Our Team


David R. Anderson

Financial Advisor/Managing Partner
Email: David@moneywiseguys.com
SEC Investment Adviser Search

David Anderson is a co-owner and managing partner of Moneywise. As a fiduciary Financial Advisor, he meets with clients, prepares financial plans, thoroughly discusses and develops appropriate strategies based on their financial goals and makes investment recommendations. David is also the lead host of the Moneywise Guys Radio Show + Podcast.

The Moneywise Guys Radio Show + Podcast is a bit of an anomaly in the sea of financial shows and has allowed David’s personality to emerge as one who can easily break down complex financial issues while being both humorous and thought provoking. This quality seamlessly translates to our wealth management company and the community. David is regularly and enthusiastically called upon by local media as a favorite expert in the field of finance.

David has 15+ years of financial planning experience, with a specialty in retirement planning and portfolio management* and focuses on collaborating with and managing our high net worth clients with specific investment needs. He studied Technical Sales at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. He holds a Series 65 license.

David has been a supporter and volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children and is a Bakersfield Museum of Art (BMoA) board member. He has four children, three of which who were adopted through the foster care system. He enjoys seeking nature, writing music, relaxing in his backyard hammocks under his favorite pomegranate tree and despises cilantro.

*Moneywise uses third-party money manager (*TPM*) partners including but not limited to, SEI Investments Management Corporations (“SIMC”), Assetmark and Fidelity. Investment portfolios held with a TPM are designed, implemented, maintained and rebalanced by the TPM. In addition, a TPM conducts the investment research and analysis used as the basis for the portfolios and executes necessary trades on behalf of Moneywise.


“My core philosophy is that to become financially independent you need to focus on those things that you can control rather than those that you can’t control. Life is unpredictable. Focus on your own personal management and decision making.”


Sherod B. Waite

CEO/Financial Advisor/Managing Partner
Email: Sherod@moneywiseguys.com  •  CA Insurance: #0C67086
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Sherod Waite is a co-owner and managing partner of Moneywise. He wears multiple hats as CEO of the wealth management company, a fiduciary Financial Advisor and registered representative with 20+ years of regularly advising clients on investments and financial planning.

Sherod is also a main co-host on the Moneywise Guys Radio Show + Podcast, and since getting involved with the radio show in 2006, he has unexpectedly and enthusiastically embraced the medium and the opportunity to engage with as many people as possible. The show pushes him to stay current on financial news and accountable not only to our clients but to the community at large.

Sherod has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in finance from California State University, Bakersfield. He holds his Series 7, 24 and 66 securities licenses.

Sherod is actively involved in the local community serving several charities,  nonprofits and initiatives.  He is often found hiking with his dog, concert going with his wife, and avidly reading.


“I enjoy the interaction with our listeners and sharing information on what’s new and current, whether it’s financial reform or upcoming legislation or new planning techniques or investment strategies. I believe in financial education and hope for every listener and every client to seek practical information in order to realize their own financial well-being.”


 


Samy Abiaoui

Managing Director
Email: Samy@moneywiseguys.com

 

 

Samy Abiaoui is the Managing Director for Moneywise Wealth Management. He has more than 20 years’ of experience in the banking industry, where he managed 25 employees, including commercial and business bankers and support staff in multiple branches. He has also owned a consulting business designed to help small businesses with banking and structural needs.

Samy has a bachelor’s degree in Economics, a master’s degree in management with a concentration on finance and has a graduate degree in banking from the University of Washington.

He is on the boards of the Bland Company and the Housing and Opportunity Foundation of Kern. Samy is a twelve-year member of Rotary in Bakersfield and previously served six years as a board member and finance committee for Goodwill Industries of South-Central California.


“I have always had the passion to coach, teach and help others, be it professionally or personally. As a seasoned banker, I served an array of businesses, from start-ups to large corporations, my objective has always been to help them surpass their milestone goals and succeed.”


Garro L. Ellis

Financial Advisor
Email: Garro@moneywiseguys.com
SEC Investment Adviser Search

 

Garro Ellis is a fiduciary Financial Advisor and an original co-founder of Moneywise. He is a well-known face around town, a dynamic personality that clients, co-workers and acquaintances just can’t seem to get enough of – he is the epitome of a people person. In his role, he regularly meets with individuals, couples, families and businesses to understand their life or company goals and help them plan how to reach those goals financially – especially when it comes to retirement. He is an incredible resource and has extensively worked in just about every facet of the financial industry – insurance and securities, state pensions, business ownership and advisory services. He tends to work with many clients in the energy and agriculture industries.

