Follow Adam

Adam Salas, CFA, CFP®

Financial Advisor

Why I got into this profession

As a college student during the great financial crisis of 2008-2009, I watched my family’s financial security unravel due to a lack of preparation. My brother and I were both in school at the time, and witnessed first hand the financial strain and stress our parents were facing during the recession. This was when I first realized the importance of financial planning, and the power of having a comprehensive plan in place that not only addresses the here and now but the future as well. That experience deeply shaped my perspective and inspired me to make it my mission to help clients avoid similar pitfalls in the future.

As a financial planner, I enjoy collaborating with executives, successful business owners, and families to help guide them through the many nuanced financial decisions they may face—whether it’s managing equity awards, navigating asset transfers, or preparing for major life events like career pivots, home purchases, or a growing family. With over a decade of experience, I have refined my approach to simplify complex strategies, help my clients clarify their ‘why,’ and work alongside them and their trusted advisors to create actionable plans. I see myself as a financial GPS, offering long-term partnership at every stage of life for my clients.

Educational Experience & Career Path

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and I am a proud holder of both the CFA and CFP® certifications. While my education established a solid foundation in economics and finance, it was my early career experiences that truly shaped my holistic approach to wealth management.

I began my career as a portfolio analyst and trader at a $700M RIA, and early on, I thought a well-constructed portfolio was the end-all, be-all of financial planning. However, I was fortunate to have mentors who helped me see the bigger picture. They taught me that while investments are undeniably important, they are just one piece of a larger puzzle. Insurance, estate planning, tax strategies, and a focus on personal goals all come into play when crafting a comprehensive financial plan.

It was during this time that I transitioned from working behind the spreadsheets to working directly with clients, taking on more responsibility in helping them understand how the various facets of financial planning come together to support their unique life goals. This shift led me to obtain my CFP®, which further reinforced my belief that financial planning is about people—not just portfolios.

In addition to my technical training, I am also active in my community through participation in programs such as Leadership San Francisco, which allowed me to further deepen my understanding of leadership and community engagement, and see how these values translated into meaningful client relationships. I firmly believe that being a trusted advisor is as much about service and leadership as it is about numbers.

Outside of Work

My wife, Victoria, and my step-daughter, Aubriella, are my “why.” Together with our two rescue dogs, they’ve reshaped my purpose and focus in life. In my free time, I enjoy jogging, hiking, and staying active. I’m also a passionate reader—economics and true crime are my favorite genres—and an avid Dodgers and Lakers fan who thrives on the energy of a good game

Fun fact: Before marriage, I had never owned pets or been a parent, but I embraced both roles at full speed. Life’s twists and turns bring joy, and I’m here to help clients navigate theirs with confidence.