Montecito Capital Management Group I Kipley Lytel, CFA

Best financial advisors in Santa Barbara! I could not be more pleased.

Reviewed on Google Maps

I met with three firms, two were pretty large scale with all the bells and whistles. This firm was just right for me, with a nice office, nice people and very fair fees. My advisor Kipley Lytel works with this smaller firm - Montecito Capital Management - that had everything going for it: smarts, reputation, client references offered, a comprehensive plan for my retirement and a investment approach that was well thought out. The firm has been around for over a decade and my advisor has about 25 years experience is a MBA and CFA, etc. They are super smart and genuine. I liked that the assets are safe at Charles Schwab and stay in my name with statement coming directly from Schwab - this is the custody transparency and safety I was looking for. I have since been with them for about three years and very happy with the outcome, advice, meetings and overall service. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Great advisor that is very knowledgeable, helpful and generous with his personal time. Mr. Lytel has spent enormous amount of time helping me sort through my financial mess - helping me better utilize my assets, such as 401k, IRA, Trust account and income real estate properties. He has placed me with superb tax people to save money and provided a sound retirement pathway for me. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I am impressed with their comprehensive approach which considers my goals, my concerns (and their solutions), a customized plan for my risk tolerance, their relative low fees and the hand holding approach. Montecito Capital also does a good job in discussing complex topics that are simplified for my understanding. Finally, they really listen and that is very important to me. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I was referred to Kipley Lytel as a local Santa Barbara Financial Advisor by my attorney, who was his father. I am well-to-do, but not rich and had my assets in CDs after the passing of my husband. The firm helped me with my estate issues, financial planning, retirement questions (provided financial scenarios), some real estate issues and sharply increased my return on my money. I feel they are worth the fees, which were lower than other firms - I called a few to check the market rates. For a widow, the services were well suited for my concerns and needs. I know he also works in Los Angeles, at the other office, but he has always made himself available in short order for office meetings here downtown. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I find the firm to be hands on and preservation of assets focused. My portfolio typically is about 75% correlated in up markets, but only 25-30% correlated when markets slide into the red. That is my risk appetite and my returns have been very healthy and steady. The firm also helps me on financial planning, real estate matters, insurance, 529 for kids etc. I meet with my advisor twice a year, but he is always available to meet if I require any further input. I recommend. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

This small group is very personable, knowledgable and helpful to my financial future. The financial guidance, investment plan and portfolio development has been very rewarding for me. I found their fees fair and services superior to other advisors I met with - I am pleased. I used to 'go it alone' and have seen the risk flaws now of that approach - I am feeling much safer now. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I originally engaged Montecito Capital Management to undertake a financial plan and look for gaps and problems. This was for a fixed flat fee, since it involved a number of meetings and a comprehensive plan (20+ pages). After they highlighted some serious shortcomings and offered solutions, I only then had them look at my portfolio. They are fee-based, so a reasonable percent of assets they manage. They agreed to credit my financial plan cost to the fee based ongoing advisory services, so I agreed to move assets to their Schwab platform (where I already had them - I just gave them access). They again really delivered in finding many risks that I did not know about in the portfolio. They are now overseeing my portfolio and I feel much better about things. I also executed their recommendations needed in my 529 for my son and skilled nursing insurance to protect my family . . among other things. They agreed to handle the 529 for free. I only give them four out of five stars since they are a small group, but they were by far the best advisors I had met during the many interviews I undertook. I guess I am a pretty tough reviewer, but I don't know if I would give any financial advisor five stars unless they are really cheap and constantly working for me. That said, they are worth every penny. More...

Reviewed on Insider Pages

I give Montecito Capital Management five stars for service and portfolio returns, but four stars for the scope of services. They are niche firm that serves my needs for financial advisory, but don t have all the bell & whistles of large companies like UBS Securities. But, hey, conflict free with no commission structure, as the firm is pure - or 100% fee-based practice. That also has been attractive feature for my family s assets. Finally, I like that they are part of NAPFA and are a five star Paladin ranked advisor that was appealing (only 3% of advisors were five star Paladin and I interview three different five star firms). More...

Reviewed on Insider Pages

A terrific firm which has provided me with excellent service and sound advice. I have appreciated being able meet Kip and his team, and can sincerely recommend him as a fund manager.

Reviewed on Insider Pages

Wow, this firm is terrific. I spoke with Montecito Capital about the ONLY 'so-called' one-star review and they have no records of consulting with J. C. or with someone from the Palisades. They think it is a competitor. Anyway, I wasn't going to write anything, but was compelled to after reading slander. My long-time experience is they are exceptional investment advisors, but you need Kipley Lytel (Founder) to get the top level of knowledge, skill and experience. They also are very reasonable on fees with Big Firm level of service. Also, they are more active with client interaction during market chaos. Jane More...

Reviewed on Insider Pages

Competent, Attentive & Solid Returns! I concur with most of the reviews with the exception of J.C., the one prior to my review. This boutique firm is very talented, skilled, educated and seasoned. Though small, they have a sophisticated approach that saved my family s assets in the 2008 market debacle. This firm is ranked Top 10 Wealth Managers in California by FORBES. Thank you Montecito Capital Management! More...

Reviewed on Insider Pages

I have been engaged with Montecito Capital Management for several years and the firm founder (Kip Lytel) has executed strategies that have not only delivered superior returns, but have navigated challenging markets in the first half of 2008 with positive returns. I guess this is why FORBES lists them a as one of the 10 Most Dependable Wealth Managers in California. Real savvy group! More...

Reviewed on Insider Pages

Very pleased with Montecito Capital - the principal, Kipley Lytel, is a Wall Street pro handling big money for investment professionals that has strong convictions of making his advanced portfolio strategies available to smaller 'mom & pop' clients. Though sophisticated and the approach is complicated, he is very personable. More...

Reviewed on Insider Pages