Compound Wealth Advisors: Fees, Services and How It Works

What is Compound Wealth Advisors?

Compound Wealth Advisors is a boutique financial advisory firm in San Diego that describes itself as "a fee-only fiduciary firm built around a single purpose": helping people approach retirement. It brands itself as Compound Wealth Advisors; its legal name is Compound Wealth Advisors, LLC, and its regulatory filings also use the short form "CWA."

The About page says most firms offer retirement planning "as one line on a long list of services," while Compound Wealth Advisors chose to serve people in one moment: the years when they have built wealth and are leaving work.

In practice that means one main offering, which the site calls retirement planning, made up of five coordinated parts: income planning, investment strategy, tax planning, insurance and risk, and estate and legacy planning. The firm manages client portfolios directly (with the client's permission to trade, known as discretionary authority) and builds financial plans, either as part of an ongoing relationship or as a one-time paid project.

According to its Form ADV brochure, the firm was "originally founded in 2017," "re-registered in 2022 after briefly merging with another advisor in 2021," and reported about $10.5 million of assets under management as of 1 January 2026. That figure tells you this is a one-advisor practice, not a large wealth management company. The firm presents its size as a feature: the home page says it intentionally limits the number of clients it serves, and the Contact page says it works "with a limited number of new clients each year to keep the relationship personal."

Who owns and runs it?

Stuart A. Schiffman, CFP® is the founder, the firm's only investment adviser representative and its 100% owner, according to the Form ADV Part 2A and 2B brochure the firm publishes. The website gives his title as "Founder, Senior Wealth Advisor" (the About page shortens it to "Founder & Lead Advisor"). He is also the firm's Chief Compliance Officer, which means he reviews account activity and the personal trading of anyone affiliated with the firm.

His brochure supplement (Form ADV Part 2B) lists:

• Education: a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania (1981) and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from New York University (1984).
• Experience at the firm: managing member and investment adviser representative of Compound Wealth Advisors from February 2017 to December 2021, then an investment adviser representative at another advisory firm from December 2021 to October 2022, and back at Compound Wealth Advisors as managing member from August 2022 and adviser representative and Chief Compliance Officer from November 2022.
• Outside business activities: none.

Credentials. The CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) certification is the one his brochure describes. We checked CFP Board's public "Verify a CFP Professional" search on 22 October 2026: it lists Mr. Stuart Allan Schiffman of Compound Wealth Advisors, LLC as Certified, with no disciplinary history and no bankruptcy disclosure shown. The website also says he holds the RICP® (Retirement Income Certified Professional) and TPCP® (Tax Planning Certified Professional) designations and an MBA. We did not check the RICP or TPCP in a registry, so treat those as the firm's own statements.

In the media. The site's Press page lists articles quoting Stuart in outlets including Forbes, Investopedia, U.S. News and Nasdaq, and notes that being quoted "does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of the firm."

The website names no other staff, so expect to work with Stuart directly.

Is Compound Wealth Advisors legit? What you can check

For any investment adviser, the most useful checks are in public regulatory records, not reviews. Here is what we found on 22 October 2026.

A note on scale: "state-registered" is normal for a firm of this size. Smaller advisory firms generally register with the securities regulators of the states where they do business rather than with the SEC. The brochure itself carries the standard regulatory reminder that "being registered as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training."

Reviews. The home page shows "5.0 on Google" and quotes one client testimonial from a Google review, with a disclosure that the reviewer is a current client, was not paid and has no material conflict of interest. The site does not publish a review count; check the Google profile linked from the home page for the current number.

Who it works with, and the account minimum

The home page says the firm works with "highly accomplished individuals who are within five years of retirement or recently retired," and that its full service "is designed for individuals with at least $1 million in investable assets." The FAQ adds pre-retirees, retirees, professionals, people experiencing sudden wealth and surviving spouses. The author bio on its fiduciary guide describes the practice as serving "individuals and couples age 50 and older."

The firm's formal account minimum, stated in Item 7 of its Form ADV brochure, is lower: "a minimum of $250,000 in investable assets to begin a client relationship," which "may be waived" in certain instances. The brochure describes its typical clients as high-net-worth individuals. If you are between those two numbers, ask on the first call which services and fee tier would apply to you.