Garro received his license to sell securities in 1998 and still continues to be extremely knowledgeable and current in this area. He has a degree in Business, Commerce and Industry from University of Wyoming, where he also played football on scholarship. He has 20+ years of experience keeping tabs on financial markets by using technical analysis – a way of analyzing the market by comparing past trends to indicate future performance.

In addition to his duties as a financial advisor, Garro is also a co-host on the Moneywise Guys Radio Show + Podcast.

Garro was an actor in the early 1990s and has appeared on stage, in film and television. He also moonlights as a country music singer and has written more than 30 songs. He and his wife are proud parents and now grandparents. If you visit our office on a Friday, you will see Garro’s Harley Davidson parked out front and as long as it is baseball season, he can always be found watching a Dodgers game with friends.


“I’m intrigued by all of the moving parts on Wall Street, where there is never a dull moment. I love using humor to explore market trends, stocks and bonds and economics. There is always something to learn or understand, which motivates me to make an extra effort to study something new on a regular basis. My goal is to make Wall Street accessible to Main Street, if you will. If I can make people laugh in the meantime, all the better.”


Kris Pelster

Financial Advisor
Email: Kris@moneywiseguys.com  •  CA Insurance: #0F20931
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Kris Pelster is a registered representative and a fiduciary Financial Advisor. With Moneywise since 2006, he has extensively worked with employer sponsored retirement plans (i.e. 401k, 403b, SIMPLE), effectively consulting clients as well as the public through numerous seminars and workshops dedicated to helping people maximize their company’s offered investment strategies and benefits. Knowing that the transition into retirement is a huge life milestone, Kris thoroughly enjoys the process of working closely with clients to make sense of their financial reality and implementing strategic planning based on their unique life goals. He is also a co-host of Moneywise Guys Radio Show + Podcast.

Before becoming a financial advisor, Kris worked for eight years at multiple levels within special education. That same drive to be a reliable mentor and educator directly applies to his advisory approach at our firm and the ever-changing financial industry.

Kris holds both the Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, as well as a California Life Insurance license. He has a bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Business from California State University, Bakersfield.

He enjoys donating his time to events like the “Night to Shine,” which is part of a global effort organized by the Tim Tebow Foundation and offers a prom experience for people that have special needs. He also serves on the board for Bakersfield PAL (Police Activities League) and Lovewater. He is married and has three daughters, is highly active in his church and enjoys counseling young married couples. He can often be found coaching his daughters’ softball teams, camping with his family or off-road, dirt biking with friends.


“Money cannot buy happiness, but it can be an empowering tool. When there is a solid plan in place to properly manage your finances, money can be used to afford the ability to focus on what matters the most to you in this life.”


Justin T. Leland, CFP®, AIF®

Director of Business Services/Financial Advisor
Email: Justin@moneywiseguys.com • CA Insurance: #0K33214
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Justin Leland, CFP®, AIF® is a registered representative, fiduciary Financial Advisor, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ PROFESSIONAL – CFP®, an Accredited Investment Fiduciary, AIF®,  and a co-host on the Moneywise Guys Radio Show + Podcast. After 11 years of experience managing businesses in the transportation industry, he decided to re-direct his focus towards the financial world. Enjoying working with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, Justin finds strength in diversity. He loves assessing and implementing clients’ appropriate investment strategies and financial planning blueprints in order to facilitate their freedom to do the things that make them happy. Also, he has quickly recognized the importance and value of fiduciary services in company sponsored retirement plans (i.e. 401k, 403b, SIMPLE IRAs, etc.)) – helping companies construct and manage the most strategic, optimal plans that benefit – both the employer and employees.

Justin has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, holds a CA State Life and Health Insurance license as well as his Series 6, 63 and 65 securities licenses.

He is a proud Eagle Scout, is married with three sons and is actively involved in his son’s Boy Scout Troop. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Bakersfield and currently serves on the board. He also serves on the Waterman Foundation Board and the Executive Board for the Southern Sierra Council BSA, is a Leadership Bakersfield 2017 graduate from the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce and a long time financial supporter and Board Member of the Kern Community Foundation. In his down time, Justin loves to take his sons camping and hiking, playing music and cooking a mean chili.


