Cindy Alvarez

My career began 32 years ago when I ventured into investing by purchasing my first stock on E*TRADE, which was then a new and innovative online platform for trading equities. It was an exciting time, as the internet was just beginning to revolutionize the financial industry. This initial experience ignited my passion for economics, markets, and investing, opening up a world of possibilities I had never previously considered. Motivated by this newfound interest, I founded a women’s investment club in my community, providing a supportive environment where like-minded individuals could learn and grow together. This endeavor further fueled my aspiration to pursue a professional career in financial advising. I dedicated myself to gaining the knowledge and expertise necessary, eventually becoming licensed to help others achieve their financial goals and navigate the complexities of the investing world.

Four years ago, I began collaborating with Janelle Van Meel, and together we discovered that our partnership offered clients the strategic support needed to help achieve their financial goals. We now join Savvy with a shared vision to establish a client-focused business, allowing us to concentrate fully on serving our clients' needs.

One area where I can truly make a difference is in providing tax-efficient strategies through private market investing. I’ve yet to meet a client who enjoys paying taxes, so having the right tools and strategies in place to minimize tax liability is where I aim to bring the most value. These strategies may include techniques like tax-loss harvesting, Roth conversions, or strategically offsetting capital gains—all designed to help my clients keep more of their hard-earned money. By using these tools effectively, I can help clients optimize their financial strategies and create long-term tax efficiencies.

I work with a diverse group of clients, from young professionals to seasoned investors, but I am especially passionate about empowering women and dismantling the barriers they often encounter in managing their finances. These barriers can include societal expectations, lack of access to financial education, and historical gender disparities in income and wealth accumulation. As more women take control of their financial futures, it is crucial they have an advisor who understands their unique challenges, but is also relatable and supportive. 

I strive to be that advisor by actively listening to their goals, understanding their concerns, and creating personalized strategies that reflect their individual circumstances. I am committed to helping women build confidence in their financial decision-making and providing the guidance and resources necessary for achieving long-term success, whether through investment advice, retirement planning, or debt management. Together, we can navigate the complexities of the financial world and work towards a secure and prosperous future.

Clients often come to me seeking solutions to complex decisions or problems. The foundation of my approach is financial and tax planning, where I deploy strategies tailored to each situation. These solutions might include how to fund a down payment on a home, when to take Social Security, how to navigate stock options, or what steps to take when selling a business or investment property. I also help clients plan for significant life events, such as divorce. By providing thoughtful, strategic planning, I ensure that clients fully understand the potential outcomes of their decisions before they make them, empowering them to take control of their financial futures.

At the heart of my approach is genuine care. I pride myself on being a good listener, and through thoughtful planning, I've developed a strong ability to solve complex problems. While investments are an important aspect of what we do, the true value comes from earning my clients’ trust—especially in times of uncertainty. It’s both a pleasure and an honor to be the first person my clients turn to when life takes an unexpected turn. My ability to think outside the box and serve as more than just a financial advisor is what sets me apart and drives meaningful, lasting relationships with those I work with.

Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed how financial stress can affect families, and I’ve always wanted to be the person who offers clarity and confidence during those uncertain times. For me, wealth management is much more than managing numbers. It's about forming lasting relationships, truly understanding each client’s unique story, and guiding them toward a life where they can focus on what matters most. The ability to provide peace of mind and help clients live their best lives is what makes this work so deeply fulfilling.

I am proud to be part of the team at Savvy, because we truly work together as a cohesive unit. The intelligence and dedication of my colleagues inspire me to push boundaries and consistently strive for better outcomes for our clients. At Savvy, we don’t operate in silos—we collaborate across departments, sharing knowledge and insights that foster innovation and drive success. This culture of teamwork and continuous learning not only strengthens our client relationships, but also supports my own professional growth. I feel empowered to develop my skills in an environment that encourages ongoing education and development, ensuring that we’re always evolving to meet the needs of our clients.