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We’re Pacific Wealth Management

A fee-based, fiduciary firm providing wealth management services for families, retired individuals, professionals and business owners.

I’m looking to:

Retire Successfully

Retire Successfully

Retire Successfully

Retiring successfully means retiring on your terms. Plan for it the right way with our disciplined process:

  • Define your goals with our team
  • Leverage our experience and planning tools to develop the plan with the best chance for success
  • Navigate your 401(K) Plan, Social Security, Medicare, and Health Insurance with our guidance to maximize peace of mind.
  • Secure Retirement in a Low Growth Environment
Let's Talk About Retirement
Save on Taxes

Save on Taxes

Save on Taxes

Nobody likes paying taxes, especially if it can be avoided.  PWM can help work with you and your tax professional to minimize your tax bill:

  • Learn about tax efficient long term planning
  • Avoid estate tax and gift tax
  • Implement capital gain and loss strategies
  • Access Tax Planning Resources: Take a Look
Let's Talk About Taxes
Pass My Wealth On

Pass My Wealth On

Pass my Wealth On

Estate planning is a core aspect of high net-worth financial planning. Our disciplines ensure you implement a plan so your wealth moves the way you want:

  • Create or update your Trust and Will
  • Craft a tax efficient plan to avoid estate tax to move assets the most efficient way possible
  • Develop a lifetime gifting strategy to move money while you’re living
  • Maximize your charitable giving by using the best vehicles to achieve your goals
  • Learn More about Estate Planning Topics
Let's Talk About Estate Planning
Invest Better

Invest Better

Invest Better

Navigating volatile financial markets is a challenge for most investors.  Make more and lose less is the objective. Proactive Asset Management is our proprietary investment process that helps clients avoid large declines and grow their portfolio when markets are strong:

  • Comprehensive research, continuous evaluation and four decades of management experience give us the edge
  • Preserve your wealth by implementing our disciplined investment strategy
  • Evaluate your current portfolio and receive alternative recommendations to improve your performance
Lets Talk About Investing
Protect My Finances

Protect My Finances

Protect My Finances

Risk management becomes an important requirement with the accumulation of wealth.  Protecting your nest egg with the right kind of insurance is imperative.

  • Ensure you’re protecting yourself with the adequate amount of insurance at the best cost
Lets Talk About Insurance
Manage My <br/>Company Stock

Manage My
Company Stock

Manage my
Company Stock

Equity Compensation in the form of stock options, restricted stock units (RSU’s), and performance-restricted stock present a unique challenge for employees.  Making the most of the asset in the most tax-efficient way possible is how we can help.

  • Strategically divest your holdings to reduce risk in your portfolio
  • Protect the value of your company stock with options strategies so your wealth can grow as your company grows
  • Help with my Restricted Stock
Let’s Talk About RSU’s and Options
Educate Myself

Educate Myself

Educate Myself

We release topical articles every few weeks as an educational resource for our clients and associates.  They are posted to our Insights Page


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Let's Talk About Retirement

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What You Can Expect

Our Values


Trust

Our management is guided exclusively by your best interests.

Integrity

As a fiduciary, our moral principles dictate everything we do, ensuring the guidance we provide aligns with this higher ethical standard.

Accountability

Our entire team works on your behalf and delivers on what we say we are going to do.

Transparency

Our disciplined communication keeps you informed and in control of your financial world.

8 Timeless Principles of Investing

Financial planning doesn't have to be overwhelming. Download this guide to get some bite-sized pieces of timeless financial advice.

About Us

  • Who We Are
  • Who We Help
  • How We Do It

At Pacific Wealth Management, we embrace the higher fiduciary responsibility that comes with being an independent advisory firm, aligning our objectives with yours and working within a compensation model that ensures we act in your best interests at all times.

Justin C. Kuntz, CFP®

Managing Director

(858) 509-9797

Since joining the financial advisory business in 2006, I've maintained a commitment to develop expertise in my craft and deliver comprehensive financial planning to high-net-worth individuals throughout the United States.

As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and Pacific Wealth Management’s Managing Director, I lead our experienced team of professionals to add ongoing value to our clients lives. Our disciplined approach to financial planning ensures all aspects of our client’s financial lives work together in a coordinated way today and throughout their lifetime.

