Josh Sterling
Wealth Strategist
CLU®, AEP®, CEPA®, CLTC®, CCFS®
Hi, I’m Josh.
A dedicated Wealth Strategist and partner here at Camas Advice. With several designations to my name and a proven history of orchestrating wealth for my clients, I come equipped with an abundance of knowledge and experience to help you navigate your wealth-building journey with confidence. I believe in a holistic approach, taking the time to understand your unique circumstances to deliver personalized advice that works for you.
As your Wealth Strategist, my goal is to provide you with top-notch strategies and solutions for a range of scenarios you may face. Whether it’s building your wealth, designing a customized life insurance policy, planning for your retirement, providing you with tax reduction strategies, helping you transition out of your business, funding your kid’s education, or establishing your long-term care plan, I’m here to help you make the most out of the resources that I can provide. I’ve had the pleasure of working with businesses, estates, and high-net-worth individuals, as well as their advisors, each presenting unique challenges that I am proud to have solved.
Whether you are a high-net-worth household, a business owner, or a trusted advisor, I am confident that I can help you.
Helping Individuals and Couples, Empowering Businesses Owners, and Collaborating with Trusted Advisors to Orchestrate Your Wealth.
Your wealth-building journey is unique, and it deserves a personalized approach. Whether you’re an individual or a couple with ambitious financial goals, a business owner seeking to boost growth and secure your future, or a trusted advisor aiming to provide your clients with comprehensive solutions, I’m here to collaborate with you. So, no matter which category you fall into, you can leverage my expertise to provide you with insights, resources, strategies, and solutions that resonate with your specific needs and aspirations. Let’s embark on this journey together and orchestrate your wealth!
Are you a high-net-worth, or high-income earning individual or couple looking for a trusted expert to guide you through life’s financial complexities?
I have a proven track record of delivering tailored financial solutions for clients just like you. My comprehensive approach to wealth building addresses your unique financial needs, helping you preserve and grow your assets, minimize tax liabilities, and secure your legacy. With my expertise by your side, you can confidently navigate the ever-changing financial landscape and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your wealth is being coordinated with the utmost care and attention.
Let’s work together to turn your dreams into reality!
As a Wealth Strategist, I am dedicated to helping you conquer your financial challenges and achieve your business goals. Whether it’s risk management, tax reduction strategies, or planning for a successful business transition, I’ve got you covered. My personalized approach ensures that your financial strategies are not only aligned with your business objectives but also designed to maximize growth and secure your future. With my guidance, you’ll feel confident navigating the complex world of business finance, knowing you have a trusted expert in your corner, advocating for your success.
Let’s collaborate and pave the way for your business to thrive!
Are you a CPA, Financial Advisor, Estate Planning Attorney, or other Trusted Advisor looking for a Wealth Strategist who firmly believes in the power of collaboration?
By joining forces, we can provide our clients with seamless, well-rounded, and effective wealth-building strategies. My extensive experience and comprehensive approach complement your own expertise, ensuring that our clients receive top-notch guidance and support in navigating their financial journeys. Let’s work together to elevate the level of service we provide, combining our unique skillsets to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our clients.
Reach out, and let’s forge a collaborative partnership that drives success and client satisfaction!
“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Josh Sterling’s exceptional expertise in advanced case design and college funding firsthand. His ability to tailor innovative solutions for clients’ unique financial situations is truly remarkable. Josh’s dedication to helping families achieve their higher education goals without the burden of overwhelming debt is both commendable and inspiring. That’s why I asked him to join our advisory board at the Association of Certified College Funding Specialists. I wholeheartedly recommend Josh to anyone seeking expert assistance in wealth strategy and college funding.”
Ron Them, CCFS®, CSLP®, Founder of the Association of Certified College Funding Specialists“Josh and Rick truly care about their clients. Their frequent interactions and attention to detail are invaluable in plans of all sizes, but they have particular expertise working with high-net-worth individuals. They have unparalleled expertise in sophisticated insurance planning, as well as discussing a client’s overall wealth planning picture. They stay current with changes to products and with possible changes to tax laws. You can trust Josh and Rick to provide your clients with comprehensive, understandable advice.”
