Volunteer Financial Mentor

Chris Carnazzo

Passionate About...
Budgeting• Insurance• Taxes

CFO of Loka Properties, a commercial real estate company operating multiple retail properties in California & Hawaii. Over the past decade, I’ve led financial strategy, capital planning, and operations, handling everything from budgeting and lease negotiations to modeling and valuations. I’ve built a strong track record of aligning financial performance with long-term growth.

Now, I’m pivoting into personal financial planning. I’m finishing my Master’s in Personal Financial Planning and working toward CFP® and ChSNC® designations, with a special interest in special needs planning. My goal is to bring the same strategic approach I’ve used in real estate to help individuals and families make confident, values-based financial decisions—especially those facing complex, long-term care needs.

Along with a strong analytical background, I bring a creative edge from my earlier career in media (I earned two Emmy Awards for writing and editing), which helps me communicate strategy clearly and connect with clients meaningfully.

Get to Know Chris

What is a social cause you feel passionately about, and why is it meaningful to you? A social cause I am passionate about is supporting families with special needs through financial planning. As the father of a child who requires lifelong care, I understand the profound impact it can have on a family. For me, it wasn’t until I created my first financial plan—one that included caring for my son after I’m gone—that I truly felt a sense of peace and acceptance. That experience showed me the power of planning in providing clarity and hope, which is why this cause is so meaningful to me.

What is a book or film that changed your life? A book that changed my life is The Stoic Capitalist by Robert Rosenkranz. It introduced me to a philosophy I try to follow every day—focusing on what I can control, letting go of what I can’t, and making decisions with clarity rather than emotion. One line that encapsulates this is: “The Stoics prize courage, by which they mean taking action that is informed by reason, even when doing so provokes fears, even when our instinct is to panic.” That perspective has shaped not only how I approach investing, but also how I navigate challenges in life more broadly.

What is a quote you like to live by? Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.