Rudolph Brandes

Rudolph Brandes

J.D., LL.M., CFP®
Sr. Wealth Advisor

I build the strategic foundation designed to help protect your wealth and bring clarity.

Meet Rudy

Rudy is a Sr. Wealth Advisor based in Newport Beach, California. He joined Mercer Advisors through the acquisition of Jackson Financial Management, where he helped lead the firm as an executive and advisor, integrating advanced tax and estate planning strategies with the management of operations, compliance and growth.Rudy began his career in the financial services industry in 2011, working as an advanced planning consultant and in-house legal counsel at a major insurance company. He earned a Master of Laws in Taxation degree from the New York University School of Law (Executive Program). He also obtained a Juris Doctorate from Southwestern Law School, and a B.A. degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. Rudy is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional.

Rudy’s specialties

At Mercer Advisors, all of our wealth advisors provide a highly personalized approach, backed by a team of specialists that ensure every part of your financial list is addressed. Additionally, Rudy has focused experience in these areas:

  • Multi-generational planning that aligns with your values and minimizes tax impact
  • Support for business owners, from growth and succession to liquidity events and legacy planning
  • For corporate executives, guidance on equity comp, concentrated stock, and evolving financial complexity
  • Advising physicians with insurance, debt, and investment strategies
  • Helping tech founders plan through rapid growth and funding events — and what comes after the exit; experience with Microsoft employees

His working style

Rudy combines deep technical expertise with clear communication, helping clients understand their financial reality from the ground up. He empowers you to make informed choices but is equally comfortable stepping in to make the call when you prefer to lean on his judgement. This adaptive approach helps ensure a relationship grounded in clarity and mutual trust.

Rudy in real life

What makes you tick?

I believe in facing uncertainty with preparation and grace. Whether navigating shifting markets or changing tax rules, I strive to build resilient strategies that help clients face the future with more confidence.

What keeps you busy outside of work?

I stay happily busy with family adventures. We love traveling to new cities and spending weekends at my kids’ robotics competitions and soccer tournaments. I find my balance on long weekend walks with our dogs while listening to a good podcast.

Favorite thing about where you live?

I love the calm stability of Irvine. Locally, in Woodbridge, I serve on the finance committee. It is a privilege to help oversee the budget and fiscal integrity for approximately 30,000 residents in one of the largest HOAs in California.

Rudy’s snapshots

Meet Rudy’s Teammates

At Mercer Advisors, we operate as a unified team. Get to know the teammates Rudy counts on — and how they work together to support you.
Joanna Geier

Joanna Geier

Sr. Wealth Strategist, Ascend

What Rudy Says

Joanna brings clarity to the complex. I trust her insights, her rigor, and the way she strengthens every plan we deliver.

Jasmine Honda

Jasmine Honda

Client Service Specialist

What Rudy Says

Jasmine cares deeply about the client experience. She helps make every step feel smooth and supported for our clients, whether you are new to our firm or have been with us for decades.

David Askew

David Askew

Managing Partner

What Rudy Says

While working with David, priorities become clear. He sets the right tempo for client relationships and ensures my focus stays prioritized for the families we serve.

Articles by Rudy

Ready to learn more?