Krystal Fortner is a Lead Advisor with North Berkeley Wealth Management, where she provides clients with comprehensive financial planning and tax-efficient investment management. Using a holistic approach coupled with cognitive behavioral coaching techniques, Krystal guides her clients in identifying goals important to them and designs a customized plan to achieve them.
Krystal’s multifaceted career began in social work where she obtained her California Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license. She embarked on a career transition into personal finance in 2013. In 2016, she achieved the CFP® certification further enhancing her skills and sensitive approach in working with clients.
Before joining North Berkeley, Krystal served as a Lead Advisor with a national wealth management firm in San Francisco. Earlier in her career, she focused on developing and presenting comprehensive financial plans based on client’s objectives. Researching and understanding efficient tax strategies have guided her work with clients and their portfolios.
Krystal grew up in rural Indiana and has called the Bay Area her home for 18+ years. She lives in the Marina Bay neighborhood in Richmond with her cat, Pumpkin. Krystal enjoys hiking in the East Bay Regional Parks, playing guitar, and exploring the Bay Area food scene. She is also an avid CrossFit enthusiast.
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Education, Certifications, & Affiliations
- CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™) certification
- MBA in Finance, California State University-East Bay
- MSW in Social Work, New Mexico State University
- BA in Education, Purdue University
The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards owns the certification marks CFP® and Certified Financial Planner™ in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
More About Krystal
My favorite part about being an advisor is educating and empowering clients about financial planning and investments so that they are in a better position to make more informed decisions. Avoiding jargon and using simple terms where appropriate, I strive to help clients understand their wealth and the strategies we use to preserve it, grow it, or both. I also like to make the process fun!
Outside of work, I like to get outside in one of the many East Bay Regional Parks, practice playing my guitar, dine out in our amazing local food scene, or try to improve my Spanish language proficiency.
I serve my local community by devoting time to volunteering with various organizations including the Berkeley YWCA Young Women and Money Conference and Game Theory Academy in Oakland where I teach financial literacy and basic economic principles to teenagers.
Articles by Krystal
Giving with Intention
It feels good to give, but getting started can be difficult. Affirming your values and identifying aligned organizations can make the experience more intentional and meaningful.
Taking Control of ‘Losing Control’
Addressing our mortality, and the gradual lack of capacity that often precedes it doesn't rank on our favorite things to do. Starting conversations early paves the way for specific problem solving when issues arise and can create peace of mind.