Tammy Trenta Knowlton

Family Financial develops personalized financial strategies for clients by integrating key aspects of their financial lives, such as investment management, estate planning, tax efficiency, philanthropy and business planning, including exit strategies. Founder Tammy Trenta-Knowlton brings more than 28 years of experience in the financial industry.

Tell us about your business. 

As a family office to our clients, we provide comprehensive wealth management and business planning services tailored to high net worth families and business owners. We specialize in combining investment management, estate planning, tax efficiency, philanthropy and family governance to create personalized strategies. Our goal is to align our services with our clients’ values and long-term objectives, working to ensure that their financial and business interests are well coordinated. We aim to offer customized solutions that help clients manage their wealth, oversee their business ventures and plan for future generations.

What inspired you to pursue this career?

Growing up, I witnessed my family’s financial struggles and realized that financial literacy is not taught in school. This inspired me, in my early 20s, to pursue a career in finance—first to improve my own understanding and then to help others manage their wealth and make informed financial decisions.

Tell us about your professional background.

Earlier in my career, I worked as a trust and estate advisor for a major bank in Beverly Hills. Today I focus on serving successful business owners as a Certified Financial Planner, specializing in tax, investment and estate planning strategies. As a Certified Tax Planner and Certified Exit Planner, I assist clients considering the sale of their businesses. Over the years, I have guided individuals, families and entrepreneurs toward their financial objectives.

Multitask or single focus?

I consider myself a multitasker, which is common among many female business owners who often manage a variety of roles and responsibilities. This perspective is one of the reasons the family office model of financial advice resonated with me when I initially launched my business.

How does authenticity impact your business?

It is essential for every client to understand how their financial advisor is compensated, as this ensures transparency and prevents any potential concerns about whether a recommendation serves their best interests. In our family office, authenticity means being genuinely transparent—particularly because we uphold the fiduciary standard. Transparency is one of our core values, and we take great care to avoid conflicts of interest that could influence an advisor’s recommendations. This honest, straightforward approach helps build trust and fosters alignment between our clients’ values, financial goals and the advice we provide.

Tell us about your new book!

I recently authored my first book, Wisdom to be Wealthy, which explores how the family office approach to financial advice can be a valuable tool for wealth management. It also provides an insider’s perspective on the financial service industry, helping clients navigate potential conflicts of interest and make informed decisions. My hope is that it equips readers with the right questions to ask when choosing the advisor best suited for their needs. It is due out on November 14!

Describe your dream client.

We have three types of ideal clients, all with one common goal: to simplify their lives with a holistic approach that integrates financial, tax and legal considerations.

• High-achieving business owners in their growth phase who seek advanced tax strategies and wealth management solutions to enhance their financial success.
• Busy families balancing complex careers and personal lives, looking for coordinated advice across multiple advisors for streamlined financial planning.
• Individuals who have recently exited a business, focused on preserving wealth for future generations and aligning their financial strategy with their values, including social impact goals.

How important is community to your work? 

I recently joined a women’s business-owner networking group, where I connected with female entrepreneurs from around the world. It was enlightening to realize that, despite our diverse backgrounds, we share many of the same challenges. The experience reinforced the importance of community and the value of supporting one another in our entrepreneurial journeys.

Tell us about your family.

I am a mother to a 7-year-old son who loves playing soccer and baseball. My husband, Ryan, and I have lived in the South Bay for over two decades. He designs and builds custom homes and coaches baseball. Alongside my business commitments, I serve as treasurer on the board of American Martyrs Parent Association.

Disclaimer: FF Advisors LLC dba Family Financial is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information presented is for informational purposes only. Examples are provided for educational purposes, can vary and are not guaranteed, and should not be interpreted as a testimonial or endorsement.

Photographed by Shane O’Donnell