While studying economics and art history at the University of California (Davis), I also attended the University of California Study Center in Siena, Italy. When I’m not helping clients reach their retirement goals, you can find me with my family, surfing, or on the golf course. I also love to ski, snowboard and explore new parts of our planet.

James C. Kuntz, CIMA

Founder

(858) 509-9797

Having fulfilled my lifelong dream of moving to beautiful San Diego, I began my investment advisory career in 1982 as a financial consultant with EF Hutton. Working for a prominent Wall Street bank helped me gain invaluable knowledge about the intricacies of the financial markets. However, I soon realized the priorities and agendas of corporate institutions did not always align with the best interests of their clients. Recognizing the need for truly objective financial advice, I decided to establish an independent fee-based advisory firm.

In 1998, Pacific Wealth Management was founded with an unwavering commitment to our clients as fiduciaries. With over four decades of experience in financial advisory, our team has weathered a multitude of market environments, both favorable and challenging. Throughout our history, we have remained dedicated to providing intelligent financial and retirement strategies tailored to the needs of high-net-worth investors.

I earned a Bachelor's degree in finance and business from Rutgers University. I also obtained the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) accreditation from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, through the Investments and Wealth Institute. I hold the FINRA Series 3, 7, 8, 63, and 65 financial services licenses as well as California life and disability insurance licenses.

When I'm not immersed in the world of finance, I find solace and relaxation in most outdoor activities. Whether it's exploring the ocean, venturing into the mountains, or simply hiking the trails of North County San Diego, mother nature consistently replenishes my soul while recharging my batteries.


Marjorie F. Smith, CFP®

Wealth Advisor

(858) 509-9797

As a Wealth Advisor and Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) with Pacific Wealth Management, I work with our team of seasoned financial experts to protect and grow clients’ wealth. It is rewarding for me to see the calm my clients experience when we design a financial plan that prioritizes their concerns and lays a clear path toward the achievement of their financial goals.

Before becoming a financial professional, I taught high school and college English. I earned my undergraduate degree from Washington and Lee University and a Master’s degree in British Literature from the University of Virginia. I have passed the FINRA Series 65 examination and hold a Life and Disability insurance license from the state of California.

I love spending time with my daughter and twin sons, who are all in high school. I enjoy my daily runs on the beach and am always trying to read more non-financial literature in my spare time.

J.P. Mayer, CFP®, MSBA

Director of Research / Wealth Planner

(858) 509-9797

As Pacific Wealth Management’s Director of Research and Wealth Planner, I actively support our wealth and financial planning services, ensuring our clients’ financial plans and retirement strategies are current and optimized. My responsibilities as Director of Research include the analytical evaluation of both Pacific Wealth Managements proprietary research and the best of breed research we source from the Wall Street community. Additionally, I work to keep all our client financials up to date, while being a resource to help them efficiently utilize their personal financial website, Pacific Wealth Management’s Compass Center, so they remain informed and in control of their financial world.

I graduated with honors from the University of California, Berkeley and earned my Master of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in financial and tax planning from San Diego State University. I hold my CFP® certification which is recognized as the standard of excellence for financial and wealth practitioners committed to putting clients’ interests first. I hold the FINRA Series 65 license as well as life, accident and health insurance licenses (California). Outside of the office, I enjoy playing blues guitar, surfing and spending time with my wife and three kids.

Melanie B. Blakney

Operations Manager

(858) 509-9797

As Pacific Wealth Management’s operations manager, I am responsible for overseeing our business operations and compliance while also providing general service to our clients. I have extensive experience in the RIA space and pride myself on staying up-to-date with our technology and general firm practices to ensure we continuously provide the highest level of service to our clients.

I was born and raised in Massachusetts and obtained my bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire. Additionally, I hold the FINRA Series 65 Uniform Investment Advisor license. When I’m not in the office, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my husband and two kids.

Michael L. Lim, CRPS

Portfolio Manager

(858) 509-9797

I began my investment career in 1992 and have been a member of the Pacific Wealth Management team since its formation. As Portfolio Manager and Investment Policy Committee member, I monitor our clients investments daily to ensure they are properly allocated. I am committed to helping our clients remain informed and produce disciplined investment performance reports of their progress toward their important financial goals.

