Robert Klein, CPA, PFS, CFP®, CFS, CLTC, MBA, MST
Financial Independence Planner
Investment Advisor Representative of Financial Design Center
California Insurance License #0708321
Robert Klein, the President of Financial Design Center, has been recognized for his expertise in financial independence planning, management, and protection. Bob was named a 2010 and 2009 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager in the Orange County, California area. He was chosen as a result of a rigourous independent research process designed to identify those wealth managers who scored highest in client satisfaction. Bob is a part of a select group representing fewer than 3% of the wealth managers in the Orange County area were were featured in the March, 2010 and 2009 issues of Orange Coast magazine.
Bob has been quoted in various publications, including
The Wall Street Journal, Yahoo! Finance, Bankrate.com,
Wells Fargo Small Business Roundup Newsletter,
and Wealth Manager Magazine.
Bob is also a member of
Advisor Products Inc.'s (API) Editorial Advisory Board. API's Editorial Advisory Board includes 20 of the nation's leading financial planners, as well as institutional members from CCH Incorporated, Ibbotson Associates, Frank Russell Company, and Morningstar, Inc.
Bob began providing financial assistance to individuals and businesses in 1980 as an associate at one of the largest national CPA firms in New York City.
Commitment to Financial Independence Planning
After working for nationally recognized financial planning and accounting firms, Bob founded Financial Design Center in 1998.Bob’s passion is helping people coordinate all aspects of their financial lives so they can achieve financial independence. In order to effectively assist his clients, Bob augmented his CPA with the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation in 1986, and became fully licensed in securities and insurance.
Personal Information
Bob lives in Laguna Niguel with his wife, Nira, and son, Joshua. In his free time, he enjoys activities with his family, playing golf and tennis, skiing, swimming, traveling, and volunteering. Bob loves music, including playing the piano and guitar. He stays in shape by working out and running several miles most mornings before going to the office.
Education, Licensing, and Certification
- B.A. in Economics from Rutgers College, 1978
- MBA in Accounting from Rutgers Graduate School of Management, 1980
- M.S. in Taxation (MST) at Golden Gate University, 1993
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, 1986
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Personal Financial Specialist designation (PFS), 1995
- Certified Fund Specialist (CFS), 2003
- Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC), 2006
- California life, long-term care, and partnership long-term care insurance license (California Insurance License #0708321)
Professional Organizations
- Financial Planning Association (FPA)
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- AICPA Personal Financial Planning Division
- California Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Institute of Business & Finance Registry
- The Corporation for Long-Term Care Certification, Inc.
Send Bob an e-mail
Nira Klein, Philanthropic Plan Coordinator
In her position as Philanthropic Plan Coordinator for Financial Design Center, Nira (pronounced "Near-Uh") Klein is responsible for overseeing the firm's planned giving programs. These programs include private foundations and donor-advised funds for the firm's philanthropically-inclined clients.
Nira brings her bubbly personality and unparalleled people skills to her role as the firm’s Philanthropic Plan Coordinator. After obtaining her bachelor's degree in Economics from Tel Aviv University, Nira spent twelve years as a senior financial analyst.
When she is not working, in addition to nurturing her family, Nira performs volunteer services for charitable organizations. She also enjoys playing golf, swimming, and skiing, as well as learning new things.
