Stephanie Bucko, CFA®, CPA
Design the life you want, no matter where you are in your journey | Fee-only
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Serving Clients Nationwide
Design the life you want, no matter where you are in your journey | Fee-only
Areas of Focus
- Cash Flow
- Employee Benefits
- Equity Compensation Options
- Estate Planning
- Financial Life Planning
- Giving
- Insurance
- Investment Management
- Money Psychology
- Retirement Planning
- Taxes
About Stephanie Bucko, CFA®, CPA
Hi, I'm Stephanie Bucko. I spearhead Mana’s portfolio management capabilities and serve as the lead strategist for stock compensation, investments, and tax. I am a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst®.I graduated from Bucknell University with a BSBA in Accounting. Following my undergraduate education, I audited hedge funds in New York City with PricewaterhouseCoopers during the 2008 financial crisis, and then joined Man Group, the world’s largest publicly traded hedge fund. At Man Group, I served as a risk manager for six years, handling $15 billion in hedge funds. After years of serving banks, pensions, and endowments, I became interested in bringing institutional quality services to a broader population.
In 2018, I launched Mana with Cristina out of the realization that investment management is only a small piece of the services that individuals truly need in a financial advisor. Since founding Mana, I have been recognized for my accomplishments within the industry by leading organizations such as Investopedia’s Top 100 Advisors of 2023. I am also a regular contributor to MyStockOptions.com, the financial advice industry’s premier site for equity compensation.
When I’m not educating myself on the markets or building complex spreadsheets, you can find me outside. My favorite days are spent on the ski slopes, riding horses, and bird watching.
Professional Designations
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Affiliations
- CFA Institute
- Financial Planning Association
- National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
- XY Planning Network
Primary Location
South Pasadena, CA, 91030
Meeting Options
- Video Conference
- In-Person
- Phone
Compensation Methods
- Fee Only
- Flat Fee
- Percentage of Assets Managed
What to expect in the first meeting
Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above and complete the brief form to schedule a free introductory conversation. We'll get to know each other and I'll listen to understand your unique circumstances so we can determine the best way to proceed. I look forward to speaking with you.Offers Investment Management
Yes
About Mana Financial Life Design
Mana Financial Life Design is a fee-only financial life planning firm based in Los Angeles, CA. Clients who choose Mana are treated to a novel, comprehensive and compassionate approach to financial life design.We specialize in advising ambitious professionals who seek financial knowledge and want to implement mindful budgeting, savings, proactive planning and powerful investment strategies. Mana attracts creative, engaged clients who are highly motivated to collaborate with planners for their biggest life decisions. While we are a relatively young company, we have a proven track record of consistent, active growth.
What We Offer
Professional financial advice that empowers you to protect and celebrate your hard earned money.
We start with our clients' hopes and dreams: getting an intimate view of their values, attitudes, and feelings towards money and its connection to lifestyle.
Next comes smart planning: as we work one-on-one with each client to learn your finances inside and out, resulting in deep knowledge sharing, and ongoing support capable of shifting attitudes and building wealth.
The outcome is freedom through partnership: our clients are supported to grow, develop and stand strong through life’s transitions, as we build new strategies for self-awareness and personal identity. Throughout the journey, we help turn clients' dreams and goals into reality.
With knowledge gained through Financial Life Design, you can withstand anything.
Mana offers more than traditional financial advice
Traditional advisors are focused on money first. They identify problems and develop one-time, standardized solutions. Clients are given set instructions to follow, and are expected to communicate important life changes or updates. We find that this process is too time-limited and impersonal, and our offerings fill in the many gaps that traditional advice leaves empty.
Life design goes far beyond traditional advice. At Mana, we focus on the client first, spending time to collaboratively understand your life goals and values. We identify personal desires and find unique solutions to empower and inspire. We prioritize listening over directing, and deeply value client voices in our advisory relationships. With scheduled update meetings and long term communication, we become trusted partners for your life, ensuring that you are continually supported.
We honor each client’s unique personal history and vision of the future. We expect growth and change, and our method is built to celebrate and capitalize on it.
Inspiring the confidence to live your dreams
Mana supports you at every step of your development. As a Mana client you can expect access to a team of professionals who will provide guidance, advice and transactional support throughout the year; when and as required. We will be proactive in our communication with you if we feel there is something new you need to know or do.
Given the choice of living for more, or living for meaning, we are drawn to those who choose the latter...
Education
Bucknell University BSBA, Accounting, German
Hobbies and Interests
- Bird Watching
- Family
- Horseback Riding
- Skiing
SEC Lookup
View DisclosureWho We Serve
- Baby Boomers
- Business Owners
- Caregivers
- Corporate Executives
- Dual Income Family
- Families
- Gen X
- Intergenerational Families
- Living in Retirement
- Women’s Finance
- Young Families
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