Matthew R. Etzler

Matthew R. Etzler is a fee-only fiduciary financial planner with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals and families make thoughtful, informed financial decisions. Throughout his career, Matt has been especially drawn to working with individuals navigating major life transitions—times when financial choices feel overwhelming and clarity feels hard to reach. Matt believes financial planning is about much more than numbers. It’s about listening first, meeting people where they are, and helping them regain confidence after loss or uncertainty. Many of the individuals he has served came to him unsure where to begin and worried about making a mistake. His role has been to slow things down, explain options in plain language, and help them move forward one step at a time—never rushing, never pressuring. As a fee-only fiduciary, Matt does not sell financial products and does not earn commissions. His advice is objective and always focused on what is in the individual’s best interest. His planning work often includes helping widows understand cash flow and benefits, organize financial accounts, evaluate decisions after the loss of a spouse, coordinate with tax and legal professionals, and develop a realistic plan for the years ahead. Matt is the founder of Etzler Financial Advisors, LLC, a planning-first firm based in California, and he works with individuals across the country. He holds multiple professional designations, including Certified Financial Planner™, and brings decades of experience in retirement planning, tax-aware decision-making, and financial education. What Matt values most is helping people move from anxiety to confidence. He has seen, time and again, how compassionate guidance and clear information can replace fear with understanding—and help individuals realize they are capable, resilient, and not alone. Matt is honored to support Wings for Widows and its mission of guiding widows toward financial wellness during a time whe...