Top Financial Advisors in Bethesda, MD

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Chevy Chase Trust Company is a massive fee-only financial advisor firm that's ranked No. 1 among advisory practices in Bethesda. The firm's principal business is serving high-net-worth individuals and families. It does not work with individual clients below the high-net-worth threshold. Indeed, the firm has a $3 million minimum account size, though it says it is waivable either at the firm's discretion or because of expectations that the account will surpass that minimum at a later date.

Institutional services are also a sizable part of Chevy Chase Trust Company's offerings. In fact, the firm manages assets for charitable organizations, businesses, government entities, pooled investment vehicles, retirement plans, escrow accounts and insurance companies.

Even at its very large size, the advisory staff at this firm boasts a fairly significant number of certifications. In fact, there chartered financial analysts (CFAs),certified financial planners (CFPs), a certified public accountant (CPA), a chartered market technician (CMT) and a certified trust and financial advisor (CTFA) on staff at Chevy Chase Trust Company. 

In addition to being the top-rated firm in Bethesda, CCTC also holds the top spot on SmartAsset's list of the top financial advisors in the state of Maryland. As a fee-only practice, advisors at CCTC do not sell insurance products like annuities for commissions. 

Chevy Chase Trust Company Background

Chevy Chase Trust Company was first established in 1997. A related holding company called Chevy Chase Trust Holdings LLC owns the firm as one of its subsidiaries. The firm is led by chief investment officer (CIO) Amy Raskin, president and CEO Jeff Whitaker, president of family wealth services Lawrence Fisher II and chief planning officer Leslie Smith.

Services available to individual clients of this firm include financial planning and investment management. More specifically, financial planning can cover topics like income planning, cash flow planning, risk management, insurance planning, strategic tax planning, estate planning, charitable gift planning and more. Investment services are based around the creation and management of a personalized portfolio.

Chevy Chase Trust Company Investing Strategy

Chevy Chase Trust utilizes two main categories of investment asset classes: equity and fixed-income. When it comes to fixed-income investing, the firm attempts to both preserve your account's principal and beat inflation so your money doesn't lose value. This strategy is used to balance out an equity strategy, depending on your risk tolerance. The firm focuses on your tax situation, income needs and other client-specific requirements when building out your fixed-income portfolio.

For equity investing, the firm will invest in large-, medium- and small-cap stocks in an effort to protect your assets from unsustainable highs and extreme lows in the market. Additionally, the firm will invest throughout various geographies and market sectors to furthur ensure diversification. Again, this strategy will work alongside its fixed-income counterpart to ensure you have enough liquidity.

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XML Financial Group is a fee-only advisory firm that works with individuals, high-net-worth individuals, trusts and estates. Less commonly, the firm also works with corporations, business entities, associations, ERISA plans, pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations, and trusts and estates that are not considered to be retail investors. 

The firm does not have a minimum account size requirement for its services but some of the third-party manager services do require the assets under management (AUM) to be at least $50,000 at all times. As a fee-only firm, there are no potential conflicts of interest with any investment recommendations as all of its compensation comes from client-paid fees.

XML Financial Group Background

XML Financial Group was founded in 2016 by Brett Bernstein and Rob Kantor, who both run the firm today as the CEO and CIO, respectively. The firm is home to 31 advisors who serve more than 5,000 clients and manage more than $2 billion. Team members hold various professional certifications, including certified financial planner (CFP) and chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC).

XML Financial Group Investment Strategy

XML Financial Group believes in focusing on what matters the most, which is different for each individual client. Each client's investment plan is made depending on their needs, risk tolerance and what type of monetary group they belong to (if they have unique needs). They work with each client to define their future and make an investment plan that helps them achieve their dreams, from building wealth to planning for retirement. 

This firm is open to investing in a number of different types of securities. These include mutual funds, ETFs, individual debt and equity securities. 

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Heritage Investors Management Corp. is a fee-only firm that works with both high-net-worth and non-high-net-worth individuals, as well as pension and profit-sharing plans, charities and corporations. 

