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Are you looking for the best financial advisors in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area? We've curated a list of top advisory firms renowned for their expertise, integrity, and commitment to helping you achieve your financial goals.
Best Financial Advisors in Washington, DC
Explore our list of top providers for retirement planning, investment management, and comprehensive financial advice. It’s always a good idea to research local advisors online, create a short list of candidates, and interview two or three financial planners before deciding on the best firm for your needs.
Use our list as a starting point for your own research to find the best match for your unique financial goals. Let’s get started!
1. Cassaday & Company
Based in McLean, Cassaday & Company is known for its comprehensive wealth management and financial planning services. If you’re vetting the top financial planners in the DC area, there’s a good chance you’ve come across Stephen Cassaday’s name.
We've ranked Cassaday and Company #1 on our list of top Washington, DC financial advisors for the following reasons:
- Well established - in business since 1993
- Ranked #1 for the state of Virginia by Barron’s from 2016-2023
- Listed on Barron’s Top 100 Independent Advisors list every year from 2008-2022
- Six Cassaday advisors made Forbes’ Best in State Wealth Advisors list for 2023
- Featured on the Forbes list of America’s Top RIA Firms for 2023
- Consistently featured in Washingtonian’s annual Top Financial Advisors list
- Recently added to Washingtonian’s Top Wealth Advisor Hall of Fame
- 98% client retention rate
- Assets Under Management: $4.6 billion
- Minimum account size: $1 million
Click here to visit Cassaday’s website for more information.
Based in Vienna, Glassman Wealth is known for a client-centered approach. The firm’s services include investment management, financial planning, and tax strategies. A boutique financial planning firm, Glassman Wealth is an established RIA in the Washington DC area.
Why we like Glassman Wealth Services:
- Founded in 2009
- Ranked as a top Washington DC area advisor by Expertise.com
- Featured in Forbes and The Washington Post
- Ranked #4 in Forbes’ Best in State Wealth Advisors for 2023
- Listed in Washingtonian’s Top Wealth Advisors Hall of Fame
- Assets Under Management: $1.7 billion
- Minimum account size: $2 million
Click here to visit Glassman Wealth and learn more.
3. Jacques Financial
Jacques Financial is family owned and operated for three generations. Located in Rockville, Maryland, the firm offers holistic personalized service for families across the DMV.
Why we like Joseph Jacques and Jacques Financial:
- Recommended in DC’s Top Securities Brokers and Dealers list by Washington Business Journal in 2020
- Ranked #3 on Barron’s list of Top Advisors in Maryland for 2023
- Listed as Forbes’ #2 Best In-State Wealth Advisors for 2023
- Joseph Jacques has appeared on CNN, Niteline, and local DC news media
- Assets Under Management: $1.6 billion
- No minimum account size for new business
Click here to visit Jacques Financial for more information.
4. Edelman Financial Engines
As one of the largest independent financial planning firms in the country, Edelman Financial Engines has a significant presence in Northern Virginia, providing services ranging from investment management to retirement planning.
Why we like Edelman Financial Engines:
- Edelman Financial Services was founded in 1986 by Ric and Jean Edelman
- Ranked #1 on Barron’s “Top 100 RIA Firms list for 2023
- Featured in Business Insider, Money Geek, and Financial Advisor Magazine
- Recognized as a Top US Registered Investment Advisors by Financial Times in 2020
- Ric Edelman is the best-selling author of several personal finance books
- Assets Under Management: $291 billion
- Minimum account size: $5,000
Click here to visit Edelman Financial Engines and learn more.
Kent Pearce, the Managing Director and Senior Advisor at Merril Lynch Wealth Management in Towson, Maryland was hard to miss as a top DC area advisor. The Pearce Group is widely recognized as a top financial advisor firm.
What you need to know about The Pearce Group:
- Rated the #1 financial advisor in Maryland for 2023 by Forbes
- Ranked #2 for the state of Maryland for 2023 by Barron’s
- Named to the Forbes Top 100 Private Wealth Teams in America in 2022
- Assets Under Management: $2.2 billion
- Minimum account size for new business: $3 million
Learn more on The Pearce Group’s website here.
6. Illumint
Kevin Mahoney launched Illumint to specifically target financial planning for millennials. Unlike most companies on this list, Illumint offers a flat-fee model that may make sense for young families or investors just getting started on the journey to financial freedom.