I received my bachelor’s degree in economics from San Diego State University and Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. I hold the FINRA Series 7, 63 and 65 financial services licenses, as well as life and disability insurance licenses (California). In my spare time, I enjoy exercising outdoors and playing golf.

<strong>Josh and Miriam</strong>

Josh and Miriam

Ready to retire from a prosperous architecture practice, Josh and his wife, Miriam, are looking to secure their financial future in the next chapter of their lives.

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<strong>Elliot</strong>

Elliot

A young, very successful corporate executive, Elliot is looking for a wealth management firm to oversee his growing net worth.

Learn More

<strong>Sophia</strong>

Sophia

In the process of completing an emotional divorce, Sophia was looking for a wealth management firm with a fiduciary approach to protect her future.

Learn More

<strong>Ethan and Jenna</strong>

Ethan and Jenna

Anticipating the sale of their business, Ethan and Jenna were searching for an advisory firm to help them navigate the transition.

Learn More

Financial Services We Offer

  • Financial Planning
  • Retirement Planning
  • Executive Compensation
  • Proactive Asset Management

Financial Planning

Client Centered

The intricacies of reaching your lifestyle goals before and after retirement are always challenging and often complex. Pacific Wealth Management’s in-depth approach to financial planning helps you begin this vital process.

Our comprehensive financial planning will provide you with a clear understanding of every aspect of your financial life — enabling us to optimize your path towards achieving your goals. This allows you to spend more time on the things you care about most.

We embrace our role as your chief financial officer, ensuring each financial decision is intelligently analyzed, deliberate, complementary and always in your best long-term interest. As life circumstances evolve, we will be there to provide counsel and help you make informed planning decisions.

Our comprehensive financial planning services include:

Estate Planning Analysis

  • Wills
  • Trusts
  • Business succession
  • Lifetime gifting
  • Legacy goals
  • Charitable giving

Tax Planning

  • Avoidance
  • Gain and loss planning
  • Alternative minimum tax
  • Estate and gift tax management
  • Diversification analysis

Concentrated Stock

  • Diversification planning
  • Buy/sell discipline
  • Hedging strategy

Cash Flow Analysis

  • Income
  • Budgeting
  • Savings
  • Debt management
  • Distribution planning
  • Liquidity needs

Dependent Assistance

  • College planning
  • Special needs planning
  • Assistance for family

Risk Management & Insurance Needs Analysis

  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Health insurance

Retirement Planning

Regardless of where you are in your career, it’s important to start planning for your retirement as early as possible. As we all know — life can be expensive, and an increased lifespan means we need even more resources at our disposal if we want to live comfortably beyond our employment.  

Pacific Wealth Management’s retirement planning process begins with a focus on your goals — before diving into the numbers — to ensure we have a clear vision of your priorities. We then utilize industry-leading financial planning tools and expertise to build a retirement plan designed for you, ensuring the life you always envisioned becomes a reality.  

Navigating Social Security, Medicare and health insurance are additional ways we help our clients gain peace of mind in one of life’s greatest transitions. Your vision of a secure retirement is within reach; sound guidance will lead you to the retirement lifestyle you deserve. 

Our retirement planning services include:

Goal-based needs analysis

Social Security planning

Long-term projections

Retirement plan analysis

Beneficiary designations

Monte Carlo analysis

Executive Compensation 

Executive compensation has grown more complex over the past decade.

Pacific Wealth Management has extensive experience serving clients who receive equity compensation in the form of stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), restricted stock awards (RSAs) and performance-restricted stock. 

We advise our clients on the many intricacies of executive compensation including:

  • Acquisition
  • Tax-efficient strategies
  • Divestiture from concentrated positions


Begin your Financial Plan Now

Proactive Asset Management

Pacific Wealth Management’s investment strategies are grounded in wealth preservation:

Box A

Based on comprehensive research, continual market evaluation and nearly 4 decades of management experience.

Box B

Focused on objective diversification, utilizing traditional and alternative investments to effectively manage risk.

Box C

Actively participates in growth-oriented assets when risk is low and reducing exposure to growth assets when risk is high.

Box D

Redeploys defensive assets back into growth opportunities when risk and valuations become more attractive.

Your Money. Your Dreams

Our commitment

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