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Navigating the world of financial management can be a complex and intimidating journey. With so many options to choose from, it’s crucial to find a firm that not only provides expert advice but also creates a relationship of trust and reliability.
One such firm that stands out is Cassaday & Company, Inc. In this review, we'll dive into the advisory firm’s background, reputation, financial services, and more. Let’s get started.
Overview and Background
Founded by Stephan Cassaday in 1993, Cassaday & Company has grown steadily to become a recognized name in the financial planning and advisory sector.
The firm’s primary focus is on providing independent and objective advice, emphasizing their role as a fiduciary, which ensures that client interests always come first.
Quick Facts
Location: 8180 Greensboro Dr. Suite 1180, McLean, Va 22101
Phone: 703-506-8200
Website: https://Cassaday.com
Custodian: Pershing, LLC
Total Assets Under Management (AUM): $4.7 billion
Account minimum: $1 million
Fees: Range from .50 - 1.20% of AUM
Reputation and Recognition
Cassaday's dedication to offering top-notch services hasn’t gone unnoticed. They have been consistently ranked by Barron’s, Forbes, and Financial Times as a top financial advisory firm.
Recent accolades include:
- Barron’s #1 financial advisor in Virginia (2014, 2016-2023)
- Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors in the Nation (2016-2023)
- Barron’s top 100 Independent Financial Advisors in the Nation (2007-2022)
- Barron’s top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams (2019-2023)
- Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors (2018-2023)
- Forbes Best-In-State Next-Gen Wealth Advisors (2019-2020) (2022-2023)
- Northern Virginia Magazine’s Top Financial Professionals (2011-2023)
- Washingtonian’s Top Wealth Advisor Hall of Fame (2023)
- Financial Advisor Magazine’s list of Top RIAs in the US (2012-2023)
- Investment News listed Cassaday and Company on their list of Best Places to Work for Financial Advisors (2018-2023)
A full list of awards and recognition can be found on Cassaday's website.
Client Experience
Clients often laud the firm for its personalized touch. Reviews often mention the company's dedication to understanding individual financial needs and crafting bespoke strategies.
At the time of this writing, Cassaday and Company boasts seven Google Reviews, each receiving a perfect 5-star rating. One reviewer wrote;
“My wife and I were very impressed by the firm's systematic, thoughtful and thorough approach; it is by far the best of what we have seen.”
Google Reviews
Cassaday's website reveals additional testimonials from real clients. Some of the feedback that particularly shines include:
"From initial meetings, through months of questions and cross examination, hand-wringing, and through asset transition to Cassaday & Co., your whole team made this effort much easier than we expected. And the end results including estate organization, investment choices, bicycle choices, et al looks like a home-run. You’ve taken a huge load off of our shoulders."
"I did not need Forbes or Barron’s to tell me that Cassaday is the best. I experience that excellence during my every interaction with your team."
"A year ago, I was beset with worries about my finances: Would I have enough money to retire comfortably? Were my investments doing as well as they could? What were the decisions I needed to make before entering into retirement? Now, I am no longer consumed by these worries because of the strategy, advice, and all-around help that Cassaday & Company has provided me since becoming a client."
According to Barron’s, the asset management firm has a 98% retention rate, a strong indicator that clients are sticking around long-term and satisfied with the overall service they’re receiving from their advisors.
Cassaday and Company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile reveals an A+ rating. There are currently zero complaints filed against Cassaday with the BBB.
We’ve also reviewed Cassaday and Company's record on FINRA’s BrokerCheck and SEC’s website and are pleased to find no complaints or regulatory actions filed against the company.
Important: If you’re researching financial advisory firms, make sure to perform due diligence and run a background check with the SEC and FINRA's website before making final hiring decisions.
Services Offered
Cassaday & Company offers a diverse range of services. From wealth management and financial planning to retirement planning and estate management, the firm caters to varied financial needs. Their integrated approach means that clients receive holistic advice tailored to their unique situations.
The firm’s integrated approach to wealth management includes:
See video below to learn more about how Cassaday's financial planning department works with clients to address personalized financial planning needs.
Related: What is a Phased Retirement?
Advisory Fees
The firm’s advisory fees are determined by the total assets under management (AUM) and can range anywhere between .50 - 1.20%. Fees are based on the Average Daily Balance (ADB) of the portfolio from the previous quarter. The company bills for their services quarterly, after services have been rendered.
When new clients join, their fees are adjusted depending on when their assets were added to the account. If you decide to move forward with Cassaday and Company as your trusted financial planner, make sure to schedule a consultation and ask any questions you might have about your total fees each quarter.
