Meet
Stu Malakoff
President
Stu Malakoff, CFP®, CDFA®, CPFA, CRPC®
President
541-306-4325
Bend Wealth Advisors
523 NW Colorado Ave
Bend, OR 97703
Bio
Getting involved in the community is very important to me. Shortly after moving to Bend from New Jersey in 2018, I've been proud to sit on the board of Friends of the Children, a nonprofit organization in Central Oregon that specializes in long-term professional mentoring of children from kindergarten through high school graduation. When I'm not in the office, you can find me at home or in the outdoors with my wife, Vicky. I've also been known to play guitar and bass (well, as Vicky would say, anything with strings) and venture into the world of aviation photography.
Company
After nearly two decades working at huge investment firms, I decided the best move for my clients was to take a leap and start my own practice as an independent financial advisor. In 2020, I founded Bend Wealth Advisors with the goal of building a practice based on what my clients actually need: advocacy, flexibility, advice they can trust, and a financial team that empowers them to make smart financial decisions. In short, I wanted my practice to be well positioned to provide guidance and execution in our clients' best interests. Our team has been handpicked based on their experience, education, and sincere desire to help people. We specialize in guiding individuals transitioning through divorce, retirement, and new life phases.
Remarkable Difference
It is rare to find a financial advisor with the right educational background (Economics major, Corporate Finance MBA), pertinent industry experience from the start of their career (12 years of money management for some of the world's most prestigious banks followed by over two decades as a financial advisor), meaningful designations (such as CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™), and a warm personality to tie it all together. I understand how to give really sound, well-informed financial advice in a way that is both informative and engaging.
Sometimes talking about money can make people nervous. I've learned that the key to really great communication is to be genuinely curious and ask great questions. I strive to make people feel comfortable and heard, and I take the time to slow down and carefully explain financial concepts and strategies. This is how I build long-lasting relationships with my clients. My goal isn't just to win their business and move on; it's about giving years and years of personalized guidance hand-in-hand with consistently exceptional service from my amazing team.
Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Bend Wealth Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.
Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.