My passion is to help you manage your financial life, so you can focus on your life’s passion.

I’m Sheila McGinn, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, and founder of Brightview Financial. I spent over 20 years working in the tech industry, and I know the challenges you’re facing right now. I’ve walked your same path, so I understand how frustrating it can be to take every financial step with a feeling of uncertainty. 

ABOUT MY JOURNEY:  Figuring out how to deal with the complexities of my own financial life inspired me to embark on a career as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. 

Did you know? The CFP® certification requires extensive training in financial planning, retirement planning, insurance, investments, taxes, employee benefits, and estate planning. In addition, CFP® certificants are required to adhere to the CFP Board’s Standards of Professional Conduct, which are rigorously enforced. The CFP® certification is considered to be the gold standard for financial advice.

I had always been fascinated by personal finance, so while enjoying my tech career, I learned as much as I could about optimizing my benefits, stock compensation, and other financial opportunities. Along the way, I shared what I learned with friends and colleagues, encouraging them to make smart financial decisions. Over the years, I realized that I thrived on supporting people through the process of defining their goals and tackling their biggest financial questions. Eventually, I followed my new passion and transitioned to a career in financial planning. 

MY WHY:  I founded Brightview to provide excellent and ethical financial planning and investment management services. Financial services can be a bewildering landscape of technical jargon, hidden fees and commissions, confusing products, and fast-talking salespeople. Too often, consumers are taken advantage of by salespeople who are just looking for their next big commission. None of that is allowed here. 

I want to empower you to make the best possible financial decisions for yourself and your family in a safe environment where I have your best interests at heart. Because I worked for over 20 years in tech, I feel confident that I’ve lived the financial pain points you’ve experienced, and I want to help you navigate them to create your brightest life.

Note: you can learn more about my personal financial journey, and my inspiration to found Brightview Financial, by clicking here.

THE TEAM

 

First Ascent Asset Management

First Ascent Asset Management is our independent outside investment team. They are singularly focused on supporting financial advisors and managing portfolios tailored to their clients’ needs.

The First Ascent team provides critical back office support, such as:

  • Portfolio construction, trading, and rebalancing
  • Investment and economic research
  • Account opening and maintenance

The First Ascent team is comprised of a talented group of financial industry veterans who share Brightview Financial’s commitment to a fiduciary standard of care. The team includes several Chartered Financial Analysts, a PhD, and a Certified Financial Planner.

 

 

Dimensional Fund Advisors

Dimensional Fund Advisors

We are proud to provide portfolios with funds from Dimensional Fund Advisors. Dimensional’s investment approach is grounded in economic theory and backed by decades of empirical research. Dimensional funds are available only through a select group of financial advisors that Dimensional screens and approves. The following video provides additional background on Dimensional and its pioneering approach to portfolio construction.

 

 

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ professional
Member, Financial Planning Association of Silicon Valley
NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisor

Take the First Step  Learn More About Our Process