Bull Oak Capital is a financial advisor in San Diego. We provide comprehensive financial planning & investment management services to retirees, professionals, and business owners. As a fiduciary advisor in San Diego, we never earn commissions, fees, or kickbacks on your investments. You will know exactly what your fees are and how well you are performing.
We never make investment decisions on a hunch. We instead follow our disciplined investment philosophy, which is based on a rigorous academic research study. Many advisors claiming to be a "fiduciary advisor, " including CFPs that work at broker-dealer firms, can choose to be one only part-time. We are required to be a fiduciary financial advisor 100% of the time.
We never make investment decisions on a hunch. We instead follow our disciplined investment philosophy, which is based on a rigorous academic research study. Many advisors claiming to be a "fiduciary advisor, " including CFPs that work at broker-dealer firms, can choose to be one only part-time. We are required to be a fiduciary financial advisor 100% of the time.
Services
Bull Oak Capital provides portfolio management services and custom financial plans for working professionals in the southern California region and across the U.S. We are a fee-only Registered Investment Advisory firm that acts as a fiduciary for our clients. Our team of financial professionals is here to provide exceptional service, financial planning, and portfolio management for our clients.
Bull Oak Capital is a top-rated financial advisory company recognized as one of the fastest-growing firms in the nation. We provide wealth management services to retirees, working professionals, and business owners in the San Diego region. We take the time to design multiple financial scenarios to help you achieve true financial independence.
I am the Founder of Bull Oak Capital, an investment advisory firm in San Diego, CA. Since launching the firm, I have been listed as one of Investment News 40 Under 40, and Bull Oak Capital was listed as one of the fastest-growing firms by Wealth Management magazine. I started the firm after graduating from the UCLA Anderson School of Business.
Thank you for checking out Bull Oak Capital! We firmly believe that everybody should be able to achieve financial independence. That is why we construct our client portfolios based on rigorous market research and why we take the time to design multiple financial planning scenarios. We love working with journalists and writers that are passionate about the capital markets and personal finance.
Our well-researched investment philosophy got its start at the UCLA Anderson School of Management. After years of refinement, we offer five investment strategies to our clients, ranging from Conservative to Aggressive. The Conservative strategy attempts to earn stable returns with low levels of volatility over time while maintaining a focus on downside risk management.
Reviews (23)
Jeff M.
Sep 14, 2021
Report
We came to Ryan in 2016 and signed up to complete a $2,500 Financial Plan. At the time, the minimum manageable asset to have Ryan take on our portfolio was $250K. Fast forward five years, and we've reached the minimum threshold. However, Ryan moved the target and increased his minimum to one million.
I'm glad for him that his business has done well. But had we known our finances would never catch up to qualify for his management services as he increases his minimum threshold, I would never have shelled out our hard earned cash to pay for a financial plan from an unattainable advisor
I'm glad for him that his business has done well. But had we known our finances would never catch up to qualify for his management services as he increases his minimum threshold, I would never have shelled out our hard earned cash to pay for a financial plan from an unattainable advisor
Marco Lujan
Aug 12, 2021
Report
The most difficult part for me in my journey of finding the right financial advisor was trust. After about a half a year of meeting with several different types of financial advisors, once I met Ryan, I immediately knew I was going to stay with him. Ryan is a professional in his field and you can expect great communication and transparency. Ryan will take his time to explain any questions or concerns that you might have as a client. My experience and results with him have been amazing.
Alex J.
Jun 25, 2021
Report
Highly recommend Ryan and his team. They have surpassed my expectations in what to expect from a financial advisor. Ryan is transparent, communicative, and responsive. He has spent so much time answering my questions, explaining market trends, and mapping out a financial plan to help me understand what's realistic and how different decisions may put me on different trajectories. He also sends out regular newsletters with his thoughts on the economy and how to think about different market changes, which I love. Really happy with Ryan and his team and feel much more secure with my financial
Patricia Rodgers
Feb 20, 2021
Report
When my husband passed away last summer, I felt not only the pain of losing my life partner, but the concern and uncertainty of how I was going to handle my new financial situation, remain self=sufficient, and plan for the future.
A friend referred me to Ryan, praising his professionalism and competence. Although in the midst of the COVID pandemic, Ryan sensed my anxiety and offered to meet with me in person. Both he and his assistant, Alyssa, provided not only the financial expertise and guidance which I needed; but were exceptionally kind and supportive during each of our sessions, as well as
A friend referred me to Ryan, praising his professionalism and competence. Although in the midst of the COVID pandemic, Ryan sensed my anxiety and offered to meet with me in person. Both he and his assistant, Alyssa, provided not only the financial expertise and guidance which I needed; but were exceptionally kind and supportive during each of our sessions, as well as
Kally Dhillon
Oct 09, 2020
Report
We interviewed multiple financial advisors and are very happy with our decision to work with Ryan and Bull Oak Capital. We have had 2 meetings now and Ryan has gone above and beyond with the personalized service, being transparent and very knowledgeable in both the financial planning and portfolio management areas. We are already seeing a difference in our investments and we look forward to a very long and productive relationship with Bull Oak Capital.
