Financial advisors in San Francisco for Equity-Based Compensation

Tina Payton Thomas is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in serving the unique wealth management needs of executives and business owners. She is part of a private wealth management team with more than 30 years of combined financial service experience. Tina leverages the investment insights of Merrill Lynch and the banking solutions of Bank of America to provide comprehensive financial services that address sophisticated and complex financial demands. Her expertise includes executive compensation management, exit planning business strategies, wealth transfer and retirement planning, philanthropic advising, and liability strategies. Tina is dedicated to helping clients integrate all aspects of their financial lives to support informed decision-making and the pursuit of both short- and long-term goals. Holding a Bachelor's Degree from Southern Illinois University, she holds professional designations as a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Tina is fluent in German and English and is involved in professional organizations such as ACG Silicon Valley, Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, German American Business Association, and the John Muir Health Foundation, where she also contributes through community involvement. Outside of her professional role, Tina enjoys boating, gardening, horseback riding, yoga, watching movies, and spending time with her family.

Kevin Cheeks is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional specializing in equity compensation, tax-efficient financial planning, direct indexing and socially conscious investing. With close to two decades of experience in wealth management, Kevin has worked at several of the largest financial services firms such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Charles Schwab. While at Schwab, Kevin was responsible for advising stock plan participants at some of the largest tech companies in the San Francisco Bay Area, such as Apple, Facebook (Meta), Google (Alphabet), Twitter, Uber, and many others. In 2020 Kevin joined forces with several colleagues to help launch ECHO45, a boutique Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), where he served as the firm’s Chief Compliance Officer and Director of Planning Services, in addition to continuing to serve as a Financial Advisor to his own book of clients. 2020 proved to be not only an interesting time to launch a new firm, but also a historically important period in our country and around the world. After 2 years of helping to build and grow ECHO45, Kevin felt a calling to be doing something more. Having been brought up in a home with parents who served in the Peace Core, participated in the civil rights demonstrations in the 1960’s and were active in grassroots political campaigns, Kevin felt it was time to align his work with his ethos. “ImpactFI was born from the idea of creating a platform where investors can make a difference in the world around them while simultaneously accomplishing their own financial goals. Making money and making an impact don’t have to be mutually exclusive.” In April of 2022, ImpactFI opened its virtual doors for business. When he’s not helping clients accomplish their financial and altruistic goals, Kevin and his partner, Sejal, enjoy taking advantage of life in the Bay Area with their dog, Nullah. An avid traveler and board sport enthusiast, from snowboarding in Canada to surfing in Sri Lanka, Kevin has visited 24 countries so far and looks forward to growing that list even longer. He’s also a self-proclaimed points and miles nerd. In 2019, he had the great fortune of being able to go on a surf and yoga themed sabbatical, during which he flew around the world, visiting 7 countries along the way, flying entirely in business class and almost entirely on points and miles! Read Kevin's blog here: https://impact-fi.com/blog

Monroe Wealth Management is a financial planning firm that specializes with tech employees and business owners. Services include: IPO Event Planning (Pre and Post IPO) Public and Private Equity Compensation ISO, NSO, RSU, RSA, ESPP, etc. Concentrated Stock Strategies Cash Flow Optimization Real Estate Investing Tax Mitigation Strategies Retirement Planning College and Education Planning Family Planning Philanthropy Behavioral Finance and Financial Wellness Coaching Investment Management

Hello, my name is Mike Biggica. I grew up in New York, worked on Wall Street for many years and moved to the Bay Area. Living and working in two major metropolises, I understand a busy lifestyle, the high cost of living and financial complexities that go along with it. Among the chaos, sometimes the world’s agenda overcome yours – my value is bringing focus and priority to your goals as a trusted advisor. As the founder of Pixel Financial Planning, LLC, it is a privilege to connect with clients and share in their journey. My days are filled with announcements and pictures of major milestones, including newborns, new homes, graduations, new jobs, vacations, retirement and much more. As life changes, new goals, challenges, opportunities emerge emphasizing that financial planning is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. My goal is to provide you with empowerment, education, confidence, smart decision-making and peace of mind as you navigate life’s course.

