Team Members
Annette Di Bello, CPA / PFS, CFP®
Founder & CEO
Annette has over 35 years of progressive experience in accounting, tax, financial planning, and investing, holding two of the top three financial designations: CPA and CFP®, as well as a PFS™ (Personal Financial Specialist) from the AICPA.
Annette began working full-time in accounting in 1987 at just 18 years old while attending college at night. Her strong aptitude for accounting was evident, as her college even paid her to tutor students in her own class. Annette earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from California State University, Fullerton, in 1998.
Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Annette relocated to Orange County, California, in 1992, making the cross-country drive alone. She climbed the ranks in corporate accounting and finance, reaching a senior accountant level while attending college at night. After graduating in 1998, she launched her own accounting and tax consulting business, earning her CPA license in 2005, her CFP® license in 2008, and a Registered Investment Advisory Firm license in 2012. Over the years, she has worked with hundreds of clients, gaining extensive experience in creating tailored financial, tax, investment, and retirement plans.
Annette is a third-generation Italian American, raised with immigrant grandparents on both sides of her family from Pennapiedimonte in the Abruzzo region of Italy and from Messina, Sicily. Growing up with humble beginnings, she was shaped not only by her grandparents’ struggles and resilience, but also by her parents’ experiences as children of immigrants. Together, their sacrifices, work ethic, and determination instilled in her a deep sense of discipline, perseverance, and gratitude. Raised in a household grounded in tradition and hard work, Annette developed an open-minded and inclusive perspective, rooted in respect for people and cultures from all over the world. These values guide her approach to financial planning and investment management, where she emphasizes listening closely, understanding each client’s goals, and building thoughtful, long-term relationships that help clients feel supported and confident in their financial decisions.
Annette is passionate about financial planning and investment management, focusing on building long-term relationships with her clients. She works closely with high-net-worth individuals to understand their full financial picture, providing customized guidance in retirement planning, tax strategies, investing, and legacy planning. Her goal is to help clients achieve their financial goals while guiding them through every stage of their financial journey.
Brian Boyes
Business Development & Marketing Manager
Brian is the firm's Marketing, Client Outreach, and Business Development Manager, a role he's held since 2017. He's a key player in addressing client needs and breaking down processes for prospects.
His financial career kicked off with the Pennsylvania State Treasury. He studied Business Administration and Sociology at Penn State University and Harrisburg Community College and also took Digital Marketing courses through California State University Fullerton's Extension program.
Nichole Gati, FPQP™
Client Services and Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™
Nichole has been a key member of the firm since 2015, playing a vital role in financial planning, administrative tasks, and client services. She works closely with clients, helping them gather data and navigate the firm's client website logins.
Nichole holds the Foundations in Financial Planning Certificate from the College for Financial Planning and is a licensed Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™.