Bios

Cheryl L. Bernstein, CFP

Cheryl L. Bernstein, CFP, began her financial career in 1988, as an independent financial consultant. In August, 1994, Ms. Bernstein became an Independent Registered Representative having passed the Series 7 and 63 exams. In February, 1997, Ms. Bernstein received her California Life and Health Insurance License, and on November 11, 1999, Ms. Bernstein received her designation as a Certified Financial Planner. A month later, Ms. Bernstein passed her Series 65 exam, designating her as a Registered Investment Advisor. In June, 2000, Ms. Bernstein gave up her Series 7 and 63 licenses in order to become a fee-only financial planner, and continued as such until her co-founding of Financial Essentials, LLC, at which time she became a full-time financial educator.

Ms. Bernstein's primary emphasis throughout her financial career has focused on financial education. In addition to helping her private clients with financial plans and investment strategies, it has always been Ms. Bernstein's belief that a financially educated client is a good client. Along those lines, Ms. Bernstein emphasized and provided financial education, understanding, and awareness to her private clients. Ms. Bernstein has also helped to establish and mentor investment clubs since 1996, helping women, couples, and young adults focus on their finances and learn how to invest in the stock market. She has also spoken at non-profit organizations on the merits of financial planning.

Wendy I. Morgan, CPA

Wendy I. Morgan, CPA, received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology in 1982 from the University of California, Irvine, and subsequently received an Award in Accounting in 1989 from the University of California, Los Angeles. In 1993, Ms. Morgan received her Certified Public Accounting license from the State of California Board of Accountancy, Department of Consumer Affairs. Ms. Morgan's professional experience includes the banking industry as well as public accounting. Most recently, Ms. Morgan's career path took her to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration. After working as an investigative auditor of employee benefit plans, she managed a department call center where she and her staff responded to the public's questions regarding ERISA benefit plans. Ms. Morgan spent 7-1/2 years educating the public on retirement and health plans and served as the supervisor of a successful outreach program until co-founding Financial Essentials, LLC. Ms. Morgan's experiences in dealing with problems presented by plan participants helped to instill in her the importance of financial awareness and education.