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WHY DEFINE

Not all financial advisors are created equal.

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Fiduciary

Fi-du-ci-what!? It’s simple — we have structured our business so that we are personally liable if we give you bad advice. Sounds reasonable, right?

fee-only financial planner

Commission-Free

No commissions and no hidden fees. The only compensation we receive comes from our clients directly.
Period.

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CFP® Professional

The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation means we are on top of our game. Only 25% of all financial advisors* in the industry can claim this distinction.
*Source: www.cfp.net, www.cerulli.com

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IT’S WELL DEFINED

Let the stories speak for themselves.

Case Study 1:

Work Optional

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Mark and Jennifer don’t have a set date for retirement — not because they can’t retire, but because they’re not sure they ever want to stop working completely. Mark is a tenured professor who can’t imagine no longer making such a big impact the lives of the people he teaches. He loves being able to…

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Case Study 2:

A Foundation

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A $20 million university endowment in Indiana asked us to consult on their foundation’s investment portfolio. Prior to working with us, the foundation’s board of directors had delegated investment management to an insourced Chief Investment Officer as the sole portfolio manager…

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Case Study 3:

H.E.N.R.Y. (High-earner, not rich yet)

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Meet Bridget. As an attorney, she has a high-dollar income. She also has many dreams: buying a home, minimizing taxes, and knowing she has the ability to retire comfortably if she ever stops working. But there were 2 massive obstacles standing between her and her dreams: ZERO TIME & ZERO PLAN.

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10 Biggest Mistakesto Avoid When Hiring a Financial Advisor

Are you on the hunt for the best Financial Advisor? Our latest comprehensive guide for consumers highlights the 10 BIGGEST mistakes people make and how they can be avoided.

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FINANCIAL PLANNER SERVICES

A fee-only financial advisor for retirees, busy professionals, and non-profits. Services include:

  • INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
  • CHARITABLE GIVING SERVICES
  • FINANCIAL PLANNING
  • BUSINESS RETIREMENT SOLUTIONS
  • RETIREMENT PLANNING
  • INSURANCE SERVICES

Have peace of mind knowing your money stays with established institutions you can trust:

TECHNOLOGY MEETS FINANCIAL PLANNING

All of your financial accounts in one place!

A research group once described financial planning as feeling like a mix between a dental visit, math class, and marriage therapy. Making smart decisions with your money shouldn’t be painful – it should be rewarding!

We have partnered with industry-leading technology partners to help make sure your experience with our firm is nothing like a trip to the dentist. Our goal is to help simplify your financial life and put together a plan that you can actually understand.

Available to our amazing clients at no extra charge.

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ABOUT US

You define your goals. We define a plan. Together, we define your future.

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Define Financial is a fee-only financial planning firm headquartered in San Diego, CA. We specialize in financial planning and investment management services for busy professionals and retirees.

Do you think the next 30 years will look like the previous 30 years? We certainly don’t. Define was launched to provide a fresh, new perspective on the global financial markets and develop forward-looking solutions to ensure our clients can reach their goals.

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TAYLOR R. SCHULTE, CFP®

FOUNDER & CEO

Welcome! I’m a native San Diegan and I’ve spent over half of my career working for large wealth management firms. They spent more time talking about how to make the firm more money than how to make clients more money. I wanted to change that.

In 2014, I launched Define Financial. We are a team of industry-leading CFP® professionals working with our clients on the same side of the table. We help our clients keep more of their hard-earned money, solve complex financial planning issues, and achieve financial freedom.

Since launching Define Financial, I’ve been recognized as a four-year Five Star Wealth Manager in San Diego Magazine, a Top 40 Advisor Under 40 by InvestmentNews, and I was the recipient of the 2015 SD Metro Movers award by San Diego Metro Magazine. I’m also a regular contributor to Kiplinger and San Diego Downtown News.

I’m a proud graduate of the Eller College of Business at the University of Arizona and the Executive Financial Planner program at San Diego State University. In addition, I hold the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation – exemplifying my commitment to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in the industry.

When I’m not perfecting financial plans, you can find me traveling with my wife, searching for the next best carne asada burrito, or trying to master Adam Scott’s golf swing.

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pet: French Bulldog, Paisley
The Frenchie is a mix of three different breeds – diversified, just like my investment portfolio.
can’t be interrupted when: The Wildcats are playing
Timing – important in sports, not investing
favorite hiking spot: Cowles Mountain
Life is worth the climb
best burrito in San Diego: Nico’s, Ocean Beach
May result in inflation —of the stomach
favorite date night: Azuki Sushi, Bankers Hill
This place doesn’t get enough credit
queued up on the driving playlist : Podcasts!
Low cost, high yield.
best happy hour: Jaynes Gastropub
Suitable for both bear and bull markets
favorite golf course: La Cumbre Country Club, Santa Barbara, CA
A great place to form bonds
Meet the Team

From the Blog View All

How to Lower Taxes in Retirement

By: Jon Luskin | Published: July 1, 2018

Recently, a new client visited our office. He had a good problem to have; he had saved too much money! With most of his money in a traditional IRA account, he was worried about the taxes. He came to us wanting to know how to lower taxes in retirement. Fortunately, there are many ways to lighten taxes in retirement – all without doing anything illegal or unethical. How is that the case? Well, grab a cup of coffee and settle in for our longest blog post ever! If…
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In the Press View All

San Diego Magazine – Taylor Schulte, CFP® Receives 2018 Five Star Wealth Manager Award

By: Taylor Schulte | Published: January 15, 2018

San Diego, January 15, 2018— San Diego Magazine recently featured Taylor Schulte, CFP® as a 2018 Five Star Wealth Manager award-winner. Schulte was chosen from over 1,400 candidates in San Diego that were considered for the award. This is the fourth consecutive year Schulte has been recognized and he continues to be humbled by the support from his community. “I come to work every day because I love helping people,” said Schulte. “For over ten years, I have lived by the philosophy that if I keep…
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Contact Us

750 B St.
Suite 1750
San Diego, CA 92101
619 . 577 . 4002
619 . 573 . 4012