Cassaday's Fee Schedule
Breakdown | Rolling Total | Fee Schedule | |
---|---|---|---|
First 1/2 million | $500,000 | $500,000 | 1.20% |
Second 1/2 million | $500,000 | $1,000,000 | 0.95% |
Next 1 million | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | 0.75% |
Next 3 million | $3,000,000 | $5,000,000 | 0.5% |
Above 5 million | Above $5 million | Total Fee is Negotiable |
Cassaday Reviews (Pros and Cons)
What we like about the firm:
Their numerous awards and recognitions from prominent financial publications such as Barron’s, Forbes, and Financial Advisor Magazine strongly influenced our decision to place Cassaday and Company at the top of our list of best DC financial advisors.
In addition to their recognition from financial media outlets, the firm has:
- Been in business since 1993
- 5-star average customer rating (based on Google Reviews)
- Maintained a 98% client retention rate
- Competitive fees
- Holistic approach to financial planning
- Consistently ranked as one of the best places to work in the DC area
- Prioritized philanthropic work and charitable giving
If you're considering Cassaday and Company for your financial planning needs, visit their website and request a free consultation.
What we do not like about the company:
The firm currently has a $1 million account minimum for new clients. While this is in line with what you’ll find from many of Cassaday’s competitors, it might be steep for certain prospective clients.
If you do not meet their $1 million investable assets threshold, rest assured that with some research, you can find top-rated financial advisors in Washington, DC with more accommodating minimums ready to assist you.
Companies like WiserAdvisor offer a free financial advisor matchmaking service. Simply fill out a quick questionnaire on their website and they’ll match you with three local financial advisors that meet your requirements.
Continuous Learning and Development
A distinctive feature of Cassaday & Company is its emphasis on continuous learning. The firm invests in its employees' growth, ensuring they're updated with the latest market trends, tools, and strategies. This commitment not only ensures quality service but also establishes a culture of growth and forward-thinking.
Community Engagement
Beyond its financial services, Cassaday & Company is deeply involved in the community. They believe in giving back and have actively participated in various charitable endeavors, reflecting a corporate philosophy that extends beyond profits.
In 2008, the firm launched Cassaday and Company, Inc. Charitable Fund. This fund offers an easy way for employees to join in a unified charitable initiative. And here's a commendable gesture: Steve Cassaday matches all employee donations to the fund by 200%.
The Cassaday & Company, Inc. Charitable Fund proudly supports a number of both local and national organizations including:
- Bouldercrest Foundation: Nationally-recognized charity organization serving members of the military, veterans, first-responders, and their families.
- PathForward: Community-based organization whose mission is to assist every person experiencing homelessness in Arlington County, Virginia.
- So Others Might Eat (SOME): Community-based organization that helps and supports DC area residents experiencing homelessness and poverty.
- United Help Ukraine: US based charity receiving and distributing medical, defense, food, and other supplies directly to Ukraine since 2014.
In 2023, the firm was recognized on Washington Business Journal’s 2023 Corporate Philanthropy list (for the 5th consecutive year) for their charitable work.
You can find more information about their charitable fund as well as a full list of the organizations they support on their website here.
FAQs
What is Cassaday’s average client account size?
While Cassaday’s account minimum is $1 million, their average fee-based managed client account is typically around $1.5 million.
Are Cassaday advisors fiduciaries?
Yes, Cassaday advisors are fiduciaries. This means they are ethically bound to act in the best interests of their clients, ensuring transparency and prioritizing client needs above all else.
How do I know that my retirement savings are safe and secure?
Your assets are safeguarded by a reputable third-party custodian, Pershing LLC. When providing checks, you should always make them payable to "Pershing, LLC FBO Your Name."
It’s important to know that no one at Cassaday & Company, Inc. has direct access to any client assets. Generally, funds can only be moved from your account in these ways:
- A wire transfer to another account under your exact name at a different institution, but only with your written consent.
- A check made out to the names registered on your account (for example, to Mr. & Mrs. Smith) and sent to your registered address.
- While other kinds of transfers can be executed, they require your explicit written consent, and additional verification and authorization from Royal Alliance and Pershing.
How can I schedule a consultation with Cassaday and Company?
You can fill out the contact form on their website or contact their office directly at 703-506-8200 to book a consultation or get more information about their services.
Cassaday and Company has posted a full list of their most frequently asked questions on their website here.
Conclusion
Choosing the right investment advisory firm is more than just about money management; it's about building a lasting relationship based on trust, expertise, and mutual respect. Cassaday & Company seems to hit the mark on all these fronts.
While every individual's financial journey and needs are unique, the commitment to client satisfaction, community, and continuous growth makes Cassaday & Company a worthy contender for anyone seeking comprehensive financial advisory services.