Harkness Financial

Harkness Financial strives to make finance easy. We assist families and businesses here in the Pacific Northwest and across the United States. The primary goal is to support you … to help you improve your quality of life. Our advisors are trained financial planners, who embrace close, meaningful relationships. Holistic planning is the central element of our work, to ensure that sound strategies are in place to manage cash flow, investments, retirement, taxes, insurance, and estates.

Along with financial planning, the Harkness Financial team also manages investments. Rule-based strategies help guide a steady, long-term approach.

As independent advisors, we have the freedom to design customized financial plans and investment strategies for our clients. We utilize Commonwealth Financial Network® as our broker/dealer and National Financial Services as our custodian, both of whom provide ample resources to facilitate our work.

Harkness Financial is one of two advisor offices that operate under the umbrella of Pacific Private Wealth Services. The Harkness Financial office is located at 1201 S. Main St., Yreka, CA 96097. Please stop by or drop us a line … we look forward to meeting you.

Click on our profile pictures to learn more about us.

Geoff Harkness

CFP®, CSRIc™, CRPc™ – Managing Partner

[email protected]

I love my job. That is so cliché, yet it is true. Why? Well, it is a cumulation of factors … client relationships, consulting and financial planning, investment analytics and strategy development, and entrepreneurial challenges. I enjoy it all.

My folks deserve a lot of credit for my interests and pursuits. As a kid, I remember countless trips with my mom to the Smith Barney office, when, during many of her meetings, I was left thumbing through Value Lines … typing random tickers into the green analog screen … or charting the weekly performance for the last 20 years of the Dow Jones industrials with a pencil, ruler, and graph paper. And during those same years, I also remember tagging along with my dad when he serviced the mainframes at Harry & David. Those years were formative years. Investments and databases are still intriguing.

While I have been investing my entire adult life, I originally pursued a career outside of wealth management. After graduating from UC Davis with a bachelor of science and from the University of Southern California with a master's in health care administration, I started working in data analytics and consulting, collaborating with hospital executives to improve the financial performance and the quality of care provided at their organizations. I began at a start-up company in Bellevue, Washington, which slowly morphed through mergers and acquisitions into larger companies. Just after I left the company in 2015, the Watson Group of IBM purchased the firm.

After 15 years of healthcare consulting, I decided to pursue my interest in financial planning and investment management. The change allowed me to stop traveling by airplane from job to job, to stay closer to home, and to have more time with my kids. The profession has also allowed me to continue consulting; develop longer-term and more meaningful relationships with my clients; and pursue a field in which I have passion and interest. It has been a momentous change.

The Pacific Northwest and the mythical State of Jefferson have always felt like home. I relish the opportunity to live and work from here. Medford was a great place to grow up. Mt. Shasta is now home, which has been the perfect place to raise my family. We enjoy the ability to commune with Lemurians during our outdoor pursuits of skiing, whitewater kayaking, and cycling. I have fond memories of kayaking on the Rogue River, bicycle touring down the Oregon coast, and ski racing in high school at Mt. Ashland; I am creating similar memories with my kids even if the venues have shifted slightly to the south.

The local community is awesome, and I have tried to give back. I served as Mt. Shasta’s mayor (2015) and as a city council member (2013–2016). I have also spent time on the board of a local health clinic, on the board of the local Nordic ski area, and as a youth soccer coach. Currently, I am a board member of the Northstate Community Foundation, volunteer with the Mount Shasta High School ski team, and a Rotarian.
Geoff3

That is a little about me. There is a lot more to share … and feel free to ask. I look forward to having time to learn about you, too.

When we do have a chance to sit down together, you'll find me dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. All of us experience successes and struggles … and I am empathetic to each having been there myself. Regardless of where we are at in life, now is always a good time to shore up finances. Through listening, attention to detail, and a rule-based practice, I will strive to make personal finance and long-term investing easy for you. That is my commitment … and that is why I love my job.

Shaun Walton

Financial Advisor

[email protected]

Shaun has a deep knowledge and passion for the markets. He was born and raised in South Africa, where he grew up on a large sugar cane and timber ranch, studied and graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Rhodes University, and worked as a professional safari guide at the world-famous Mala Mala game reserve, before moving to California. During his time as a safari guide, he developed a close friendship with a professional hedge fund manager that ultimately inspired him to pursue a career in finance.

Shaun is currently studying for the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) credential, a designation for technical analysts awarded by the CMT Association. Those who earn a CMT demonstrate mastery of investment risk in portfolio management, including quantitative approaches to market research and rules-based trading system design and testing. Shaun utilizes these skills when designing custom investment strategies for clients at Harkness Financial.

As an advisor, Shaun relishes opportunities to help clients overcome challenges and achieve financial goals. He has a knack for making complex ideas simple, taking the time to educate clients on key concepts and answer questions.

Having been born and raised in a small farming community in South Africa, Shaun understands the difference personal contributions can make to a small town like Yreka. Throughout his career, he has been an active volunteer, eagerly giving his time and efforts to various local initiatives, and cherishing the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. He is an active member and board member of the Yreka Rotary Club, slated to be club president for 2024-2025. He has also recently founded a local group called the Siskiyou Business Mastermind to support and forge community amongst our local entrepreneurs and business owners.

In addition to his professional achievements and community involvement, Shaun finds joy in his personal life as well. He cherishes the moments spent with his wife, Skyla, and their four kids, and values the strong bond they share. Whether it's exploring new places together or simply enjoying each other's company, his relationship with his family is a source of great happiness and support.

Finally, Shaun is a fitness enthusiast and relishes the challenge of staying fit and healthy. When he’s not at the gym you can find him enjoying our beautiful counties trails and roads on his feet or his mountain bike. His favorite events within Siskiyou County include the Siskiyou Scenic Cycle Tour, The Mount Shasta Tinman, and the Headwaters Trail Runs.