Top Financial Advisors in Grand Rapids, MI

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NPF Investment Advisors is the No. 1 firm on our list of the top financial advisors in Grand Rapids. This fee-only practice maintains advisory relationships with individuals above and below the high-net-worth threshold, retirement plans, charitable organizations, government entities and businesses.

In general, the firm prefers to work with clients who have at least $1.5 million in investable assets. NFP also charges a minimum annual fee of $10,000.

Advisors on staff hold a variety of professional certifications, including the chartered financial analyst (CFA), chartered private wealth advisor (CPWA), certified financial planner (CFP), chartered market technician (CMT) and certified divorce financial analyst (CDFA) designations, among others. And as a fee-only firm, the only compensation that NPF receives is the advisory fees that clients pay themselves.

NPF Investment Advisors Background

NPF Investment Advisors has been in business for quite a long time, as it was founded in 1933. The firm’s majority owner is chief investment officer (CIO) Kurt Arvidson, while partners John Wisentaner, Charles Dutcher, Daniel Lupo and Tyler Bosgraaf each own minority stakes in the business. 

The firm also appears on SmartAsset's list of the top 10 advisors in Michigan. 

NPF’s premier offering is its investment management services, which involve the creation of a personalized investment portfolio for each client. Financial planning services are also available at the firm. These include estate planning, insurance needs analysis, retirement planning, charitable planning, debt management, education planning, special needs planning and more.

NPF Investment Advisors Investment Strategy

As stated above, NPF Investment Advisors looks to customize each portfolio to the client’s specific financial needs and goals. In addition to this, the firm will take into account your investment preferences, including risk tolerance, time horizon and liquidity needs. Information relating to the client’s family composition may also be used during this time.

Although NPF is technically open to using any type of investment within its clients’ portfolios, it does have some securities it tends to use more often. More specifically, the firm has an affinity for equities, corporate bonds, municipal bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and no-load and load-waived mutual funds. On a less frequent basis, the firm may invest client assets in certificates of deposit (CDs), warrants, commercial paper, variable annuities, U.S. government securities and pooled investment vehicles.

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Innovia Wealth is a fee-based financial advisory firm with a minimum account size of $1 million. However, the firm may be willing to waive this minimum at its discretion. High-net-worth individuals comprise the largest percentage of Innovia's client base, followed by individuals without a high net worth. The firm also does some institutional business, advising corporations and retirement plans. 

The firm's advisory staff includes advisors who hold the registered financial consultant (RFC), certified financial planner (CFP) and certified public accountant (CPA) designations. Advisors here may also be registered to sell you insurance on a commission basis. This is a potential conflict of interest, but all advisors at the firm are bound by a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of clients at all times.

Innovia Wealth Background

Founded in 2017 by Michael Berkemeier, Innovia was previously known as Strategies Wealth Advisors, LLC. However, the firm changed its legal name in February 2023. Berkemeier and Aaron Veldheer principally own the firm, with John Vande Guchte and Mark Ghafari owning minority interests in the business.

The firm offers the following services to clients:

• Income Planning
• Educational Funding
• Insurance planning
• Personal catastrophic planning
• Retirement planning
• Tax planning
• Alternative investment reviews
• Estate management and wealth transfer
• Philanthropy
• Budgeting and cash flow planning

Innovia Wealth Investment Strategy

Innovia bases its investment philosophy on a combination of fundamental, technical and efficient market analysis. The firm also incorporates the use of charting and quantitative analysis in evaluating and selecting investments. Assets that advisors use within clients' portfolios include equities, fixed-income securities, private investments, cash and cash equivalents. 

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Financial Advisory Corporation is a fee-only firm, which means all of its compensation comes from the fees that clients pay for its services. The firm's client base includes both non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals. It also advises institutional clients, including retirement plans, charitable organizations and corporations.

There is no minimum account size requirement here, but there is a minimum annual fee of $18,000. The firm's fee structure is a bit different than other firms. Clients are charged a base fee, plus a percentage of net worth and a percentage of investments.

The advisory team here includes certified financial planners (CFPs), certified kingdom advisors (CKAs) and one chartered financial analyst (CFA).

