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
6 estate planning pitfalls that family conversations can help prevent
November 4, 2026When families don’t discuss an estate plan, heirs may be left with unanswered questions and unexpected responsibilities. Here’s how to start the conversation.Read Now
The Federal Reserve isn't the only central bank to hike rates in 2026: What global tightening means for investors
November 4, 2026Several major central banks around the world have raised interest rates in 2026, including the Bank of Japan, European Central Bank and others. Learn how global tightening can affect yields, costs and portfolios.Read Now
Planning with family entities
November 4, 2026A family LLC or partnership could be the core of an estate plan, especially for complex and valuable assets.Read Now
Redefining family wealth as well-being
November 3, 2026Jay Hughes, author of multiple books on family wealth, shares what wealth means to him – and how high-net-worth families can ensure their wealth flourishes for many generations.Read Now
Liquidity event: What to do if you suddenly become rich
November 3, 2026A liquidity event can be disruptive without a plan. Learn steps to receive, protect and manage a substantial cash inflow for the long term.Read Now
The impact of holding a concentrated stock position
November 2, 2026A concentrated stock position can add risk to your portfolio and may be difficult to sell. Learn questions to discuss with your advisor if you’re considering diversification.Read Now
How do midterm elections affect the stock market? What history shows
November 2, 2026How do midterm elections affect the stock market? Explore historical returns, election-year volatility and what investors should know ahead of the 2026 midterms.Read Now
Healthcare and long-term care options during retirement: A guide
October 30, 2026Navigating paying for healthcare, including Medicare and Medigap coverage, and long-term care during retirement comes with challenges. That’s why it’s important to understand your options.Read Now
Medicare and retirement: How to prepare for enrollment
October 30, 2026As you near 65, you may be preparing for Medicare enrollment. Here’s a guide to timing, eligibility, employer coverage coordination and other key considerations.Read Now6 estate planning pitfalls that family conversations can help prevent
November 4, 2026When families don’t discuss an estate plan, heirs may be left with unanswered questions and unexpected responsibilities. Here’s how to start the conversation.Read NowThe Federal Reserve isn't the only central bank to hike rates in 2026: What global tightening means for investors
November 4, 2026Several major central banks around the world have raised interest rates in 2026, including the Bank of Japan, European Central Bank and others. Learn how global tightening can affect yields, costs and portfolios.Read NowPlanning with family entities
November 4, 2026A family LLC or partnership could be the core of an estate plan, especially for complex and valuable assets.Read NowRedefining family wealth as well-being
November 3, 2026Jay Hughes, author of multiple books on family wealth, shares what wealth means to him – and how high-net-worth families can ensure their wealth flourishes for many generations.Read NowLiquidity event: What to do if you suddenly become rich
November 3, 2026A liquidity event can be disruptive without a plan. Learn steps to receive, protect and manage a substantial cash inflow for the long term.Read NowThe impact of holding a concentrated stock position
November 2, 2026A concentrated stock position can add risk to your portfolio and may be difficult to sell. Learn questions to discuss with your advisor if you’re considering diversification.Read NowHow do midterm elections affect the stock market? What history shows
November 2, 2026How do midterm elections affect the stock market? Explore historical returns, election-year volatility and what investors should know ahead of the 2026 midterms.Read NowHealthcare and long-term care options during retirement: A guide
October 30, 2026Navigating paying for healthcare, including Medicare and Medigap coverage, and long-term care during retirement comes with challenges. That’s why it’s important to understand your options.Read NowMedicare and retirement: How to prepare for enrollment
October 30, 2026As you near 65, you may be preparing for Medicare enrollment. Here’s a guide to timing, eligibility, employer coverage coordination and other key considerations.Read Now