The firm imposes a $1 million minimum account size and a $10,000 minimum annual fee, though both requirements can be waived. As a fee-only firm, Heritage's sole form of compensation comes from client-paid fees.

The firm's advisory team holds several financial certifications, including the chartered financial analyst (CFA), chartered investment counselor (CIC) and certified public accountant (CPA) designations. 

Heritage Investors Management Background

Heritage Investors Management Corp. is one of the oldest firms on this list, as it was founded back in 1974. The firm is under the ownership of its president, Michael S. Cornfield, and his family trusts. 

Financial planning and investment management services are both available through Heritage Investors Management Corp. The firm's investment services are tailored to clients' specific needs and goals.

Heritage Investors Management Investing Strategy

Heritage Investors Management Corp. works to understand its clients before advisors start investing clients' money. According to the firm's Form ADV, it pays attention to the following when formulating an investment plan:

• Risk tolerance
• Age and time horizon
• Income needs
• Growth needs
• Tax situation

Once the above process is complete, this firm will then work on creating an investment portfolio for the client. In general, the firm tends to invest in U.S. stocks, bonds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), though the firm is also open to investing in foreign stocks and bonds. When analyzing which securities to invest in, the firm uses a combination of fundamental and technical analysis.

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FBB Capital Partners is another fee-only firm that primarily works with high-net-worth individuals and non-high-net-worth individuals. Advisors are also equipped to work with individuals' trusts and related estate holdings and trusts, as well as charitable organizations.

For portfolio management accounts with less than a $500,000 balance, the firm generally requires a $5,000 minimum annual fee. Depending on the scope of the services you need, the firm may provide financial planning on an hourly or fixed-fee basis. 

When you establish a relationship with FBB, you’ll have access to advisors with the certified financial planner (CFP) designation, as well as those who hold the chartered financial analyst (CFA), certified public accountant (CPA) and chartered alternative investment analyst (CAIA) accreditations. 

As a fee-only firm, which means all of its earnings come from client-paid fees and not third-party commissions.

FBB Capital Partners Background 

FBB Capital Partners first began offering its services in 1987. The firm is under the ownership of president Michael J. Mussio, executive vice president and chief compliance officer (CCO) Stein A. Olavsrud, director of operations Bridget M. Simpson and founder Susan B. Fulton (via control of Julian, Inc., a separate company).

FBB's primary services are investment management and financial planning, the latter of which the firm describes as the often overlooked, blocking and tackling of one's holstic financial well-being." 

FBB Capital Partners Investment Strategy

FBB Capital Partners designs portfolios based on a client's individual circumstances such as risk tolerance and investment goals. The firm does not limit itself to certain securities and makes recommendations as it deems appropriate to your financial circumstances. Your portfolio may offer exposure to the following securities:

• Exchange-listed securities
• Securities traded over-the-counter
• Corporate debt securities
• Municipal securities
• Mutual fund shares
• United States governmental and agency securities
• Options contracts on securities

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Perhaps the most eye-catching fact about Pennington Partners & Co., LLC is its $100,000 minimum annual fee. While this requirement is waivable, there's no doubt that this is an exclusive firm - it only works with several dozen clients, the vast majority of whom are ultra-affluent high-net-worth individuals. The firm also works with a few pooled investment vehicles.

This firm calls itself a "dynamic family office." Family office services are therefore a major part of its offerings, as it provides clients with the holistic management of all of their assets and investments. The firm offers investment services on a non-wrap fee basis.

Certain on-staff advisors at this firm can receive commissions for insurance sales. Although this represents a potential conflict of interest, the firm is legally required to act in clients' best interests due to its fiduciary duty.

At this firm, you'll find a number of accredited professionals who hold the following certifications: certified public accountant (CPA), chartered financial analyst (CFA), certified investment management analyst (CIMA), chartered alternative investment analyst (CAIA) and certified private wealth advisor (CPWA).

Pennington Partners & Co. Background

Pennington Partners & Co. was founded in 2016 by Brian Gaister and Rodd Macklin. Today, Gaister is the firm's CEO and owns the largest stake in the business. Macklin owns the second-largest interest in the firm, while three other people and one limited liability company own small stakes. 

