Your life. Your wealth. Your future.

Pursue what matters most

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Your financial life is unique. The same should be true of your financial plan. We take the time to get to know you, your family and all your most important priorities. As your circumstances change over time and as new opportunities arise, we'll work with you to adjust your plan to help keep you on track. When you look to the future, you should like what you see.

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Collecting Social Security Benefits

Date.August 01 2024

  • John Jul, CIMA(r), AIF(r) (Senior Vice President - Amundi Asset Management)
  • Michelle Hollaender (Digital Specialist - UBS)

Insights

  • Joseph Katzaroff Profile Photo

    Joseph Katzaroff, CFP®

    Managing Director–Wealth Management

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    • MA
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    CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)

    I’m Joe Katzaroff, our team’s lead certified financial planner (CFP) and senior partner, boasting an impressive 36 year wealth management career.  My journey began in 1988 and I’ve remained dedicated to UBS (formerly Paine Webber) ever since.  In 1988, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance from California State University of Long Beach in 1988.

    At UBS, I provide wealth management services with a focus on understanding understanding your wealth, and grasping what you wish to achieve.  These essential aspects form the foundation of our collaboration.  By diving deep into these elements, we can develop personalized and effective strategy to help you reach your financial goals and aspirations with confidence and clarity.

    Outside of my professional endeavors, my heart belongs to my wife Barbara, my college sweetheart, and together, we have joyfully raised four wonderful and active children.  During my leisure time, I enjoy thrilling adventures on my mountain bike, invigorating wakeboarding & wake surfing sessions at Lake Mead, and I’m an avid Pickleball player. My dedication to both my professional and personal pursuits makes me a well-rounded and respected individual.

    Let’s embark on this financial journey together, building a brighter and prosperous future for you and your loved ones.

    CA Inc Lic 0A45893

    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

    • California State University of Long Beach, Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance
    • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
    • Senior Portfolio Manager
    Financial planning
    Legacy planning
    Retirement planning
    Estate planning strategies
    20 Pacifica
    Suite 1500
    Irvine, CA 92618
    joseph.katzaroff@ubs.com,karen.dryer@ubs.com
    Joseph Katzaroff, CFP®
    20 Pacifica,Irvine,CA,92618
  • Sasha Headshot

    Sasha Kottmeier

    Executive Director

    Financial Advisor

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    • AK
    • AL
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    • CA
    • CO
    • CT
    • DC
    • DE
    • FL
    • GA
    • HI
    • ID
    • IL
    • IN
    • KS
    • KY
    • MA
    • MD
    • MI
    • MN
    • MO
    • MT
    • NC
    • NJ
    • NM
    • NV
    • NY
    • OH
    • OK
    • OR
    • SC
    • TN
    • TX
    • UT
    • VA
    • WA
    • WI
    • WY

    As a Wealth Advisor, Sasha develops customized strategies to help clients pursue their goals. Sasha focuses on longevity planning, including retirement income, and insurance planning. He
    has a strong practice of implementing wealth transfer strategies, including inheritance and business succession planning. Additionally, he has a strong knowledge of life transition planning for marriage, divorce and loss of a loved one. He always puts his clients first and enjoys helping them reach their financial goals.

    Over the last 20 years, Sasha has gained experience, wisdom and resources that he shares with his clients to best pursue the goals that truly matter to them.

    Sasha and his wife have three children, two girls and one boy. Outside of the office, he enjoys mountain biking, running, motorcycles, free diving and traveling. His greatest enjoyment comes from spending time with his family.

