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WHY DEFINE

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. 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.

certified financial planner

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

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Case Study 2:

Retired

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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…

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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 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:

TECHNOLOGY MEETS RETIREMENT 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.

san diego financial planner

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
More Awards

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.

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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

3 Reasons Why Buying a Home in San Diego is a Bad Idea
By:Jon Luskin| Published:February 22, 2020
3 Reasons Why Buying a Home in San Diego is a Bad Idea

Today I’m sharing three reasons why buying a home in San Diego is a bad idea.  Let me begin by saying: “I love getting a good deal.” That’s why I shop at Costco, put low-ball offers on used items on eBay, and scrounge Craigslist for free stuff. I do this because I know that I have…
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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…
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Contact Us

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