What you need to know about Kevin Mahoney and Illumint:
- Founded in 2017
- 5-star rating on Google reviews (based on 21 reviews)
- Featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Bloomberg, and more
- Listed as one of DC’s Best Financial Advisors by Washingtonian
- Rated “One of the Best Financial Advisors for Millennials” in the U.S. by Business Insider
- Ranked #37 in Investment News’ 40 Under 40 list
- Listed in Investopedia’s Top 100 Financial Advisors in the U.S.
- Flat annual fee with no account minimum
Based in Vienna, VLP Financial Advisors is an independent, full-service firm. VLP offers a holistic approach to financial management, formulating recommendations based on the specific needs of each client.
What you need to know about VLP Financial Advisors:
- Established in 1990
- Listed in Washingtonian’s Top Wealth Advisor Hall of Fame in 2023
- Featured in Barron’s, Investment News, CNBC, and Arlington Magazine
- Ranked #2 in Northern Virginia Magazine’s 2022 list of Top Financial Professionals in NOVA
- Average client relationship is 15+ years
- Assets Under Management: $1 billion
- Flexible pricing and fee structure
Click here to visit VLPFA.com and learn more.
8. The Capital Wealth Management Group
Marvin McIntyre leads the Capital Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management in Washington DC. With a focus on high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients, the team has a $5 million minimum account for new business.
While this minimum account size may price out many Americans, we had to include them due to their high ratings with world-renowned investment publications like Barron’s and Forbes.
What you need to know about The Capital Wealth Management Group:
- Founded in 1977
- Ranked #1 in Washington DC by Barron’s for both 2022 and 2023
- Ranked #1 wealth advisor in DC by Forbes for 2023
- Marvin McIntyre rated #12 in Barron’s 2020 Top 100 Financial Advisors in the country
- Listed in Washingtonian’s Top Wealth Advisor Hall of Fame
- Featured in the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, MSNBC, and local media outlets
- Assets Under Management: $4.839 Billion
- Minimum account size for new business: $5 million
Click here to visit The Capital Wealth Management Group and learn more.
Sagevest Wealth Management offers financial planning, wealth management, tax, and estate planning services. Their broad range of expertise allows them to provide comprehensive solutions for their clients' financial needs.
What we like about Sagevest Wealth Management:
- Founded in 2007
- Ranked #1 in Northern Virginia Magazine’s 2022 Top Financial Professionals in NOVA
- Listed in Washingtonian’s Top Wealth Advisor Hall of Fame for 2023
- Ranked as 5-Star Professional DC Metro Area Wealth Manager
- Ranked by AdvisoryHQ News as a top rated (5-star) fee-only wealth management firm
- Assets Under Management: $297.7 million
- Minimum account size: $1 million
Click here to visit Sagevest Wealth Management now.
10. Entelechy
Similar to Illumint above, Entelechy is another flat-fee only financial planning and investment management firm in Washington, DC. If you’re looking for comprehensive financial planning services for a flat fee that isn’t based on your income or net worth, consider a company like Ben Brown’sEntelechy.
Why we’ve added Entelechy to our list of top DC advisors:
- Featured in Barron’s, CNBC, NerdWallet, Bankrate, Morningstar, and other prominent media outlets
- Listed in Washingtonian’s 2023 list of Best Washington, DC Advisors
- Flat fee with no account minimum
Click here to visit Entelechy online now.
This list is by no means exhaustive. The 'best' Washington DC advisor will vary depending on your individual needs and financial goals. Always remember to check for credentials, consider the advisors’ fee structure, and ensure that they act as fiduciaries, putting your best interest first.
Interview two or three advisors, and consider their fee structure and experience with clients in similar financial situations as yours.
Find a Vetted Washington DC Financial Advisor
1. Finding a financial advisor doesn't have to be hard. WiserAdvisor's free tool matches you with up to 3 financial advisors in less than 5 minutes.
2. Each advisor has been vetted by WiserAdvisor and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. Get on the path toward achieving your financial goals. Click here to get matched with a financial advisor in the Washington DC area today.
Our Methodology
How did we come up with our list? This review was produced using publicly available information. We’ve first identified top firms in the Washington DC area that are registered with the SEC with zero complaints.
The advisors on our list must have a CFP designation, and we’ve also eliminated any non-fiduciary “advisors” such as annuity salesmen or insurance agents.
From here, we’ve identified and ranked firms based on the following metrics:
Assets Under Management (AUM)
This refers to the total market value of the investments that a financial advisor manages on behalf of clients. The AUM can serve as a proxy for the advisor's success, experience, and the trust clients place in them.
