About Us

“The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest.” — Albert Einstein

What We Do

Maximize Portfolio Diversification

Our goal is to maximize diversification while minimizing expenses, taxes, and emotion. We strive to increase investor discipline, and goal based asset allocation. In addition to a constructing a liquid ETF portfolio, we think implementation of a core real estate strategy will lower volatility, taxation, and improve investor behavior.

Core Satellite Portfolio Management

Core/satellite portfolio management is a strategy which builds the portfolio using a large “core” group of investments with a complement of smaller “satellite” positions. SWM uses a combination of exchange traded funds and income producing index funds to build the core. The core or foundation of each portfolio is strategically designed for long term investment, with relatively low volatility and turnover. The satellite positions are smaller holdings that are sector based with higher volatility than its broad based core holdings. Together, the strategies seek to deliver consistent performance, diversification, and a portfolio with several non-correlating assets. 

Implement Tax-saving Strategies

Setting up the proper type of qualified plan for clients can be a significant way to save money on taxes. We look at clients who are in the asset “accumulation” or “distribution” phase of life and make specific recommendations for them. We create various retirement accounts and also partner with third party administrators who create more sophisticated and complex pensions, 401ks, and other tax saving retirement accounts for small business owners.

Retirement/ Financial Planning

Each client will periodically receive a financial plan that will show them their projected future cash flow during retirement years. It is important for clients to know the path they are on and where they are going. We believe most people will live until 100 years of age and we should plan accordingly. SWM can also provide Monte Carlo simulations to measure probability of various outcomes.
Who We Are

Are we a good fit for you?

  • Your portfolio has reached a size where you are no longer comfortable managing it yourself.
  • You are uncomfortable with the volatility of your portfolio.
  • You have assets in multiple vehicles – 401(k), IRA, mutual funds, real estate, etc.
  • You want someone to create a unified “big picture” by organizing, consolidating, planning, and reporting on your investments.
  • You want professional assistance to navigate unpredictable market conditions.
  • You have $500,000 in investable assets.
  • You are an accredited investor.
  • You would like to incorporate other investment strategies besides stocks and bonds.
Learn More

Who We Are

Ben Stewart

President, Chief Investment Officer

Ben Stewart has 18 years experience as a financial advisor and portfolio manager. He founded Stewart Wealth Management in 2007, after spending seven successful years as a Vice President at Wachovia Securities. Ben serves others with high energy, a pro-active work ethic, and a creative investment approach to build wealth. He strives to take the mystery out of the complex world of investments with simplified communication and effective stratgeies . Ben has specialized knowledge in not only stock and bond markets, but also real estate investments. He is passionate about serving others and helping them reach their financial goals. Ben grew up in Novato, California and graduated from California State University of Sacramento in 1996. Ben and his wife Heather have two daughters and reside in San Rafael.
Jared Barnecut, RICP­®, CFP®

Certified Financial Planner™

Jared joined Stewart Wealth Management as an advisor in April 2007. He began his financial planning career with Ameriprise Financial where he created and delivered comprehensive financial plans to a wide variety of clients. Jared earned Bachelors Degrees in both Finance and Accounting from Chico State in 2006 and earned his CFP® certification in February of 2012. Jared grew up in Novato, California. Jared and his wife Ashley reside in Petaluma. In his free time, he enjoys snowboarding, wakeboarding, and coaching sports at the local Boys & Girls Club.

David Wolfensperger, CFP®

Certified Financial Planner™

David has over 25 years of experience in the financial industry and has been a lifelong investor. David started his career at Charles Schwab & Co. where he focused on Risk Management. After several years at Schwab, he moved on to UBS Paine Webber, AG Edwards and lastly, First Republic Investment Management where he worked closely with clients to ensure that their financial needs were met. Understanding the emotional aspects of investing, David strongly believes that a client’s trust is priority number one. He thrives on explaining a client’s financial options and collaborating with them to chart out their own unique financial path. David was born and raised in Orinda, California and he graduated from University of California, Berkeley in 1992. He enjoys fly-fishing, hiking, mountain biking and spending time with his wife Bethany and his two young boys.
Heather Stewart

Project Manager

Heather Stewart began working with Ben in 2004 after teaching elementary school for 5 years. She is highly relational and detail oriented. She enjoys working with people, setting up accounts, arranging account reviews, and coordinating referrals. Heather also assists with compliance projects. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, family outings, reading, and walks with friends.

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