Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Financial Partner in Thousand Oaks
Classic Financial is a state-registered wealth advisory firm dedicated to providing comprehensive financial planning and asset management solutions. With over 30 years of combined experience, our team of certified professionals prioritizes fiduciary responsibility, offering personalized strategies tailored to clients' unique needs. We specialize in financial planning, investment management, insurance solutions, and tax-efficient strategies, empowering families and businesses to achieve long-term financial clarity, security, and independence. Our mission focuses on building lifelong relationships through honesty, integrity, and transparent processes. 
Services
Financial Planning
Investment Planning
Insurance Planning
Tax Planning
Estate Planning
Business Planning
Retirement Planning
Asset Allocation
Risk Management
Legacy Planning
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We are fiduciaries legally obligated to prioritize client interests above all else.
- Our team includes CFP professionals with decades of combined wealth management experience.
- We utilize proprietary financial planning software for precise tax strategy analysis.
- We offer independent, objective advice without proprietary product obligations.
- Our comprehensive approach addresses all phases of financial lifecycle planning.
Services
Financial Planning
Our comprehensive financial planning service addresses all aspects of your financial life. We analyze your unique situation to create customized strategies that optimize wealth management, risk mitigation, and tax efficiency. Clients receive ongoing guidance through regular reviews to ensure their plans remain aligned with evolving life circumstances and financial goals.
Investment Planning
We develop diversified investment portfolios tailored to your risk tolerance and objectives. Through strategic asset allocation and continuous market monitoring, we implement tax-efficient strategies designed to maximize returns while maintaining appropriate risk levels. Our approach combines extensive research with personalized portfolio management to meet long-term financial targets.
Insurance Planning
Our insurance planning service creates customized protection strategies for individuals and businesses. We assess life, disability, and long-term care needs to develop comprehensive risk management solutions. These plans integrate with overall financial strategies to safeguard assets and ensure financial security against unexpected life events.
Estate Planning
We help clients establish effective estate plans that ensure their wishes are fulfilled while minimizing tax implications. Our services include developing wealth transfer strategies, creating trust structures, and implementing insurance solutions. This comprehensive approach protects assets and facilitates smooth intergenerational wealth transitions.
Retirement Planning
Tailored retirement planning addresses both pre- and post-retirement needs. We create personalized strategies for wealth accumulation, income optimization, and tax-efficient withdrawals. Our approach considers Social Security maximization, pension planning, and longevity risk management to ensure sustainable financial security throughout retirement years.
People
Charles M. Russo
President, CEO
With over 30 years of experience, Charlie Russo is a CFP professional and founder of Classic Financial. He established the firm in 2000 to provide personalized financial solutions. Holding multiple industry certifications, he specializes in comprehensive wealth management strategies.
Ellen R. Horn
Vice President
Ellen Horn brings 25+ years of financial expertise to Classic Financial. As a Vice President, she coordinates client reviews and implements personalized financial strategies. Her educational background complements her ability to explain complex financial concepts to clients.
Richard DeSantis
Director of Operations
Richard DeSantis oversees operations with 13 years in banking and wealth management. Holding multiple securities licenses, he develops tailored wealth transfer strategies for high-net-worth clients, business owners, and executives.
Michael Russo
IT/Security Director
Michael Russo manages IT security operations. Combining business expertise with technical skills, he protects client data and maintains the firm's proprietary planning software infrastructure while supporting financial operations.
Bella Salinas
Associate Vice President
Bella Salinas provides client support and administrative services. Holding a business degree and insurance license, she's pursuing CFP certification while contributing her expertise in financial planning processes.
Questions
What types of financial planning services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive services including retirement planning, investment management, insurance solutions, tax optimization, estate planning, and business succession strategies tailored to individual needs.
Are you legally required to act in my best interest?
As fiduciaries, we are legally obligated to prioritize client interests above all else in all financial recommendations we provide.
Do you work with clients outside Thousand Oaks?
While based in Thousand Oaks, we work with clients across California and select markets where we can provide effective financial solutions.
How are your financial planning fees structured?
We offer tiered pricing options starting at $240/month for basic planning services, with customized packages based on individual financial complexity and needs.
Can you help with tax-efficient investment strategies?
Yes, our investment planning includes tax harvesting techniques and portfolio strategies designed to minimize tax implications while maximizing after-tax returns.
What qualifications do your advisors hold?
Our team includes Certified Financial Planners (CFP), professionals with securities licenses (Series 7, 63), and insurance specialists with decades of combined industry experience.
Reviews (2)
Haruna Adedi
Dec 18, 2021
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I saw a page review about Mrs Susan Ryan and I must confess that She is a good trader and best in her field as they said, She managed my account after I invested $700 I got $6,200 within few day's of investment I was so shocked, with Mrs Susan Ryan, your money is 100% secured,. Trust me you have nothing to lose You can contact her via Email: susanryan3221@gmail.com WhatsApp: +13523292265
David Shannon
Jul 31, 2015
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I have been investing with charlie and ellen for about 20 years and they have been there with their professionalism, integrity, hard work and good advise. We've seen different markets come and go and they were always ahead of the curve with great products. They always 100% of the time get back to me and even when I don't call they know when to call me. I owe my entire retired life to them and I recommend a consult with them regardless of your position with your retirement. They advised my friend to hold off on social security and now he collects an extra thousand a month for life and he buys me
