Awards & Accolades

Investopedia
Top 100 Most Influential Advisors of 2018 & 2019
San Diego
Magazine
Top Wealth Manager of 2015-2020
InvestmentNews
Top 40 Advisor Under 40 of 2016
Financial
Advisor Magazine
Young Advisor to Watch in 2017

WHY DEFINE FINANCIAL?

Not all financial advisors are created equal.

financial planner fiduciary

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.

fee-only financial planner

Commission-Free

No hidden fees. Our transparent fee schedule makes it easy to understand exactly how we get paid.

certified financial planner

CFP® Professional

Only 25% of all financial advisors in the industry hold the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation.*
*Source: www.cfp.net, www.cerulli.com

its-well-define-icon

RETIREMENT PLANNING CASE STUDIES

(Note: These case studies are hypothetical, do not involve a Define Financial client, and should not be construed as a guarantee.)

Work Optional

Case Study #1

case-study-line

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 on the lives of his students. He loves being able to…

Read More

Retired

Case Study #2

case-study-line

Dan devoted 35 years to his company before deciding it was time to move into the next phase of his life. With their children grown, he and his wife Laura were looking forward to traveling, golfing, and giving back to their community. His retirement package included stock options…

Read More

Nearing Retirement

Case Study #3

case-study-line

After accumulating wealth throughout the years as a biotech executive, Carol began thinking about retirement. She consistently saved and currently holds a variety of investment accounts, including 401ks from her employers, stock options, an ESPP, and multiple brokerage accounts.

Read More

10-tips

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.

Homepage Free PDF Guide Form

Home page Download guide

*Privacy policy: we hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe.

Retirement Planning Services

A fee-only financial advisor for professionals over age 50 planning for retirement. Services include:

  • INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
  • SOCIAL SECURITY TIMING
  • RETIREMENT INCOME
  • TAX PLANNING
  • RETIREMENT PLANNING
  • OPTIMIZING INSURANCE

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

As Featured In

san diego financial advisor

TAYLOR R. SCHULTE, CFP®

FOUNDER & CEO

Welcome! I’m a native San Diegan and I worked for large wealth management firms for half of my career.

They spent more time talking about how to make the firm more money than how to make clients more money. I set out to change that.

In 2014, I launched Define Financial. We are a team of award-winning CFP® professionals helping our clients reduce taxes, invest smarter, and retire on their terms.

I’m a regular contributor to Kiplinger and the host of an iTunes top 200 retirement podcast called “Stay Wealthy”.

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

signature

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

Investment Policy Statement (IPS) Defined + Free Sample
By:Jon Luskin| Published:July 11, 2020
Investment Policy Statement (IPS) Defined + Free Sample

The Investment Policy Statement (IPS) is a document that dictates how you invest your money. If you’re working with a financial planner, the Investment Policy Statement (IPS) will also dictate how they invest your money for you. While he/she will make smart investment decisions on your behalf, you will likely want to have some say…
Continue Reading

In the Press View All

Investopedia – Taylor Schulte, CFP® named in 2019 Top 100 Financial Advisors

By: Define Financial | Published: November 22, 2019

San Diego, October 31, 2019 —Taylor Schulte, CFP® was recently named one of Investopedia’s Top 100 Financial Advisors for 2019.  According to the industry-leading giant: “The Investopedia 100 celebrates financial advisors who are making significant contributions to critical conversations about financial literacy, investing strategies, life-stage planning and wealth management. They influence the practice of financial…
Continue Reading

Contact Us

12526 High Bluff Dr
Suite 238
San Diego, CA 92130
858 . 345 . 1197
858 . 345 . 1319