Finding a Top Financial Advisor Firm in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Finding the right financial advisor who meets your needs isn’t always easy. We aim to simplify the process by laying out the top financial advisor firms Ann Arbor, Michigan. Below, we list each of our top firms with information detailing their account minimum, fee structure, typical clientele and more. As an alternative, SmartAsset's financial advisor matching tool can connect you with financial advisors who serve your area.
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---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Retirement Income Solutions, Inc. ![]() | $2,656,768,805 | $750,000 |
| Minimum Assets$750,000Financial Services
|
2 | Columbia Asset Management, LLC ![]() | $1,051,081,664 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
3 | Exchange Capital Management, Inc. ![]() | $832,809,325 | $500,000 |
| Minimum Assets$500,000Financial Services
|
4 | Arbor Trust Wealth Advisors, LLC ![]() | $611,719,592 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
5 | Pollock Investment Advisors, LLC ![]() | $322,374,663 | $500,000 |
| Minimum Assets$500,000Financial Services
|
6 | Darden Wealth Group ![]() | $302,096,323 | $500,000 |
| Minimum Assets$500,000Financial Services
|
7 | Four Financial Management ![]() | $148,170,000 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
8 | Arbor Financial ![]() | $175,184,882 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
9 | Sage Hill Capital ![]() | $165,302,179 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
10 | Vision Capital Partners ![]() | $127,441,060 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
What We Use in Our Methodology
To find the top financial advisors in Ann Arbor, we first identified all firms registered with the SEC in the city. Next, we filtered out firms that don't offer financial planning services, those that don't serve primarily individual clients and those that have disclosures on their record. The qualifying firms were then ranked according to the following criteria:
- AUMFirms with more total assets under management are ranked higher.
- Individual Client CountFirms who serve more individual clients (as opposed to institutional clients) are ranked higher.
- Clients Per AdvisorFirms with a lower ratio of clients per financial advisor are ranked higher.
- Age of FirmFirms that have been in business longer are ranked higher.
All information is obtained through public records and is updated annually after the firms’ form ADV filing. This list may include firms that have a business relationship with SmartAsset, in which SmartAsset is compensated for lead referrals. Such relationships have no impact on our rankings, and firms are included and ranked based strictly on the above criteria. SmartAsset is not a client of the aforementioned firms, and did not receive compensation for including any of the firms on the aforementioned list.
Retirement Income Solutions
Established in 1992, Retirement Income Solutions leads off our list of the top financial advisors in Ann Arbor. This large wealth advisory firm primarily works with individuals and high-net-worth individuals, but it also manages accounts for pension plans, charitable organizations and corporations. New clients of the firm are required to have at least $750,000 in investable assets.
Retirement Income Solutions also appears on our list of the top financial advisors in Michigan.Â
The firm provides fee-only asset management, retirement and financial planning, retirement plan consulting, as well as ongoing monitoring and review of client accounts. Some members of the Retirement Income Solutions team hold the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designations.Â
Retirement Income Solutions begins every client relationship by discussing their risk profile, time horizon, cash flow needs, personal investment philosophy, asset allocation preferences and tax considerations. From there, the firm will determine what combination of asset classes would be most appropriate to help them reach their goals. The firm will also monitor the portfolio daily to determine when, and if, rebalancing is necessary.
The firm’s investment approach blends diversification with active management strategies. Portfolios are mainly constructed using mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and interval funds, with allocations reviewed regularly by RIS’s Investment Committee. Active strategies, such as its Seasonal Strategy, allow the firm to adjust portfolios based on perceived market risks or opportunities, shifting between equity and fixed income positions as conditions change. The firm's overarching philosophy emphasizes diversification, risk management and periodic rebalancing.
Columbia Asset Management
Columbia Asset Management, founded in 1997, is an SEC-registered investment advisory firm that provides wealth management and financial planning services. The firm works with individuals, high-net-worth individuals and charitable organizations. It does not impose account minimums.
Areas of assistance include investment planning, retirement planning, education funding, personal savings strategies and charitable giving.
The firm is a fee-only advisor, meaning it does not sell financial products for commissions and is compensated solely through agreed-upon advisory and planning fees. This type of compensation model reduces the number of potential conflicts of interest an advisor may have.
Columbia Asset Management has a small team that includes three Certified Financial Planners™ (CFP®). Its investment approach emphasizes long-term portfolio construction tailored to each client’s goals, financial situation and tolerance for risk. Portfolios are primarily built with equities and fixed income, including individual stocks and bonds, mutual funds and ETFs.
Columbia Asset Management applies fundamental analysis, which involves reviewing a company’s financial condition, earnings, and broader economic factors to guide investment choices. It also incorporates Modern Portfolio Theory, which seeks to balance risk and return by diversifying across asset classes.