For people who don't want ongoing management, or who want a second opinion, the home page says the firm offers financial assessments that "can identify gaps in your current plan." Those are covered under stand-alone financial plans below.

What it offers: one plan, five areas

The firm calls retirement planning "the umbrella" and describes five areas beneath it. Here is each one as the Retirement Planning page describes it, with the specific topics it lists.

The home page describes the investment approach as "an aggregate portfolio separated into time horizon sleeves," and income planning as withdrawals "implemented within spending guardrails." The firm also says it "actively evaluate[s], refer[s] and coordinate[s]" other professionals, such as CPAs and estate attorneys, around a client's needs. That matters: Compound Wealth Advisors coordinates tax and legal work, but it does not present itself as a tax preparer or a law firm, and its site footer says its information "does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice."

The site also publishes free planning guides, an Insights blog and a free PDF, "How to Choose a Financial Advisor," offered in exchange for an email address.

Tax planning

Tax planning gets its own page, and the firm says it specializes in "retirement income and tax planning." The page argues that the years just before and after you stop working often open "a window of lower income," and that coordinating how and when income is recognized is where planning matters. It lists six areas of work:

1. Retirement account optimization: catch-up contributions for pre-retirees and withdrawal strategies for retirees.
2. Social Security and pension planning: the tax side of different claiming strategies and how benefits fit with other income.
3. Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) management: preparing for RMDs before they start and planning around their tax impact.
4. Estate and gift tax planning: annual gift exclusions and trust strategies for transferring wealth.
5. Health Savings Account (HSA) planning: contributions before retirement and using an HSA for medical costs after.
6. Tax-aware retirement income planning: balancing distributions from different account types.

No tax outcome is promised, and none should be. Whether any strategy fits you depends on your own numbers, and a CPA still prepares your returns.

Investment management

The Investments page and the brochure describe how portfolios are built and run:

• Discretionary management. Clients sign a limited trading authorization, and the firm places trades without asking approval for each one. If you don't grant discretion, the brochure says the firm will get your approval before each trade.
• Objectives first. The firm says it works with you to define your objectives, time horizon, risk tolerance and "risk capacity," and documents them in a client profile form.
• Diversified allocation and model portfolios. The page mentions model portfolios intended to be low cost, holding some defensive assets, and tax-loss harvesting "when appropriate."
• Rebalancing. "Typically we re-balance once a year," the page says, with more frequent changes possible after sharp market moves.
• Methods. The brochure says the firm may use Modern Portfolio Theory and Monte Carlo simulations, and it spells out their limits: both rely on historical data and assumptions, and "the probability of success or failure of a financial plan that utilizes Monte Carlo simulation cannot be assured."
• Workplace plan accounts. For 401(k)-type accounts held at your employer's plan ("assets held away"), the firm uses a third-party platform called Pontera to review and rebalance them. Your plan must allow the connection, and the brochure says the service is not currently available for accounts using Fidelity as custodian.

The brochure states plainly that "investing in securities involves risk of loss that Clients should be prepared to bear." Read its Item 8 on risks before you invest.

Estate planning and insurance reviews

Estate planning. The Estate Planning page names five documents it says every adult nearing retirement needs: a will, a living trust, a durable power of attorney for health care, an advance directive and a durable financial power of attorney. The firm says it coordinates "with experienced estate planning attorneys" who draft and execute the documents. Its own role, per the page, is guidance on estate strategies, coordination with the lawyers, and regular reviews as life and tax laws change. The brochure calls this "limited estate planning services," which is a useful reminder that an attorney still writes your documents.

Insurance. The Insurance page says the firm reviews your current life, health and property insurance as part of planning, plus long-term care coverage and annuities. It is clear about one point: "While we don't sell insurance, we do work with qualified independent agents to find the right product for you." The brochure adds that the firm does not receive compensation from insurance companies, mutual funds or custodians. If you are referred to an agent, the agent may be paid by the insurer; ask how that works.

The site's navigation also lists "Family Consulting & Education," but on 22 October 2026 that menu item led to the general Retirement Planning page rather than a separate service page.

How much does it cost?

Unlike many advisory firms, Compound Wealth Advisors publishes its full fee schedule in its Form ADV brochure, linked from the "ADV 2A" page of its site. The website's FAQ says fee specifics are "discussed transparently up front." The table below is from the brochure dated September 2026.

