Investing near Albany, CA

“The staff at this specific BofA have been extremely helpful and friendly. They have squeezed me in multiple times when I didn't have an appointment because they understood the timeliness of my needs. They made what could be a stressful process, feel a bit more at ease.”

“My husband and I have worked with Rick for over three years now and there are a number of reasons why we continue:- Our parents didn't teach us financial management skills. Rick has stepped into this role and teaches and explains to us everything we need to know and when we need to know it.- It's really hard to find a fiduciary that has YOUR best interests (and not their lucrative commission) at heart. Rick ticks this box.- FZ offers a complete wraparound financial management process. This goes from the short term, so being able to check your numbers each week, to understanding how long it'll be until you can retire.- Accountability to get annoying and boring financial admin done.- Check ins and coaching from Rick to manage your unique financial and family circumstances.- Face to face time with a real person, not having the frustration of trawling through FAQs and chatbots.”

“SHE IS THE BEST! Samantha has been our family advisor for over a decade and I cannot sing her praises more. She has patiently helped us with building wealth for our retirement and for our kids as they became adults. She has advised us with retirement accounts, living trusts, mortgage refinance and is always there, having done her research, to address any and all questions about buying stocks and emerging markets. She is forever friendly, informed, and forever professional. We would not be where we are today without her.”

“Signing up with RHS has given us peace of mind regarding our long term financial plan. Alex and the team at RHS are highly efficient and well organized. They rely on data and have a structured approach to financial analysis. Alex has taken the time to get to know our family situation and goals. He provides us with regular updates and is highly transparent. He has earned our trust and given us confidence that he will act in our long term best interest.”

“The entire staff did an excellent job with this mortgage note purchase. The staff responses were always prompt and they always answered all our questions. Very professional!”

“I have visited different coin stores throughout the bay area, and can confidently declare that you shouldn’t go anywhere else! Their prices are always the most fair, and they are super helpful in explaining the nuances when selling coins. The owner Jen and her assistant Bryan are great.”

“Jirayr and his team are fantastic. They are first and foremost extremely knowledgable, and what they don't know, they will run down the most minute detail. More importantly in my book, however, they take a refreshingly holistic perspective on financial planning. It's not just about getting the most financial returns--it's about optimizing for what you say is important in your life. Of course, they maximize financial returns as well, but in the context of everything else that's important to you. I appreciate that they share their honest opinions and let us know what they consider the best course of action, but they are also willing to listen if we say that doesn't fit what we're thinking. Overall, we could not be happier to have chosen Citrine and look forward to working with them well into the future.”

“My experience with Polyak Precious Metals was exceptional. They are knowledgeable and willing to share what they know. They deal with bullion as well as collectibles. Other companies made me feel like I had to be very wary, and negotiations were adversarial. Polyak Precious Metals made me comfortable. Their assessment of collectibles was aligned with my perspective, and the whole experience was easy and enjoyable. I strongly recommend this company.”

“Quality/Quantity - I was not going to write a Yelp on them, but this is my second visit in a month and both times have been a 5 star experience. Previous visits were negative (years ago).Our favorite branch is SF Geary with Katrina the branch manager. She is amazing; one of the two best employees of the company in my opinion!! Too bad that location is closing or has closed.Kieth was good, took care of all my needs in a very timely fashion.The security guard was even better; she greeted me in the parking lot, walked over to open the door for me, and went out of her way to say goodbye when I was leaving.Oh well, no coffee or fresh baked cookies today? Kieth said the cookies got burned...My previous recent visit was just as positive; sorry I did not get names.But the security guard, an older gentleman, also went out of his way to open the door for me. Atmosphere - Good size branch. Small size parking. But plenty of metered street parking.Service - See above, your team has improved so much at this location. I look forward to coming here more often.Price - N/A. Well, I might be coming back for some foreign exchange currencies for my next travels.Owner Suggestion - Congrats on your success since 1985 with 84 locations, S&P 500, and Russell 1000.2007 - Merrill Lynch acquired.2008 - Bank of America acquired.2010 - Private equity acquired.2010+ - More confusing acquisitions, above my pay grade to explain, please Google if interested.2023 - Chase/JP Morgan bought your assets and will be converting many of your locations.”

