Kristin Bartlow left a career in property and casualty insurance in 2009 to pursue the entrepreneurial opportunity and relationship-focused work of financial planning. Kristin wanted to work with clients through the various phases of their lives.
In 2016, she founded the non-profit organization “100+ Women Who Care, Contra Costa County”. Their mission is for 100+ women to commit to contributing $100 four times a year to local charities. Kristin is inspired by the vision of women pooling their resources to make a greater difference in the community.
Kristin was recognized in 2020 by being named one of America’s Top 500 Women Wealth Advisors by Forbes as well as making it on the Working Mother & Shook Research Top Wealth Advisor Moms list! She attributes her professional growth to continual learning, effectively listening and communicating, and recommending the right strategies for her clients at the appropriate time.
Kristin’s grandmother, Jean, was only 42 when she lost her husband. She had two young children then, ages 13 and 15. Jean lived until the age of 98 without financial worry due to the planning that was put in place so many years ago. It’s that kind of impact which drives Kristin’s passion for financial planning every day.
Kristin lives in Alamo, CA with her daughters Samantha (born in 2013), Robin (born 2015) and their mini Goldendoodle Rosie. Her family is her pride and joy. When not working, being a Mom or volunteering, Kristin enjoys cooking, entertaining, hiking and leading her professional team to new opportunities. Kristin received a BS in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder (2002).
Achievements
Professional Designations, Licenses & Certifications:
- FINRA Securities Licenses: 7, 6 & 63
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP®)
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- Retirement Income Certified Professional designation (RICP®)
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
- Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP®)
Awards
- Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2021
- Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors 2020
- Working Mother & Shook Research Top Wealth Advisors Moms 2020
- Investment News Hot List 2023
- 2023 AdvisorHub 100 Advisors to Watch – RIA List
Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors 2020: SHOOK’s ranking of the Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors is based on an algorithm designed to fairly compare the business practices of a large group of advisors based on quantitative and qualitative elements. Data are weighted to ensure priorities are given to dynamics such as preferred “best practices,” business models, recent business activity, etc. Each variable is graded and represents a certain value for each measured component. These data are fed into an algorithm that measures thousands of advisors against each other based on quantitative (Revenue/production; weightings assigned for each; Assets under management—and quality of those assets—both custodied and a scrutinized look at assets held away; Client-related data, such as retention; Portfolio performance is not a factor; audited returns among advisors are rare, and differing client objectives provide varying returns) and qualitative (Telephone, virtual and in-person meetings with advisors; Compliance records and U4s; Advisors that provide a full client experience: Service model; investing process; fee structure; Breadth of services, including extensive use of firm’s platform and resources (e.g., liabilities); Credentials (years of service can serve as proxy); Use of team and team dynamics; Community involvement; Discussions with management, peers, competing peers; Telephone, virtual and in-person meetings) data among 32,000 nominations received, based on thresholds (9,654 women),14,190 invited to complete online survey, 11,864 telephone interviews, and 2,356 in-person interviews at advisors’ location. Data as of February 2020 and provided by SHOOK research. SHOOK is completely independent and objective and does not receive compensation from the advisors, firms, the media, or any other source in exchange for placement on a ranking. SHOOK is funded through conferences, publications and research partners. Since every investor has unique needs, investors must carefully choose the right advisor
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2021: The Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years’ experience, and the algorithm weights factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings. Awards or rankings are not indicative of future success or results, and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor.
Working Mother Top Wealth Advisor Moms 2020: SHOOK’s ranking of the Top Wealth Advisor Moms is based on an algorithm based factoring in qualitative measures derived from telephone an in-person interviews and surveys: service models, investing process, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, etc.; and quantitative criteria: assets under management and revenue generated for the firm. Shook Research considered women advisors with a child 21 or younger still living at home. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC. Neither SHOOK nor Working Mother receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. For more information, see shookresearch.com.