Typically, a larger AUM suggests that the advisor has a larger client base or manages substantial portfolios, which could indicate a broad understanding of the market and a proven track record.
However, this metric should not be viewed in isolation, as a larger AUM does not necessarily mean the advisor is the best fit for every client. In our evaluation, we considered AUM, but we also took into account other factors like client-advisor ratio to ensure personalized service.
How Long Has the Firm Been in Business?
We’re looking for established leaders in the DC area with at least five years of experience in financial planning. Some of the experts on our list have been serving the Washington DC metro area for over thirty years.
Individual vs Institutional Clients
Advisory firms that specialize in serving individual clients and families in the DC area have a better chance of ranking than firms that serve institutional clients. We are looking for financial planners that serve regular American families.
Management Fees
We’ve reviewed the fee structure of different financial advisors and included competitively priced advisors with either a fee-only or fee-based model. Our list of best financial advisors in Washington DC charge reasonable fees that are in line with what is typical for financial planning services.
Retention Rate
Financial planners with high retention rates are ranked higher on our list. For example, Barron’s reveals that Cassaday & Company has maintained a 98% retention rate.
When clients stick with their advisor long-term, it’s a signal that clients are happy with the service they’re receiving.
Request more information from Cassaday & Company, our top rated DC financial advisor here.
Regulatory Record
This metric pertains to the compliance history of a financial advisor with the regulations and rules set forth by various regulatory bodies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and other state regulators.
An advisor with a clean regulatory record—meaning no violations or penalties—demonstrates a commitment to ethical behavior and adherence to industry standards. This measure is critical as it reflects the advisor's level of professionalism and trustworthiness.
During our evaluation, advisors with poor regulatory records were either excluded from the list or ranked lower, given the significant importance of this factor.
Online Presence
Companies with a strong internet presence have a better chance of making it on our radar. Is the advisory firm featured on other top financial publications or regularly quoted in the financial media?
If the firm has been ranked highly on sites like Barron’s, Forbes, Washingtonian, and featured or quoted in other reputable media outlets, there’s a better chance they’ll make our short list of trusted financial planners.
Philanthropy
This is an important, though less traditional, criterion that reflects an advisor's commitment to their community and ethical principles. Advisors involved in philanthropic activities, charitable giving, or community service demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and often showcase a holistic approach to financial management.
In the finance industry, where trust plays a crucial role, this display of community service can be a significant positive. In our evaluation, advisors who exhibited considerable engagement in philanthropic activities were accorded additional points, thereby improving their overall rankings.
These are the main factors we've considered in our evaluation, each designed to provide a well-rounded view of the advisors' professional conduct, business success, and community involvement. By considering these factors in combination, we have strived to offer a list of the best financial advisors in Washington DC that combines professional expertise with strong ethics and community engagement.
Find a Vetted Washington DC Financial Advisor
1. Finding a financial advisor doesn't have to be hard. WiserAdvisor's free tool matches you with up to 3 financial advisors in less than 5 minutes.
2. Each advisor has been vetted by WiserAdvisor and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.
Get on the path toward achieving your financial goals. Click here to get matched with a financial advisor in the Washington DC area today.
Financial Planning Services: What to Expect?
When seeking the best financial advisors in the Washington, DC area, it's essential to understand the array of services they offer to ensure a tailored approach that meets your unique financial needs. These top-notch advisors pride themselves on providing comprehensive and personalized financial services to individuals, families, and businesses across the DMV region.
Holistic Financial Planning
Expect a holistic approach to financial planning, where advisors will take the time to understand your financial goals, risk tolerance, and long-term aspirations. They will craft a customized plan encompassing investments, retirement planning, tax strategies, estate planning, and more, designed to align with your individual circumstances.
Investment Management
The best financial advisors excel in investment management, leveraging their expertise to construct well-diversified portfolios that align with your risk preferences and financial objectives. Whether you seek growth, income, or a balanced approach, these professionals will be your guide through the ever-changing investment landscape.
Retirement Planning
Your chosen Washington DC financial planner will assist in charting a course towards a secure and comfortable retirement. They'll analyze your current financial situation, help you estimate future needs, and design a robust retirement plan that ensures you're on track to meet your retirement goals.
Tax Optimization
Tax-efficient strategies can make a significant impact on your overall financial success. Expect your financial advisor to employ tax optimization techniques to minimize your tax liabilities while maximizing your potential for growth and wealth preservation.
Related: How to Choose a Financial Advisor
Estate Planning and Wealth Transfer
To secure your legacy and protect your loved ones, these financial experts will guide you through essential estate planning elements, such as creating wills, trusts, and other instruments tailored to your wishes.