“Schwab has always set the bar for customer service. I recently had a issue with my account and the rep I spoke with handled it professionally and swiftly. Thanks a million!”

“Years and years of great memories of this bank with the best service ever! Actually extraordinary! Raymond and his staff will always be the best bar ever set. The end of an era...”

“I had a horrible experience with my own (well, previously own) bank, Mechanics Bank El Sobrante branch when I attempted to open a trust account for an estate. That took me to First Republic. Even though I had no accounts with them, Windy and Randy were both so helpful and courteous. My account was open in half the time I'd spent with an awful manager at Mechanics - where nothing was accomplished. I can't give five stars as I don't have long experience with them. Also, I was a but nonplussed to be told initially that I would have to stand as they didn't have chairs for customers. I went in during their special hours for seniors. I suspect that other older folk like me have physical issues (mine is a bad knee) which make standing for more than a few minutes difficult. They did find me a chair, but shouldn't they have offered me one to begin with? Otherwise, I think I'm going to like my new bank - and we're moving our personal accounts here as well.”

“I called and I'm not sure if it was the call center but AMANDA was amazing! So helpful and scheduled an appointment for us for next week as we're driving in from Sacramento. Kudos to Amanda, please.”

“I am allowed two reviews so here is an update after 6 1/2 years of banking with First Republic. I have never had a bad experience since I changed to First Republic.. It doesn't matter what branch I go into, I repeat, "I have NEVER had a bad experience" in any branch, but I favor China town branch because of Jennifer Wong. The treats,gifts,and no atm charges are just bonuses on top of the impeccable service. If you haven't switched to First Republic Bank you are missing out. It has changed my life and I am always happy to go to the bank. It used to feel like a chore.Now it is a pleasure.”

“Bill Shine is a master! He knows exactly how to help you strategize your tax liability to save you money and time. With IRS tax requirements ever changing you'll be in good hands with Bill. Yoda!”

“I am single and divorced of modest means. Having Julie and her team’s counsel helps me rest easy knowing that I have a sound strategy informed by seasoned experience practitioners. I have savings and income goals that keep me focused and I do not get overwhelmed. Not only do I have a plan with an annual check up, Julie is responsive as I execute my plan. She makes adjustments in real time as the market changes as I make transactions. I rest easy and worry less about being single growing older.”

“First Class customer service. A classy and a very efficient modern bank yet a full-pledge broker dealer too. Offers Full array of financial products & services, with a unbiased portfolio recommendation. This is how personal banking should be. Been a long time customer. In short, gold standard Bar none!”

“Over the past year I have worked with Sunita Joseph and Erik Erikson. Both have been helpful and professional. They have guided me into organizing my finances and making plans for the future of my retirement. I was informed about options but was never pushed in any direction. After working with them I have more peace of mind, knowledge and organization.”

“I highly recommend Brighton Jones. My team is responsive and reliable, and provide individualized service. I greatly appreciate their integration of financial planning services with tax advisory and estate planning services. No complaints!”

“Trust can be hard to define, especially when you’re dealing with life savings and security for the future. My wife and I have invested (literally) with Jason Draut for many years now, from the launch of his new business, the addition of a partner in Santa Cruz and we have always listened and trusted his advice on money matters. He has our best interests at heart.”

