Reviews & Ratings for Montecito Capital Management

12/08/11

They provide the sleep at night factor

by RA2 at Citysearch

I have been with them for a couple years and I feel protected. My first misconception was that private investment advisors have discretion to do anything they want with my money. But, in fact, they keep the assets at Charles Schwab Institutional and I have all the authority. They can only make allocations that I agree with, which has been pretty much everything they suggested.

I also like getting statements directly from Charles Schwab and I can login to track everything – that is the other misconception I had. I thought these advisors just create their own statements, which I would have been uncomfortable with anyway.

What I can say is that when the market was down about 9% at one point, I was still up about +3%. And when the markets overall are back in the positive, my portfolio has higher returns (than when the markets were down), so my portfolio continues to move up. Finally, the fees are lower than other advisors as I pay about 0.90% and the competitors were charging between 1.25%-1.5%; not bad, since Montecito Capital Management always returns my call or Email same day.

10/02/10

Hands-on and happy with advisory firm

by JF33 at Citysearch

Montecito Capital Management has been a comfort during this zig-zag market time period (past few years). They give me updates on the markets, economy and portfolio direction, while my assets seem to just grow even when the markets fall. I am a layperson, but getting better on knowledge since they spend time teaching me. For example, I know that my portfolio has low correlation to many asset classes and the diversification insulates me from market fluctuations. Again, very pleased.

01/31/10

Very Personable Experience

by jbaflyer at Citysearch

Having minimal investment background, and not really knowing Kip Lytel other than being recommended as a sound investor, I am happy to share I am very pleased with the service he and his firm has provided me. Kip has always afforded me the respect to participate in my financial decisions, help me to learn how to maximize my investment, and not over charge for the services I receive. I can, and do sincerely recommend him as a fund manager.

• Pros: Thorough, Helpful, Personal Attention to Everyting
• Cons: None

04/23/07

affordable, responsive & great results

by consumer20 at Citysearch

i referred a friend to this investment group and he mentioned these reviews, one of which was average. i completely disagree with jsb1952 review and concur with the outstanding personal service and performance testimonials of the other three reviewers. montecito capital & their principal, Kipley (Kip) Lytel, have gone beyond my expectation with their advisory service. i am delighted and would not have written this review otherwise. i also found them to be the lowest fee structure of any competitor I interviewed. this is surprising since their approach is very sophisticated, unique and time-consuming. Also, reviewer sjb1952 pushed brokers instead (is he one)? I have been through three and finally learned to save my portfolio by using professional wall street guys who manage the 'fund managers' money. i really wanted endowment type returns without the risk of the nasdaq or s&p. the founder has been referenced as an expert by wall street journal, barons, financial planning magazine, forbes, etc. That is the advice I get and the proof is in the pudding - historical 14% annual returns for me with no down year!

• Pros: attentiveness, expertise & results
• Cons: smaller firm - but better service

01/26/07

okay but not the best

by jsb1952 at Citysearch

i thought they were decent until i worked with another broker who is really good at what he does. their advice was decent but to cookie-cutter for me. i don't feel their fees are justified and i was only contacted about business whereas my current advisor will just call to say hi. there is better out there.

09/30/06

World Class Investment Firm

by privateinvestor at Citysearch

I am thrilled with Montecito Capital Managements investment counsel, advanced portfolio practices and close personal service. I discovered this respond review option when searching online for their website so I can send it to a colleague in which I was referring to them. I have read these other reviews and feel that they characterized my experience with portfolio performance and that this is a group of very smart advisors. Though the Managing Partner Kipley (Kip) Lytel is not my advisor, he is involved with my investments and screened me in one of their three interview/counsel meetings before taking our assets under management (they are selective and dont take everyone, like risk chasers). That said, I am extremely pleased with my advisor, their financial results, feedback and low cost structure. Since I have been a client for many years, I would to share that these guys handle some high profile Wall Street money (that is good, when they send their money to the team) and provide a strategy that you cant get unless you are an endowment, institution or foundation (Yale or Harvard approach).

• Pros: Financial Performance, Client Service, Pedigree & Fee Structure
• Cons: None

Editorial Review

by Contributor at Citysearch

Financial advisory firm specializes in investment consultation, short- and long-term monetary forecasting. Also, retirement and estate planning, more.

02/05/06

Great advisory firm

by ricksall at Citysearch

I am very pleased with Montecito Capital with regard to their services, financial performance & availability to meet on any financial matter. Very smart guys with super qualifications, references and credentials.

• Pros: financial results, employees, reputation

12/27/05

Terrific Wealth Management Experience.

by robert11 at Citysearch

Simply a superb group of investment advisors with consistent positive portfolio results! Very happy with my financial planner Kip Lytel.

• Pros: fair prices, no conflicts, great portfolio resul