    CA Ins. Lic. 0C80674

    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.
    • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

      • Athletes and Entertainers Consultant
      Investing
      Alternative investments
      Structured products
      Professional athletes
      Professional entertainers
      Business owners
      Professionals
      Corporate executives
      20 Pacifica
      Suite 1500
      Irvine, CA 92618
      sasha.kottmeier@ubs.com
      Sasha Kottmeier
      20 Pacifica,Irvine,CA,92618
    • Taylor Thompson Profile Photo

      Taylor Thompson, CFP®

      Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

      Financial Advisor

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      • IN
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      • KY
      • MA
      • MD
      • MI
      • MN
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      • MT
      • NC
      • NJ
      • NM
      • NV
      • NY
      • OH
      • OR
      • SC
      • TN
      • TX
      • UT
      • VA
      • WA
      • WI
      • WY

      Taylor joined the team in 2012 after graduating from Vanderbilt University, where he studied community development and Spanish. He earned the Certified Financial PlannerTM certifcation in 2016 and completed the Oxford Impact Investing Programme in 2017. He enjoys working with clients to understand and align their values, investment strategies, financial goals and philanthropic visions. In addition to providing advice, he dedicates time to our community by volunteering to empower social entrepreneurs and creatives. Taylor lives in San Clemente with his wife, Ashley, and daughters, Poppy, Kaia, and Summer.

      CA Ins Lic 0I07998

      • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

      • Vanderbilt University, Community Development and Spanish
      • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
      Banking
      Lending services
      Cash management
      Philanthropy
      Multi-generational families
      20 Pacifica
      Suite 1500
      Irvine, CA 92618
      taylor.thompson@ubs.com
      Taylor Thompson, CFP®
      20 Pacifica,Irvine,CA,92618
    • William Thompson Profile Photo

      Blake Thompson, CEPA®

      Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

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      Blake attended San Diego State, where he graduated with a B.S. in business finance. He holds the Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses. Blake immerses himself in the world of finance by studying Ben Graham’s concept of Margin of Safety and Philip Fisher’s 15 points for Growth Investing. He has an emphasis on valuation in his approach to the capital markets. Blake married his wife, Amy, in July 2020, and they are expecting their first baby in early 2023. On the weekends, Blake enjoys going to the park with their dog, Buddy, staying active, reading books and spending time with friends and family.

        • San Diego State, B.S. in Business Finance
        • Certified Exit Planning Advisor
        Exit planning
        Business succession
        Investing
        Custom portfolios
        Asset allocation
        Corporate executives
        20 Pacifica
        Suite 1500
        Irvine, CA 92618
        blake.thompson@ubs.com
        Blake Thompson, CEPA®
        20 Pacifica,Irvine,CA,92618
      • JAIME HEADSHOT

        Jaime Lowry

        Senior Client Associate

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        • AK
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        • CO
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        • GA
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        • ID
        • IL
        • IN
        • KS
        • KY
        • LA
        • MA
        • MD
        • MI
        • MN
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        • MT
        • NC
        • NH
        • NJ
        • NM
        • NV
        • NY
        • OH
        • OR
        • PR
        • RI
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        • WY

        For Jaime, going out of her way to serve people is second nature. Since 1997, she's earned an extraordinary reputation in the Financial Services Industry. Today, Jaime continues to bring a deep personal commitment to serving clients' needs. She retains her passion for understanding their values, aspirations and concerns. Jaime joined UBS Financials Services in 2008. She holds Series 7 and 66 licenses. Jaime grew up in Staten Island, NY and moved to California in 2002. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, volunteering at her church and spending time with her two daughters, Arianna and Gabriela.

              20 Pacifica
              Suite 1500
              Irvine, CA 92618
              jaime.lowry@ubs.com
              Jaime Lowry
              20 Pacifica,Irvine,CA,92618
            • Karen Dryer Profile Photo

              Karen Dryer, CFP®

              Wealth Strategy Associate

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              Karen graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a B.S. in Mathematics in 2007. After graduating, she joined UBS to begin her career in the financial services industry. She holds Series 7 and 66 licenses as well as the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP) certification. She is the team lead and is dedicated to strengthening client relationships through constant communication and efficiently solving client issues. Karen and her husband, David, have two sons and a French Bulldog. She enjoys working out, traveling, and attending sporting events.