Jill S.
Jun 22, 2020
Report
Ryan and his team provide world class financial advice on a very personal level. We chose Bull Oak because it is local to San Diego, and we did not want to deal with one of the large, impersonal firms to advise us on our investments and plan for retirement. We could not be happier with the service and we highly recommend Bull Oak Capital.
Edgardo A.
May 06, 2020
Report
I had the first 15-minute phone chat with Ryan this week. It was helpful, but ultimately we weren't a match due to the minimum asset requirements. My review will mostly focus on this aspect so others are aware:
1. As noted in their website and on their Yelp Page Q&A, you must have $750K in retirement and investment assets (real estate not included). Ninja Edit: It actually just got updated to $1MM in the past 24 hours.
2. All assets must be transferable to the third-party broker they work with. I believe Ryan said they work with TD Ameritrade. In my case my retirement assets were not
1. As noted in their website and on their Yelp Page Q&A, you must have $750K in retirement and investment assets (real estate not included). Ninja Edit: It actually just got updated to $1MM in the past 24 hours.
2. All assets must be transferable to the third-party broker they work with. I believe Ryan said they work with TD Ameritrade. In my case my retirement assets were not
Noel H.
Nov 09, 2019
Report
I'm so glad that we found Ryan and Bull Oak Capital. I did extensive research leading up to meeting with Ryan (and others) and decided that Ryan was a perfect fit. I've managed my own money my whole life but finally decided to hand over the reigns to an expert in the field. Ryan is well versed (and more) in everything financial and I feel very comfortable with him managing our various funds. I had considered a few companies. My wife is also very happy with our choice and feels comfortable now with the goals of retirement that we now know we should be able to reach. All of Bull Oak Capitals
Debora S.
Sep 25, 2019
Report
We spent months searching for a new financial planner/advisor. My husband and I have worked with several advisors over the years and learned a lot while doing our research and knew we needed and wanted something more than just an advisor. We narrowed down our search and met with a few different planners/advisors. After speaking with Ryan and then meeting with him in person, our minds were made up almost immediately. He was honest and from the beginning he made us feel like he was sincerely interested in our future and financial freedom.
It has been months since we first met with Ryan and he
It has been months since we first met with Ryan and he
Meera W.
Sep 13, 2019
Report
Ryan takes time to explain all the financial jargon in layman terms. I came with no idea on how to invest and he has broken it down for me in little chunks. Furthermore, I am very pleased with his excellent service and seeing my investments grow. I am now living overseas and still trust Ryan to manage it for me with his unique strategy. I would highly recommend him as an advisor and investment manager.
Bob Kappel
Jul 14, 2019
Report
After many years of investing with a major brokerage company, it was a breath of fresh air for my wife and I to switch to Ryan Hughes of Bull Oak Capital, with whom we’ve been for several months now. His low-key, intelligent and strategic approach gives us an increased feeling of financial security. As valuable, if not more, is knowing that in his role as a fiduciary he always acts in our best interest. Ryan and his team also created a written Financial Plan for us. As you can tell from this review, we’re very glad that Ryan is our fiduciary financial advisor.
L. U.
May 20, 2019
Report
Dennis P.
Apr 25, 2019
Report
Ryan and the Bull Oak team are top notch! I'm so glad we found them. We use them for our retirement investing as well as we did a very in depth financial plan. My only regret is not moving faster as my procrastination after meeting Ryan took about a year until we actually moved forward. His various plans based on risk tolerance suit us well. I'm at ease knowing my family is in good hands and look forward to many years of partnership.
Christine S.
Dec 07, 2018
Report
For those searching for a "fee only financial planner" like I did, they do not offer this service (hourly fee financial advice). They require their clients to open an account of $750,000. Unfortunately that is not what I was searching for. Ryan was incredibly helpful though and I respect this business for having high fiduciary standards that fully support and represent the client. If I had that kind of money, I'd definitely consider them.
Addy M.
Jul 09, 2018
Report
I didn't have too much savings; but Ryan still made time to talk to me and looked into my case. He also gave very good suggestions on what options I had in the near term!! He did give good advise about housing / lenders and also my 401k investments.
In the end, since it was just a phone call - he didn't charge any fee either!!
I would definitely recommend Ryan; He seems pretty honest and down to earth!
In the end, since it was just a phone call - he didn't charge any fee either!!
I would definitely recommend Ryan; He seems pretty honest and down to earth!