The same schedule applies to workplace retirement accounts the firm manages through Pontera. Other published prices:

• Introductory conversation: complimentary, per the Process and Contact pages.
• Basic financial plan: free for prospective clients; the brochure says it "can be developed in under an hour."
• Comprehensive financial plan (stand-alone): $2,900 to $4,900, depending on complexity.
• Comprehensive planning for clients: complimentary for clients whose assets under management exceed $1,000,000.

The brochure itself notes that "lower fees for comparable services may be available from other sources." Compare the all-in cost (advisory fee plus fund expenses plus any custodian fees) when you weigh options.

Stand-alone financial plans and the free plan

You don't have to hand over your investments to get a plan. The brochure says financial planning is offered "on a stand-alone basis, separate and apart from CWA's asset management services." Here is how it works, per the brochure and the home page:

• Free basic plan: a short plan for prospective clients, developed in under an hour.
• Comprehensive plan ($2,900 to $4,900): covers your current and projected financial position, projected expenses and retirement income needs, portfolio analysis, Monte Carlo simulation, withdrawal strategies from tax-deferred accounts and projected asset values.
• Typical topics: financial goals set to milestones, a net worth statement, retirement strategy (including legacy and charitable goals), a risk management review, a long-term investment plan, a tax reduction strategy and an estate document review.
• Delivery: within 45 days, starting once you have supplied all the required documents.
• Fee credit: if you become an asset management client within 60 days after the plan is delivered, the planning fee is credited against your management fees.
• No obligation to act: the brochure says you are under no obligation to act on the recommendations or to carry them out through the firm.

The home page also advertises a "free retirement readiness assessment," noting that it is "available to qualified candidates only." Ask what qualifies when you book.

How fees are billed, and what they don't include

• Monthly, in arrears. You pay after each month of service, not in advance. The brochure says the firm does not require prepayment of more than $500 per client six months or more ahead.
• Daily accrual. Since September 2026 the fee is worked out day by day: each day's account value is placed in its fee tier, and the daily amounts are added up for the month. The brochure gives a worked example: an account at $480,000 for 15 days and $530,000 for the next 15 days of a 30-day month pays $249.60 plus $254.40, or $504.00 for the month.
• How it's collected. For accounts the firm manages directly, the custodian deducts the fee from your account, with your written consent, and the firm emails you the amount and how it was calculated. For workplace plan accounts, you receive an invoice through a third-party billing service (the brochure names AdvicePay).
• What's not included. Brokerage commissions, transaction fees and custodian charges; and the internal expenses of mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and annuities, which are taken out of those products.
• What the firm doesn't take. The brochure says it does not keep 12b-1 fees, sales charges or commissions, has no soft-dollar arrangements, does not use performance-based fees, and does not pay or receive referral fees.
• Fee increases. Clients get 30 days' written notice of any increase, and both sides must acknowledge it in writing.

What happens step by step

The Process page sets out four stages:

1. Understand where you are. A review of your goals, financial position, retirement timeline, income needs and concerns. The firm calls this "a conversation, not a sales pitch."
2. Build your retirement strategy. Income, investments, taxes, insurance and estate items brought together into one strategy.
3. Prepare for the transition. A roadmap for the years just before and after retirement, covering timing, income start dates, account sequencing and decisions that are hard to undo.
4. Adjust along the way. Ongoing reviews as markets, taxes, life and goals change.

What the brochure adds about the ongoing relationship:

• Account reviews: quarterly, by Stuart Schiffman as Chief Compliance Officer, and more often when markets call for it. Reviews look at risk tolerance, objectives, time horizon, rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting opportunities.
• Client meetings: at least once a year, or when you ask, by phone, video or in person.

The Process page adds: "If we're not the right fit, we'll tell you."

Where your money is held

Compound Wealth Advisors does not hold client money itself. The brochure says all assets are held at qualified custodians and that the firm recommends Altruist or Charles Schwab. The firm says it is not affiliated with either and receives no part of trading fees.

• You receive account statements directly from the custodian (the brochure says at least quarterly, and monthly for managed accounts), plus trade confirmations. The brochure urges clients to compare custodian statements with any reports from the firm.
• The firm does not vote proxies; you vote your own, and the firm will give recommendations if you ask.

