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An Independent Fiduciary

As a Certified Financial Planner, I always act as a fiduciary. My commitment is to put your interests first, adhering to the highest ethical standards. Your financial well-being is my top priority in every decision and recommendation. To further support you, additional essential documents are available on our important links page.

Proudly Associated with

Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
napfa the power of trust
XY Planning Network
Fee only network member
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Purposeful Planning Towards Your Ideal Future.

What’s your experience in financial planning?

My journey in financial planning began at Cornell University, where I studied economics and finance as a recent immigrant from a post-Soviet state.
 

Fascinated by capital markets and investing, I went on to work in investment banking advisory and corporate finance. These invaluable experiences inspired me to work in financial planning and pursue a career path at Charles Schwab.

 

At Schwab, I developed extensive domain knowledge of foundational financial planning concepts and best practices, particularly the ones tailored for affluent households.

What inspired you to launch your firm?

Over the years, my friends and family often approached me for help with their finances. I found that guiding them through their financial challenges was incredibly satisfying on a personal level.

 

It felt deeply rewarding to help a friend plan for home ownership, assist a neighbor with their Roth conversion, and kick-start my cousin’s retirement plan. These heartfelt experiences evolved into a true calling, inspiring me to create this independent advisory firm.

 

Here, I'm not just a financial advisor – I'm a dedicated partner in your financial journey, committed to nurturing your dreams with the same care and attention I'd give to my own family.

Who do you primarily serve and why?

After working for five years at Charles Schwab, I realized that a vast majority of high-earning young professionals don’t have access to financial advice. They usually don’t meet the net worth requirements and often resort to bare-bones, impersonal, DIY robo-advisors.

 

Recognizing that young professionals have tremendous wealth-building potential and deserve access to holistic, personalized expert advice, I launched my firm to exclusively serve them.

 

My own background and experiences as a young professional give me a unique perspective and advantage in guiding my peers through their financial journey.

How are you different from other firms?

I purpose-built my firm to keep the costs low and pass these savings on to you. By charging a flat fee, I ensure you receive unbiased advice at a fair price. For a detailed comparison of the flat fee approach versus typical AUM fees, check out my blog here.

 

As my practice grows, I deliberately limit my intake to 1-2 clients each month. Why? This approach allows me to dedicate ample time to each engagement, foster a long-term mindset, and build lasting advisor-client relationships.

 

At my firm, you don't have to choose between quality and affordability. I'm committed to providing premium, personalized financial guidance that's both accessible and cost-effective, setting a new standard in the advisory industry.

What’s your secret sauce?

My proprietary Guided Financial Mastery™ framework offers a holistic approach to wealth management that goes beyond traditional investment advice. It seamlessly integrates behavioral coaching, strategic planning, and personalized guidance across all areas of your financial life - from investments and retirement planning to tax strategies and risk management. This approach helps foster healthy financial habits and achieve your long-term goals.

 

I align my expertise with your individual beliefs, lifestyle, and aspirations. My ultimate aim is to guide you toward your financial 'North Star' – a state of complete financial well-being where security, independence, and personal fulfillment converge.

 

To learn more about how this framework can benefit you, visit our Guided Financial Mastery™ page here.

What are your credentials?

I earned my CFP® designation in 2024, cementing my commitment to always act as a fiduciary – your needs come first, always. As a CFP® professional, I am ethically bound to prioritize your interests and provide transparent, objective advice. I take this responsibility to heart.

 

The rigorous CFP® certification process, including 6 months of intensive coursework and 6,000 hours of professional experience in financial planning process, deepened my expertise in taxes, insurance, education, and estate planning.

 

Passing the grueling 6-hour CFP® exam marked the pinnacle of my journey in financial planning.

Hey there, I’m Saïd.

Welcome to my boutique financial advisory firm, where my mission is to provide you with a truly differentiated client experience – Affordable, Comprehensive, Personalized, and free of conflicts of interest.

 

I am based in the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco home. I enjoy daily bike rides along the Embarcadero and the Great Highway. Weekends are often spent hiking trails – I’ve visited all nine national parks in California! I deeply care about the welfare of my community, and you’ll often find me volunteering at the Marin Food Bank.

Fun Facts About Me
  • I’m fluent in Russian and Turkish.

  • I coach mindfulness and guided meditation.

  • I own 27 pairs of jeans, mostly 501s and 511s (I worked at Levi’s).

  • I am an avid runner. I run the SF Marathon in 3:49 (official); my fastest mile is 5:12 (unofficial).

  • I am big on podcasts and here are my favorite ones:Lex Friedman, Animal Spirits, Crime Junkie, Prof G Pods, Huberman Lab, Morning Brew Daily, Planet Money.

Said Israilov your CFP Financial Advisor in san francisco bay area
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