Who We Are

Steve McCarthy, CPA, CFP

Steve McCarthy received an MBA from U.C. Berkeley and a Masters in Taxation from Golden Gate University. He is also a certified public accountant (CPA) and certified financial planner (CFP).

Steve began his tax practice in 1986. He built the business beginning with ten clients the first year to a peak of over 550 clients in 1999. During the years of building the practice, Steve discovered that the best way to ensure business growth was to provide excellent services to existing clients. Satisfied clients frequently referred new clients to the business.

Steve's professional passion has always been investments. As a California CPA, Steve was precluded from managing investments until the California State Board of Accountancy revised its rules in 1999 to allow CPAs to earn commissions. As Steve entered the business, he chose the fee-only model, using Charles Schwab as the custodian of his clients' assets.

Despite launching McCarthy Asset Management during a difficult investment environment (the bear market started in March of 2000), McCarthy Asset Management, Inc. has been successful in attracting a significant number of assets. Steve attributes part of the initial success to the fact that his long-time tax clients were aware of Steve's investment knowledge and skills through a tax and financial planning newsletter that he had written for many years.

Steve enjoys spending time with his wife Joanie and two sons, Kevin & Ryan.

Billy Alhorn, CFP®

Billy’s background has been concentrated in the area of finance and he has worked for both Franklin Templeton Investments and Charles Schwab & Co.. In 2004, he joined the McCarthy Asset Management, Inc. team. He has a passion for working with both clients and his colleagues, being their solutions contact. He earned his CFP from University of California, Berkeley Extension and his B.S. from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 1995. Two of his main responsibilities are acting as the compliance officer and as a financial planner. Billy enjoys spending time with his family and all outdoor activities with his twins.

Marilyn Blancarte, Executive Assistant

Marilyn received an Associate in Arts degree from the College of San Mateo. She has more then 12 years experience in the financial industry which includes an Executive Assistant position held at The Portola Group Inc., a private investment advisory firm managing close to $1 billion in assets. Prior to working for The Portola Group, she began her financial industry career working for Smith Barney as the Assistant to the Operations Manager. Marilyn joined the MAM team in 2005 as the Executive Assistant to Steve McCarthy. She enjoys helping clients with any administrative needs they may have, as well as assisting Steve with numerous projects and daily tasks. She has established professional relationships with several clients throughout the years. She is always ready and able to assist you with any concerns or questions you may have. In her spare time she enjoys yoga, the outdoors and more than anything spending time with her beloved Chihuahua.