Exchange Capital Management
Exchange Capital Management is another fee-only firm whose clients include individuals, high-net-worth individuals, pension plans, charitable organizations, state governments, insurance companies and corporations.
The firm offers investment advice, as well as financial planning and consulting services that may touch on a client's asset allocation, retirement and estate planning, philanthropy, wealth transfer, succession planning, insurance and cash flow analysis. Exchange Capital Management has a minimum portfolio size of $500,000, though it may decide to waive this requirement at its own discretion.
Exchange Capital Management was founded in 1989. In June 2025, it partnered with Lido Advisors and is now under the Lido umbrella. Advisors on staff hold Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designations.
Instead of commissions, it charges management fees based on assets under supervision, making it a fee-only advisor. Financial planning services are included for clients who engage the firm for portfolio management. Advisory fees are deducted quarterly, and the firm does not earn compensation from product sales.
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Exchange Capital Management’s investment philosophy centers on fundamental security and credit analysis with a preference for building diversified portfolios using individual stocks and bonds. For diversification or convenience, mutual funds and ETFs may be used. Portfolios can include equities, corporate and government fixed income, municipal bonds, ETFs, mutual funds and other securities. The firm may also employ option strategies or limited use of leverage in specific situations. Its overall approach is to align investments with each client’s financial objectives, risk tolerance and liquidity needs.
Arbor Trust Wealth Advisors
Arbor Trust Wealth Advisors is a fee-only practice that does not have a minimum account size requirement. The firm’s client base comprises a mix of non-high-net-worth individuals, high-net-worth individuals, pension plans, charitable organizations and government entities.
The firm provides both investment management and financial planning services to its clients, along with consulting for retirement plans and independent manager selection. Financial planning typically touches on topics like retirement planning, education planning, Social Security & Medicare planning, estate planning, philanthropy planning, cash flow planning, generational wealth transfer and insurance planning.
Arbor Trust was established in Ann Arbor in 2014. The team at Arbor Trust includes advisors who hold the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), certified trust and fiduciary advisor (CTFA) and accredited behavioral finance professional (ABFP) designations.
Before investing any of your money, Arbor Trust Wealth Advisors will identify the objectives of the client. After establishing these goals, along with the client’s risk tolerance and time horizon, the firm will formulate an appropriate investment strategy.
Arbor Trust primarily employs a long-term, fundamentals-based investment approach, using economic and business indicators to guide selection of investments. The firm usually invests in a mix of individual equity securities, individual fixed-income securities, mutual funds and ETFs. Under certain circumstances, the firm may call for alternative investments like limited partnerships or real estate investment trusts (REITs).
Pollock Investment Advisors
Pollock Investment Advisors is a fee-only advisory firm that has been doing business in Ann Arbor since 2006. Its client base mostly consist of individuals and high-net-worth individuals, with some pension plans, charitable organizations and businesses.
The firm helps clients with areas such as retirement and cash flow planning, estate and tax coordination, insurance review, college savings strategies and charitable giving. Its services also include preparing investment policy statements, monitoring portfolios, and, in some cases, working with third-party managers. It generally imposes a minimum account size of $500,000, although it may waive this at its discretion.
Pollock Investment Advisors was founded in 2006. Today, its team includes a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and a chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC).
Pollock Investment Advisors follows a long-term investment philosophy that emphasizes diversification, low turnover and tax efficiency. Its approach combines a top-down analysis of economic conditions with bottom-up evaluation of securities and managers.
Pollock Investment Advisors follows a long-term investment philosophy that emphasizes diversification, low turnover and tax efficiency. Its approach combines a top-down analysis of broad economic forces such as taxation, interest rates, and demographics with a bottom-up focus on the financial strength, growth and valuation of individual securities and managers. Portfolios may include individual equities, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, limited partnerships and cash equivalents, with additional access to private funds or third-party managers where appropriate.
Darden Wealth Group
Founded in 2018, Darden Wealth Group requires clients to have at least $500,000 in investable assets, though retirement assets may count toward this minimum. For pension consulting services, there is a minimum annual fee of $5,000.
Individuals without a high net worth make up the majority of the firm's client base, although Darden also works with high-net-worth individuals, business development companies, retirement plans, charities, corporations and other businesses.
The firm offers a wide range of advisory services that include private wealth management, comprehensive financial planning, retirement plan management, retirement income strategies, business owner and entrepreneur services and pension consulting. Additional services include assistance with major spending decisions, educational funding, charitable and legacy planning, as well as specialized wealth management for university faculty.
The Darden team holds a variety and range of financial certifications, including the accredited asset management specialist (AAMS), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®), registered financial consultant (RFC), certified investment management analyst (CIMA), Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®).