LaTroy Dinkins

Financial Advisor
Email: LaTroy@moneywiseguys.com
SEC Investment Advisor Search

LaTroy Dinkins is a fiduciary financial advisor holding a Series 65 license. With clients his goal is to prepare financial plans, thoroughly discuss and develop appropriate strategies based on their financial goals and make investment recommendations. Born and raised in Long Beach, CA, LaTroy was a 5-star football recruit who received a scholarship to Minnesota State. He and his beautiful wife met in 1st grade and have now been married for 14 years.  They have three boys and LaTroy says his wife and sons are what bring him the greatest joy in life.

LaTroy and his family came to Bakersfield 7 years ago to assist as a youth Pastor at Change Community Church. But LaTroy said, “I had an unquenchable thirst for the finance world. I was eager to work with a great team and serve great clients.”  This led him to Moneywise. On his time off LaTroy loves to follow football and is a huge fan of the Rams.  He also has a favorite pastime – “I love trading the markets and studying stock charts.”  There is that “unquenchable thirst” in action!  LaTroy brings humility and unparalleled determination to everything he does.


“One of my favorite quotes is, ‘Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn’t, pays it.'”


 

TJ Bryson

Director of Operations
Email: Tj@moneywiseguys.com

 

 

TJ Bryson started with us as an Account Coordinator and after about a year and a half of assisting our beloved clients and our financial advisors with all of their day-to-day administrative needs, he has naturally transitioned to working closely with our CEO, advisors, marketing team and account coordinators with all operations support and logistics. We appreciate his quick-learning, detail orientated go-getter attitude which helps us stay organized and efficient.

TJ has a background working with companies ranging from construction to event planning and possesses a unique blend of multi-tasking and positive, contagious interpersonal skills with an emphasis in marketing, administration and account coordination.

While on his path to become a teacher, he found his way to Moneywise in 2018 and was instantly won over by the opportunity to help make a difference in people’s lives through a different form of education – financial education. By working with Moneywise, he is continuously inspired to help people empower themselves to take control of their own financial success.

Outside of the office, TJ is a passionate patron of the arts, loves his uncle time and is always looking forward to his next adventure. When not in town, he is often on the Central Coast enjoying wineries with family and friends. Also, he has a curious love for the color “camouflage.” TJ is a graduate of Fresno Pacific University and in 2020 TJ completed his Master’s degree in “Communications with an Emphasis in Education” from Grand Canyon University.

 


Dessie Claffy

Director of Client Relations
Email: Dessie@moneywiseguys.com

Dessie Claffy oversees the Moneywise team in all aspects of client services and relations. After years of experience in the local banking world as a Bank Teller and a Senior Group Leader Administrative Assistant at Target, she joined team Moneywise in 2012. Within our company, she assists the financial advisors and account coordinators with the diligence and consistency that is necessary to support account transfers, processing distributions and anything else that our team members or clients may need.  She is masterful at coordinating our client events and, at that, one of her biggest strengths is essential to the core of the Moneywise values – putting the client first and ensuring that everyone feels like they belong to a family that they can trust and look forward to seeing.

When not at the office, Dessie is often hanging out with her husband, participating in two car clubs and travelling around to car shows in their 1966 Mustang. She has great pride in her California hometown – Wasco, adores her daughters, has a weak spot for Diet Dr. Pepper and is very active in her church and various other community organizations.


“Caring about our clients goes beyond our office doors. We genuinely consider our clients to be a part of our family. We care for our clients and our clients’ families. We care about the all-encompassing well-being of our community and for us that starts with establishing honest, kind relationships on the personal and professional level. We believe in the ripple effect.”


Michele Burrow

Client Relations Coordinator
Email: Michele@moneywiseguys.com

Michele Burrow is the welcoming face and voice of Moneywise. Starting with our team in 2011, Michele came to us with an extensive background in retail management and customer service. She is magical at assisting clients and visitors as they first arrive at the Moneywise office and seamlessly streamlines and supplements our clients’ and visitors’ experience with personable humor and relevant information. Regularly, she manages our phones, the advisors’ and team members’ calendars as well as other office duties that keep Moneywise running smoothly. She is our client relations and office queen and keeps all of us on track.

Outside of our office, Michele has a passion for fast cars and racing. In the past she has worked for NASCAR, and since 1996 she has worked as a race official for the SRL Racing Series. She loves spending time with her family and supporting her kids in all of their extracurricular activities and is quite the cat whisperer.


