Hello. We're Paraiba Wealth

The name "Paraíba" (pronounced pah-rah-EE-bah) originates from a Brazilian state steeped in history and natural wonder. But Paraíba is best known as the birthplace of the Paraíba tourmaline—a gemstone so rare and mesmerizing that its neon blues and greens, infused with copper and manganese, have captivated the world.

To us, Paraíba symbolizes more than beauty—it reflects the spirit of individuality. Just as no two tourmalines are alike, no two financial journeys are the same.

After twenty years in finance, I've learned that cookie-cutter and template solutions don't work when it comes to your life and goals.

That's why I founded Paraiba Wealth—not just to manage client assets, but to design customized financial strategies for the clients we serve.

We tailor our approach to your personal story, whether you're planning for early retirement, navigating the complexities of RSUs and stock compensation, or managing finances across international borders.

Here's our promise: We'll care for your financial future with the same dedication we give to what matters most in our own lives.

Your journey is unique, and your plan should be too.

My story

Fresh out of UC San Diego in the 1990s, I landed my first job at Charles Schwab in San Francisco’s financial district—a crash course in markets, discipline, and the power of compounding.

Those early days were my bootcamp: I learned how markets tick, the discipline of long-term focus, and the magic of compounding. On a modest salary, I maxed out my 401(k) and IRA, hitting six figures by my mid-20s while peers were still on the sidelines—a lesson in small steps, big results.

Next, I joined a top Southern California RIA firm, co-managing $2 billion in assets. There, I mastered institutional strategies and tailored them for everyday investors, bridging Wall Street smarts with Main Street needs.

Then, at HSBC in Hong Kong, I advised expatriates on cross-border wealth, learning to balance tax efficiency and growth while navigating global markets.

I’ve guided clients through storms like the dot-com bubble burst, the 2008 financial crisis, the 2020 pandemic market chaos—including the meme stock frenzy and crypto volatility—and the 2025 tariff shock.

Volatility is inevitable, but I’ve seen how a steady hand can cut through the noise, keep discipline, and turn fear into investment opportunity.

My CFP® and MBA from Loyola Marymount gave me the tools, but my real wisdom comes from thousands of client conversations—like the ones I’d have with you.

Here’s our philosophy

It’s About You, Not Just the Numbers

Technical knowledge is important, but truly understanding you—your goals, fears, dreams—is what takes good advice into something meaningful. 

You shouldn’t have to stress-check your portfolio every day. We design personalized plans that align with your goals so your money works for you—not the other way around. 

For so many people, retirement feels like this looming unknown. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Our goal is to help you reimagine retirement as something to look forward to, not worry about. By creating clear, actionable plans tailored to you, we’ll turn uncertainty into excitement and set you up for the next chapter—whatever it may hold.

We take the stress out of finances, one personalized plan at a time

Here's who you'll work with.

Brandon Woods, CKA, CFP® Senior Financial Advisor

Brandon Woods, CKA, CFP® Senior Financial Advisor

Brandon Woods, CKA, CFP® Senior Financial Advisor

Brandon Woods, CKA, CFP® Senior Financial Advisor

Brandon Woods, CKA, CFP® Senior Financial Advisor

Brandon Woods, CKA, CFP® Senior Financial Advisor

Ready for Change? Expert guidance for a retirement that's perfectly you.

Let’s chat.