Serving Those Who Serve: Financial Planning for Los Angeles Police & Firefighters
Sep 19, 2025
Ajay Vadukul, CFP®
For the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department and Fire Department, service is more than a job—it’s a calling. At Endeavor Advisors, we feel the same about the work we do with our first responder community. This is not just a career for us. It’s personal.
Why We Care So Deeply
My family is part of the LAFD. We live here in Los Angeles. We see firsthand the sacrifices made—long shifts, unpredictable schedules, holidays missed, and the daily courage that comes with serving this city. Supporting our first responders isn’t something we do from a distance; it’s woven into our lives.
We proudly take part in the Lane Kemper Softball Classic, Christmas toy drives, fire station sponsorships, the LAPD Walk for Mental Health, and the Salute to Firefighters Festival. These aren’t just events on a calendar—they’re opportunities to give back to the people who give everything to our community.
Why First Responders Need Specialized Financial Planning
Financial planning for police officers and firefighters in Los Angeles is different. The unique career paths, benefits, and retirement structures require deep expertise. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.
Here are just a few of the big questions we help first responders navigate:
Maximizing Pension Options. With some of the most robust pensions in the country, knowing how to optimize these benefits can make or break retirement planning.
DROP Program Decisions. Should you enter? If so, how long should you stay? These decisions impact income, taxes, and long-term security.
Early Retirement Planning. Many first responders retire earlier than the general workforce. That brings unique challenges—bridging healthcare gaps, replacing income, and maximizing longevity.
Tax Efficiency. From overtime-heavy paychecks to deferred compensation, first responders often face steep tax burdens. As Certified Financial Planners and Enrolled Agents, we specialize in minimizing that impact.
Investment Strategy. Building wealth beyond pensions and deferred compensation ensures flexibility and growth for the future.
Family Protection. From insurance to estate planning, we make sure loved ones are cared for if the unthinkable happens. Peace of mind matters.
Why We’re Different
A lot of so-called “advisors” in this space focus only on managing investments. That’s a small slice of the pie. We take a different approach.
At Endeavor Advisors, we provide comprehensive financial planning from the ground up. We don’t just manage assets—we design full financial roadmaps that cover pensions, taxes, insurance, estate planning, retirement timing, and every detail in between. Our role is to make sure nothing falls through the cracks, so our first responders can focus on living their lives instead of worrying about money.
Our Experience in Action
Over the years, we’ve guided hundreds of first responders through these very situations. The result isn’t just numbers on a page—it’s clarity, confidence, and the freedom to live life fully, knowing their financial house is in order.
More Than Money
For us, this work is about more than financial plans. It’s about walking alongside those who risk their lives daily. It’s about honoring their service by protecting their futures.
We don’t just serve clients. We serve a community we are proud to be part of. Helping Los Angeles police officers and firefighters isn’t simply our profession—it’s our mission.
Disclosure: The views expressed herein are exclusively those of Endeavor Advisors, LLC (‘EAL’), and are not meant as investment advice and are subject to change. All charts and graphs are presented for informational and analytical purposes only. No chart or graph is intended to be used as a guide to investing. EA portfolios may contain specific securities that have been mentioned herein. EAL makes no claim as to the suitability of these securities. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. Information contained herein is derived from sources we believe to be reliable, however, we do not represent that this information is complete or accurate and it should not be relied upon as such. All opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. This information is prepared for general information only. It does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific person who may receive this report. You should seek financial advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in any security or investment strategy discussed or recommended in this report and should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. You should note that security values may fluctuate and that each security’s price or value may rise or fall. Accordingly, investors may receive back less than originally invested. Investing in any security involves certain systematic risks including, but not limited to, market risk, interest-rate risk, inflation risk, and event risk. These risks are in addition to any unsystematic risks associated with particular investment styles or strategies.