Where it is, and clients outside San Diego

The office is at 9920 Pacific Heights Blvd., Ste. 150, San Diego, CA 92121, the address on the site footer and the Form ADV. The Contact page lists the office as "San Diego, California" and says meetings are by appointment. The site does not publish office hours.

The firm serves clients beyond San Diego. The FAQ says it works with clients "regardless of location, including by secure video meetings," and the footer says "Serving clients in San Diego and nationwide." Two things to keep in mind:

• Its footer says advisory services are offered only where the firm and its representatives "are properly licensed or exempt from licensure."
• On 22 October 2026, the SEC's adviser database showed state registrations in California, Connecticut and Texas. If you live elsewhere, ask the firm whether it can take you on in your state.

Contracts, cancellation and refunds

• Five-day window. You can end the advisory agreement within five business days of signing "with no obligation and without penalty."
• After that. You can end it at any time with written notice. The firm must give you 30 days' written notice to end it from its side.
• Final bill. You pay a prorated fee for the days the firm managed your account in the final month. Because fees are charged after the fact, the brochure says "no refunds are possible."
• Privacy. The brochure says the firm will not sell or give away prospect or client information. The website's privacy policy covers website data and lists California (CCPA) and GDPR rights.

How it compares with other options

These are general categories, not specific firms. They are meant to help you see where a solo, fee-only, retirement-focused adviser fits.

The brochure says the firm has a business continuity plan. With a one-advisor firm, it is still fair to ask what happens if the advisor is unavailable.

Who it suits, and who should look elsewhere

Questions to ask before you hire it

1. Which fee tier would apply to my accounts, and what would I pay in dollars per year, including fund and custodian costs?
2. If my investable assets are under $1 million, does that change the service I get?
3. Which custodian would hold my accounts (the brochure names Altruist or Charles Schwab), and what does opening an account involve?
4. Can you manage my 401(k) or 403(b) through Pontera, and is my plan supported?
5. Are you registered, or exempt, in the state where I live?
6. What does a comprehensive plan cost for my situation, within the $2,900 to $4,900 range?
7. Who are the CPAs and estate attorneys you coordinate with, and how are they paid?
8. What happens to my accounts and plan if you are unavailable?
9. Can I see the most recent Form ADV filed with regulators and any changes since?

How to get started

1. Read the firm's Form ADV Part 2A and 2B for fees, services and disclosures.
2. Check the firm (CRD #288240) and Stuart Schiffman (CRD #1305083) on the SEC's adviser database.
3. Book a free introductory conversation on the Contact page, which uses an online scheduler, or call (858) 263-3207.
4. Ask whether a free basic plan, a paid comprehensive plan or ongoing management fits you.

Visit Compound Wealth Advisors

Terms you'll see on the site

• Fiduciary: an adviser required to act in the client's best interest. The firm describes itself as a fee-only fiduciary.
• Fee-only: paid only by clients, not by commissions on products. The firm's FAQ contrasts it with "fee-based," which can mix fees and commissions.
• RIA (registered investment adviser): a firm registered with the SEC or state regulators to give investment advice for a fee.
• Form ADV: the disclosure document advisers file with regulators. Part 2A describes the firm; Part 2B describes the individual advisor.
• Discretionary authority: permission for the adviser to place trades without approving each one.
• RMD (Required Minimum Distribution): the yearly amount the IRS requires you to withdraw from most tax-deferred retirement accounts once you reach a set age.
• Roth conversion: moving money from a pre-tax account to a Roth account and paying income tax on the amount moved.
• CFP®, RICP®, TPCP®: professional designations in financial planning, retirement income planning and tax planning.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

All pages checked on 22 October 2026.

1. Compound Wealth Advisors: home page
2. About
3. Our Process
4. Retirement Planning
5. Tax Planning
6. Investments
7. Estate Planning
8. Insurance
9. FAQ
10. Contact
11. Form ADV Part 2A page and the linked Form ADV Part 2A and 2B brochure, September 2026
12. Resources
13. Fiduciary Financial Advisor in San Diego
14. Press
15. Insights
16. Privacy Policy
17. SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure: Compound Wealth Advisors (CRD #288240)
18. SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure: Stuart Allan Schiffman (CRD #1305083)
19. CFP Board: Verify a CFP Professional
20. FINRA BrokerCheck