Michael Bergines

Hi! I'm Stanley, a fee-only financial planner based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I founded DRS Financial Partners to help equity-compensated tech professionals steer through the complexities of their equity compensation and ever-changing lives, committing to an objective approach and fiduciary standard. Fascinated with the stock market since I was young, I began my career at a boutique wealth management firm in SF and quickly discovered how rewarding it is to help people gain clarity around their finances and make decisions with confidence. Whether it's preparing for a liquidity event or starting a family, seven years of helping tech executives and early employees with their complex situations helped me appreciate just how important it is to build a solid financial foundation. During my time there, I earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation and CFA® charter, sat on the investment committee, and led the firm's financial planning efforts. Adopted from Okinawa as a baby, I grew up in Hawaii and fell in love with the Bay Area during a high school summer program. I graduated Cum Laude from Santa Clara University with a B.S. in Economics (Mathematical Economics concentration) and a Math minor. Outside of work, you can find me on one of the Bay Area's many beautiful hiking trails, unwinding with some video games, or keeping up with an F1 race weekend.

I am committed to supporting individuals through life’s transitions—whether it’s a career shift, divorce, loss of a loved one, inheritance, or other major life events. Change can be overwhelming, and my mission is to help clients move through it with confidence, security, and a clear plan for what comes next. With a holistic and compassionate approach, I help simplify complex financial decisions—addressing everything from budgeting and cash flow to tax considerations, investment strategy, and estate planning. Each plan is personalized to reflect your goals, values, and unique circumstances. Since beginning my career in 2006, I’ve worked across wealth management, employee benefits, and financial education. Over the years, I’ve seen how empowering it can be when people gain control and understanding over their finances—especially during uncertain times. I’m particularly passionate about working with Solo Agers and women navigating life transitions. Having rebuilt my own financial foundation after becoming a single mom in 2010, I understand firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with starting over. Through persistence and smart financial choices, I achieved one of my proudest milestones—purchasing my own condo in 2021. I am based in the San Francisco Bay Area and work with clients all across the country. In my spare time, I enjoy nature walks, biking, learning about health and nutrition, painting, sewing, and spending time with my daughter and our two rescue cats, Turbo and Tyson. If you're ready to embark on your financial journey with a trusted partner by your side, I invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with me at https://calendly.com/jenniferbush-iwp/intro-call. Together, we'll navigate life's financial transitions with confidence and purpose.

Ethan Pepper is a fee-only, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, an Enrolled Agent, and a Registered Life Planner™. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from San Jose State University. Ethan started Orchard City Wealth Management, LLC after years of working for investment advisory firms that focused on helping older generations achieve their financial goals. He grew weary of financial service models that excluded individuals still establishing their wealth because they didn’t meet the minimum assets requirements to become a client. The notion that only established wealthy people use financial advisors didn’t sit well with Ethan. He wanted to help mid-career professionals thrive in their financial lives, too. Ethan services individuals and families who are establishing wealth and want a guide for their financial decisions to help them build and protect their money. He also continues to work with ultra-high-net-worth and high-net-worth clients. With over a decade of tax preparation experience, he completes his clients' wealth management with the necessary tax strategy and planning services for real-time savings and future income generation.

Lisa Hughes is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She has over 30 years of experience providing personalized wealth management services and strategies to a diverse group of clients. Lisa's approach focuses on understanding the unique circumstances and values of each client before addressing their investment needs. She works with a professional team to manage the long-term challenges and daily demands of substantial wealth. Her expertise includes capital preservation, tax minimization, and lifetime cash flow strategies. Lisa emphasizes diversified portfolio development, alternative investments, and money manager selections. She also addresses concentrated stock issues and collaborates with clients' other advisors on estate planning techniques. Lisa holds several professional designations, including Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of California at Berkeley. Originally from the East Bay, Lisa currently resides on the Peninsula. She has served on her homeowner association board and as the landscape committee chair. Lisa has volunteered with Pet Partners and participates in the local art community, enjoying oil painting. Her personal interests also include gardening, hiking, and yoga.

Chien Zhao is a Planning Consultant at Fidelity, a position held since 2021. He has over 10 years of experience in the financial services industry, with previous roles including Financial Solution Advisor at Merrill Edge, Bank of America in 2021, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones from 2019 to 2021, and Office Manager at Farmer's Insurance from 2014 to 2018. Chien's professional approach is shaped by his background growing up in a family of financial industry professionals, and he emphasizes planning-driven and goal-focused investing to help clients achieve financial success. He holds a California Insurance License.