Who We Are
Sandra C. Field, MBA, CFP®
Sandra Field, founder, President of Asset Planning Inc. (API), is a Certified Financial Planner and has been an active professional in the financial services industry for over 23 years. She is recently named as one of nation’s leading wealth mangers by Bloomberg “Wealth Manager” magazine. She specializes in pre and post retirement issues including budgeting, investing, lump sum rollovers, financial planning and retirement plan distributions.
A Southern California native, Sandra graduated from California State University Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and from University of Southern California with a Masters in Business Administration.
Sandra is a member of NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors) and the Financial Planning Association. Sandra has served on the board of directors for the Orange County Chapter of FPA. Well respected in the industry, she is a featured financial advisor for the LA Times "Money Makeovers" as well as for the "One On One" column in the Orange County Register. In addition, Sandra serves on the Mutual Fund Panel of Experts for the Orange County Register Newspaper. She is also an active member of the community, serving as past President of the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce, past Vice President of Finance on the Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society, and past Business Advisor to the City of Seal Beach.
Last but not least, she is a featured speaker at many public and private functions such as AAII (American Association of Individual Investors), Cal State Univ. Long Beach, EWGA and USC. She recently spoke at the WISE (Women In Securities & Education) conference, conducting a live money makeover before 400 women.
Whether she is assisting clients to reach their retirement goals or working with clients on budgeting and cash flow to reduce debt, education is at the core of Sandra's philosophy. She emphasizes the importance of developing a relationship with and educating clients, placing the utmost importance on helping them reach their goals, whatever they may be.
Sandra's minimum account size for management is $400,000. Sandra's hourly financial planning rate is $250 per hour.
Carol Somoano, MBA, CFP®
Carol Somoano, Vice President of Asset Planning Inc., is a Certified Financial Planner, CFP®, and is responsible for portfolio and financial plan analysis. Before Carol joined API, Inc in 2005 she worked as a management accountant for 15 years before deciding to concentrate on financial planning. Carol obtained her B.S. in accounting from Cal Poly Pomona and her MBA from Cal State Fullerton. She completed the UCI Financial Planning program and passed the CFP exam in March of 2004. She is also a Notary Public and Realtor®.
She is an active member of the Orange County Financial Planning Association and has participated in the OC Register Annual Financial Planning Hotline. She is an active volunteer in her community and has received an Honorary and Continuing Service Award from the California State Legislature in 2003 and 2007.
Carol’s core values are client-focused, emphasizing long-term relationships built on confidence and trust. She works diligently to increase her client’s net worth, plan for their future, and ultimately enhance their lives today.
Carol's minimum account size for management is $100,000. Carol's hourly financial planning rate is $200 per hour.
Erin Nelsen, CFP®
Erin Nelsen, is a Certified Financial Planner™ & Registered Investment Advisor Representative. Erin has expertise in various financial planning areas such as investments, taxes, estate divisions, divorce planning, public and private pension options, social security, real estate, insurance analysis, and many other complex financial issues that arise. She also oversees a portion of the assets under management. Erin has been with Asset Planning since 2007.
An Orange County native, Erin earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Cal State Fullerton. Erin completed the Personal Financial Program at CSUF. Erin is an active member of the Orange County Financial Planning Association and has been a volunteer teacher of personal finance to elementary kids through the community outreach program Junior Achievement.
Erin’s minimum account size for management is $100,000. Erin's hourly financial planning rate is $150 per hour.
Diane K. Burch, CPA
Diane K. Burch, Treasurer of Asset Planning, Inc., Diane specializes in small business issues, options and closely held stock, divorce planning, and tax consequences relating to settlements. She has worked as a Certified Public Accountant since 1981.
A long time Orange County resident, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from California State University, Long Beach. Diane is a member of the American Society of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants. Active as a community volunteer as well, she is a member of the Women's Council of Long Beach and is past Treasurer of Executive Women's Golf Association's Orange County Chapter.
website: Hood & Burch CPA's
Carol J. Patrick, CPA
Carol J. Patrick, Secretary and shareholder of Asset Planning, Inc. (API), specializes in tax preparation, trust accounting, and estate planning. She has worked as a Certified Public Accountant since 1982.
A southern California native, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from California State University, Long Beach. Carol is a member of the American Society of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants.
website: Hood & Burch CPA's
Joanne H. Liu, MBA
Joanne Liu, Financial Planner and Analyst for Asset Planning, Inc. (API) is responsible for various economic, equity and mutual fund research. She is also responsible for portfolio and financial plan analysis. Before Joanne joined the team of Asset Planning Inc. in 2002, she was hired as a senior financial analyst by PharmChem, Inc. and also worked at Hewlett-Packard as a benefit analyst. Joanne holds the Series 65 and is a Registered Investment Advisor representative. Joanne earned both her B.S. and Master of Business Administration degrees from Indiana State University, with a major in Finance. She is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.
