David Medina, CFP®, CWS®, AIF®, CPFA

Please click here for a one page PDF on Biography, Principles & Priorities

Background
David believes in the liberating power of investing for the future, to achieve financial freedom. As a Financial Advisor, he seeks to help others also obtain a work optional lifestyle with the kind of retirement and legacy they desire. Prior to founding Stewardship Financial, David’s experience included 25 years in financial planning & analysis, plus 6 years as a Senior Financial Advisor at D.A. Davidson. He is delighted to leverage this knowledge to benefit wealth management clients, ERISA plan sponsors and participants.

Personal

David serves as Treasurer of the Elizabeth House crisis pregnancy center where he helped establish a 403(b) plan for employees, and restructured their endowment which he manages pro-bono. He is also a director for Encore Trojans, Bruin Professionals and the Fiduciary Roundtable. He enjoys mentoring MBAs at his alma mater, and candidates with the CFP® Board. David served as an Adjunct Professor at Azusa Pacific University where he taught on Financial Markets & Institutions. He is the author of the collaborative book “The Right Plan, The Right Process”, Optimizing Your Retirement Plan Benefits and Planning Strategies.

Education and Designations
University of Southern California (USC) - Master of Business Administration (MBA)
     Consortium for Graduate Study in Management Fellow
University of Southern California (USC) - Undergraduate Business (BUAD)
     Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, Magna Cum Laude
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - General Education
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP®), CFP Board
Certified Wealth Strategist® (CWS®), Cannon Financial Institute
Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®), Fi 360
Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), National Association of Plan Advisors

Wealth Management Principles
1. Stewardship - Appreciate that we must be wise caretakers of the property entrusted to us
2. Wealth Management - Provide value through wealth strategies and holistic financial planning
3. Evidence-Based Investing - Leverage academic research to develop and diversify portfolios
4. Continuous Learning - Remain curious to obtain further knowledge to serve client needs
5. Financial Harmony - Align financial decisions consistent with personal values and goals

Workplace Retirement Plan Priorities
1. Plan Design - Select the optimal retirement plan solution and options to achieve objectives
2. Fiduciary - Share the sponsor’s fiduciary duty for investments in an ERISA 3(21) or 3(38) capacity
3. Cost & Value - Recognize the impact and liability of expenses compounded over time
4. Efficiency - Create solutions empowering employers and participants to focus on what matters most
5. Improved Outcomes - Combine the power of retirement plan consulting with wealth management

Deliverables
David applies the same diligence to his clients’ finances as he does for his own family and business. This disciplined approach reduces the impact of predictions or emotions, which are often destructive to wealth. He works holistically with his private clients to strive for objectives beyond the investment statement. David also seeks to partner with plan sponsors to streamline solutions so employers can focus on their business, while employees may enjoy financial wellness and retirement readiness.