The firm's primary services are focused on investment advisory, family office services and business strategy consulting. The firm also provides investment advice to private funds.

Pennington Partners & Co. Investment Strategy

Investment strategies typically used by advisors at Pennington Partners & Co. include long-term purchases, short-term purchases, trading and options. By incorporating both long- and short-term purchases in its investment philosophy, the firm ensures that it can attempt to meet clients' needs regardless of their time horizon.

When determining which types of securities to invest in, this firm tends to utilize some combination of charting, cyclical, fundamental and technical methods of analysis. The firm is open to using just about any investments when managing client assets.

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Trumbower Financial Advisors (TFA) is a fee-only firm that doesn't require an account minimum for new clients. The firm works with individuals, high-net-worth individuals, their trusts and estates, as well as charitable organizations

This firm works on a fee-only basis, which means it collects compensation solely from client-provided services and doesn’t earn any third-party sales commissions.

The Trumbower advisory team features certified financial planners (CFPs), chartered financial analysts (CFAs) and certified public accountants (CPAs).

Trumbower Financial Advisors Background

Trumbower Financial Advisors was created in 1996. Victoria M. Trumbower serves as the firm’s managing partner and owner. Trumbower has around 40 years of experience in the financial services industry.

The firm focuses on tax and financial planning services, as well as investment advisory services. More specifically, it offers advice on topics such as estate planning, retirement planning, budgeting and cash flow management. 

Trumbower Financial Advisors Investment Strategy

TFA deploys a five-step investment advisory process. It begins with establishing a long-term financial plan that considers the client’s investment goals. The firm then examines the client’s existing asset allocations against the information it gathered. It then develops a strategic asset allocation based on the data it gathered from the first two steps. Next, the advisor helps the client determine an investment policy statement (IPS). Finally, the firm and client agree on a regular schedule to review and rebalance the portfolio.

Unless the advisor determines the client has a long-term time horizon, it will follow a conservative fixed-income strategy. This generally involves investing in municipal bonds, FDIC-insured certificates of deposit (CDs). It may also utilize equity mutual funds and unleveraged broad index exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

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MV Capital Management (MVCM) specializes in asset-management advice, and it can provide financial planning services upon request. This fee-based practice works with high-net-worth and non-high-net-worth individuals, retirement plans and charitable organizations. For its investment advisory services, the firm adheres to an aggregate minimum account size of $1 million on a per household basis.

The firm collects fees based on a percentage of your assets under management (AUM). For financial planning services, fees may vary and are based on the scope of the services you need.

As a fee-based firm, certain advisors at MVCM can earn commissions from insurance product sales, which is a potential conflict of interest. The firm still abides by fiduciary duty, though, legally binding it to act in your best interest.

The firm employs one chartered financial analyst (CFA), one certified financial planner (CFP), one certified public accountant (CPA) who also holds the person financial specialist (PFS) designation.

MV Capital Management Background 

MVCM's president and CEO Masood Vojdani founded the firm in 1986 and remains its sole owner. Vojdani has around 40 years of experience in the financial services industry. 

MVCM focuses on discretionary and non-discretionary investment advisory services. However, financial planning services are available if you need them. These can include wealth accumulation planning, distribution planning, wealth transfer planning, business exit strategizing, estate planning, insurance planning and more.

MV Capital Management Investment Strategy

MV Capital Management analyzes clients’ financial profiles to design portfolios. It takes into account various factors like goals, risk tolerance and time horizon to create an appropriate asset allocation. It may spread your assets across multiple asset classes including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), stocks, bonds and other securities.

The firm also incorporates market research from various sources to drive its securities selection process.

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Edgemoor Investment Advisors is a fee-only firm that mainly works with individuals and high-net-worth individuals. However, the firm does require clients to maintain an account size of $1 million. Edgemoor also works with charitable organizations, corporations and businesses. 

The team of advisors at Edgemoor includes three certified financial planners (CFPs) and two chartered financial analysts (CFAs).