Financial Advisory Corporation Background

Paul G. Anthes founded Financial Advisory Corporation in 1988. Anthes remains the principal owner of the firm and acts as president and one of its wealth advisors. Loran Filson, a wealth advisor on staff, owns a minority interest in the business.

Services offered by the firm include:

• Investment planning
• Financial planning
• Corporate retirement plan services
• Estate planning
• Tax planning
• Risk management
• Retirement planning

Financial Advisory Corporation Investment Strategy

Asset allocation is a key part of the strategy for advisors at Financial Advisory Corporation. Clients get a portfolio with a balance of equity investments, fixed income and cash. The client’s investment goals and risk tolerance are used to determine the appropriate allocation.

Mutual fund analysis is used to pick which funds clients invest in. The track record of the fund manager is considered to see if the investment is a smart one over time. The fund is also compared to other funds the client invests in to make sure there is not significant overlap. The firm also relies on fundamental analysis to select securities.

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Midwest Capital Advisors is a fee-only firm with a staff that includes certified financial planners (CFPs), accredited investment fiduciaries (AIFs), among other credentialed professionals. The firm does not have a minimum investment requirement, but it reserves the right to charge a minimum fee.

Midwest Capital Advisors advises both non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals, though most of its clients fall into the former group. It also has an institutional business, advising pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations, government entities, corporations and school district consortiums.

Midwest Capital Advisors Background

Midwest Capital Advisors was founded in 2003. It is owned by Henry G. Swain, Michael D. DeSmyter, Jack N. Tunge, Mark R. Satkoski and Jeffrey A. Gietzen. Each of them still works at the firm as an advisor, while Gietzen is not listed on the firm’s employee page. DeSmyter, Satkoski and Tunge are principal owners. 

Services offered by the firm include:

• Investment planning and management
• Retirement income planning
• Tax planning
• Education planning
• Estate planning

Midwest Capital Advisors Investment Strategy

Midwest Capital Advisors breaks down the global equity market into 12 discrete asset classes, sorting them by different factoris including U.S. vs. non-U.S, developed vs. developing/emerging markets, market cap and value vs. growth. Each asset class is analyzed using both historical and forward-looking research and analytics. 

Potential funds clients could invest in are analyzed for absolute and risk-adjusted returns, manager tenures, risk profile, fiduciary measures, fees and style drift, among other factors. All of this information is used to pick mutual funds for clients to invest in as part of their overall investing strategy. The firm may also invest client assets in exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, collective trusts and similar investment vehicles.

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BeManaged is an independent fee-only advisory firm that specializes in helping individuals and employers with financial planning and oversight. The firm's entire client base of nearly 1,400 clients is made up of individuals without a high net worth. The firm, which doesn't set an account balance minimum, offers services in investment management, and financial planning and coaching.

BeManaged's small advisory team includes two chartered financial analysts (CFAs) and one investment advisor certified compliance professional. As a fee-only practice, neither the firm nor its advisors earn commissions for selling you securities or insurance. 

BeManaged Background

BeManaged, which is legally registered as Actium LLC, was founded in 2006 by John C. Whaley to provide investors access to financial advice that may not be able to afford through traditional channels. The firm now offers its financial advice through its "BeAdvised" product and its portfolio management through its traditional "BeManaged" offering. 

BeManaged Investment Strategy

BeManaged aims to provide an in-depth analysis of its client's goals and current financial situation before deciding on an investment approach. The amount of risk in reaching the client's goals is important for the firm to address their needs appropriately. The advisor will then pick a mixed portfolio that addresses their overall desired outcome. The firm promotes semi-active management, typically making account changes two to four times per year. 

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As a fee-only firm, LaFleur & Godfrey Private Wealth Management receives all of its compensation solely from client-paid fees. The firm is heavily individual-centric, as the vast majority of its client base comprises individuals with and without a high net worth. Charitable organizations, retirement plans and businesses make up the rest of its clients.

There is no specific set account minimum at LaFleur and Godfrey. The firm's team of advisors includes at least one chartered financial analyst (CFA), two certified financial planners (CFPs) and a certified employee benefit specialist (CEBS).