                • University of California, Irvine, B.S. in Mathematics
                • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
                Banking
                Lending services
                Cash management
                Securities-backed lending
                20 Pacifica
                Suite 1500
                Irvine, CA 92618
                karen.dryer@ubs.com
                Karen Dryer, CFP®
                20 Pacifica,Irvine,CA,92618
              • Aimee Michael Profile Photo

                Aimee Michael

                Client Associate

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                  Aimee began her career at UBS in 2011 as a Branch Service Associate in Operations and joined the team in 2014. She brings over 20 years in customer service experience and a background in procurement and bookkeeping. She studied business and finance at Cal State Long Beach and at the University of Redlands School of Business. Aimee loves spending time at the beach and taking walks. She has been married for over 18 years to her husband, Tim, and has three children.

                    • Cal State Long Beach and at the University of Redlands School of Business, Business and Finance
                      20 Pacifica
                      Suite 1500
                      Irvine, CA 92618
                      aimee.michael@ubs.com
                      Aimee Michael
                      20 Pacifica,Irvine,CA,92618
                    • Jolene Albrecht Profile Photo

                      Jolene Albrecht

                      Senior Client Associate

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                      • AL
                      • AZ
                      • CA
                      • CO
                      • DE
                      • FL
                      • GA
                      • ID
                      • IL
                      • IN
                      • KS
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                      • MD
                      • MI
                      • MN
                      • MO
                      • NC
                      • NM
                      • NV
                      • NY
                      • OR
                      • SC
                      • TN
                      • TX
                      • UT
                      • VA
                      • WA
                      • WI

                      Jolene started her financial career in 1996 in Southern California and in the same year obtained her Series 7 and 63 securities licenses. She later obtained the life, accident and health insurance licenses. In 2003, she moved to Portland, OR, where she worked for UBS before moving into the banking advisory sector. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for outstanding customer service skills and for building strong client relationships. Jolene has been married for over 30 years to Michael, who has one daughter, son in law and grandson.  She enjoys the California sunshine, walking, traveling and wine tasting.

                      CA Ins Lic 0I43386

                            20 Pacifica
                            Suite 1500
                            Irvine, CA 92618
                            jolene.albrecht@ubs.com
                            Jolene Albrecht
                            20 Pacifica,Irvine,CA,92618
                          • Carrie Hennessey Profile Photo

                            Carrie Hennessey

                            Client Associate

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                            • CA

                            Carrie brings over 20 years of business experience to her role, in which she attains satisfaction through helping others. She holds Series 7 and Series 66 Securities licenses. Carrie is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. Carrie enjoys time with her family, friends, dogs, sports, and outdoor activities.

                                  20 Pacifica
                                  Suite 1500
                                  Irvine, CA 92618
                                  carrie.hennessey@ubs.com
                                  Carrie Hennessey
                                  20 Pacifica,Irvine,CA,92618
                                • Casey Verst

                                  Executive Director

                                  Senior Wealth Strategy Consultant

                                  Introduction
                                  Casey works with high net worth clients to help develop estate plans that achieve personal goals, while simultaneously leveraging their gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemptions to preserve and protect family wealth. Casey also helps review clients' current estate plans and coordinates with clients' advisors to ensure each client's estate planning goals are being achieved in a tax efficient manner.

                                  Professional History
                                  Prior to joining UBS, Casey practiced law with the law firm Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP in Los Angeles, CA, focusing on estate and tax planning for high-net worth individuals.

                                  Education
                                  Casey received his B.A. in Political Science from UCLA, and his J.D. from UC Hastings College of the Law.
                                • Roubina

                                  Roubina Kurkjian

                                  NMLS #947868

                                  Senior Wealth Management Banker, UBS Bank USA

                                  Roubina Kurkjian joined UBS Bank USA in 2016 and she is currently a Senior Wealth Management Banker covering the Orange County Market.

                                  Roubina has an extensive background in relationship banking. She is focused on providing Financial Advisors and their clients a variety of cash management resources along with banking solutions that may complement their overall wealth management objectives.