“To echo other comments, working with Alison has been one of the best financial decisions we've ever made. As self-employed parents of young children, life has been more than a little hectic. Having Alison in our corner to assist us, not only with ensuring we are investing well for retirement, but looking after our full financial health, has really made all the difference for us these past few years. Over the past two years we have: started a business, navigated inheriting an estate, set up our retirement accounts in alignment with our values, re-organized our monthly spending, set up the kids 529 accounts, bought our first home and more. Alison has helped us at every step of the way, doing research, working with us to develop plans, and making key referrals to help us (she referred us to both our tax person and our mortgage broker, who have both been great). This is all on top of the daily management of our retirement funds, which we have been very happy with. There is so much more to say, but I'll end with this: What really sets Alison apart is her empathy and communication. We know she cares about our family and wants the best for us. That finances are just a vehicle to accomplish the things that are important to us in our life. She encourages us to be organized, and takes the time to talk us through the important decisions, and also really listens. With Alison, you get not just an advisor, but a dependable, and essential partner. We highly recommend her!”

“Drive thru ATM is ok but don't come here at 11am in a weekday. Obviously everyone is coming during lunch but wouldn't you staff accordingly?Why don't banks have a "take a number" ticket system so elderly customers can sit instead of standing in line. Let everyone just relax until their number is called. Khalid is awesome - was very nice trying to help my father with his credit card payment.”

“City National Bank was recommended to me by another attorney when I was looking for an institution to hold my IOLTA account for my law firm. The recommendation was based on the personal attention clients receive. As soon as I approached City National Bank with interest in opening a business account and a personal account, a Krystle ClarkeBarifa, the branch manager, assembled a team to meet with me personally to go over the various different account types and banking services and took the time to understand my specific needs before recommending the perfect bundle of services. The same team that onboarded me has remained with me over the two years I have been banking at City National Bank. They are personally accessible to me by email and phone and even text message. Their prompt attention and responsiveness make me feel like the folks at City National Bank really care about my banking experience, regardless of the size of my accounts. As an attorney and someone who manages client funds, this level of service provides me the confidence of knowing I'm protecting my client's interests and that I am complying with the rules of professional responsibility that apply to IOLTA accounts. I highly recommend City National Bank if you want personal attention and care and a team that is going to be by your side each step of the way. Consider yourself lucky if your accounts are serviced by Krystle ClarkBarifa and/or Dorothy Over!”

“THIS IS MY BANK FOR 12 YEARS NOW.Opened one in the South San Francisco Branch and Kathy took care of me. My cousin referred me to her. Very pleasant and happy person. She is retired now. Then, most of my transactions/ request now is in this branch.Gina, always there poised to help me in my needs. Consistency is the key. Am pleased.Thank you WellsFargo for the years of service in my needs.Hopefully to build more blessings to my financial status and you always there for me.Manifesting great fortune to you and your staff / family.Stay strong always.Again, thank you very much.JM”

“City National Bank was recommended to me by another attorney when I was looking for an institution to hold my IOLTA account for my law firm. The recommendation was based on the personal attention clients receive. As soon as I approached City National Bank with interest in opening a business account and a personal account, a Krystle ClarkeBarifa, the branch manager, assembled a team to meet with me personally to go over the various different account types and banking services and took the time to understand my specific needs before recommending the perfect bundle of services. The same team that onboarded me has remained with me over the two years I have been banking at City National Bank. They are personally accessible to me by email and phone and even text message. Their prompt attention and responsiveness make me feel like the folks at City National Bank really care about my banking experience, regardless of the size of my accounts. As an attorney and someone who manages client funds, this level of service provides me the confidence of knowing I'm protecting my client's interests and that I am complying with the rules of professional responsibility that apply to IOLTA accounts. I highly recommend City National Bank if you want personal attention and care and a team that is going to be by your side each step of the way. Consider yourself lucky if your accounts are serviced by Krystle ClarkBarifa and/or Dorothy Over!”

“Over the last year or so Schultz Collins have been extremely helpful, thoughtful and patient in helping me make sense my mildly complex (I've lived in several countries) financial situation and make plans for my future. They're helpful, professional, courteous and for complex decisions always lay out the multiple options available and explain the ramifications of each.”