Darden constructs and manages portfolios using a fundamental investment approach, which involves analyzing companies through financial ratios, cash flows and market conditions. The firm primarily invests in individual stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, cash, and publicly traded real estate, while also using CDs and Treasury securities. Portfolios are designed to balance long-term growth with risk management, sometimes employing tactical allocation, cash as an asset class or hedging strategies to help reduce downside risk.
Four Financial Management
Four Financial Management was founded in 2008 and registered as an investment advisor in 2016. The firm provides a wide range of services, including financial planning, retirement planning, estate settlement, investment consulting for retirement plan participants and portfolio management.Â
More specifically, clients can receive guidance on budgeting, tax and insurance planning and business planning. The firm also offers investment management through programs with LPL Financial and SEI, as well as a wrap fee program that consolidates advisory and transaction costs into one fee.
The firm works with individuals and high-net-worth individuals, although it does not have a minimum account size. Four Financial Management operates under a fee-based compensation model, in which employees of are also registered representatives of LPL Financial and can receive commissions for selling securities. While this constitutes a conflict of interest, the firm has a fiduciary duty to act in your best interests.
Four Financial Management uses a range of investment strategies, including asset allocation, income-focused investing, capital preservation and tactical growth. Portfolios may include mutual funds, ETFs, stocks, bonds, government securities, closed-end funds, structured products, options, variable annuities and alternative strategy funds.Â
The firm applies both fundamental and technical analysis and aims to match portfolios with each client’s goals, time horizon, risk tolerance and cash flow needs.Â
Arbor Financial
Arbor Financial, founded in 2015, provides holistic financial planning and investment management for individuals and families on a fee-only basis The firm offers personalized guidance across many areas of need, including tax planning and preparation, retirement and education planning, budgeting, estate reviews, portfolio analysis and insurance review.Â
As a fee-only practice, neither Arbor Financial nor its advisors sell financial products or receive commissions. Fees are based on income, net worth, and complexity, with no minimum asset requirement.Â
The firm has a small team of advisors that includes a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and a certified public accountant (CPA).
Its investment philosophy centers on low-cost, diversified investments, primarily no-load mutual funds and ETFs, as well as U.S. government bonds, money market accounts and certificates of deposit. Portfolios are designed around each client’s tax situation, financial goals and risk profile. While discretionary authority is typically granted, clients may impose reasonable restrictions.Â
The firm stresses education and transparency, ensuring clients understand investment risks such as market, interest rate, and liquidity risk while pursuing strategies aligned with long-term objectives.
Sage Hill Capital
Sage Hill Capital is a fee-only advisory practice that works with individuals and high-net-worth individuals. The firm, which does not have a set account minimum, offers financial planning and consulting services, along with investment management. The firm advises clients on estate planning, tax planning and insurance matters.
While there’s no minimum account size requirement, the firm does prefer to work with clients that have at least $1 million in investable assets.
Founded in 2010, the firm is co-owned and run by Dave Roberts, an accredited wealth management advisor (AWMA), and F. Chris Fragner. Roberts, a former member of the University of Michigan men's hockey team, went on to play for the U.S. olympic team in 1994 and spent 11 years playing professionally. Fragner also played collegiate hockey at Michigan.Â
Sage Hill Capital typically recommends that its clients invest in some combination of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. To determine how to allocate among different asset classes, the firm will sit down with each client and establish several key factors, including the client’s investment goals, risk tolerance and timeline until retirement, as well as any specific investment or financial preferences. With those factors nailed down, the firm can formulate an allocation that has an appropriate amount of aggressiveness and suits the client’s cash flow needs.
Vision Capital Partners
Vision Capital Partners is a fee-based registered investment advisor. Its advisory team includes Certified Financial Planners™ (CFP®) and a certified public accountant (CPA). The firm primarily works with non-high-net-worth individuals, as well as high-net-worth individuals, retirement plans and charities. It does not require a minimum account size for its services.
Some of the advisors at Vision Capital Partners are also representatives of broker-dealer Triad Advisors. These dual roles may pose a potential conflict of interest due to possible commissions earned. However, the firm's fiduciary duty requires it to act in clients' best interests at all times.
Founded in 2006, Vision Capital Partners offers investment management and financial planning services. More specifically, the firm can assist clients with investment planning, retirement planning, education savings, insurance needs, estate considerations and business succession. Services may also include family office support, such as consolidated reporting, bill pay and family governance assistance.
Vision Capital Partners designs portfolios with asset allocations specific to a client’s financial profile, objectives and risk tolerance. These portfolios typically invest in ETFs and low-cost mutual funds. The firm may also consider stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs), municipal securities, options, U.S. government bonds and other securities if deemed suitable for the client.Â
The firm maintains a long-term investment approach, but it may sell or re-allocate positions that have been held for less than a year in response to market conditions.