LaFleur & Godfrey Private Wealth Management Background

LaFleur & Godfrey Private Wealth Management is one of the youngest firms on this list, as it was created in its current form in 2013. However, the history of its predecessor firm can be traced back to 1987, when it was founded by Jim Lafleur and Rick Godfrey, both of whom are now retired. Today, the firm is part of the Focus Financial Partners nationwide network of advisory firms, which is now owned by Clyton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC and Stone Point Capital LLC. 

Comprehensive wealth management is the premier offering at LaFleur & Godfrey. This service covers both financial planning and investment management. When it comes to financial planning, the firm can help clients with tax and cash flow needs, reitrement planning, investment planning, divorcing planning and other areas. 

LaFleur & Godfrey Private Wealth Management Investment Strategy

LaFleur & Godfrey Private Wealth Management meets with clients before even thinking about investing any of their money. This meeting involves attaining a deep understanding of the clients' situation and needs, as the firm will look to identify your risk tolerance, time horizon, income needs and short- and long-term financial goals. Based on these factors, your advisor will build a portfolio plan to reach your objectives.

Generally speaking, the firm tends to invest in individual stocks and bonds. On certain occasions, investments in mutual funds and ETFs may also be made. LaFleur & Godfrey's investing strategy relies on active investing, company ownership and focused portfolios. 

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The advisory staff at Grand Wealth Management features certified financial planners (CFPs), an accredited investment fiduciary (AIF), and a certified public accountant/personal financial specialist (PFS).

This fee-only firm also has one of the highest account minimums on this list. Grand Wealth Management's services generally call for $2 million in investable assets to open an account. Likely because of this fact, its advisors manage around double the number of high-net-worth individuals as their non-high-net-worth counterparts. The firm’s typical clients are individuals and their families, including professionals, executives, business owners and retirees.

Grand Wealth Management Background

Founded in 2004, Grand Wealth Management is independently owned by four employees: managing principal Jeffrey Williams, principal Steven Starnes, senior financial advisor Anastasia Wiese and chief operations manager/chief compliance officer (CCO) Janelle Anderson.

Grand Wealth Management believes that the comprehensive management of your wealth is the best way to help you achieve your financial goals. The firm offers the following services:

• Investment management
• Estate planning
• Retirement planning
• Risk management
• Education planning
• Charitable planning
• Tax planning and minimization

Grand Wealth Management Investment Strategy

Grand Wealth Management says it bases its investment strategy solely on objective facts determined through studies on topics like efficient markets, value vs. growth stocks, small-cap stocks vs. large-cap stocks, as well as passive vs. active strategies. The firm's philosophy is guided by five principles:

• Markets are efficient
• Structure determines performance
• Risk and return are related
• Diversification is essential
• Costs and taxes matter

As a result, the firm adheres to a more passive style of investing, allocating client assets to a mix of passive and indexed funds. Grand Wealth avoids recommending individual securities and actively managed funds, and instead typically recommends low-cost institutional asset class funds offered by Dimensional Fund Advisors, Vanguard and other low-cost companies. 

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Lifeworks Advisors is a fee-based firm that caters to individuals, high-net-worth individuals, charitable organizations, retirement plans,, businesses, trusts and estates. Lifeworks Advisors does not impose a minimum account size, making their services accessible to clients of all financial backgrounds.

Lifeworks Advisors offers wealth management services for a fee that’s based on a percentage of assets under management. For clients seeking retirement plan advisory services, Lifeworks charges either an annual asset-based fee or an annual fixed fee. Financial planning fees are charged monthly or as a one-time fee. In addition to these fees, some advisors can earn third-party commissions when selling securities or insurance. Despite the conflict of interest this form of compensation creates, the firm is legally required to ack in your best interests as a fiduciary.

The firm’s advisors hold a range of professional certifications, including the certified financial planner (CFP), chartered financial consultant (ChFC), certified public accountant (CPA) designations, among others.