Risk Management and Insurance
The best Washington DC advisors recognize the importance of risk management in your financial plan. They will evaluate your insurance needs, whether it's life insurance, disability insurance, or long-term care coverage, to safeguard your financial well-being and that of your family.
Regular Performance Reviews
Expect periodic performance reviews and updates on your financial plan's progress. Your advisor will ensure your strategies remain aligned with your goals and make necessary adjustments to adapt to changing life circumstances or market conditions.
By understanding the comprehensive suite of financial services these top advisors offer, you can confidently select the one best suited to help you navigate the financial complexities and seize opportunities that lead to a prosperous future in the Washington, DC area.
Fee Only or Fee Based Advisor? What’s the Difference?
When it comes to seeking the assistance of a financial advisor in Washington DC, understanding the difference between fee-only and fee-based advisors is critical. These two terms describe the compensation models that financial advisors use, and they have different implications for the services you receive and how they are rendered.
Fee-Only Financial Advisors
Fee-only financial advisors are compensated directly by their clients and only by their clients. This means they do not receive any commissions or other types of compensation from financial product companies, such as mutual fund companies, insurance providers, or brokerage firms.
This business model minimizes the potential for conflicts of interest because the advisor's income is not influenced by the products they recommend. Their sole motivation is to provide the best possible advice to their clients.
Fees are typically structured in one of three ways: as a flat rate, as a percentage of assets under management (AUM), or on an hourly basis. For example, an advisor might charge a flat fee for creating a comprehensive financial plan, a percentage fee for ongoing management of your investment portfolio, or an hourly fee for consultations on specific financial issues.
Fee-Based Financial Advisors
On the other hand, fee-based financial planners receive a combination of fees from their clients and commissions from the financial products they sell. This could potentially create a conflict of interest if the advisor is incentivized to recommend certain products or transactions that would increase their commission income.
However, it's worth noting that many fee-based advisors are also fiduciaries, meaning they are legally bound to act in their client's best interest. Regardless of the potential for a conflict of interest, they are required to disclose any such conflicts and to make recommendations that serve the client's needs above their own.
When you're looking for a financial advisor in Washington DC, consider your own needs, preferences, and comfort level with these different compensation models. Some people prefer the peace of mind that comes with hiring a fee-only advisor, while others might not mind working with a fee-based advisor, especially if that advisor has demonstrated a strong commitment to fiduciary duty.
Whichever route you choose, make sure you understand how your advisor is compensated and how that could potentially influence the advice you receive.
Related: Compare DC Financial Advisors Now
DC Financial Advisor: Where to Start?
Searching for a financial advisor can seem like a daunting task, but by following a few key steps, you can make the process much more manageable. Here's how to get started finding a financial advisor in the Washington DC area:
Identify Your Financial Goals
Before you even start looking for an advisor, you need to identify what you want to achieve financially. Your goals could range from saving for retirement, buying a house, planning for a child's college education, or navigating a major life transition like divorce or inheritance. By understanding what you need help with, you can find an advisor who specializes in those areas.
Understand the Types of Financial Advisors
As we've mentioned before, Washington DC financial advisors can be fee-only or fee-based, and these designations can impact their advice. Besides, some advisors specialize in certain areas such as retirement planning, estate planning, or tax planning. Understanding these differences will help you narrow down your options.
Check for Qualifications and Certifications
Financial planners can have a variety of designations, including Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), and Certified Public Accountant (CPA), among others. These certifications ensure the advisor has undergone rigorous training and adhere to high ethical standards.
Related: Robo-Advisor Vs Financial Advisor: Which is Best?
Search Online and Ask for Referrals
Start your search by asking friends, family, or colleagues for referrals. Online resources such as the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board), or the Financial Planning Association (FPA) also offer directories of certified advisors in your area.
Companies like WiserAdvisor also offer a free matching service. Fill out their questionnaire to get matched with three local advisors that meet your specific goals.
Interview Potential Advisors
Once you've narrowed down your list, arrange interviews with your potential advisors. This is your opportunity to ask about their experience, qualifications, investment philosophy, fee structure, and how they can help you achieve your financial goals.
Review Their Fiduciary Status
Ensure that the financial advisor you select is a fiduciary, meaning they are legally obligated to put your interests above their own. This can help you avoid potential conflicts of interest.
Check for Disciplinary History
Lastly, check if the financial advisors you're considering have had any legal or ethical issues in the past. This can be done through resources like FINRA's BrokerCheck or the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website.
