Bill Kennedy

My path to financial planning started in the passenger seat of my father's car. Growing up in Los Angeles County, I'd ride along as he visited customers throughout the city. I watched how he worked, how he talked to people, how much he cared about doing right by them. Those trips taught me that real business happens through connection, and that lesson stuck.

The money part came later. After reading Rich Dad Poor Dad, I couldn't stop thinking about the two different mindsets it presented: one focused on playing it safe, the other on building wealth. It challenged everything I assumed about financial success. I started seeking out every learning opportunity I could find. While living in San Francisco, I'd attend seminars at Charles Schwab headquarters just to learn. During a long commute, I filled the drive time with Dave Ramsey and other financial educators. Eventually, I realized I didn't just want to understand money better for myself. I wanted to help other people feel confident making their own financial decisions.

I joined Capstone Financial Group three years ago as a Financial Advisor on Team Donnelly. I earned my Series 7, Series 66, and SIE licenses in 2022, and I work as a fiduciary, which means my clients' interests always come first. Before this career, I spent years at ColorGraphics after graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1991 with a degree in Graphic Communication. That background taught me how to communicate clearly, something that serves me well when explaining complex financial concepts.

I focus on three areas: retirement planning, investment management, and estate planning. They're all connected. I help people figure out how to get to retirement, stay disciplined through market swings, and make sure their assets go where they intend. The real value I bring is helping clients stay calm when markets get choppy. It's easy to make emotional decisions when things feel uncertain. My job is to provide perspective so they can stick to their long-term plan.

What keeps this work interesting is that everyone thinks about money differently. Some see it as security. Others see freedom, stress, or possibility. Those beliefs shape how people approach every financial decision, and I genuinely enjoy figuring out what drives each person. It helps me give advice that actually fits their life.

Clients tell me I'm calm and easy to talk to. They appreciate that I take time to listen and explain things in plain language. A lot of them have mentioned they feel more confident knowing they have a plan and someone they can rely on when questions come up.

Outside work, I live in Folsom, where the outdoor lifestyle suits me perfectly. On weekends, I'm usually up at Lake Tahoe hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, or rock climbing. I also spend time on the water boating and windsurfing. Soccer has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I coached youth soccer with Surf Folsom Lake Soccer for 15 years, and now I play in a 35+ outdoor league on Tuesdays and indoor on Thursdays. Staying active keeps me balanced and energized, both on the field and in my work with clients.