Independent Wealth Solutions

Updated today

Find your advisor

Client assets under management

$4,311,924

Clients

0% high-net worth

Advisors

of 2 employees

Firm type

Supported

1-3 advisors or $200M+ in AUM

Clients per advisor

Very Low

Average account size

$862,385

About

Independent Wealth Solutions provides advisory services to individuals (including high‑net‑worth clients), corporations, and tax‑qualified 401(k) plans, primarily by selecting and referring third‑party investment advisers and acting as a solicitor. The firm’s affiliated insurance entity sells fixed annuities and the brochure discloses that insurance compensation may be received, with the firm stating it will recommend such products only when they are explicitly in the client’s best interest.

The firm does not generally manage client assets directly but recommends sub‑advisers after initial and ongoing due diligence, furnishes clients with each recommended adviser’s Form ADV Part 2, and conducts periodic account reviews. For pension consulting and 401(k) plan services it uses the Betterment at Work platform, coordinating IPS preparation, participant account management, and recordkeeping with Betterment entities.

Distinctive features for a firm of this size include its affiliation with an insurance company and its licensed insurance broker/agent activities alongside pension consulting and use of Betterment’s plan services—services that are less common among independent advisers. The brochure reports roughly $4.31 million in assets under management, a very small client base, and a documented ownership succession process with the former owner retired effective January 1, 2024.

Client services

Portfolio management Pension consulting Selection of other advisers Solicitor

Expertise

Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k)

Fee options

Percentage

0.40% quarterly management fee for clients selecting other investment advisers; 0.60% annual advisory fee for 401(k) Plan services

Main office location

Independent Wealth Solutions

763 2 Nd St, Suite 200

Encinitas CA 92024-4481, United States

Number of offices

Most active in

California

Disclosures

Business activities & affiliations

Is active or affiliated with:

Insurance agent

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

Is not active or affiliated with:

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

Quick links

Website (760) 942- 1880

Advisors at this firm

Steven W

Series 63, Series 65

Cardiff By The Sea, CA

Independent Wealth Solutions

Steven Wittenberg is the sole advisor at Independent Wealth Solutions with 23 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has operated Wittenberg Financial and Insurance Services, Inc. since 2015. Previously, he was involved with The Inspired Youth from 2011 to 2017. Independent Wealth Solutions provides advisory services to individuals, corporations, and tax-qualified 401(k) plans primarily through selecting and referring third-party investment advisers and acting as a solicitor. The firm also offers pension consulting and 401(k) plan services using the Betterment at Work platform and is affiliated with an insurance entity that sells fixed annuities.

Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k)

Maxwell W

Series 65

Encinitas, CA

Independent Wealth Solutions

Maxwell Wittenberg is a financial advisor at Independent Wealth Solutions with six years of industry experience. He holds a Series 65 designation and has worked at Northwestern Mutual Investment Services LLC and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company since 2019. Outside of advisory work, he has prior experience as a property manager for Wittenberg Rentals. Independent Wealth Solutions provides advisory services to individuals, corporations, and tax-qualified 401(k) plans primarily by selecting and referring third-party investment advisers and acting as a solicitor. The firm is affiliated with an insurance entity and offers pension consulting and 401(k) plan services using the Betterment at Work platform.

Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k)

Not sure where to start?

We'll help you think it through – whether you ultimately need an advisor or not.

Call (201) 292-4557

Warmer provides personalized recommendations and introductions to independent fiduciary advisors. We do not supervise advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.

Each advisor listed on our site is an independent fiduciary responsible for their own advice. Warmer may receive fees from advisors for participation or referrals; these fees are paid by advisors and do not affect the fees clients pay for advisory services.

For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Please review an advisor's Form ADV and do your own diligence before entering into an advisory relationship.

By using our service, you agree to Warmer's Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement and Privacy Policy. Logos provided by Logo.dev

Find the right match for you

Answer a few quick questions and we'll tailor results to your goals, so you can hire smarter.

Find your advisor

A smarter way to hire an advisor

Compare and choose confidently

Warmer combines best-in-class advisor data with guidance to help you clarify what you need, understand why an advisor may—or may not—fit, and move forward with confidence.

How Warmer works

Thoughtfully vetted, clearly explained

We review rigorously and transparently

Get to know your advisors' credentials, disciplinary history, specialization, client fit, and communication style. We're selective about who we recommend—and tell you why we think someone fits your situation.

Our methodology

Always free and always on your side

Free. Confidence that lasts

We help you book free consultations with your matches. You only pay an advisor if you decide to hire them. And our support doesn't end with an introduction—we're here to make sure the relationship works for you—and if not, to navigate next steps with clarity.

Our ongoing support