Curtis Financial Planning is an independent, fee-only financial planning and investment advisory firm located in Oakland, California, near the border of the city of Piedmont. The firm specializes in the finances of women and their families. Curtis Financial Planning's goal is to form a confidential fiduciary relationship with you?one that is bound by trust and an obligation to act in your best interest at all times.

The Financial Planning Process

We think the most important part of financial planning is an understanding of your unique circumstances. We therefore take the time to uncover your "money personality" (a set of attitudes about money that determines what influences your decisions), clarify your financial objectives, and evaluate the current state of your finances. We then formulate plans and strategies that best fit your needs.

Women and Planning

Everyone needs a financial plan, but for women it is critical. For all the gains women have made in salary levels and position in recent years, they are still more likely to outlive their income without planning ahead. And, many women are the managers of the family finances. Remember: procrastination is the most common cause of financial failure - get started planning now.

Cathy manages clients’ portfolios and has expertise in building high-return, low-volatility portfolios using a mix of actively managed no-load mutual funds, index funds and exchange-traded funds. She has experience in cash flow analysis and budgeting, investments, retirement planning, tax planning, and real estate financing and analysis. Because she works independently?not through any bank, brokerage or insurance company—she is able to do business on her own terms. This allows her to focus on developing solutions that are best for her clients.

Cathy Curtis has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Money, Working Mother, Chicago Tribune and Oakland Magazine, and has appeared on KGO-TV, ABC 7, San Francisco. She is a regular contributor to the San Francisco Bay Area Women’s Journal and the Morningstar Advisor blog “Markets & The Economy.” She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a Registered Investment Advisor.