Chris Duke- Waddell Reed

I approached Chris based on a reference and I am glad I did it. He has excellent at summarizing my financial situation, came up with various scenario analysis if my compensation changed or my kids college expenses changed, etc. He was not pushy and did not try to sell services he offered. So, when I told him that I would go with an alternative provider for some of my investing needs, he was comfortable and even gave me advice along the way. Thanks a lot.

I decided to write this long overdue review for Chris after yet another prove of his professional excellence. I am not an easy rater, so me giving 5 stars means that I am thoroughly impressed, and I am.
I came to California from Spain 18 months ago. Although we had lived here before, I felt a stranger to most of the details of financial planning. I had trouble understanding how to plan for retirement, my kids’ university, saving for buying a house, stocks… After doing some research, I read about Chris on Unilocal,and I decided to give it a shot. That was definitely one of the best decisions I made since coming to California.
Chris did a thorough analysis of our financial situation, assets, incomes, needs, priorities… He helped us come up with a plan. But, not only that, he was patient to guide us through all the steps and gave us what I would consider a «financial planning course». Since then, he has been flexible to adapt the plan to changes. Also, he is always available to answer an email or a visit for any question. Most importantly, I have come to really trust his advice (I am not an easy one since I question even the medical advice I get most of the time). I would trust Chris’ advice on anything ranging from job opportunities to buying a house. I really think that what we paid for his advice was a real bargain. The best invested money I can think of.
Btw, if you are, like me, working on tech, you will find yet another positive in Chris. He is a former engineer, and he knows all the ins and outs of the Valley.
If you have doubts on how to plan what to do with your money, I would truly recommend you visiting Chris. I give this same advice to my best friends.

Went to see Chris for some general advice about 401k and stocks and, basically, what to do with my money. I showed him everything I had as far as finances and he explained clearly what I was doing right and wrong for myself and why. He was great to work with and I’d recommend him to anyone.

Candor and honesty sum up my experience with Chris. Sure, he has given me solid and astute counsel on financial topics such as investing, long term planning, the market, financial life goals, etc. But doesn’t that simply meet the minimum expectation for a financial advisor?
What I found more important and rewarding was that he had the courage to be honest with me, and forced me to be honest with myself with regards to setting and staying on course for realistic and achievable goals.

Chris is an excellent financial advisor – I’m so glad that I sought out his services!
When it comes to finances, I’m about as ignorant as they come. For so long I had resigned myself to flying by the seat of my pants: no planning, expense tracking, nothing. Long story short: after a few short meetings with Chris I now feel like my entire financial house is in order, and I’m finally confident that I’m well-​positioned to accomplish my short– and long-​term financial goals.
Chris is very approachable and has no problem explaining arcane financial lingo to a layperson like me. He was always happy to take my calls and answer my incessant emails, and I’m really looking forward to our continued partnership.

Chris is my financial advisor, and while he certainly good at his job he is better at understanding how he can help me. He has made some great decisions for me, but only after he made me understand what I want for myself.
He also makes himself available to me (which is rare) for my constant inane questions about what I think I see in the market. If there were more stars to click I would click them. I highly recommend him.