Greg Banner brings over three decades of experience as a Certified Financial Planner® and serves as Chief Executive Officer of Asset Preservation Strategies. His work centers on providing coordinated financial planning for high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and business owners. Greg’s areas of focus include family office services, business growth and exit strategies, tax optimization, estate planning, and asset protection.
Greg is often called upon to serve as a “family CFO,” helping clients navigate complexity with clarity and intention. He has developed a unique niche in working with real estate developers and in crafting income strategies using private equity and other alternative investments. Greg’s approach combines deep technical knowledge with a relationship-driven mindset, allowing clients to align their financial strategies with long-term goals.
Greg also shares his expertise nationally through speaking and training engagements with organizations such as IMN Real Estate Family Office, the Business Enterprise Institute, Exit Planning Institute, Southern California Institute, Founders Group, and Laureate Wealth Strategies.
Beyond his work in finance, Greg is a professional photographer with a background in sports photography, including years as an official NFL photographer. Today, he enjoys shooting nature and aviation. He is also a dedicated community member and serves through his church and other local initiatives.
Greg is an Investment Advisor Representative with Belpointe Asset Management, LLC, a licensed insurance broker, and a California Registered Tax Preparer (CRTP). He holds the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) designation and is a full Fellow of the Southern California Institute, having completed its Advanced Wealth Strategist Planner Program.
As President of Asset Preservation Strategies, Monica Szakos believes wealth planning extends far beyond finances. With a focus on empowering clients through education and intentional decision-making, she helps individuals and families navigate the evolving complexities of wealth and life transitions.
Monica has built a reputation for poise and clarity, especially during times of market volatility. Her ability to break down complex scenarios into actionable steps allows clients to move forward with confidence. She leads with empathy and precision, ensuring that client goals remain central in every planning conversation.
In addition to her advisory work, Monica oversees the firm’s investment research, team development, and operational strategy. She also plays a key role in connecting with new clientele and ensuring that the firm maintains its reputation for excellence in wealth stewardship.
A proud second-generation Hungarian, Monica has a deep appreciation for her heritage and travels to Europe when she can. She also enjoys working on home renovation projects with her family and caring for her French bulldog, Birdie. Monica explores homesteading and homeopathic practices as part of a holistic approach to health, healing, and self-sufficient living.
Her commitment to community is reflected in her active support of causes like the Helen Woodward Animal Center and FACE Foundation, as well as her service on the Estate & Trust Planning Council for Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Monica is a Certified Financial Planner
Tim Figueroa is an Investment Adviser at Asset Preservation Strategies, where he brings a passion for portfolio design, alternative investments, and client-centered planning. He draws from a range of prior experience, including his work with ultra-high-net-worth families at a boutique wealth firm and his time at Axxcess Wealth Management
.Tim earned his BSBA in Finance from Suffolk University in Boston, graduating cum laude while also gaining real-world experience in real estate and investment internships. His approach to financial advising is rooted in thoughtful analysis, personal connection, and a belief in long-term impact through proactive planning.
A fifth-generation Santa Barbarian, Tim remains active in his local community. He serves as Vice President of the Sunset Rotary Club of Carpinteria and participates in local Food Bank drives. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, hiking, and reading.
Patty Stewart is the newest addition to our Asset Preservation Strategies team. She is an Investment Adviser for our firm with over 15 years of experience working in several large U.S. Financial institutions. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to perform alongside a variety of financial professionals, which allowed her to gain expertise into the world of investing and financial planning.
Patty is a proud San Diego native with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from San Diego State University. Her care and devotion to people while helping them navigate through ever-changing and challenging environments, is what sets her apart.
In her free time, Patty relishes quality time with her close-knit family. She has two dogs, Sid and Oliver and enjoys volunteering with local humane organizations. Patty takes pleasure being out in nature, especially around our many beautiful waterfronts.