There have been false implications in the financial industry for years where people disguised themselves as financial advisors, but in reality, are brokers in disguise, wolves in sheep’s clothing. They are known for putting the interests of their employers and themselves well above the interest of the clients they serve. Sounds scary, right? What if I were to tell you that recognizing these flaws, one man separated himself from the herd, leaving all the sales commissions and incentive bonuses behind to become a pure fiduciary financial advisor? Would you believe me?
Departing himself from such traits and system, Jared Tanimoto, a Certified Financial Planner®, started his financial firm, Ascent Wealth Advisors, a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm, in 2017, utterly focused on client-first approach.
Before stepping into his entrepreneurial drive, Jared worked with several large wealth management firms and time at a private hedge fund that managed the money of some of the wealthiest families in the country.
As the Founder and President of Ascent Wealth Advisors, Jared helps people prepare for retirement, families navigate retirement, and achieve financial clarity by implementing a unique and custom-tailored financial planning process combined with institutional quality wealth management. The firm operates under the fiduciary standard and never accepts commissions, kickbacks, or other incentives – meaning its clients’ interests always come first, even if doing so results in lower compensation for the firm. The firm is also part of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), Fee-Only Network, and the XY Planning Network (XYPN).
Personal Life
Jared is a proud graduate of The University of California, Irvine (UCI). He studied Business Economics and the Executive Financial Planning program at The Graziadio School of Business at Pepperdine University.
Apart from helping clients, Jared can be found outdoors carrying fun activities with his lovely wife Paige, daughter Quinn and dog Grace (Schnoodle). He is very fond of backpacking and mountaineering to rock climbing, spearfishing, and skiing. He also plays golf when he seeks a little relaxation.
The Challenges
Jared has influenced the financial industry with his involvement in the Financial Planning Association. He is also the current president of the Orange County Chapter (FPAOC – Financial Planning Association of Orange County), a 500-member group of financial planners in the area.
Jared has spent a considerable amount of time helping other advisors transition from the insurance and brokerage industry to the RIA side of the industry. After seven years at multiple insurance broker-dealers, he ventured to find his firm. He expresses his struggles, “It’s been a challenge to go from the side of the industry that was driven by commissions and incentives to become a fiduciary advisor where I no longer can accept any commissions.”
Accolades
Jared has been featured in various media such as Forbes, Money, CNN Money, NerdWallet, Investment News, and other publications for his financial expertise. He was also nominated to Investment News’ 2021 Top 40 Under 40 list for his accomplishments and contribution to finance.
Effective Contributions
With countless hours dedicated to the financial planning profession and as the president of the FPAOC, Jared has helped run an organization that contributes to several professional areas from development, networking, practice management. The organization also contributes towards continuing education of Certified Financial Planners.
Upholding Values
Ascent Wealth Advisors is a fee-only firm with a mission to provide fiduciary advice where employees’ recommendations are not affected by the way they get paid.
Jared believes that there is a difference in an advisor motivated by products versus the advisor or financial planner driven to provide the best value and service because it’s the right thing to do. Ascent Wealth Advisors provides excellent planning and advice to its clients.
At the Forefront of Technology
Technology has made people’s lives more accessible, and Jared experienced these changes firsthand for many fintech as an early adopter and beta tester. As an RIA, he can implement new software and technology at a quick pace that allows him to provide more value to the clients.
The Change, The Future, and The Guidance
Everyone wishes to make the world a better place, and its starts with you. Learning from his various experiences in the financial industry, Jared would love to make the industry a clear distinction between being a fiduciary and a salesperson because it’s too easy for commission-based professionals to pretend to be the former.
Jared aims to help as many individuals obtain their financial goals and positively impact other advisors and planners in the financial industry. He advises budding and upcoming leaders and entrepreneurs to do the right thing for clients 100% of the time, and everything else will fall into place.
