John Schlatter, the youngest of seven children and a New York native, has always understood the true meaning and importance of family and all that it takes to work together in both the good times and the bad. For this reason, choosing to lead a career in wealth planning was an easy decision for John when he graduated with honors from San Diego State in 1987 with a degree in Economics. Since then, he has helped families grow, enjoy and protect their wealth since 1990.
The first time John helped a family settle an estate was when he realized that being a great planner goes far beyond just being highly educated in various disciplines. He recognizes that it is about using that expertise wisely, with integrity, and in a way that ensures his clients that he will follow through on every commitment, detail and promise made to them. Good planning helps the right choices reveal themselves.
In addition to being designated as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP) Professional, John has been listed as a Five Star Wealth Manager in the Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Magazine and has appeared in The Los Angeles Business Journal’s Wealth Management Roundtable1. John has also been named as one of America’s Top Financial Planners by Consumers’ Research Council of America2. Most recently, he has been selected by America’s Select Financial Advisors and was featured in their 2014 book profiling top financial advisors across the country3.
While John has always appreciated being honored by prominent sources in the industry, he also finds it very humbling to consistently be named as a Top Financial Planner in the country by Lincoln Financial Group, which is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. For 25 years in a row, John has been recognized as a member of the Chairman’s Council or Top of the Council for his business contributions to Lincoln Financial Group4.
What distinguishes John from other planners and advisors in the wealth planning industry is his ability to delve into and clearly explain extremely complex wealth transfer techniques as well as wealth management strategies. Typically, a client will have several different advisors that provide these services. However, John’s background allows him the capacity to consult at all levels regarding these two disciplines. In addition, John focuses on each family and each plan with the knowledge that someday the plan will come to fruition, which will be an emotional time for the family and its long-standing advisors.
John resides in Manhattan Beach, CA with his wife, Bea and five children, Jeremiah, Josiah, Jonathan, Jenna and Jeffrey. He is actively involved in his church, American Martyrs, and various charitable organizations including Children’s Hospital of Orange and Los Angeles Counties.
1 The Five Star Wealth Manager Award is independently produced by Five Star Professional (FSP) and is based on data from financial advisors, regulatory disclosures, and FSP research. John applied for the award. No fee was required for nomination, receipt or promotion of this award which was independently granted in 2013 and 2014. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager is no guarantee of investment success. Membership in the organization was not required.
2 Consumers' Research Council of America has compiled a list of Top Financial Planners throughout the United States by utilizing a point value system that we deemed valuable in determining top financial planning professionals. The criteria assessed a point value based off of experience, training, professional associations and financial certifications. John applied for the award. No fee was required for nomination, receipt or promotion of this award which was independently granted in 2014 and 2015. Membership in the organization was not required.
3 Conquest Press, LLC has invited financial advisors from across the nation to apply for inclusion in the new book, “2014 America’s Select Financial Advisors”. All candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements: Credentialed as a FINRA-registered representative, or a financial advisor according to FINRA (including accountants, lawyers, Insurance agents and financial planners). Clean regulatory and complaint history review according to FINRA’s BrokerCheck. Tenured as a licensed or credentialed professional in financial services for at least three years. Applicants have also been screened against state governing bodies to verify that licenses are in good standing and that there are no pending disciplinary actions. No fee was required for nomination, receipt or promotion of this award which was independently granted in 2014. Membership in the organization was not required.
4 The Chairman’s Council represents the top one percent of financial planners affiliated with Lincoln Financial Advisors. The Top of the Council is an internal recognition determined by annual sales amounts.