Helen ZhaoHelen Zhao, CFP ®, CFA®Wealth Planner
About Helen
Helen Zhao is an Executive Director and Wealth Planner covering Orange County and the LA Coastal region for J.P. Morgan Wealth Management’s Wealth Planning and Advice team.
Helen partners with advisors and their clients to deliver comprehensive wealth planning guidance. She is passionate about helping clients navigate a wide range of planning topics—from retirement and estate strategies to pre- and post-transactional planning, equity compensation, concentrated stock positions and philanthropic giving—so they can move forward with confidence and clarity. By leveraging her deep understanding of advisor-client dynamics and coordinating with clients’ external estate attorneys and other advisors, she helps integrate actionable planning strategies aligned with each client’s personal and financial goals.
Helen joined J.P. Morgan in 2025 and brings over 15 years of experience to her role, including more than a decade at Morgan Stanley, where she served as a Financial Planning Director in Los Angeles County. Earlier in her career, Helen was a practicing CPA at Deloitte Tax and Ernst & Young, allowing her to build a strong technical foundation and develop a broad perspective on wealth planning.
Helen holds an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and a Chartered Financial Analyst® charterholder. She also teaches in UCLA Extension’s CFP® exam preparation program and is fluent in Mandarin. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and rollerblading.
CFP Board owns the marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® in the U.S.
CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks owned by CFA Institute
Insights
Fed holds rates steady in March 2026: What investors can watch for next
March 20, 2026Rates stayed put at the Fed’s March 2026 meeting. Learn what the latest inflation and employment data signals about the Fed’s next move.Read Now
If oil backs off, risk reprices
March 20, 2026If oil flows eventually normalize, markets may reassess risk. We explore where gains could concentrate, why some regions may still feel a hangover and portfolio implications.Read Now
Stock-based compensation and the Section 83(b) election
March 20, 2026If you are an executive at a company and receive stock or options subject to vesting, a so-called 83(b) election might reduce your income tax liability over time.Read Now
When oil jumps, household wealth guides the economy
March 13, 2026Oil spikes could transmit through the economy faster via equities than the pump, pressuring spending through the wealth effect. What could that mean for inflation paths, equity sensitivity and near-term demand?Read Now
Wealth planning is a women’s issue
March 12, 2026While supporting women during earning years is important, it is equally important that women are also equipped for what comes after – and in particular, that means having a comprehensive wealth plan.Read Now
What to know about tax-aware borrowing
March 11, 2026Individuals can choose to take out loans in a way that may minimize their tax liability – this is called tax-aware borrowing. Learn more about it.Read Now
What to consider when you’re considering alternative investments
March 9, 2026Prioritizing due diligence and manager selection can be key to building an allocation to alternatives that enhances your portfolio’s diversification and outperformance potential.Read Now
Oil shock jolts American stocks into driver’s seat … for now
March 6, 2026Despite the latest Middle East conflict and a surge in oil prices, U.S. equities remain resilient amid international volatility.Read Now
What are my options to save for my children’s education?
March 5, 2026Planning early for your children’s and grandchildren’s education can help you cover these expenses in a tax-efficient manner. Read more on saving for education.Read NowFed holds rates steady in March 2026: What investors can watch for next
March 20, 2026Rates stayed put at the Fed’s March 2026 meeting. Learn what the latest inflation and employment data signals about the Fed’s next move.Read NowIf oil backs off, risk reprices
March 20, 2026If oil flows eventually normalize, markets may reassess risk. We explore where gains could concentrate, why some regions may still feel a hangover and portfolio implications.Read NowStock-based compensation and the Section 83(b) election
March 20, 2026If you are an executive at a company and receive stock or options subject to vesting, a so-called 83(b) election might reduce your income tax liability over time.Read NowWhen oil jumps, household wealth guides the economy
March 13, 2026Oil spikes could transmit through the economy faster via equities than the pump, pressuring spending through the wealth effect. What could that mean for inflation paths, equity sensitivity and near-term demand?Read NowWealth planning is a women’s issue
March 12, 2026While supporting women during earning years is important, it is equally important that women are also equipped for what comes after – and in particular, that means having a comprehensive wealth plan.Read NowWhat to know about tax-aware borrowing
March 11, 2026Individuals can choose to take out loans in a way that may minimize their tax liability – this is called tax-aware borrowing. Learn more about it.Read NowWhat to consider when you’re considering alternative investments
March 9, 2026Prioritizing due diligence and manager selection can be key to building an allocation to alternatives that enhances your portfolio’s diversification and outperformance potential.Read NowOil shock jolts American stocks into driver’s seat … for now
March 6, 2026Despite the latest Middle East conflict and a surge in oil prices, U.S. equities remain resilient amid international volatility.Read NowWhat are my options to save for my children’s education?
March 5, 2026Planning early for your children’s and grandchildren’s education can help you cover these expenses in a tax-efficient manner. Read more on saving for education.Read Now