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We have a wealth of knowledge.
LampPost Planning is a culmination of financial and business principles developed by Dustin S. Ma.
The son of entrepreneurs, Dustin was raised with a mix of American and immigrant values. Participating in the family business was always a priority, and observing the successes and struggles provides insight to advising clients and managing a practice today.
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After growing a business and raising a family in Oakland, Dustin’s mother wanted to sponsor a
lamppost of Lake Merritt’s Necklace of Lights to give back to the city that gave so much to them. Unfortunately, sponsorship isn’t an option, but the representation of prosperity, both financially and communally, always stuck with Dustin. This is where LampPost Planning originates from: it pays homage to the lessons and experiences learned over time, to be passed onto your family and future generations.
Dustin S. Ma
President | Financial Advisor
ACCREDITED INVESTMENT FIDUCIARY
From an early age, Dustin has always been interested in money. He was once asked at a toy store which toy he wanted to buy. He replied, “I don’t want to buy a toy. I want to buy the toy store.”
After earning his B.A. in Business Management Economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, Dustin became the director of leasing and marketing at a large real estate investment company. He then transitioned into finance, managing stocks and currency. In 2005, he became a financial advisor, to pass along his lessons and experiences to clients and their families. In 2009, Dustin founded LampPost Planning.
Among holding 7 different licenses and being an Accredited Investment Fiduciary, Dustin has received multiple awards including being named a Five Star Wealth Manager in multiple years. Although honored to receive the recognitions, they are ultimately a reflection of the quality relationships Dustin has with his clients, and the progress they’ve made together in achieving their financial visions. He looks forward to solving the ever-changing puzzle of each client’s finances and translating them into an easy-to-understand plan.
Financial Advisor
Kristofer van Zanten
Prior to becoming a financial advisor, Kristofer van Zanten has been a financial coordinator for 3 years with LampPost Planning. During his tenure, he has navigated clients through the complexities of wealth with clarity, confidence, and purpose. With a background as dynamic as the clients he serves, Kristofer brings a unique blend of analytical precision, leadership experience, and human-centered insight to financial planning.
Before entering the world of finance, Kristofer studied Aerospace Engineering and later worked at Stanford University, where he honed his skills in strategic thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving — disciplines that now shape his meticulous approach to wealth management and financial planning. His career then led him to serve as a Director at Silverado Resort in Napa Valley, where he developed a passion for leadership, service excellence, and building meaningful client relationships.
Today, at LampPost Planning, Kristofer combines that same rigor and dedication to help individuals, families, small business owners, and high-net-worth clients design flexible financial strategies tailored to their lives and goals. He works best with those who bring a willingness to make change and a quality of character — clients who value growth, curiosity, and thoughtful decision-making. Grounded in real-world experience, Kristofer believes that true financial success isn’t just about managing money. It’s about aligning wealth with purpose and values.
LampPost Planning is an affiliate of Gateway Financial Advisors, Inc.
Gateway Financial Advisors, Inc. is a privately owned financial services company committed to providing industry-best service, a superior portfolio of solutions, and unmatched expertise. They care about each and every relationship and use a personalized approach to focus on growing, conserving, and protecting your wealth.
As an affiliate of Gateway Financial Advisors, Inc., LampPost Planning has access to a large network of financial advisors from all around the country, who have expertise in many different areas. This provides our clients with more experts, more options, and more advice.
2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024 Award Winner. To receive the Five Star Wealth Manager award, individuals must satisfy a series of eligibility and evaluation criteria associated with wealth managers who provide services to clients. Recipients are identified through research conducted by industry peers and firms. Third party rankings and recognitions from rating services or publications are not indicative of past or future investment performance. For more information, go to www.fivestarprofessional.com.