Our Team

Our Team

Kurt Eakin, CFP®, AIF®

President

I am a firm believer that everyone, no matter what income or lifestyle they have, should have access to high-quality financial advice. The care of your assets and development of a financial plan for your future can help you better meet your strategic goals in life.

I began my career as a financial advisor in 1999, and worked with a regional investment firm for more than a decade, where I gained the knowledge and expertise necessary to realize my goal of opening my own wealth management firm. When I opened Coastal Life Wealth Management, I chose to partner with Commonwealth Financial Network®, one of the nation's most respected independent broker/dealers.

After graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a bachelor's degree, I completed my CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification curriculum through the personal financial planning program at San Diego State University. Today, I am a CFP® professional and a member of the San Diego chapter of the Financial Planning Association (FPA). I also carry the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies. The AIF® designation certifies my specialized knowledge of fiduciary standards of care and their application to the investment management process. 

As an Investment Adviser Representative of Commonwealth Financial Network, I hold FINRA Series 7, 63, and 66 securities registrations as well as licenses for life, health, variable life insurance, and the California Partnership for Long Term Care.

I am happily married to my wife, Jessica, a creative director in the technology industry and a part-time yoga instructor. We have three dogs that we treat like our children, and we try to spend as much time surfing, snow skiing, hiking, and enjoying the ride as our careers allow us to.

Christie Caliva, AAMS®

Financial Advisor

My story starts when I was 9. My father had unexpectedly passed away from cancer and left behind three children and a widow. But the month before his diagnosis, he had purchased a life insurance policy. His foresight made all the difference for our family. By watching my mother and grandmother care for us, I learned early on what family values, hard work, and diligence can accomplish when facing difficult times.

In 2007, I was working in real estate when my brother approached me about a job opportunity with a regional investment firm. I accepted and quickly earned my FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations. It wasn’t long before I connected with a deep and stirring desire to help people plan for their financial security. I realized that I could do a lot to help others prepare for the unexpected financial trials that we as a family had to go through.

In 2014, I earned the designation of an Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) from the College of Financial Planning. In 2015, I joined the team at Coastal Life Wealth Management under Commonwealth Financial Network. Central to my success and that of my clients’ is the time we spend getting to know each other. I listen deeply and create plans according to their financial goals and map out appropriate financial strategies. I am committed to helping investors who are nearing retirement and baby boomers seeking to stretch nest eggs. I find the key is pre-planning and maintaining awareness of potential tax ramifications to preserve, nurture, and grow wealth.

After more than eight years in the industry, I have built a solid book of business from scratch as an independent financial advisor here in San Diego. After going door to door and winning new business through client referrals, I am proud to call many of my clients friends. I stand beside them and ensure that we are on track to meet their long-term goals even as the market fluctuates.

On a more personal note, I am married to a local San Diego firefighter. We have two children, two dogs, one cat, and a house full of joy. My time out of the office is spent golfing and taking our kids camping to local and state campgrounds. Together, we enjoy the importance of today, save for tomorrow, and express gratitude for the many blessings in our lives.

Nicole Melero, RP®

Client Service Manager

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Kurt Eakin for many years, starting as an administrator with his previous investment firm and joining him when he opened the doors at Coastal Life Wealth Management. Prior to working with Kurt, my former career focused on office management and as a financial services recruiter for an executive search firm. I consider myself very fortunate to work among a team of like-minded individuals who are committed to making a positive impact on our clients’ lives and financial future.

As a pivotal part of our wealth management team, I pride myself in providing superior service and support to our clients while continuing to maintain a personal touch. By anticipating our clients’ needs and offering the appropriate solutions, I have confidence I can provide the best care possible. Working with Coastal Life has afforded me many opportunities to grow personally and professionally, including heading up our recent expansion into the health insurance market. I currently hold FINRA Series 7 securities registration through Commonwealth Financial Network®, as well as licenses for life, health, variable life insurance and the California Partnership for Long Term Care. I also carry the Registered ParaplannerSM designation from The College For Financial Planning, which empowers me to further assist Kurt with complex scenarios relating to the personal financial planning process.

As San Diego natives, my husband and I enjoy surfing, golfing, and gardening. Our son is a multisport athlete, and we are dedicated fans who rarely miss a game. We love to cook together and find it very rewarding to craft a meal straight from our garden. We are supporters of the San Diego Roots Sustainable Food Project, an organization that supports and cultivates sustainable food communities throughout San Diego County. We are also members of Slow Food, a grassroots organization dedicated to helping communities across the nation provide good, clean, and fair food for all. In general, we cannot bear the thought of anyone going hungry. We proudly donate to Heartfelt Helpings, a local nonprofit group providing homeless families and students with warm and friendly meal service.