Alex Klingensmith-Transparent-Background

Alex Klingensmith, CFP®

Partner | President

Carlsbad, CA

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Biography

Alex began his financial services career in 2005 after spending a year traveling through South America post-graduation from Cal State San Marcos. He especially enjoyed adventuring in Chile, where his family is from on his mother’s side.

Alex’s passion for building relationships, solving problems, and helping clients find financial peace of mind took a life-changing turn when he met Jason Labrum. The year was 2012, only three years after Jason founded what is now known as IDA. Since then, Alex became IDA's first Partner, served as Senior Wealth Adviser, rose into the COO role, and is now serving as IDA’s President. Alex has helped grow IDA from a 100-client, five-employee RIA with $120 million in assets under management, to what it is today. IDA currently has more than 1,000 Private Wealth clients, 100 Company Retirement Plans, 22 employees, and $1.6B+ of AUM. Alex is a CFP®, still working directly with many clients and actively seeking areas to improve how IDA delivers its purpose, vision, and values to our employees and clients.

Alex is proud to call Carlsbad home. His passions outside of IDA are his family, his friends, and his community. Alex loves spending time with his wife Tish, his daughters Avery and Harper, and his son Grady. They enjoy BBQs with family and friends, surfing, soccer, camping, the abundant activities throughout San Diego, and traveling the world.

Awards & Recognition

Co-host, Financial Detox® — nationally syndicated financial education show/podcast

Affiliations & Memberships

CFP Board — Certified Financial Planner™ certificant, in good standing
Financial Detox® — Co-host
Boys & Girls Club — Executive Board Member (Aug 2020 – Oct 2025)
Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club — Board Treasurer (Jun 2016 – Jun 2018)
YMCA Adventure Guides — Active participant
City SC Carlsbad — Volunteer recreational soccer coach (2015 – 2024)

Credentials & Designations

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) — CFP Board
California Insurance License #0E73765
Bachelor's degree, California State University San Marcos

Specialties & Focus Areas

Retirement Planning
Investments
Wealth Management
Financial Services
Strategic Financial Planning
Estate Planning

Philosophy

I believe great financial advice starts with a great relationship. Our job isn't to predict markets — it's to help clients build a plan they understand, trust, and can actually live with through every season of life. We bring institutional-grade thinking to families who need it, and we do it as a fiduciary wealth adviser team — putting the client's interests first, always.

Outside the office, the same philosophy applies. Family first. Show up for the people and community that I care about. Stay curious, stay humble, and keep learning. If we're doing our jobs right at IDA, our clients are freer to focus on the same things — the people and pursuits that matter most to them.

Testimonials

“I've been working with Alex since the very beginning, and Alex and I have a great relationship … Alex has been there for me the whole time, encouraging me to set my goals, figuring out how we can reach those objectives, and making sure that I am financially secure for the rest of my life. I know I'm just not a number or just another client. I know when I call, they know who I am, they know what I'm trying to do, and they truly feel like a trusted partner.”

Nancy

“My experience working with IDA has been really great. My primary point of contact has been Alex Klingensmith, and Alex is always ready and willing to answer my questions about my long-term financial goals and my short-term needs. Before I make a big purchase, or before I make, frankly, a really large life decision, I reach out to Alex to get his input.”

Shai