What Executives Need to Know about Financial Planning

In the world of tech, you’re no stranger to complexity. You solve problems, manage risk, and think strategically. So, when it comes to your finances, it’s natural to ask: Do I really need a financial advisor?

For high-net-worth individuals—especially in the tech world—the answer is almost always yes.

Not because you can’t figure it out yourself, but because today’s financial landscape is more volatile, more complex, and less forgiving of guesswork. And when the markets are choppy, having a real person on your team, to listen to your worries and goals, makes all the difference.

1. Volatility Isn’t a Bug—It’s a Feature

The market will go up. It will go down. The headlines will be noisy. And the stakes? Higher than ever.

Between inflation, interest rate swings, tax law changes, and unpredictable global events, it’s easy to react emotionally—or freeze entirely. A seasoned financial advisor helps you cut through the noise, focus on what matters, and stay grounded in your long-term plan.

When your net worth is significant and your financial life spans multiple dimensions—investments, equity comp, taxes, estate planning, philanthropy—you need someone who can bring calm and clarity in the chaos.

2. A Fiduciary Relationship Matters

Not all financial advice is created equal. Working with a fiduciary advisor means you’re getting guidance that’s legally and ethically aligned with your best interests—no hidden agendas, no product push, no commissions shaping recommendations.

Fiduciary advisors are bound to act with transparency, objectivity, and integrity. That’s especially important when your wealth becomes more complex and the decisions carry real long-term impact. You’ve worked hard to build your wealth, so you deserve a partner whose success is directly tied to yours—someone who wins when you do.

3. Advice Is Different Than Data

You don’t need more data. You need insight.

A great advisor brings years of hands-on experience with founders, early employees, and tech execs who’ve faced similar challenges. They’ve helped clients:

• Manage concentrated stock through downturns
• Reposition portfolios in volatile cycles
• Make smart real estate decisions in shifting markets
• Align charitable and estate strategies with values—even when markets are uncertain

This isn’t theory—it’s seasoned judgment, applied to your unique situation. While index funds and robo-advisors can seem like convenient investment options, they have little to offer when it comes time to make difficult decisions that prioritize your best interest and long-term goals. 

4. You’ve Outgrown DIY (Especially Now)

Let’s be honest: DIY was fine when things were simpler. But when your financial picture becomes layered—and markets are unpredictable—going it alone can be costly.

A financial advisor is your strategic partner, not just your portfolio manager. They work with your CPA, attorney, and broader team to ensure everything is aligned—even when the market isn’t.

5. Your Wealth Deserves a Strategy, Not Just a Reaction

Your financial success didn’t happen by accident. And protecting it takes more than reacting to headlines, which can be tempting when there is so much news. It takes proactive planning, emotional discipline, and a guide who can zoom out and help you make smart decisions—across generations.

Because when volatility hits—and it always will—it’s not just about staying afloat. It’s about staying in control. A financial advisor is your accountability partner to help you stay on track and keep your big picture in mind, especially when it feels like you want to run.

Smart People Still Need–and Deserve–Smart Partners.

In unpredictable markets, having a real human—who’s seen it all—isn’t just helpful. It’s essential.

At Summitry, we specialize in helping Bay Area tech professionals turn complexity into clarity. With deep roots in Silicon Valley, our team understands the nuances of equity compensation, concentrated stock, liquidity events, and planning for life beyond work. As a fiduciary, we act in your best interest—always—with transparent, tax-aware strategies and a highly personalized approach. We bring the experience, empathy, and insight to help you navigate not just market cycles, but life transitions with confidence.

If you’re a Bay Area professional seeking a partner who understands your world—and how to plan beyond it—Summitry is here to help you move forward with purpose. Get in touch with us today.

This material is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation for any specific strategy. Please consult your financial and tax professionals for personalized advice, as each individual’s financial situation may require different recommendations and approaches. The opinions expressed in this material are subject to change at any time without notice.