Aron Ouye
Jun 27, 2018
Report
I would highly recommend Ryan at Bull Oak Capital. From the very first phone consultation, Ryan seemed honest, knowledgeable, and most of all, very professional. I chose Ryan to better handle my investments, to create a financial plan for my girlfriend and I, and to give me recommendations to better prepare myself for the future.
During our financial planning meeting, Ryan sat down with my girlfriend and I and asked us about all of our financial goals (short and long-term). Ryan was able to map out our financial future on his white board, and was very personable and thoughtful during this process
During our financial planning meeting, Ryan sat down with my girlfriend and I and asked us about all of our financial goals (short and long-term). Ryan was able to map out our financial future on his white board, and was very personable and thoughtful during this process
Darci W.
Jun 07, 2018
Report
I can't say enough good about Ryan. My husband and I had been through some tough financial times due to a combination of life events and it was important that we were on the same page with regards to how to move forward.
Finding Ryan through his great reviews was such a blessing. From the first call, to the explanation of the process, to the actual working session and follow-up- everything was very clear and thoughtful. I had many questions and needed things explained in a way that I could understand and Ryan was so patient and thorough and kind. I would highly recommend him for all levels
Finding Ryan through his great reviews was such a blessing. From the first call, to the explanation of the process, to the actual working session and follow-up- everything was very clear and thoughtful. I had many questions and needed things explained in a way that I could understand and Ryan was so patient and thorough and kind. I would highly recommend him for all levels
Reina T.
Apr 04, 2018
Report
My boyfriend and I wanted to make sure we were making smart financial decisions for the future. While searching on the internet for local advisers, we found Bull Oak Capital, which had stellar reviews! I went into the initial meeting feeling intimidated by the idea of seeing a financial advisor but Ryan quickly put me at ease with his professional but easy-going demeanor. Throughout the whole process, Ryan was so patient in explaining investment terminology and helping my boyfriend and I discover questions about our future we hadn't even considered before.
Ryan and his team were super thorough
Ryan and his team were super thorough
Rachel Evans
Nov 08, 2017
Report
I have met with and dealt with a dozen or more financial advisors in my time, and I almost never trust them. From the moment I started working with Ryan I have found him to be honest, straightforward, smart, and very thorough. I first spoke with Ryan about my mom's financial situation, as I was taking over her finances. I had interviewed 5 other financial advisors before I finally found him. When Ryan explained to me how he manages finances, and how he gets paid (never gets commissions for investing so no conflict of interest), it was clear that he is something different. He made it so easy for
Jay K.
May 15, 2017
Report
Bull Oak recently produced an excellent financial plan deliverable for my wife and I that will guide our family's financial decisions both in the tactical near-term and strategic long-term.
We selected Bull Oak to create a financial plan for us based on the strength of the initial consultation in Bull Oak's downtown office and due to the firm being a fiduciary Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), so they only receive revenue from their customers and are not permitted to receive revenue from commissions or product resale. As such, Bull Oak is not incentivized at all to sell certain products
We selected Bull Oak to create a financial plan for us based on the strength of the initial consultation in Bull Oak's downtown office and due to the firm being a fiduciary Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), so they only receive revenue from their customers and are not permitted to receive revenue from commissions or product resale. As such, Bull Oak is not incentivized at all to sell certain products
Monica Howard
Oct 27, 2016
Report
My husband and I have been working with Ryan for 4 months, and I only wish we would have found him sooner. On our first meeting, it was immediately clear that Ryan has a wealth of knowledge and is able to impart that knowledge in a way that is easily understood. While his down to earth style makes it easy to communicate, he is all business when it comes to handling his clients' investments. In this short amount of time, we are already seeing results that just weren't happening with our previous advisor. Ryan is passionate about what he is doing, committed to doing the best for his clients, an excellent
Mark D.
Oct 13, 2016
Report
We've been managing our own financial investments on our own up until just recently. I wanted to be sure that I was being objective and not too emotional with my decision-making. We interviewed three different advisers two fiduciary types and big box adviser. Glad we did to because everything that I read regarding big box financial planners selling in house products and gaining commissions by fees from the customers was true. The fiduciary type planner has your best interest in mind and what's right for your financial model.
We liked Ryan's personable approach and he also takes
We liked Ryan's personable approach and he also takes
Michael L.
Aug 31, 2016
Report
When looking for a financial adviser, the average person will often turn to their friends and family and ask "hey...do you know anyone?" The majority of the time they will refer you to someone who represents a big named firm, and you'll entertain a meeting and possibly sign up...because bigger is better right? No...it's not. If you are with an adviser who represents a large firm, they are likely to recommend investment products that provide them with a commission. That's reality.
If you happen to be researching a financial adviser, the ONE question you need to ask
If you happen to be researching a financial adviser, the ONE question you need to ask
