Michael N. Bernier, CFP®, AIF®
Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor
Mike first noticed a gap in financial education in our society. While we emphasize core subjects such as English, Math, Science, and History in school, we are not taught about the importance of saving money, planning for taxes, or being financially responsible. After seeing friends and family be unprepared for retirement, he knew he wanted to help people plan for their future.
With his passion for financial planning in mind, Mike attended San Diego State University’s College of Business Administration and majored in Financial Services. He ultimately graduated Summa Cum Laude and began his career. He realized early on he did not want to focus his practice on selling various products, but instead focus on a planning first, investments second approach.
Now, with over 20 years of experience, Mike founded GWC Financial Advisors on his belief that his clients deserve customized service and robust planning and investment strategies for them. Mike’s own emphasis on his family allows him to empathize with his clients and understand their priorities are their family, friends, and health. He gets joy from being able to take something off his clients’ plates so they can focus on what matters to them.
Mike has continued his dedication to providing financial planning education by teaching retirement planning classes at local colleges for the last 15 years. He has also obtained the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) designations.
Outside of the office, Mike devotes his time to his wife, Nicole, and their three children, Grant, Wesley, and Charlotte. His favorite hobby is being involved in his children’s lives and they are the inspiration behind his brand, using their first initials to establish GWC Financial Advisors. Whether he is coaching little league or just hanging out at home, nothing brings him more joy. Each year, they travel to new places in the US as a family and enjoy hiking, camping, and being in nature. Mike can also be found cheering on the Padres and SDSU sports teams or at concerts.
Mike is an active member of his community. He currently serves as a board member of Poway American Little League and is an active member in the Aztec club supporting San Diego State Athletics. He was previously a den leader and now serves as Committee Chair for Cub Scouts Pack 109.
Whitney White
Client Service Associate
Whitney brings nearly a decade of experience in client service and operations across the financial services industry.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in Financial Services from San Diego State University, proudly becoming an Aztec for life. Whitney began her career at a fast-growing RIA before taking time to solo travel through South America. When the pandemic hit, she transitioned into the mortgage industry and later joined a technology-focused venture capital firm that supported founders and investors.
These experiences deepened her appreciation for relationship-building rooted in communication and compassion. Whitney is passionate about creating efficient processes, delivering exceptional client experiences, and helping teams and clients achieve their goals.
Outside of work, she enjoys surfing, SCUBA diving, hiking, and beach volleyball. Whitney also volunteers as an in-field green sea turtle rescue responder with The Marine Institute Maui Ocean Center.