Alex Okugawa
Financial Advisor
CFP®, CKA®, CEPA®
Focus on what you have control of; master your spending and save diligently…Then, make a plan and stick with it!
I work with clients to maximize their wealth, minimize taxes, and create a lasting generational impact.
After an internship while in college, I found my passion in helping hard-working people gain confidence in their financial lives and focusing on their unique priorities through comprehensive planning.
I graduated from the University of Redlands, earning a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a minor in Accounting and Mathematics. I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Certified Exit Planner, and Certified Kingdom Advisor. I am also the author of Controlling Controllables where I write columns addressing practical ways people can increase their financial wisdom.
When outside of the office: I’m hiking Torrey Pines with my wife, Sarah, and daughters, Elyse and Elizabeth, or working out. Anything outdoors and active, I’m there!
Bucket List: Attend Game 7 of a World Series.
March 30, 2021
Mega Backdoor Roth: What It Is and Who Should Consider the Strategy
The annual 401(k) contribution limits are often too low for high income earners. In this post, I am going to breakdown a little-known strategy, often dubbed a…
February 24, 2021
How to Invest in Speculative Stocks
Here I am going to breakdown why investing in individual, speculative stocks is perfectly fine with thoughtful guidelines in place.
February 3, 2021
Monthly Pension or Lump-Sum: Which option should I take? + Free Resource
As you approach retirement, you might be wondering which option is best. This decision is not one to take lightly. A pension could be the single greatest…
August 31, 2020
What Do Low Interest Rates Mean for My Retirement?
Mortgage rates are at historically low levels and borrowing money is relatively cheap. However, a retiree typically has less debt and more saved in…
July 31, 2020
Value Investing: Will Big, Growth Companies Continue to Dominate?
With the extraordinary performance of a handful of tech-giants, it leads many investors to wonder if we should expect these stocks to continue such strong…
June 30, 2020
Investment Strategy Basics: How to think about portfolio construction
Perhaps you see the S&P 500 has dropped 2% and think to yourself, “Oh no, my portfolio has dropped 2%!”
May 14, 2020
What Will the Stock Market Do This Week?
Recent weeks, following the fastest bear market in history
April 9, 2020
The CARES Act: 6 Things to Know For Individuals
The legislation is aimed at providing relief for individuals and businesses that have been greatly impacted by COVID-19.
November 5, 2019
IRA or 401k Can I Contribute to Both in the Same Year?
Updated to reflect new figures and limitations in 2020. Here are three important considerations when determining if you should invest outside of your…
October 1, 2019
How Discipline Can Improve Your Life
Discipline is arguably the most powerful tool at your disposal to tackle life’s challenges and achieve greatness.
September 17, 2019
Inverted Yield Curve: What it means for investors
So, when news breaks that the bond market, in the most reliable government in the world is out of whack, it concerns people. This recently happened.
August 21, 2019
Tips for the Young Investor’s 401k
Neglecting the importance of asset allocation, savings rates, and choosing between Traditional or Roth contributions can impact your future considerably.
July 5, 2019
How Successful People Make Decisions
How successful people make decisions. Those who correctly and effectively take action are the ones who ultimately succeed.
June 24, 2019
Blinded by the Past
Recency bias is a flaw in all humans. People are blinded by the past and are more likely to recall recent events than they do past events.
June 13, 2019
Financial Advice for Elyse
For now, she has three main functions: sleep, eat, and poop. But that won’t last forever. Financial adivce for my newborn daughter Elyse.
December 26, 2018
Time to Go to Cash?
Time to Go to Cash? If you believe the market is going to crash there are a few things you can do to protect yourself.
December 12, 2018
Volatility. Just What the Doctor Ordered
Volatility. Just what the doctor ordered. Although volatility is normal it doesn’t make it any easier. But it checks us back to reality.
April 10, 2018
Unexpected Expenses and Worry
With the key in the ignition, I turn it over only to hear that dreaded sound…
January 6, 2018
Why the Price of Bitcoin Has Escalated so Quickly
Media and social hype should not be a reason to buy (or sell) an investment. However, understanding social behavior surrounding Bitcoin can make us better…
November 29, 2017
Considering the Proper Inflation Rate When Planning
Consider this: In 1948 a cheeseburger at In-In-Out was 30 cents. Nowadays that same cheeseburger costs $2.45, a 717% increase!
November 10, 2017
Accomplishing Goals By Creating a Painless Budget You Can Stick To
Unless money is given a specific purpose, it will be spent on increasing standards of living, typically outpacing what is earned each month.