Here for You, Every Step of the Way
The API Team Behind Your Financial Goals
Sandra C. Field, MBA, CFP®
Principal Advisor & Founder
Sandra Field founded Asset Planning, Inc. in 1998 with a clear vision: to help individuals and families navigate their most important financial decisions with confidence, clarity, and care. A Certified Financial Planner with nearly four decades of experience, Sandra brings a steady presence and a forward-thinking mindset to her work with clients across all stages of life.
Raised in Southern California, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Finance from California State University, Long Beach, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern California. Her approach blends technical depth with personal connection, and she is known for helping clients simplify complexity, make thoughtful decisions, and feel truly supported along the way.
Sandra works closely with individuals and families seeking to grow, preserve, and pass on wealth with purpose. Her leadership and expertise have earned national recognition. She has been named one of Forbes’ Top Women Wealth Advisors and one of the country’s leading wealth managers by Bloomberg Wealth Manager magazine. Sandra is also a longtime member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and the Financial Planning Association (FPA), where she previously served on the Board of Directors for the Orange County chapter.
Her insights have been featured in the Los Angeles Times, the Orange County Register, and at national conferences, including the WISE (Women in Securities and Education) event, where she led a live financial planning session for over 400 attendees. Whether she is guiding clients or mentoring advisors, Sandra brings integrity, vision, and a commitment to long-term impact.
Outside of work, Sandra enjoys photography, travel, and golf. She is the proud mother of her adult daughter, Nikki, and shares her home with her cat, Cali, and Lumi, her golden retriever and certified trained therapy dog. Sandra and Lumi regularly volunteer in schools, visit foster children, call on nursing homes, and participate in canine literacy, where children read to a dog one-on-one. She also finds joy in volunteering with Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue and is deeply committed to saving animals and our oceans.
Sandra’s minimum account size for investment management is $1,000,000.
Carol Somoano, MBA, CFP®
Financial Advisor & Partner
Carol Somoano is Vice President of Asset Planning, Inc. and a Certified Financial Planner who brings a rare mix of warmth, diligence, and precision to every client relationship. Since joining the firm in 2005, she has been a steady and trusted presence, working closely with clients on portfolio strategy, financial planning, and long-term goal setting. She became a partner and co-owner of the firm in 2009.
Carol began her career in corporate accounting, spending 15 years as a management accountant before transitioning into financial planning. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Cal Poly Pomona and an MBA from California State University, Fullerton. She completed the UC Irvine Financial Planning Certificate Program and passed the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ exam in 2004.
A highly engaged and detail-oriented advisor, Carol is known for being consistently one step ahead. Clients appreciate her ability to translate complex financial information into clear strategies and her steady support throughout every stage of life. She is both analytical and empathetic, bringing care and structure to her work with individuals and families.
Carol is an active member of the Orange County Financial Planning Association and has participated in the Orange County Register’s Annual Financial Planning Hotline. She has also been recognized for her community service with both Honorary and Continuing Service Awards from the California State Legislature.
When she’s not working with clients, Carol enjoys spending time with her close-knit family, both near and far. She frequently visits her grandchildren in California, including regular trips to Disneyland, and travels to Australia to see more of her family and grandchildren abroad. She also enjoys exploring new restaurants, relaxing with a good book, and has a soft spot for animals.
Carol’s portfolio management fee is a maximum of 1% and is discounted for portfolios over $500,000.
Erin Nelsen, CFP®
Financial Advisor & Partner
Erin Nelsen, CFP® is a fee-only fiduciary Financial Advisor that manages portfolios & conducts financial planning for Asset Planning. Erin holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ & Registered Investment Advisor Representative professional designations. Erin has expertise in various financial planning areas such as investments, taxes, estate divisions, public and private pension options, Social Security, real estate, insurance analysis, recent widow planning, and many other complex financial issues that arise. Erin has been with Asset Planning since April 2007. Erin is thankful to have found her perfect forever firm. Asset Planning holds a high standard of care for both its clients and staff, and everyone is truly valued as family.
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 Nelsen is a Fee-Only Financial Advisor and a member of NAPFA, the largest Fee-Only Network Financial Planners. Fee-Only means Erin is only compensated directly by her clients & does not sell products nor accept commissions for the investments she recommends. Erin is proud to have built her career solely on the independent Fee-Only side of the Wealth Management industry. Erin is among an elite group of Financial Advisors held to the Fiduciary Standard. As a Fiduciary, she is required to put a client's interest above her own. Ethical, appropriate, & skilled professional care is our solid promise to all clients.
