertise also extends to real estate, small business owners, hotel proprietors, and commercial real estate clients. Nicolas employs financial planning, risk management, and tax-efficient strategies to support individuals, families, and small business owners in pursuing their long-term financial goals. He emphasizes a comprehensive approach to wealth management, beginning with understanding each client’s unique financial situation and priorities. Nicolas integrates investment insights from Merrill and the banking and lending solutions from Bank of America to develop flexible strategies that adapt to changing market conditions. His client focus areas include college education planning, retirement income, family wealth management, and specialized planning services such as divorce transition and LGBT wealth planning. Nicolas holds a Master’s Degree from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Arizona State University. He is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and maintains an active role in community volunteer organizations. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Nicolas enjoys basketball, ice skating, music, and soccer.

Serge Lazar is a Planning Consultant at Fidelity Investments, where he has been employed since 2021. In his role, he assists clients with various financial needs by evaluating their current financial status, understanding their goals, creating investment plans aligned with those goals, and educating clients on Fidelity's principles of investing. Serge's professional experience centers around financial planning and client education within the investment sector. Outside of his professional work, he has personal interests that include camping, cooking and baking, movies, reading, soccer, and traveling.