“I love the fact that I get to deal with different people every day. It is extremely gratifying to be able to make someone feel good and to help in shaping and navigating their experience with Moneywise.”


Chelsea Rouleau

Client Operations Coordinator
Email: Chelsea@moneywiseguys.com

 

 

Chelsea Rouleau is a member of our support staff who not only enjoys helping our clients with their financial matters but learning the intricate art of what financial planning is and how we help our clients every day. She offers support to clients and advisors with administration needs. Chelsea also serves in our Business Services department that works with our 401k plans and the Bakersfield Chamber MEP plan.

Chelsea came to us with a diverse background of managing a nationwide western retail company and substitute teaching, along with a B.A. from Cal State Bakersfield in Economics and Political Science with emphasis in Pre-Law. This allowed her to develop amazing qualities such as enjoying numbers and finances. Combined with a love of being helpful to others made her fit at Moneywise effortless.

When not at the office, Chelsea’s happiness in life is created by taking her daughter and dogs anywhere and everywhere with her. Whether it be on the road for an adventure at the beach and mountains or just around town doing everyday errands, you can spot Chelsea and her trio singing and just enjoying the ride. Chelsea enjoys a broad spectrum of activities from fishing, hunting and going to the gun range to brunching with friends at local spots to traveling to see her family scattered across the US. But her day to day passion is raising her daughter in what she considers an amazing town and community.

 


Heather Andersen

Account Coordinator
Email: Heather@moneywiseguys.com

 

Heather Andersen is a member of our support staff that not only enjoys helping our advisors and clients with their financial matters, but learning the multifaceted art of what financial planning is and how we help our clients every day.

Heather is a local graduate of BHS and then Bakersfield College, followed by a degree from Brigham Young University – Idaho.  With years of experience in administrative and financial roles for other companies, Heather was primed and empowered to slide right into our world here at Moneywise.

As a Bakersfield native, Heather enjoys spending time outside of the office with any of her 7 siblings and multitude of nieces and nephews.  She enjoys cooking, gardening and the occasional crossword puzzle.  Heather also has an appreciation for the arts: music, architecture + film, and loves to spout useless trivia.

 


Corrine Saldana

Account Coordinator
Email: Corrine@moneywiseguys.com

 

 

 

Corrine Saldana was born and raised in Bakersfield. While taking multiple classes & programs in various subjects like psychology and tax preparation, she ultimately found herself pursuing accounting & business-related fields.  After landing a front desk position at the Four Seasons at Bakersfield HOA, she very shortly became the Activity Director/Lifestyle Coordinator for the community.  Here she organized events and helped manage the association. She was hired as an Account Coordinator at Moneywise Wealth Management in 2022.

Out of the office she and her husband Aaron and their three children Oliver, Ramona and Josephine, often enjoy being outdoors camping and hiking. One of her favorite outdoor pastimes is going to Six Flags Magic Mountain but at home she takes joy in relaxing by completing puzzles and Lego sets.


Kelly Christian

Account Coordinator
Email: Kelly@moneywiseguys.com

 

 

Kelly Christian was born and raised in Bakersfield. She graduated from Bethel Christian School and attended Bakersfield College. She started a nine year career at Kern Federal Credit Union.  There she worked her way up the ranks through dedication and self motivation to finally become the Branch Manager of the Riverlakes location. She joined the Moneywise team in 2022 as an Account Coordinator.

Away from the office she enjoys going to Avila Beach and spending family time with her son ,Grant, and close family and friends. She is especially fond of cooking and baking her grandmother’s old-fashioned recipes, but be wary of playing her in ping-pong. She takes her own paddle wherever she goes just in case someone wants to challenge her to a match.


Debbie Lewis

Director of Business Development
Email: Debbie@moneywiseguys.com

 

In 2017, Debbie Lewis joined the Moneywise team as an account coordinator. She quickly transitioned to focusing on our marketing, branding, communications, and community development. She now focuses on our company’s business development. With a unique knack for combining creativity, strategy, and organic relationship-building skills, Debbie is central to helping us develop new as well as nurturing pre-existing networks of local companies, business owners, individuals + families, and non-profits. Every now and again you can also catch her flexing her performance and storytelling skills when she moonlights as comedic relief and co-host on the Moneywise Guys live radio show + podcast. 