When Erin is not at the job she loves, she is busy tending to her garden, caring for her family, attending concerts, traveling, floating in her pool, or scouting out new restaurants to try with her husband/college sweetheart of 18 years. Erin's household is blessed with a son, daughter (both in college), two nephews (orphaned), a Sheltie dog, & two royal cats that rule her household.
Erin's Portfolio Management fee is a maximum of 1% and is discounted for portfolios over $500,000.
Contact Erin Nelsen if you would like more details about either service or to set up a consultation.
Melani List, FPQP™
Client Service Manager and Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™
Melani began her professional journey with Asset Planning, Inc. in March 2016, bringing with her a strong foundation in both financial services and insurance. A proud Southern California native, Melani attended Golden West College before earning her Property and Casualty License through the California Department of Insurance in 2005. She previously served as an insurance agent and regional supervisor with The Auto Club of Southern California, where she worked closely with clients to navigate complex liability exposures, ensuring comprehensive protection of their assets. Since joining Asset Planning, Melani has become known for her dedication, warmth, and exceptional client service. Her passion lies in guiding clients through their unique financial circumstances, helping them feel confident, informed, and secure.
Melani is committed to continued professional growth. She earned the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ designation in March 2017, passed the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam (Series 65) in July 2018, and is a Registered Investment Advisor Representative. She also holds a current California Notary Public commission. Currently, she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and her future goal is to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) to further support her clients with a higher standard of financial planning expertise.
Beyond the office, Melani’s life is rooted in family, service, and compassion. She is a proud mother of two sons — her oldest attends Cal State Long Beach, and her youngest is in high school. Staying actively engaged in their lives, she continues to volunteer in school activities and extracurricular programs. Outside of work and family, Melani enjoys reading, traveling, and going on classic car cruises with her husband. She has a deep affection for French Bulldogs and aspires one day to rescue Frenchies who have been used solely for breeding, providing them with a second chance at a loving home. A passionate breast cancer advocate, Melani has also organized and hosted charity events in support of women undergoing treatment, continuing to raise awareness and provide meaningful support to those in need.
Whether helping clients make confident financial decisions or giving back to her community, Melani brings heart, knowledge, and purpose to every aspect of her life.
Tiarra Johnson
Investment Analyst
Tiarra began her professional journey with Asset Planning, Inc. in April 2021, bringing with her a decade of experience in investment analysis and financial counseling. Raised in Southern California, she earned her Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Long Beach and a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Before joining the firm, Tiarra served as a financial counselor to United States military families, where she provided education and guidance on budgeting, credit, and long-term financial planning. That experience deepened her passion for helping people make informed financial choices that support their values and goals.
At Asset Planning, Tiarra focuses on investment research and portfolio strategy. She analyzes market trends, evaluates fund performance, and contributes to asset allocation decisions with a focus on long-term growth and risk management. While she is not client-facing, her work directly supports the financial well-being of each client by ensuring their portfolios are aligned with their needs and objectives.
Tiarra holds the Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) designation and is an ICFE-Certified Credit Repair Specialist, a California Notary Public, and a Series 65 Registered Investment Advisor Representative. She is currently pursuing the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP®) certification to expand her technical knowledge and enhance the value she brings to the firm.
Outside of work, Tiarra is a devoted mother to her son and enjoys quiet mornings with a good book, connecting with her community, and planning events that bring people together for wellness, conversation, and celebration. She brings intention, care, and curiosity to everything she does, both professionally and personally
Andrea Cervantes
Client Service Associate
Andrea joined Asset Planning, Inc. in August 2025 as a Client Service Associate. She supports both clients and advisors with account management and day-to-day service needs. One of Andrea’s favorite parts of her job is being part of an all-women team. She finds it inspiring to work alongside strong, driven women who lift each other up and create a truly empowering work environment.
Born and raised in Southern California, Andrea is passionate about creating meaningful experiences for clients and building genuine connections both in the office and in her community. She’s a dedicated volunteer at local dog shelters and has a soft spot for rescue animals.
Outside of work, Andrea embraces life to the fullest. Whether it’s a mud run, kayaking, hiking, or any sporty adventure, she’s always up for trying something new. The beach is her happy place, especially when she can relax in the sun with her dogs by her side.