Our Team
Sherod B. Waite
CEO/Financial Advisor/Managing Partner
Email: Sherod@moneywiseguys.com • CA Insurance: #0C67086
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Sherod Waite is the co-founder and co-owner of Moneywise, where he serves as CEO, financial advisor, and registered representative. With over 25 years of experience in the financial industry, Sherod is dedicated to guiding clients through investment and financial planning, helping to ensure they achieve their financial objectives. He also co-hosts The Moneywise Radio Show + Podcast, allowing him to engage with a broader audience and remain informed on the latest financial trends.
Sherod holds Series 7, 24, and 66 securities licenses and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a focus on finance from California State University, Bakersfield. Actively involved in his community, Sherod supports various local charities and nonprofits. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking with his dog, gardening, and traveling with his wife.
“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.”
Kris Pelster
Financial Advisor
Email: Kris@moneywiseguys.com • CA Insurance: #0F20931
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Kris Pelster is a lead advisor at Moneywise, where he serves as a financial advisor and registered representative. With nearly 20 years of experience, Kris specializes in helping clients transition into retirement, providing strategic financial planning tailored to their unique goals. He is also a co-host of The Moneywise Radio Show + Podcast, where he shares his financial insights with the community.
Kris holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, along with a California Life Insurance license. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a minor in Business from California State University, Bakersfield. Kris is deeply committed to his community, serving on boards for nonprofit organizations such as Bakersfield PAL and Lovewater. He is married with three daughters and actively participates in his church, where he enjoys counseling young married couples.
“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 is a lead advisor at Moneywise and a registered representative. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®), Justin brings extensive experience to his role as the founding Director of Business Services at Moneywise. He specializes in consulting on retirement plans, offering tailored solutions for businesses and individuals alike. Justin also co-hosts The Moneywise Radio Show + Podcast.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, as well as CA State Life and Health Insurance, Series 6, 63, and 65 securities licenses. Justin is an Eagle Scout and actively contributes to the Rotary Club of Bakersfield, the Waterman Foundation, and the Kern Community Foundation. In his personal time, Justin enjoys camping and hiking with his sons, playing music, and cooking.
LaTroy Dinkins
Financial Advisor
Email: LaTroy@moneywiseguys.com
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LaTroy Dinkins is a financial advisor at Moneywise Wealth Management, where he specializes in asset allocation and tax efficiency for high-net-worth clients. A former athlete, LaTroy’s journey from the football field to financial advising is a testament to his resilience and dedication. After an injury redirected his career, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics from Grand Canyon University.
LaTroy holds a Series 65 license and brings a wealth of leadership experience to Moneywise, having previously served as a district manager in the industrial supply industry. He currently oversees the financial accounts of over 100 households. Residing in Bakersfield with his wife of 16 years and their three sons, LaTroy is committed to providing personalized, strategic financial advice that empowers his clients to reach their goals.
“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.'”
Dustin Weaver, CFP®, APMA®, CRPC®
Senior Financial Advisor
Email: Dustin@moneywiseguys.com • CA Insurance: #0E55105
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Dustin Weaver is a lead advisor at Moneywise with over 15 years of experience in investment and financial planning. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Dustin provides comprehensive advice on investment portfolios, insurance, tax strategies, estate planning, and charitable giving, making complex financial matters more accessible to his clients.
Dustin earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Fresno Pacific University and holds a CA State Life and Health Insurance license along with a Series 6, 7, 63 and 66 securities license. A lifelong resident of Bakersfield, Dustin enjoys spending time with his family and friends, golfing, and relaxing at the lake or beach. He is passionate about supporting local businesses and takes pride in the relationships he has built within his community.
Frank Lee
Financial Advisor
Email: Frank@moneywiseguys.com • LAH Insurance #4326781
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Frank Lee is a financial advisor and Registered Representative at Moneywise, where he focuses on building strong, client-centric relationships and helping clients achieve their financial goals. Before entering the financial industry, Frank built a diverse skill set as a Registered Nurse and Project/Product Manager, roles that honed his commitment to care and precision.
Frank holds Series 6, 63 and 65 securities licenses and has embraced the challenge of expanding his financial knowledge to better serve his clients. A Bakersfield native, Frank graduated from California State University, Bakersfield, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He is an active community member, serving as a founding Board Member of the Kern County Asian Chamber of Commerce and as Treasurer of the Korean Service Organization. In his free time, Frank enjoys snowboarding and spending time with his wife, Jacky.
Garro L. Ellis
Co-Founder
Email: Garro@moneywiseguys.com
Garro Ellis, an original co-founder of Moneywise, has been a cornerstone of our organization and a pillar in the financial advisory community. With over two decades of experience in securities, state pensions, business ownership, and advisory services, Garro’s expertise has been instrumental in shaping Moneywise’s approach to client service. His dynamic personality and people-centric approach have made him a beloved figure among clients, colleagues, and the community. Garro’s extensive knowledge, particularly in the energy and agriculture industries, has been a valuable asset to Moneywise’s diverse clientele.
Beyond his professional achievements, Garro’s multifaceted life experiences have enriched the Moneywise culture. A former actor and country music enthusiast, Garro brought creativity and passion to his role as a co-host on the Moneywise Radio Show + Podcast. His dedication to family, love for baseball, and Friday Harley rides have always reminded us of the importance of balancing work with life’s joys. While Garro is currently on leave due to health reasons, his legacy continues to inspire our team’s commitment to personalized financial guidance and community engagement.