Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC

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Client assets under management

$719,989,416

Clients

462

56% high-net worth

Advisors

of 7 employees

Firm type

Team

4-10 advisors or $500M+ in AUM

Clients per advisor

High

Average account size

$1,558,419

About

Gradient Capital Advisors provides investment advisory and financial planning services to individuals (including high‑net‑worth clients), trusts, pension and corporate clients, and retirement plan sponsors. The firm offers comprehensive portfolio management, written financial plans or consultations, and retirement plan consulting, and it acts as a sponsor for a wrap fee program as described in its Part 2A and Wrap Fee Program Brochure.

The firm describes a multi‑disciplinary investment process that uses charting, cyclical, fundamental and technical analysis and implements a wide range of strategies — including long‑ and short‑term purchases, active trading, short sales, option writing, and margin borrowing — across ETFs, mutual funds, individual securities and alternative investments such as REITs. Client accounts are reviewed at least quarterly and the firm generally manages accounts through its wrap program and established custody/execution relationships outlined in the brochure.

What distinguishes Gradient from many peers is the combination of being a wrap fee program sponsor while also employing derivatives and borrowing in separately managed accounts (the brochure explicitly discusses options, short sales and margin), and the firm’s materials reference third‑party ratings in its marketing. The brochure also notes several atypical service offerings — such as corporate tax and cost segregation work and explicit ERISA fiduciary designations for retirement plan engagements — and reports roughly $742 million in regulatory assets under management with the majority managed on a discretionary basis.

Client services

Financial planning Portfolio management Pension consulting

Expertise

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Options & derivatives strategies

Occupation focus

Founder/Business Owner Executive

Fee options

Fixed

Flat fees generally range from $500 to $10,000 for Financial Planning & Consulting services

Project-based

$100 to $350 per hour for Financial Planning & Consulting services

Other

Fee-only: Hourly fees from $100 to $350; flat fees from $500 to $10,000 for Financial Planning & Consulting services

Main office location

Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC

2125 Poinsettia Drive

San Diego CA 92107, United States

Number of offices

Most active in

Arizona · California · Colorado · Florida · Idaho · Nevada · New York · Oregon · Texas · Utah · Washington

Disclosures

Business activities & affiliations

Is not active or affiliated with:

Insurance agent

They sell insurance products and may earn commissions on those sales.

Broker-dealer / trader

They provide brokerage services and may earn transaction-based compensation in addition to advisory fees.

Bank

They're affiliated with a bank that may offer its own financial products and services.

Trust company

They provide trust and estate administration services, typically for separate fees.

Fund sponsor

They manage or sponsor investment funds and may earn management or performance-based fees if clients invest in them.

Accountant / CPA / tax prep

They offer tax and accounting services, typically for separate fees.

Lawyer

They provide legal services, typically billed separately.

Real estate agent

They facilitate real estate transactions and may earn commissions.

Other specialized services

They may provide services such as pension consulting or municipal advisory work, typically for separate fees.

Forms ADV

Form ADV Part 2: Client Brochure Form ADV Part 3: Client Relationship

Quick links

LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website 619-255-0700

Advisors at this firm

Rodney S

CFP®, ChFC®, Series 63

San Diego, CA

Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC

Rodney Simms is a CFP® and ChFC® with 28 years of industry experience. He is currently with Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC, where he has worked since 2014. The firm is a team advisory practice managing institutional-scale assets for individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, pension and corporate plan sponsors. Gradient Capital Advisors employs a combined fundamental and technical investment approach, offering services that include comprehensive portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting.

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Options & derivatives strategies Founder/Business Owner Executive

Eric Y

CFP®, Series 66

San Diego, CA

Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC

Eric Yeager is a CFP® professional with 25 years of industry experience, currently serving at Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC since 2015. He holds the Series 66 designation and is based in San Diego, CA. Gradient Capital Advisors is a team advisory firm managing institutional-scale assets for individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, and pension and corporate plan sponsors. The firm employs a blend of fundamental and technical investment strategies, including option strategies, short sales, and margin transactions, offering comprehensive portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting.

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Options & derivatives strategies Founder/Business Owner Executive

Eric S

Series 63

San Diego, CA

Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC

Eric Simms is a financial advisor with Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC, holding a Series 63 designation and bringing 28 years of industry experience. He has been with Gradient Capital Advisors since 2014. Gradient Capital Advisors is a team advisory firm managing institutional-scale assets for individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, and pension and corporate plan sponsors. The firm employs a combination of fundamental and technical investment strategies, including option strategies, short sales, and margin transactions, and offers comprehensive portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting.

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Options & derivatives strategies Founder/Business Owner Executive

Timothy S

CFP®, CFA®, Series 66

San Diego, CA

Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC

Timothy Sagawa is a CFP®, CFA®, and Series 66 credentialed advisor with 22 years of industry experience. He is currently with Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC, where he has worked since 2014. Gradient Capital Advisors is a team advisory firm managing institutional-scale assets for individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, and pension and corporate plan sponsors. The firm employs a combination of fundamental and technical investment strategies, including option strategies and short sales, and offers comprehensive portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting.

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Options & derivatives strategies Founder/Business Owner Executive

Trevor S

CFP®

San Diego, CA

Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC

Trevor Shaw is a CFP® professional with four years of industry experience, currently serving at Gradient Capital Advisors, LLC. He has been with Gradient Capital Advisors since 2015, working continuously in various capacities within the firm. Gradient Capital Advisors is a team advisory firm managing institutional-scale assets for individuals, high-net-worth clients, trusts, and corporate plan sponsors. The firm employs a combined fundamental and technical investment approach, utilizing a range of strategies including options, short sales, and margin transactions, and provides comprehensive portfolio management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting.

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Options & derivatives strategies Founder/Business Owner Executive

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