Ron Wargo, Estate Planning Attorney and Partner at Friedemann Goldberg Wargo Hess LLP“I have worked with Josh on quite a few estate planning cases for my clients and to be honest he is more versed in estate, business transition, and gift planning strategies than many estate planning attorneys I have worked with. Yes, Josh sells insurance and in many cases, an insurance policy becomes a tool that his clients can use in their overall estate plan, but he does so much more than that for his clients, and the value is really in the overall strategy that he helps provide versus the actual insurance policy.”
Carli Ortiz CPA | AEP® | PFS |CGMA, Partner Linkenheimer CPAs and Advisors“As the Senior VP at Financial Independence Group, one of the largest independent long-term care groups in the US, I get to work with thousands of long-term care insurance agents. I think Josh is one of the top advisors I work with. Josh is able to address all the specifics and details around long-term care insurance products, but it is the planning that makes him one of the best. He always works from a holistic planning approach. Sure, he sells long-term care insurance, but you can see he is more about helping people find good emotional and financial answers to a scary problem. “
Alecia Barnette, Senior VP Financial Independence Group“I am a trust and estates attorney in the greater Bay Area and I have worked with Josh and Rick for many
years. They are experts in the area of providing strategic options and insurance planning for folks with large estates. They are not only specialists in utilizing life insurance as an effective estate planning tool but they are well versed in long-term care insurance and planning in order to ensure that their clients and their loved ones are well taken care of. Navigating the tax and estate arena can be very complex and these two know their craft. They are not only extremely knowledgeable and professional, but they are caring and kind to all of their clients. I would recommend them to anyone looking to plan for their estate, seeking additional insurance and long-term care planning.”
Erika Copenhaver, Esq., Galan & Copenhaver, Inc. A Professional Law Corporation- Buy/Sell Structure Planning and Review
- Buy/Sell Funding Options
- Key-Person Protection
- Employee Retention and Recruitment
- Tax-Free and Tax-Deferred Savings Planning
- Succession Planning
- Reserves and Liquidity Planning
- Debt and Leverage Planning
- Cash Flow Planning in coordination with your CPA and/or Bookkeeper
- Asset Protection Planning
- Introduction to Advanced Planning Strategies as needed
- Strategies to reduce taxes and tax planning in coordination with CPA
- Discussion and review of Trusts, Wills, Health Care Directives, Powers of Attorney
- Beneficiary structures
- Estate and Inheritance Tax reduction and planning
- Income/tax/withdrawal planning for Survivor, Marital, and Bypass Trusts
- Lifetime Gifting strategies
- Multi-Generational Planning
- Asset Protection Planning
- Special Needs Planning
- Coordination of Planning with Attorneys
- Discussion of Charitable Planning Desires
- Identify Charitable Planning Options/Strategies
- Assess and discuss Charitable Planning options
- Tax benefits
- Charitable Legacy
- Flexibility
- Lifetime Income Benefits
- Implementation and maintenance strategies
- Review/audit existing policies
- Identify areas of concern/weaknesses
- Identify opportunities for improvement
- Insurance needs and gap analysis
- Term Insurance vs Permanent Insurance analysis
- Tax diversification planning using cash value life insurance
- Independent access to most carriers in the United States and several outside of the United States
- Premium financing to leverage premium payments
- Advanced life insurance planning strategies for:
- Business Owners
- Estate planning
- High Net Worth
- High-Income Earners
- Cost Analysis
- Consequences Planning
- Financial/Emotional
- The financial impact on long-term planning
- Review existing long-term care insurance policies
- Identify any concerns/weaknesses
- Identify any opportunities for improvement
- Introduction to new solutions and design of a plan to pay for care
- Implement agreed-upon strategies/solutions
- Identify Strategies to Mitigate/Reduce taxes
- Reallocation of Assets:
- Tax deductible
- Tax-deferred
- Tax-free
- Strategies to reduce estate, gift, and generation-skipping taxes
- Business owner tax reduction strategies
- Qualified Plan strategies
- Commercial/Rental Building strategies
Let’s talk… and take the next step together.