As a fee-only firm, Edgemoor makes money via client-paid fees, not third-party sales commissions.

Edgemoor Investment Advisors Background

Edgemoor Investment Advisors has been in business since 1999 when it was created by current president and Thomas P. Meehan. Meehan still owns the firm to this day, along with managing director Paul P. Meehan and the Meehan Family Trust.

Edgemoor Investment Advisors provides personalized investment advisory and financial planning services to clients. Investment services will be based on your needs and goals. Financial planning services follow a similar structure, but they tend to focus on financial situation analysis, income planning, insurance planning, risk management, college savings planning and more.

Edgemoor Investment Advisors Investment Strategy

Edgemoor Investment Advisors believes in building client portfolios according to their needs and goals rather than a firm-wide philosophy. To understand exactly what you're looking for out of your investments, the firm will talk with you to figure out your long- and short-term investment goals, risk tolerance, current financial position, time horizon and income needs.

Once the firm feels comfortable in its understanding of your personal situation, it will put together and implement a portfolio plan that's specifically tailored to the aforementioned factors. In general, the firm tends to invest in some combination of equities and income-generating investments. As your portfolio ages, the firm will continuously review and rebalance your investments.

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Sargent Investment Group (SIG) provides investment advisory services to a wide range of clients. It also offers financial planning services to these clients on one-time or ongoing flat fee basis. Financial planning services can cover any area that the client needs help with. Most of SIG's clients are high-net-worth individuals. However, the firm also works with non-high-net-worth individuals, trusts, estates, non-profit organizations and businesses.

The firm has a $500,000 minimum account size. On certain occasions, this fee-based firm can earn commissions from the sale of third-party investment products. Despite the potential conflict of interest this creates, the firm is legally bound by fiduciary duty to act in your best interest at all times.

There are no certifications listed across the advisory team at this firm.

Sargent Investment Group Background

Sargent Investment Group was founded in 2018 and owned by Chris Sargent, Brian McGregor, Chris Rhyne and the Ricardo Rosenberg Family Trust. Sargent leads the advisory team following more than 50 years of experience in the financial services industry.

Sargent Investment Group Investment Strategy 

Sargent Investment Group’s investment advisory strategy begins with a thorough analysis of the client’s current situation. The firm examines factors like risk tolerance, investing goals, tax status, investing time horizon and more. It then builds a portfolio with an asset allocation that’s appropriate to you based on this information.

The firm generally invests client assets across mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and individual securities such as stocks and bonds. The firm may also utilize third-party fund managers when it deems it appropriate to your situation. SGI selects such managers based on qualitative and quantitative analysis that may incorporate several points such as performance and volatility characteristics.

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The Capital Group Investment Advisory Services works with individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, corporations and other business entities. There is no stated minimum portfolio value or size in order to work with the firm, and there is no set minimum fee. 

It should be noted that the firm operates in a fee-based manner. This means that its advisors may receive commissions for the sale of certain securities, which has the potential to create a conflict of interest. However, the firm is bound by a fiduciary duty which means they must put the needs of their individual client above their own. 

The Capital Group Background 

The Capital Group was founded in 2013 by Kevin FitzPatrick and Joseph Apa, who both serve as senior partners today. Christopher Staub currently serves as managing partner of the firm and its 16 advisors. The firm's advisors have earned a number of certifications and designations including the certified financial planner (CFP), chartered financial analyst (CFA) and the accredited investment fiduciary (AIF).

The Capital Group Investing Strategy 

The firm develops an investment strategy tailored to each individual client. Prior to doing so, they gather and analyze detailed information about the client that includes goals, existing investments, insurance coverage, sources of income and other assets or liabilities. They then seek to define the client's investment objectives and risk profile, which together form the basis for the selection and diversification of investments. Once an initial investment strategy is established, the investment advisors continually monitor clients' portfolios, making changes as needed.

The firm does not perform quantitative or qualitative analyses of individual securities, instead often relying on investment model portfolios and strategies developed by third-party consultants, money managers or portfolio managers.