Hello Walnut Creek!
This week's Small Business Highlight is proof that sometimes doing business the right way means doing it differently. Meet Angela and Wright Wealth Management, a Walnut Creek financial planning firm built on the belief that people should come before profits, with advice that's transparent, approachable, and tailored to each client's goals . In an industry that can often feel intimidating, Wright Wealth is focused on making financial planning feel personal, practical, and empowering.
Tell us the story behind your business. What inspired you to start it, and how did it all begin?
I have wanted to be a financial planner since I was in high school! My parents' financial planner seemed a bit of a renaissance man. He knew everything about everything, and I wanted a piece of that. I also figured if I failed at the job, at least I would know how to manage my own investments for the rest of my life. I've always worked for other firms, even spending 16 years as a partner in a small firm in Alamo, California. Two years ago I broke off and founded Wright Wealth Management, where I vowed to do things the Wright Way.
What does that mean? Independent financial planning firms are increasingly being acquired by large private equity firms. That ownership structure creates a fundamental tension with fiduciary responsibility, which requires putting your client's interests ahead of everything else, including profit. I built Wright Wealth Management so that we would never have to consider “shareholder value.”
Our goals are to be available when our clients need us, to give them peace of mind, and to arm them with information about their finances so that they can make great decisions for themselves.
Why Walnut Creek? What made you choose this area to plant roots?
I've lived in the area for 20 years and wanted to shorten my commute! More importantly, I love that so many of the people I get to serve professionally are also my friends and neighbors. I feel we have something special out here in the East Bay area: access to big-city medical care, arts, culture, food, and music, yet we still have the small-town "can I borrow a cup of sugar from your neighbor?" feel. How lucky are we?!
What’s something about your business that most people don’t know?
Our goals are to be available when our clients need us, to give them peace of mind, and to arm them with information about their finances so that they can make great decisions for themselves. Review meetings aren’t boring thesis presentations on our investment allocation strategy. Our clients don’t worry they are going to be sold something at the next meeting. As an independent firm, we're able to focus on recommendations we believe are appropriate for each client's situation. Period. I think (hope?) they know they can come to me with any issue - financial or personal - and I will be there to help solve it, without judgement.
What’s been your biggest challenge as a small business owner here?
The cost of rent and parking. Which is the worst thing I could think of, so we're doing alright! Truly, when I decided to start my business, I received tremendous support from my community, friends, and professional network. I'm grateful that the firm has grown significantly over the past two years. I can't think of a better place to be a business owner.
What’s been your most rewarding moment so far?
It's more a series of moments than just one. Every time I see the look of relief on a client's face when we answer a question or they know that they've saved enough to have the income they want in their retirement, those are the big rewarding moments for me. I am so grateful I get to have these moments multiple times a week.
What’s next for you? Anything exciting coming up that readers should know about?
I'm bringing back my podcast! Clients and friends have been asking for me to bring back a no-nonsense, fun, accessible-to-anyone personal finance podcast, and I'm excited to get it going again.
If someone is visiting for the first time, what should they try or experience?
Being heard by a financial professional and having things explained to them in a way that actually makes sense. Instead of feeling like a number to a big financial firm, I do my best to make it clear that you're a valued human being when you're a client of Wright Wealth. I believe financial planning works best when people feel heard, understood, and informed.
Whether you're planning for retirement, navigating a major life change, or simply looking for financial guidance you can trust, Wright Wealth is committed to helping clients feel informed and confident every step of the way. It's another great example of a local business putting relationships first.
Angela Wright, (represented under the trade name “Wright Wealth Management, LLC”) is an Investment Advisor Representative of Gemmer Asset Management LLC (“GAM”), an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission that maintains its principal place of business located in Walnut Creek, California. See disclosures. See Client Relationship Summary Form CRS.
Learn more on her website: getwrightwealth.com
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