                                  Professional history

                                  Roubina began her career in financial services in 1998. Prior to joining UBS, Roubina was most recently a Wealth Management Banker at Merrill Lynch.

                                  Education and personal information

                                  In Roubina’s role as a Senior Wealth Management Banker her NMLS # is 637447. She holds her Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, and California Insurance license . She also holds a B.S in Business Management and Operations Management from California State University Long Beach.

                                  Outside of the office, Roubina currently lives in Cowan Heights, California with her husband and two children.

                                  Senior Wealth Management Bankers are employees of UBS Bank USA. UBS Bank USA is a subsidiary of UBS Group AG. UBS Bank USA, Member FDIC, NMLS No. 947868. Equal Housing Lender

                                • Lisa Snyder

                                  Lisa Snyder

                                  Executive Director

                                  Wealth Planning Strategist

                                  Current role and areas of expertise

                                  Lisa is a Wealth Planning Strategist for the West Division. In this capacity, Lisa is responsible for providing Financial Advisors and their high net worth clients with unbiased, product neutral, advanced planning strategies, design and implementation. As an advanced financial planner, she provides expertise in the following areas:

                                  Estate and multi-generational planning
                                  Retirement income and cash flow analysis
                                  Business continuity and succession planning
                                  Retirement plans and employee benefits
                                  Risk and liability management planning
                                  Charitable giving strategies
                                  Executive compensation and benefit strategies

                                  Professional history

                                  Lisa is a former estate planning attorney with more than twenty years of experience in financial services. Her focus has been helping clients successfully plan for wealth preservation, estate transition, philanthropy and generational prosperity. She has also been a featured speaker at national conferences and regional events, including Hawaii Tax Institute and Delaware Bankers Trust Conference. Prior to UBS, Lisa was Chief Learning Officer at the Institute for Preparing Heirs and Legacy Strategist at First Republic Bank.

                                  Education and personal information

                                  Lisa has a Juris Doctor from Tulane Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from Ohio University Honors Tutorial College. Lisa and her wife, Kimberlee, reside in Los Angeles. They love the Dodgers, a good road trip and the LA Phil at the Hollywood Bowl. Lisa also enjoys Stephen King novels, 70’s music and a perfectly brewed iced tea.
                                • Michelle Hollaender

                                  Michelle Hollaender

                                  Digital Specialist

                                  WM USA Digital Strategy & Platforms

                                  Michelle joined UBS Financial Services in February, 2006, as a Senior Registered Client Service Associate and since that time she has held various roles in the firm within management.  She holds licenses including Series 7, 66, and 31 among others.

                                   

                                  In 2016, Michelle moved into the role of Digital Specialist and currently serves branches in California, Arizona, and Hawaii. In addition to providing education on the applications used at the firm to employees, she works with clients and assists with the navigation and use of the digital capabilities available to them through UBS.

                                   

                                  Michelle and her family live in the community of Del Sur in San Diego County.  She spends free time exploring the surrounding area and watching sporting events, both professional and her son’s Little League Baseball and soccer games.

                                Modern Retirement Monthly

                                Modern Retirement Monthly

                                Traditional or Roth?

                                For most families, a balance of Traditional and Roth contributions will provide the best results. However, this doesn’t mean that you should contribute to both types of accounts equally. The UBS Chief Investment Office (CIO) provides an overview of Traditional and Roth 401(k) accounts, highlighting key factors that you should consider when deciding where you will direct your hard-earned savings.

                                Defining your priorities. Pursuing what matters.

                                Our experience and structured planning process drives a comprehensive financial plan and customized investment strategies. Depending on where you are in your life and the priorities that matter most, our planning conversations may focus on liquidity management, your cash flow needs, asset replacement solutions such as insurance, estate planning strategies, or tax and legal structures such as trusts and philanthropic vehicles.

                                retirement couple

                                Retirement planning

                                Senior executives

                                Senior executives

                                Portfolio management

                                Portfolio management