Lifeworks Advisors Background

Established in 2009, Lifeworks Advisors is owned Ron Bullis, who serves as a partner, and Kurt Van Dyken, who is a partner and holds the position of chief compliance officer. The firm is owned by Lifeworks Holdings, LLC.

This firm offers financial planning and consulting services, standalone financial planning services, wealth management, retirement plan advisory services and strategic advice. With a focus on providing comprehensive financial solutions, this firm is dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals and make informed decisions about their money.

Lifeworks Advisors Investment Strategy

Lifeworks Advisors takes a comprehensive approach to investing, focusing on matching future liabilities with financial assets. This planning-based approach seeks to ensure that clients' investment portfolios align with their long-term financial goals. Additionally, Lifeworks also employs a risk-based approach to construct investment portfolios for its clients, taking into consideration their investment goals, financial situation, time horizon, and tolerance for risk.

Lifeworks offers a range of investment models, including three factor-based core equity strategies, three factor-based ETF strategies and a hedged model. These models provide clients with diversified investment options to suit their individual needs and preferences. 

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Blue Water Asset Management does not have a specific minimum asset requirement to open an account. Although Blue Water Asset Management primarily serves individuals, it also works with high-net-worth individuals, charitable organizations, state and municipal government entities, businesses, private schools and investment advisors.

Because this firm is fee-based, its advisors may earn commissions from trading certain securities or selling insurance policies. While this may provide a potential conflict of interest, the firm and its advisors are bound by their fiduciary duty to put the needs of the client first.

Blue Water Asset Management Background

Blue Water Asset Management was founded in 2015, making it one of the youngest firms on this list. Although the firm was formed relatively recently, its advisors have spent an average of almost 30 years in finance. Blue Water Asset Management is principally owned by managing member Mark Redfield and chief compliance officer (CCO) Jay Greer.

Blue Water has a unique structure, in that it’s essentially a co-op of three financial advisor firms that work together so each can provide their strengths to the right clients. These firms include Jay Greer & Co., Redfield Financial Group and Capital Income Consultants.

As a whole, Blue Water offers a broad array of advisory services, including wealth management, financial planning, investment consulting and pension consulting for plan sponsors and beneficiaries. More distinct choices regarding the management of your assets will be made once you’ve made your ultimate financial goals clear.

Blue Water Asset Management Investment Strategy

Blue Water Asset Management incorporates modern portfolio theory into all of its investing decisions. For those not familiar with this approach, it focuses on striking a balance between risk and return, with the stipulation that higher levels of risk should only be accepted if there is a proportionate potential for return.

Blue Water Asset Management utilizes many different types of investments when enacting these principles, like money market funds, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs), municipal securities, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, variable annuities, real estate investment trusts (REITs), options, warrants and limited partnerships.

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Voisard Asset Management Group is the final firm on our list of the top advisors in Grand Rapids. This fee-only firm typically serves individuals both with and without a high net worth, trusts, estates and charitable organizations. About three-quarters of its individual clients are non-high-net-worth individuals. To open an account with Voisard Asset Management Group, you’ll need at least $250,000 in investable assets.

Four members of Voisard Asset Management Group’s financial advisor team are certified financial planners (CFPs). 

Voisard Asset Management Group Background

Voisard Asset Management Group’s principal owner is company president Douglas Voisard, who founded the firm in 2002. 

Whether you need financial help with a specific area or simply want to invest your assets, this firm likely has a relevant service. Its list of service offerings include:

• Tax and cash flow review
• Retirement planning
• Estate planning
• Investment management
• Death/disability financial review
• Insurance analysis
• Tax management

Voisard Asset Management Group Investment Strategy

Voisard Asset Management Group prioritizes determining the appropriate asset allocations for its client portfolios. In general, the firm says that it uses securities, fixed-income, cash, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

While Voisard Asset Management Group says it focuses on long-term growth, the firm is not dependent on one form of securities analysis. Instead, it relies on a combination of fundamental, technical, qualitative and quantitative analysis. The firm also incorporates asset allocation and mutual fund/ETF analysis. When it comes to investing, the firm utilizes five strategies: short-term purchases, long-term purchases, options, margin transactions and short sales.