Who we are

Meet Sam

Hi. I’m Sam Ghaly, the founder and portfolio manager of Santa Monica Wealth Management, LLC. I started Santa Monica Wealth Management with a clear goal in mind; to serve clients better by disrupting the traditional business model and culture of the wealth management industry.

After practicing public accounting for a number of years with the largest CPA firm in the world, I decided to get into the investment management business. My professional background and experience with my clients over the years made me believe that clients are

looking for more comprehensive guidance on how financial issues fit into a whole life plan. Seeking more than just return on investment, investors are proactively soliciting professional help in funding a lifestyle with satisfaction at its core.
In 2018, I decided to create a new kind of service to help people build wealth and plan for their future; one that was straight forward, personal and transparent. I wanted clients to have more time to focus on their family and careers, knowing that their financial futures were in good hands. I believe that every client has the potential to be a wealth-creator and take charge of their future. With our approach, you don’t give up the best of life or the best parts of yourself just to accumulate money. The money is there to serve you, not vice versa. It becomes a tool to help you live the best life possible with what you have. Accumulating as much wealth as possible is no longer the primary objective of your financial plan.

To walk alongside our clients in order to help them achieve a “better return on life”.

We’ll help you write your own definition of success, rather than dictating what that should mean to you. Our approach puts the focus on what is important to you to accomplish. From there, we help you by managing your assets in a way that improves your life and provides peace of mind and confidence.

I believe that as your advisor, my job incorporates being your financial planner, wealth manager, and financial coach. We will work together to build a sound solid financial life plan that addresses all your needs and concerns. I’ll be there for you and your family to provide advice and direction along the way, especially when the path seems most uncertain.

I look forward to helping you discover the financial balance between enjoying life now but also ensuring a future that you can be excited about. If you would like to learn more about our unique wealth management approach at Santa Monica Wealth Management, let’s Get Acquainted.

Life takes unexpected twists and turns, we help you stay the course & get the best out of your life.

Our Philosophy

• Most financial advisors you meet with are typically going to focus on your financial assets–what you have and where it’s invested. Your accounts and your amounts. The primary focus for these advisors is your Return On Investments (ROI).

• Our focus instead, is on WHO YOU ARE. Your story, your history and experience with financial issues, your present situation and future considerations

• Our philosophy revolves around maximizing your Return On Life (ROL) vs. your Return On Investment (ROI).

• Our life-centered planning model helps you achieve the best life possible with the money they have.

• Much of the Return On Investment (ROI) is not within our control. We can diversify investments, but we cannot control how the markets perform or how global events affect the markets.

• Life happens. But no matter what happens, or whatever life throws your way, The Return On Life (ROL) model helps you cope with the unexpected.

• It’s important to balance ROI with Return on Life (ROL).

• Instead of accumulating money for the goodies it can buy, we help you moving toward using money to live the best life possible with the money you have. Are You Maximizing Your Return on Life? Are you managing your money in a way that improves your life?

Frequently Asked Questions

I am not wealthy. Why do I need financial planning Help?

When most people think about financial planning, they immediately think of investment management or “wealth” management. The problem with that is then you might think, “If I don’t have investments or wealth, do I really need a financial planner?”
Comprehensive financial planning is about so much more than investments. Every day you make decisions that affect your financial life with respect to budgeting, large purchases, employee benefits, insurance, and savings. we can help optimize all of these areas.

What is a fiduciary?

Most people working in the financial industry are not fiduciaries. By definition, that means they are not required to do what’s in your best interest. Santa Monica Wealth Management has chosen to operate as a true fiduciary, which means we are legally bound to make decisions in your best interest. Part of being a fiduciary means your investment accounts are held with an independent third-party custodian. We don’t touch your money. You only authorize us to make investment decisions on your behalf.

What is fee-only?

It means the only way Santa Monica Wealth Management makes money is through a fee that we negotiate with you ahead of time. We do not sell products and do not accept commission of any kind. Any fees we ultimately receive are paid just by you. No commission, no third-party payments, 100% independent. We think that puts us on the same side of the table as our clients.

Do you sell financial products?

No. As a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm, our only source of income is from clients. This is to prevent conflicts of interest and allows us to act in a fiduciary capacity 100% of the time we are working together.

If you don’t sell me financial products, where do I get them?

Once we determine the appropriate steps to implement your financial plan, then we work together to find services and products that fit. As an independent financial planning firm, our goal is to find providers that offer superior value and transparency. We seek to find the best solution possible at the lowest available cost. We work with insurance, legal, and tax providers that we believe in.

How often will we meet? How often can I contact you?

Annual meetings are a requirement for being a client. However, we prefer more frequent contact. Our ability to offer high quality advice is directly related to how connected we are with your life. In practice, quarterly check-ins help keep the relationship proactive, instead of reactive.
You can contact us as often as needed, we are always available and ready to answer questions or meet with your personally.

How do I know my money is safe?

Santa Monica Wealth Management will never take custody of your money. It will be invested with an independent third-party custodian (TD Ameritrade Institutional) who offers full security and FDIC protection.

Are there asset requirements in order to become a client?

No. Santa Monica Wealth Management does not have investable asset requirements. If you are interested and committed to making better financial decisions we believe you should have access to a high quality advisor to help you on your journey.

What is a financial plan? What happens if my life changes?

A comprehensive plan is the process of defining your goals, designing a strategy to achieve them, and aligning your resources with your objectives. The most important part of your plan is going through the process of creating it, reviewing it, and making adjustments as necessary to keep you on your chosen path. Life is unpredictable, by its very nature, but the process of planning can incorporate that variability and provide a disciplined, intelligent, and thoughtful way to adapt to life’s every twist and turn.

Do I need to have my finances in order before I contact you?

Not at all. A big part of the up front, and ongoing, value of financial planning is organization of your financial life. Through working with me you will learn what pieces of information you need to pull together in order to create your plan. We will help you put them all together to get crystal clear on your current situation.

Do I have to put the plan into action all by myself?

No. Those who have a partner in making changes to their lives are more successful. We won’t be going to give you a big binder of paper and send you on your way. As part of our ongoing coaching service, we will provide accountability to help you achieve change. We will assist in prioritizing your steps and make sure you are supported through your financial journey.

Do you specialize in a certain type of client?

We primarily work with individuals, couples, and families between their mid-twenties and mid-sixties. Our knowledge and expertise is focused around the needs and goals common for this particular demographic. Additionally, by working with clients in the early to mid phases of their financial journey we believe that high quality wealth planning can provide tremendous impact and value.

I'm already retired. Can you help me?

Our main clientele are individuals and families that have not yet become financially independent. However, a subset of our relationships are individuals that are already retired and choose to work with us because they value our straightforward, disciplined approach.

I am interested in working with Santa Monica Wealth Management. Is there a fee for an initial meeting?

We offer a complimentary introductory meeting in which we get acquainted with you, learn about your family, your goals and aspirations, and determine if Santa Monica Wealth Management can help. The session also gives you a chance to decide if we are right for you.