Previous to joining our team, Debbie had experience in sales, account management, and customer service. She also has a passion for and experience in the feature film/tv/commercial production industry. Debbie holds a bachelor’s degree in World Arts and Cultures with a concentration in cultural studies, theater, and public art at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Away from work, she is regularly traveling, attending live comedy and music, playing squash or tennis, enjoying good food with loved ones, volunteering with the Bakersfield Museum of Art, and harassing strangers who own beagles. She currently serves on the board of directors for The Hub of Bakersfield and is passionate about contributing her passion, skills, and resources to help positively transform the landscape of her hometown, Bakersfield.


“I am thrilled by the opportunity to work with the Moneywise team. Our company ethos of compassion and intelligence is both inspiring and refreshing.”


Sally A. Selby

Director of Marketing
Email: Sally@moneywiseguys.com

 

 

Sally joined the team in 2022 and brings with her a career filled with marketing and public relations experience. Born and raised in Bakersfield, Sally began her professional career in the media industry, working for The Bakersfield Californian for more than thirteen years. It was here that she established strong relationships with business and community leaders, and the many non-profit and civic organizations that are so vital to the community’s growth and social well-being.

Sally worked in the healthcare industry for nine years, and owned her own marketing and public relations firm for 13 years where she worked with a wide variety of businesses and not-for-profit organizations in support of their marketing and public relations needs. Sally is a graduate of the University of Southern California (BA in journalism with an emphasis in public relations) and holds an MBA from CSUB.

When not at Moneywise, Sally loves being with family and friends. Being at the beach, gardening in the yard, walking her pup or planking at Pilates are her go-to activities for fun and relaxation. She loves traveling with her family and also loves the friendship and fellowship she finds at her church and as a Rotarian. She enjoys most all sports, but is particularly fanatical for her USC Trojans and LA Dodgers. Sally is active in the community and is thrilled to share her knowledge and expertise with the Moneywise Team.


 

Steven Nicklaus

Sr. Producer & Community Development
Email: Steven@moneywiseguys.com

 

In 2013, Steven Nicklaus started full-time with our team but has been contributing to Moneywise for much longer. Starting way back in 2003, Steven helped our very own, Garro Ellis, provide the market numbers on Jeff Lemucchi + Ralph Bailey’s news program on KGET 970 AM. After years of building a natural repertoire, we eventually hired Steven as our Sr. Producer + Media Coordinator and he now assists in much more than just producing our radio show, he nurtures key, local media + client relationships and our community involvement, is developing our show as a podcast and assists our sales/marketing department.

He brings years of experience and a genuine, necessary passion for community involvement in our beloved Kern County. We love and appreciate the easy going yet resourceful, go-getter approach that Steven adds to the team.

Pre-Moneywise, Steven was the Program Director for KERN Radio while producing other radio shows including “The Moneywise Guys.” He continues his love for football on his own radio show on ESPN Bakersfield on the weekends, “The Fantasy Breakdown,” which is LIVE Sundays from 7 to 9:30 AM. He is a proud graduate of Ridgeview High School. 

When not in the office or the studio, Steven enjoys attending and promoting local music, spending time with his family – he is the very proud father to his son, Ryan – and working in his garden. He has been collecting vinyl, KISS and Miami Dolphins memorabilia since he was 3 years old. No joke.


Emily Waite

Marketing Assistant
Email: Emily@moneywiseguys.com

Emily Waite came to Moneywise is 2020 as a marketing assistant responsible for taking on a variety of tasks that allow for the successful completion of planned marketing programs. Emily has a strong passion for community and wants to use her strengths to have a positive impact in that world. She is especially motivated to communicate our company’s core values and spread the love to all who can benefit. Having been a part of the Moneywise crew “in the wings” for many years, Emily is thrilled to now be an official part of the team and share in the goals and direction of the company. Moneywise really is a family unit and she is grateful to be a contributing member.

Emily has a B.S. in Education from Brigham Young University and spent the last 24 years following various passions and diverse jobs while she and her husband, Sherod, raised their three sons. From elementary school teacher to photographer to personal trainer, Emily has had a wide range of opportunities to learn new skills and generate personal growth. Outside of the office, you can find her volunteering at Wind Wolves Preserve assisting the rangers with rehabilitation and preservation of the natural environment right here in Kern County. Emily is an avid hiker, passionate playlist creator and voracious reader. Also a lover of gardening and plants, she has given names to each one she cares for. Most of all, Emily finds joy in spending time with her family and loved ones and appreciating each moment that she is lucky enough to be here.


 

 

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