Wealth Script Advisors offers a wealth management experience unlike any other, designed specifically for tech professionals. With 12 years of experience in the financial advisory industry and certifications such as CFP®, CFA®, and Enrolled Agent, we bring a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges of equity compensation, concentrated investments, tax strategy, and real estate. Our expertise is rooted in a deep knowledge of the tech sector, allowing us to craft strategies that address the complexities of your financial world while simplifying the path forward. Three key pillars truly separate us from the rest: First, our deep expertise in working with tech professionals. We understand the intricacies of your compensation structures and have the experience to help you maximize wealth while managing the tax implications. Second is our personalized investment experience, which focuses on customization and driving utility. Third, we offer a white-glove boutique experience. Our firm combines the personalized attention of a small, exclusive practice with the expertise and resources of a much larger firm, ensuring that every interaction is seamless and tailored to your specific needs. At Wealth Script Advisors, we’re committed to delivering strategic, thoughtful advice with an unwavering focus on your long-term financial success. Whether you’re navigating equity compensation, building wealth through real estate, or looking for a partner to guide you through life’s financial milestones, we provide the kind of individualized attention that ensures you feel supported and confident every step of the way.

I'm the founder of Jane Financial in Oakland, CA. I work with tech professionals who need help with their stock options and RSUs. The typical Jane Financial client is a Director or VP in Big Tech or a late-stage startup on the cusp of an IPO. Does this sound like you? "This is my first job in tech, and I don't know what to do with my RSUs" "My company is preparing to IPO. What should I do to get ready?" "How does the tax part work?" "I’m excited but I don't want to blow this opportunity – help!” I help tech professionals figure out when to exercise options, sell shares, and plan for taxes. What’s even more important is deciding what to do with the money. Money is a tool to help you flourish and stay resilient. Financial freedom comes from what you do next. A windfall from stock options and RSUs opens a world of possibilities, which I’ll help you navigate. I'm a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional (CFP®). I previously worked at Aspiriant, a leading independent wealth management firm, serving corporate executives who needed help with their stock options and RSUs. I also have professional experience at the Social Security Administration, and Vanguard. I obtained an AB in Chemistry from Bryn Mawr College, and an MBA in Finance and Economics from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Rajiv Eluthesen is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Since joining the firm in 2010 after graduating from the University of California at Berkeley, he has been dedicated to helping clients design financial strategies tailored to their diverse wealth management goals. His client-focused approach emphasizes balancing the enjoyment of current lifestyles with the pursuit of long-term financial objectives, including retirement planning, education funding, management of stock options and RSUs, and socially responsible investing. Rajiv holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., and is recognized on Forbes’ lists of “America’s Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” and “Best-in-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors.” He collaborates closely with clients from various life stages, providing guidance on topics such as family wealth management, legacy planning, tax minimization, and retirement income. Growing up in the Bay Area, Rajiv was inspired by his immigrant parents' achievements to pursue a career in wealth management that supports others in realizing their financial goals. Outside of his professional role, Rajiv leads an active lifestyle as an avid cyclist and member of Peninsula Velo. He enjoys traveling, biking, skiing, camping, hiking, cooking, reading, and spending time with his family. His broad interests and curiosity complement his commitment to client service and personalized financial advising.

Benjamin Garrison is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management who specializes in serving affluent families, business owners, executives, and medical professionals. Since joining Merrill in 2021, he has helped clients navigate complex financial decisions, focusing on areas such as family wealth management, managing new wealth, and small business strategies. His work centers on guiding clients through important life transitions, including career changes, growing practices, and family-owned enterprise demands. Benjamin utilizes a disciplined planning framework to optimize cash management, structure retirement and investment strategies, design succession plans, navigate equity compensation and employer benefits, and build tax-efficient wealth strategies intended to endure across generations. His approach emphasizes deep listening, customized strategies, and proactive service. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from Oregon State University, where he was Team Captain and a four-year varsity coxswain on the Men’s Rowing Team. Outside of work, Benjamin enjoys playing multiple sports, fishing, hiking, skiing, and spending time with his family. He remains active in his alumni rowing community and is a member of the Oregon State Men's Rowing Alumni and Oregon State University Alumni Association.

Walton Edward "Buzz" Brown, Jr. is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Oakland, California. He has been managing investments and providing financial guidance to both individual and institutional clients since 1998. In his role, Buzz focuses on creating personalized wealth management strategies tailored to clients’ unique financial situations and goals. He works closely with clients navigating significant life changes such as sudden wealth, approaching retirement, and those in need of stock option, tax minimization, and estate planning strategies. Additionally, he has particular expertise supporting women who are newly divorced or widowed. Buzz holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Pepperdine University and carries the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. A third-generation Californian, he has deep roots in both Northern and Southern California and resides in the Lincoln Highlands District of Oakland. Beyond his professional commitments, Buzz participates actively in community service through volunteering, reflecting the Merrill tradition of community involvement. His personal interests include adventure sports such as rock climbing, skydiving, and bungee jumping, as well as biking, cooking, gardening, hiking, traveling, and spending time with his family.