About Cardiff Park Advisors

Cardiff Park Advisors is an independent, fee-only investment advisory firm registered with and regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Founded in 2003 and SEC-registered since 2006, the firm has built its reputation on transparency, integrity, and disciplined, evidence-based portfolio management. As of September 2025, Cardiff Park supervises approximately $3.0 billion in client assets and serves individuals, families, trusts, endowments, retirement plan sponsors, and business entities nationwide.

We design and manage globally diversified, tax-aware portfolios using index-tracking funds, ETFs, and carefully selected strategies informed by decades of academic research. Our approach is rooted in the principles of Modern Portfolio Theory and the Fiduciary Standard of Care, aligning our work entirely with our clients’ best interests. We believe in simplicity, clarity, and disciplined execution rather than forecasting or market timing.

Our clients typically have $3 million or more to invest. Each relationship is supported by a fixed annual retainer rather than a percentage-based asset management fee.  Most new client engagements today fall within an annual retainer range of $8,000 to $14,000. Fees are billed quarterly, in arrears, and are adjusted based on the scope and complexity of each relationship. For larger or more complex situations — including multi-generational families or business entities — retainers may exceed this range and are customized to reflect the level of services provided.

Client assets are held at trusted custodians such as Charles Schwab and Fidelity, both members of SIPC. Cardiff Park does not take custody of client funds or securities. Instead, we provide oversight, coordination, and reporting while your assets remain securely in your name at these established custodians.

Dimensional Fund Advisors

Cardiff Park is among a select group of firms qualified to offer access to strategies from Dimensional Fund Advisors (Dimensional). Dimensional is widely recognized for its pioneering work in applying academic research to practical portfolio design. We also make extensive use of index-tracking funds and ETFs from providers such as Fidelity and Schwab, as well as individual fixed-income securities — including U.S. Treasuries, CDs, corporate bonds, and municipal bonds — to construct customized laddered portfolios that align with client needs for income, liquidity, and risk management.

A Different Kind of Advisor

The financial services industry is filled with complexity and hidden costs. Many investors unknowingly pay high fees for advice that may be influenced by commissions, sales incentives, or proprietary products. These conflicts can lead to unnecessary risk and subpar results.

Cardiff Park takes a different approach. We are fee-only fiduciaries whose sole compensation comes from our fixed annual retainer. We do not accept commissions, 12b-1 fees, or revenue sharing of any kind. By removing these conflicts, we focus entirely on your long-term success.

Our advice is independent, objective, and transparent. Portfolios are simple to understand, and you have continuous access to review your holdings. We aim to provide the type of service we would want for ourselves: thoughtful, engaged, and responsive. Trust and enduring client relationships are the foundation of our firm.

Our clients embrace the principles of passive, index-based investing as a long-term, buy-and-hold strategy. For those who want to deepen their understanding, we provide educational resources and can recommend books and websites that explain why evidence-based investing works, why active management often disappoints, and how disciplined implementation builds lasting value.

Our Founder

John Gorlow, founder and principal of Cardiff Park Advisors, has over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry. Before founding Cardiff Park, John managed investment advisory engagements for Ernst & Young in San Francisco and spent 15 years working in the private client divisions of leading Wall Street firms, including Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers, and Oppenheimer.

This background shaped his vision for a fully independent advisory firm focused on transparency, fiduciary duty, and evidence-based portfolio construction. 

Our Investment Philosophy

We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our investment philosophy and approach. Here, you will gain insight into how we assess your goals, design your portfolio, select investments, and monitor progress over time. 

Cardiff Park’s philosophy is built on academic research and the understanding that markets work best when left to operate freely. We focus on broad diversification across global markets, pairing equity investments with carefully structured fixed-income portfolios to manage risk and provide stability.

Our website includes educational resources to help you understand the differences between passive and active investing, the hidden risks and costs of active management, and the principles of Modern Portfolio Theory — the backbone of our approach. We explain why passive, index-based investing offers a more reliable path to capturing long-term market returns and how to mitigate portfolio risk through thoughtful fixed-income strategies.

We also provide guidance on international diversification and the considerations involved in using bond funds versus individual bonds. Whether you are a seasoned investor or new to this approach, you will find recommendations for books, websites, and resources to expand your knowledge and confidence.

Learn More About Us

Cardiff Park Advisors is based in Carlsbad, California, about 25 miles north of San Diego, with an additional office in San Marcos. We work with clients across the United States and internationally.

When you’re ready to take the next step, we offer a complimentary consultation. Please complete the Connect Form below — in the footer — and we’ll follow up to schedule a conversation.

To learn more, visit www.cardiffpark.com, review our Form ADV Brochure on the SEC’s website (ADV Part 2A), email us at jgorlow@cardiffpark.com, or call 760-635-7526.