
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

The defensive playbook isn’t your average inflation roadmap
April 2, 2026Inflation fears are back, but the go-to strategy can add oil and input-cost exposure. Utilities and healthcare may frame a quieter defense.Read Now
When disaster strikes: How to give with intention and impact
April 2, 2026After a disaster, it’s natural to want to take action. A short- and long-term disaster philanthropy strategy can ensure your gifts are given when most needed and have a lasting impact.Read Now
Why cash flow forecasting and succession planning matter
March 30, 2026As a business owner, effective cash flow management is crucial. From growth to legacy, read on to learn the important components of a well-balanced strategy.Read Now
The global rates repricing: will central banks actually hike?
March 27, 2026The risk of a prolonged energy shock isn't shaking inflation expectations in the long run, but it is changing the odds of how central banks respond.Read Now
Building financial awareness in children: Leverage the extraordinary power of life’s everyday moments
March 24, 2026There are many “teachable moments” buried in everyday decisions and activities that can help children develop financial awareness and a sense of responsibility. Read more about it.Read Now
Common financial milestones women experience throughout their lives
March 24, 2026Many women encounter common life events that can affect their financial situation. A strong plan can help keep them on track to meet their financial goals.Read Now
How to think about market volatility
March 23, 2026When the market is volatile, it’s natural to want to act on emotion. Here’s how to make sure the decisions are as rational and well-informed as possible.Read Now
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
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
The defensive playbook isn’t your average inflation roadmap
April 2, 2026Inflation fears are back, but the go-to strategy can add oil and input-cost exposure. Utilities and healthcare may frame a quieter defense.Read Now
When disaster strikes: How to give with intention and impact
April 2, 2026After a disaster, it’s natural to want to take action. A short- and long-term disaster philanthropy strategy can ensure your gifts are given when most needed and have a lasting impact.Read Now
Why cash flow forecasting and succession planning matter
March 30, 2026As a business owner, effective cash flow management is crucial. From growth to legacy, read on to learn the important components of a well-balanced strategy.Read Now
The global rates repricing: will central banks actually hike?
March 27, 2026The risk of a prolonged energy shock isn't shaking inflation expectations in the long run, but it is changing the odds of how central banks respond.Read Now
Building financial awareness in children: Leverage the extraordinary power of life’s everyday moments
March 24, 2026There are many “teachable moments” buried in everyday decisions and activities that can help children develop financial awareness and a sense of responsibility. Read more about it.Read Now
Common financial milestones women experience throughout their lives
March 24, 2026Many women encounter common life events that can affect their financial situation. A strong plan can help keep them on track to meet their financial goals.Read Now
How to think about market volatility
March 23, 2026When the market is volatile, it’s natural to want to act on emotion. Here’s how to make sure the decisions are as rational and well-informed as possible.Read Now
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
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
