Early on in my career, I worked in the computer industry; I was on a successful career track, but I felt unfulfilled. I woke up one morning and realized I wanted something more. I wanted to create real impact and real change for people, which made me painfully aware that to do so, I would need to leave my career path in the computer business, which had been very lucrative.

The following year I spent carefully considering what to do, how to do it, and soliciting guidance from trusted counsel, including my own financial advisor. He suggested I consider a career in wealth advising, and once again, several months later, I had a moment. I awoke at 2:00 am on the dot one morning and had total clarity that changing lives was my true calling, and I decided to pursue that through financial advising and wealth management.

Leaving computer system sales, a great career, and starting a new job with no salary was one of the scariest moments of my life, but also one of the most fulfilling.

Looking back, it was one of the best decisions of my life. Helping people reach their financial goals is not only fulfilling but my life’s purpose. The notes, letters, and thank yous from clients are irreplaceable. My clients are an extension of my family, and as such, so are their family gatherings, business openings, holiday parties, and celebrations we attend together.

Everything I do is built on the concept of aligning your vision and values with your wealth plan through customized, comprehensive financial planning so that you can live your best life and create a lifelong legacy. I treasure the confidence and trust my clients have in me and will continue to work tirelessly to give you the distinct client experience you have come to know and love.

My Bio

With over 3 decades of dedication and service, Bart A. Zandbergen is an esteemed Certified Financial Planner® and Founder and CEO of The Zandbergen Group. As a nationally recognized authority in financial planning and investment advising, as well as a Certified Divorce Financial Advisor®, he has devoted his career to guiding clients to a life full of purpose and financial freedom through personalized financial planning.

Bart invested the first 25 years of his career as a Certified Financial Planner® and Registered Investment Advisor for Financial Management Network, Inc. (FMN). He then joined Optivest, Inc. as a Senior Wealth Advisor before deciding to launch The Zandbergen Group in 2020. Bart holds a Life/Health/Disability Insurance license and is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®.

His integrity, laser-sharp focus, and skill at guiding his clients’ financial future led to him being recognized as one of the nation’s top 1% of financial advisors, according to Forbes Magazine. He has also been selected as one of America’s Best Financial Planners, according to the Consumers’ Research Council of America, and was recognized as a Five Star Wealth Manager for five years in a row by Orange Coast Magazine. Bart is also is an accomplished public speaker; his expert point of view has been published in the New York Times, Forbes, The Orange County Register, Nobleman Magazine, Mensbook, Modern Luxury, and Riveria.

As a well-respected and active member of his community, Bart currently serves as President of the Laguna Beach branch of the International Wine and Food Society. He is a member of the Financial Planning Association of Orange County and The International Association of Advisors in Philanthropy. Additionally, Bart founded a non-profit campaign in 2019 called Kindness Kures, which is an anti-bullying movement designed to empower youth.

Bart lives in Laguna Beach with his wife, Tina, and daughter, Tehani. He also has two grown children as well as two granddaughters, Lily and Wilder as well as a grandson, Oliver. Aside from spending time with his family, Bart is a fitness enthusiast who enjoy surfing and has a passion for fine wine and dining. He is a member of Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an exclusive wine and food organization, and is a Certified Sommelier. Bart completed his sommelier training through the Wine & Spirits Education Trust of England and enjoys traveling to various vineyards in Central California.