Your financial journey is unique, and I’m here to provide you with the tailored advice and strategies you deserve. It begins with a conversation. I offer personalized meetings tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Whether you’re exploring new opportunities, seeking to enhance your current strategy, or collaborating as a Trusted Advisor for one of your clients, I provide flexible meeting options designed for you.
Choose Your Preferred Meeting Location:
Virtual Meeting
via Zoom and/or phone
Ideal for those who prefer the convenience of discussing their financial future without having to leave their home or office. Perfect for prospective clients exploring wealth strategies, existing clients reviewing their plans, or trusted advisors seeking collaboration. Secure and easy to set up, virtual meetings provide the flexibility to connect with me no matter where you are.
In-Office Meeting
at my office in Windsor, CA
Experience personalized consultation in the professional setting of my office. Located in Windsor, CA, my office provides a private and comfortable environment for detailed discussions about your financial strategies. This option is perfect for in-depth conversations, document reviews, or private discussions regarding sensitive financial matters.
Out-of-Office Meeting
at a location of your choosing
I understand the importance of flexibility and convenience, which is why I am willing to meet you at a location of your choosing—be it your home, office, a local restaurant, or any other location within the surrounding areas. This option is designed to cater to those who prefer a more personalized setting or wish to discuss matters in a specific context.
Career Highlights
Concepts, Strategies, and Updates from Josh
Preparing for the Unpredictable: Shielding Your Business from the 5 Ds – My Insights from a Vistage Group Meeting
Hello, everyone. I'm really happy to share my experience from a special morning at Hotel La Rose. I joined a group of business owners led by Vistage Group Leader, Bill Vick. We all were thinking about something Benjamin Franklin
Don’t Wait: Proactive Estate Planning Strategies for 2026
📣 Attention to all looking into estate planning! As a seasoned Wealth Strategist and Accredited Estate Planner (AEP), I've noticed a concerning trend: 'estate planning paralysis'. With estate tax changes looming for 2026 and the exemption set to decrease
The Critical Role of Strategic Exit Planning for Business Owners
Did you know 75% of business owners regret selling their enterprise within just a year? 🚨 I'm here to shed light on the importance of strategic exit planning and how it can reshape your business's destiny. 🔍 Key
The 5 D’s of Business Risk: Are You Prepared?
Are you prepared for the unexpected in your business? From sudden accidents to unforeseen disagreements, every business owner should be ready for the 5 D's: Death, Disability, Divorce, Disagreement, and Distress. Don't be part of the 50% caught
Closing Life Insurance Awareness Month: Is Your Life Insurance Keeping Up with Your Life’s Changes?
Wrapping up National Life Insurance Awareness Month, it's crucial to revisit your coverage. With a $12 trillion gap, many are underinsured. As life changes, so should your policy. From family support to business needs and estate planning, life
Empowering Financial Pros at Phoenix Event
Taking off to Phoenix, Arizona where I'll be a keynote speaker at a Camas Advice event. 🎤 The focus? Empowering financial advisors and life insurance agents to maximize their potential with business owners. Leveraging my experience with high-net-worth individuals
Beyond Insurance: Crafting a Comprehensive Long-Term Care Plan
Let's rethink Long-Term Care together. Insurance is just one part of a comprehensive plan. With changing landscapes and financial uncertainties, a well-thought-out plan is crucial. Products have evolved, and old ones no longer tell a compelling story. We
Tackling 3 Often Neglected Areas of Your Business: Buy-Sell, Employee Rewards & Retirement
Reflecting on my busy week as a business owner, I realized something important: I forgot to post any videos. 😅 But instead of dwelling on this oversight, I saw it as an opportunity to address the neglected areas we
Term vs. Permanent Life Insurance: What You Need to Know
As a Wealth Strategist, my focus is on tailored planning to help clients achieve their financial goals 🎯. Financial products, like life insurance, play a critical role in this process. In this post, we discuss term and permanent life
Charitable Giving with Benefits: The Power of CRTs
Just had an inspiring visit to Canine Companions last week and wanted to share a valuable strategy for your charitable planning. As a Wealth Strategist, I often assist clients in using Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) for their philanthropic endeavors.
