My Bio
Richard's Bio
Richard Ward is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional with a passion for helping people find their purpose in life. Richard believes that the secret to living life well and leaving a lasting legacy is found by making contributions in our communities that help others prosper. With more than 35 years of industry experience, Richard believes in taking a holistic approach to creating a financial portfolio that offers fulfillment and possibilities.
Learn How to Live a Richer Life
Richard is committed to helping you build upon your success as you pursue significance. Many clients he works with are Baby Boomer business owners and executives who are considering a transition out of the business world, or financially secure pre-retirees who have little interest in traditional retirement and are looking for guidance for the second half of their life.
Richard received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from UCLA, and his CFP® education from the College for Financial Planning in Denver, Colorado. He holds a Series 7 (General Securities Representative), Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent), and Series 65 (Investment Advisor Representative) licenses as well as a Life/Health/Disability Insurance licenses.
Richard is very active in his community, and has supported countless non-profit organizations both locally and nationally. He has personally learned that some of the greatest rewards in life are earned while helping others grow, thrive and prosper and continues to live his purpose on a daily basis by helping others.
A published author, Richard’s book Redefining Retirement: Finding Purpose and Passion for Your Second Half is filled with stories of people who have found their new purpose and passions for the second half of their lives.
Richard served as Chairman of the Board of Governors for Center Club Orange County, serve on the Board of Directors at OneOC, as well as the OC Chapter Board of Advisors in Philanthropy and the Advisory Board for the Institute for Community Impact. He advises at the OC Community Foundation and OneOC, and is a member of the Financial Planning Association, International Association of Advisors in Philanthropy, UCLA Alumni Association, UCLA Chancellor’s Associates, and the UCLA Foundation.
Richard is a lifelong resident of Orange County and has lived in Irvine for 25 years; his father, James E. Ward, was mayor of Santa Ana from 1977 to 1979. Richard has three grown children and lives with his fiancé Dita Shemke. His hobbies include golf, travelling, movies and concerts.
Certified Financial Planner™ or CFP® certification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.