Finding the right financial advisor can take some time, but the peace of mind and financial security they can provide are well worth the effort. Remember, this is a person with whom you're entrusting your financial future, so take the time to make a choice that feels right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a financial advisor?
A financial advisor is a professional who offers financial services to clients based on their financial situation. They assist with financial planning, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning, and investment management, among other services.
What are the qualifications of a good financial planner?
A good financial advisor should have relevant certifications such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), or Certified Public Accountant (CPA). They should also have a good track record, clear communication skills, and a solid understanding of your financial goals.
Is it important for a Washington DC financial advisor to be a fiduciary?
Yes, a fiduciary financial advisor is obligated to act in the best interests of their clients above their own. This ensures that they provide advice and recommend products based solely on your financial goals and not influenced by their potential earnings.
How do I choose the best advisor in Washington DC?
Choosing a financial advisor depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and personal preferences. Consider factors like their experience, certifications, fee structure, services offered, and whether they act as a fiduciary.
Companies like WiserAdvisor offer a free matching service. Fill out a quick questionnaire and get matched with a Certified Financial Planner in Washington, DC today..
What is the average cost of a financial advisor in Washington DC?
The cost of a Washington DC financial advisor can vary widely depending on their fee structure. On average, you can expect to pay a fee ranging from 0.5% to 2% of assets under management annually for ongoing services. For hourly consultations or flat fee services, the costs can range widely from hundreds to thousands of dollars. It's important to discuss fees upfront with any potential advisor.
Is it important to hire a local financial advisor?
Whether you need a Washington DC financial planner or not really depends on your personal preferences and comfort. Here are some factors to consider:
Face-to-face meetings: If you value regular, in-person meetings with your advisor, then hiring a local financial advisor could be the right choice. Meeting in person can help establish a more personal relationship and make complex financial discussions easier.
Knowledge of local economic conditions: Washington DC advisors may be more familiar with your region's economic conditions, tax regulations, and investment opportunities, which can be valuable in formulating a financial plan.
Convenience: If you have a busy schedule, being able to quickly and conveniently meet with your advisor can be a significant advantage.
Online Options: With the growth of technology, many financial advisors now offer their services online. Virtual meetings, phone calls, and email communication have made it possible to maintain a close advisor-client relationship no matter the distance.
In summary, while a local Washington DC financial advisor can offer certain advantages, it's not a necessity for everyone. What's most important is finding an advisor who understands your financial goals, communicates effectively in a manner that suits you, and has your best interests at heart.
What are some questions to ask a potential financial advisor before hiring?
It's essential to ask the right questions when interviewing potential financial advisors. Here are a few you should consider:
What services do you offer?
Understand if they provide comprehensive financial planning, or if they specialize in areas such as retirement planning, estate planning, tax advice, or investment management.
What credentials do you have?
Look for designations such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), or Certified Public Accountant (CPA), which show that the advisor has completed extensive training and is committed to continuing education.
What is your investment philosophy?
You need to ensure that your advisor’s investment style aligns with your risk tolerance and long-term goals.
Are you a fiduciary?
It's crucial to hire an advisor who is a fiduciary, meaning they are ethically bound to put your interests first.
How are you compensated? Washington DC advisors can be paid through commissions, a fee based on assets under management, or a flat fee. Understand the fee structure to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.
What types of clients do you typically work with?
Some financial advisors specialize in serving certain types of clients, such as small business owners, retirees, or high-net-worth individuals. It's beneficial to work with someone who understands your specific needs and circumstances.
Can I see a sample financial plan?
A sample plan can give you a sense of how the advisor organizes information and whether their style matches what you're looking for.
Remember, it's crucial to feel comfortable with your advisor, as this will be a long-term relationship that will greatly impact your financial future. Don't hesitate to ask any question that helps you understand if they're the right fit for you.
Do I really need a financial planner?
Whether you need a financial advisor or not depends on your financial situation and comfort with managing your own finances. If you have complex financial circumstances, high net worth, or specific financial goals, a financial advisor can provide valuable advice and help manage your finances effectively.
Find a Vetted Washington DC Financial Advisor
1. Finding a financial advisor doesn't have to be hard. WiserAdvisor's free tool matches you with up to 3 financial advisors in less than 5 minutes.
2. Each advisor has been vetted by WiserAdvisor and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. Get on the path toward achieving your financial goals. Click here to get matched with a financial advisor in the Washington DC area today.