Top Independent Wealth Management Firms

Discover the top independent wealth management firms offering personalized, fiduciary financial advice. Explore their unique services, investment strategies, and how they can help you navigate your financial future effectively.

Navigating Your Financial Future: A Guide to the Top Independent Wealth Management Firms

Introduction; When managing your wealth, you want to ensure you’re partnering with a firm with your best interests at heart. It firms offer a unique value proposition for investors looking for personalized, unbiased financial advice. In this article, we’ll explore the top independent wealth management firms, their services, and what sets them apart in the industry.

What Are Independent Wealth Management Firms?

Independent wealth management firms are registered investment advisors (RIAs) that operate independently of banks, brokerage firms, or insurance companies. These firms primarily focus on providing financial advice and investment management services to high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses. They have a legal fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of their clients and offer a more personalized approach to wealth management.

Table 1: Key Differences Between Independent Wealth Management Firms and Traditional Financial Institutions

Independent Wealth Management Firms	Traditional Financial Institutions
Fiduciary duty to act in clients’ best interests	May have conflicts of interest
Customized, fee-based services	Typically offer commission-based products
Access to a wide range of investment options	Limited investment options
Emphasis on holistic financial planning	Product-focused approach
Transparent fee structure	Hidden fees and expenses

The Top Independent Wealth Management Firms

Fisher Investments

Fisher Investments is a fee-only wealth management firm with over $110 billion in assets under management (AUM). The firm’s primary focus is on providing customized investment strategies and financial planning services to high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions. Fisher Investments’ unique approach combines rigorous research, personalized portfolio management, and proactive client communication to help clients achieve their long-term financial goals.

Services and Investment Strategies:

• Personalized investment management
• Comprehensive financial planning
• Retirement planning
• Estate planning
• Tax planning
• Socially responsible investing

Buckingham Strategic Wealth

Buckingham Strategic Wealth is an independent wealth management firm with over $16 billion in AUM. The firm takes an evidence-based approach to investing, focusing on low-cost index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to build diversified portfolios tailored to each client’s specific needs and goals. Buckingham’s team of financial advisors also provides comprehensive financial planning and consulting services to help clients make informed decisions about their financial future.

Services and Investment Strategies:

• Fee-only financial planning
• Investment management
• Retirement planning
• Tax planning and preparation
• Estate planning
• Charitable giving strategies

Edelman Financial Engines

Edelman Financial Engines is the largest independent registered investment advisor in the United States, with over $220 billion in AUM. The firm offers a comprehensive suite of financial planning and wealth management services, including investment management, retirement planning, tax planning, and estate planning. Edelman Financial Engines’ team of financial advisors uses a goals-based investing approach, focusing on helping clients achieve their short- and long-term financial objectives.

Services and Investment Strategies:

• Fee-only financial planning
• Investment management
• Retirement planning
• Tax planning
• Estate planning
• Socially responsible investing

Creative Planning

Creative Planning is an independent wealth management firm with over $60 billion in AUM. The firm provides various financial planning and wealth management services to high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses, including investment management, estate planning, tax planning, and risk management. Creative Planning’s team of financial advisors takes a holistic approach to wealth management, ensuring that all aspects of a client’s financial life are aligned with their goals and objectives.

Services and Investment Strategies:

• Fee-only financial planning
• Investment management
• Retirement planning
• Tax planning
• Estate planning
• Risk management

Firms Comparison

Firm	AUM (in billions)	Fee Structure	Investment Focus	Services Offered
Fisher Investments	110	Fee-only	Customized strategies	Financial planning, retirement, estate, tax, socially responsible investing
Buckingham Strategic Wealth	16	Fee-only	Low-cost index/ETFs	Investment management, financial planning, tax prep, estate planning
Edelman Financial Engines	220	Fee-only	Goals-based investing	Comprehensive financial planning, retirement, tax, estate planning
Creative Planning	60	Fee-only	Holistic wealth management	Financial planning, investment management, risk management

Conclusion

Partnering with a top independent wealth management firm can provide you with the expertise, resources, and personalized guidance you need to navigate your financial future. By understanding the key differences between independent wealth management firms and traditional financial institutions and researching the top firms in the industry, you can make an informed decision about which firm is the best fit for you and your financial goals.