Avoid the 401K and IRA Tax Trap with Cash Value Life Insurance
We're tackling a crucial financial topic: future taxation of 401K and IRA retirement accounts. Fear not, we'll reveal how cash-value life insurance can be a solution, and emphasize the importance of employer matches or contributions. Let's secure your financial
3 Buckets of Tax Diversification: Taxed Now, Taxed Later, and Taxed Never
Unveiling the best-kept secret used by the wealthy, banks, and Fortune 500 companies – Cash Value Life Insurance! Unlock incredible tax benefits and diversify your taxes effectively with this powerful financial tool. 💪 Imagine the IRS as your
The Power of Teamwork in Wealth Strategy
Effective teamwork requires communication, trust, and a shared vision - qualities that we should all strive for in our professional lives Coming to you from Austin, Texas, where I'm attending my son's soccer event, I've been reminded of
Long-Term Care Planning: Protecting Your Future and Family
Long-Term Care Planning is crucial for everyone, particularly as we age. Studies show that 70% of people over the age of 65 will require some form of long-term care during their lives. Unexpected accidents and illnesses can also
Optimize Your Buy-Sell Agreement with Smart Funding Solutions Using Cash-Value Life Insurance
Attention small business owners! Properly funding your buy-sell agreements is crucial for ensuring business continuity and protecting owners' interests. Cash value life insurance offers a flexible, tax-efficient solution that not only covers death benefits but also helps with
Retain Top Talent with Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) Plans
I'm back with another exciting topic - Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) plans - a game-changing tool for retaining and rewarding top talent in your business. NQDC plans are a creative way for employees to save for retirement by
Split Dollar Loan Regime: A Win-Win for Employers and Employees
Introducing a unique approach for employers to offer life insurance coverage for their employees' families while building up excess cash for retirement through a split-dollar loan regime arrangement. In this arrangement, the employer loans the executive the premiums
REBA (Restrictive Executive Bonus Arrangements): A Strategic Tool for Employee Retention
The Restrictive Executive Bonus Arrangement (REBA) is an innovative strategy that companies are using to retain top talent. As a Camas Advice Wealth Strategist, I provide informative and educational content on all things related to orchestrating your wealth.
Reward Key Talent with Cash-Value Life Insurance Executive Bonuses
Reward and retain your key employees with an executive bonus using cash-value life insurance! As a business owner or executive, you know how important it is to have a strong team. This strategy can help you do just
Secure Your Business’s Future with “Key Person” Insurance
Attention small business owners! Your company's success depends on the contributions of your key employees. That's why Key Person Insurance is one of the most important types of insurance for small business owners. What is Key Person Insurance?
Building Tax-Free Wealth with the Swiss Army Knife of Financial Planning: Permanent Life Insurance – 001: An Introduction
As I mentioned in my previous posts and emails. I am going to provide more content about life insurance as a tax-free planning tool. Think of it as a series of information where the concepts and strategies I provide
Recap of the 2018 Pacific Life Educational Symposium
It was a great honor for Rick and me to be invited to the Pacific Life Educational Symposium at the Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach, California. The invitations were earned by 400 of the top independent life insurance producers
Threats to Retirement
As you climb the retirement mountain, you are trying to accumulate as much wealth as possible. Each of you will get there at your own pace, but everyone is looking forward to the view from the top of the