Finding a Top Financial Advisor Firm in Kansas
Kansas has plenty of financial advisor firms to choose from, but finding the one that meets your personal needs can be a challenging venture. To make your life easier, SmartAsset analyzed firms across the state to determine the top Kansas financial advisor firms. We’ve included each firm’s fee structure, investing strategies, advisor certifications and more to help you narrow down which might be best for you. The SmartAsset financial advisor matching tool can also connect you with advisors who serve your area.
Find a Fiduciary Financial Advisor
We match more than 50,000 people with financial advisors per month. Get connected to an advisor that serves your area today.Rank | Financial Advisor | Assets Managed | Minimum Assets | Financial Services | More Information |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Prime Capital Investment Advisors Find an Advisor | $24,362,866,552 | Varies based on account type |
| Minimum AssetsVaries based on account typeFinancial Services
|
2 | FCI Advisors Find an Advisor | $15,083,813,669 | Varies based on account type |
| Minimum AssetsVaries based on account typeFinancial Services
|
3 | Two West Capital Advisors, LLC Find an Advisor | $2,760,229,371 | $500,000 |
| Minimum Assets$500,000Financial Services
|
4 | Financial Advisory Service, Inc. Find an Advisor | $2,639,813,467 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
5 | Modern Wealth Management, LLC Find an Advisor | $2,073,107,856 | None |
| Minimum AssetsNoneFinancial Services
|
6 | Sunesis Advisors, LLC Find an Advisor | $1,211,340,126 | $5,000,000 |
| Minimum Assets$5,000,000Financial Services
|
7 | Meritage Portfolio Management, Inc. Find an Advisor | $2,369,159,436 | $2,000,000 |
| Minimum Assets$2,000,000Financial Services
|
8 | The Retirement Planning Group, Inc. Find an Advisor | $1,796,771,675 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
9 | Westward Investment Advisory Find an Advisor | $397,413,891 | No set account minimum | Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services | |
10 | Rocky Mountain Advisers, LLC Find an Advisor | $2,574,184,941 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
What We Use in Our Methodology
To find the top financial advisors in Kansas, we first identified all firms registered with the SEC in the state. 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.
Prime Capital Investment Advisors
Prime Capital Investment Advisors is a fee-based advisor that caters to a diverse clientele including individuals, high-net-worth individuals, banking institutions, pension and profit-sharing plans, as well as trusts, estates, and charitable organizations. The firm operates on a fee-based structure and typically sets varying account minimums depending on the investment strategy chosen. The firm offers a wide range of financial advisory services tailored to meet individual needs. These services include developing comprehensive financial plans, portfolio evaluation, cash flow analysis and education planning.
As a fee-based advisor, there is a potential for a conflict of interest. However, the firm and its advisors are bound to a fiduciary duty to put the needs of the clients first.
Prime Capital Investment Advisors Background
Prime Capital Investment Advisors was founded in 2017. The firm is entirely owned by CHHSZ Holdings, LLC. Today, the firm manages more than $24 billion in assets under management (AUM) across its 198 advisors.
Prime Capital Investment Advisors Investment Strategy
Rocky Mountain Investment Advisors employs a broad spectrum of investment strategies to cater to diverse investor needs. These strategies range from passive, index-based approaches like their Core Portfolios, Genesis Series, and Generations Series, to more dynamic and actively managed risk-based strategies such as the Ambassador Series. Additionally, the firm offers a Diversified Income Strategy, Tactical U.S. Equity Strategy, Tactical International Equity Strategy, Focused Yield Strategy, Select Alternative Strategy, and various Custom Strategies and Rep-managed Accounts.
FCI Advisors
Located in Overland Park, FCI Advisors is the top-rated financial advisory firm in the state of Kansas. This practice, which manages billions of dollars in assets, works with a ton of clients, both individual and institutional. Most of the firm's clients are non-high-net-worth individuals. Institutional clients at the firm include banks, investment companies, pooled investment vehicles, pensions, profit sharing plans, charities, government entities, other investment advisors, insurance companies and other businesses.
Advisors at FCI don't earn commissions from selling financial products to clients, which makes the firm fee-only. Minimum account sizes at FCI Advisors will vary depending on the type of account you choose to open. Minimums may range from $100,000 to $250,000. The firm bases its advisory fees on a percentage of assets under management.
FCI Advisors has a large team that includes a number of financial certifications, including advisors who hold the following designations:
- Certified Financial Planners™ (CFPs®)
- Chartered financial analyst (CFA)
- Chartered alternative investment analyst (CAIA)
- Investment advisor compliance professional (IACCP)
FCI Advisors Background
FCI Advisors was founded in 1966 and has been in business ever since. However, it only became an SEC-registered investment advisor in 1995. FCI is owned by FCI Holding Corporation, which is owned by MTC Holding Corporation. It has offices in Kansas City, Missouri; Clayton, Missouri; Greenwood Village, Colorado; Shelton, Connecticut; Reston, Virginia; and Vancouver, Washington.
FCI Advisors Investment Strategy
FCI Advisors uses several different investment strategies, model portfolios and accounts to help grow client assets. They look to do so on an individualized and tailored basis. Advisors work with clients to determine their objectives, including overall financial situations, tolerance for risk and other important information. They then decide how to properly proceed.
Advisors at FCI don't usually stick to specific securities when populating client portfolios. Portfolios may include equities, fixed-income securities, small-, medium- and large-cap companies, both domestic and international securities, and real estate investment trusts, among others.
Two West Capital Advisors
Two West Capital Advisors is a fee-based firm that offers retirement plan consulting, wealth building and financial wellness services to individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations and business entities. The firm typically requires a $500,000 minimum account size to work with them. Not meeting the minimum can be considered on an account-by-account basis. Institutional clients typically need an account size of $2,000,000.
As a fee-based firm there is a potential conflict of interest as the advisors may earn commissions for the sale of certain securities. However, the firm and its advisors are bound by a fiduciary duty to put the needs of each client first.
Two West Capital Advisors Background
Two West Capital Advisors was founded in 2010. The firm is run by Marko Ungashick as CEO and Ryan Rink as President. Today, the firm manages more than $2.7 billion in assets under management (AUM) across its 14 advisors.
Two Wests Capital Advisors Investment Strategy
The firm primary investment strategy is to build efficient portfolios for clients using the principles of Modern Portfolio Theory. The firm will analyze each client's individual needs to make the right investment strategy to meet the needs of that client.
FAS Wealth Partners
Financial Advisory Service is a Leawood-based firm with a team that includes nine certified financial planners (CFPs). The firm doesn't have a minimum account size requirement, but it does suggest that clients have $500,000 in investable assets.
This fee-based firm primarily works with individuals (both high-net-worth and not), businesses, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, pension and profit-sharing plans. When it comes to its individual client base, the firm works with more individuals than high-net-worth individuals.
Some advisors at this firm sell insurance policies or securities, and they may earn commissions from sales. This can lead to a conflict of interest, since these advisors have a financial incentive to recommend certain products over others. However, the firm does abide by fiduciary duty, meaning it must act in your best interest.
Financial Advisory Service Background
Founded in 1979, Financial Advisory Service is one of the oldest firms on this list. The firm’s founder is Max Greer Jr., who is no longer with the firm. The firm, which registered with the SEC in 1983, is currently owned by 20 people and trusts.
If you have a specific financial goal you want to reach, this firm can build a matching investment management plan that is meant to get you there within your time horizon. If you prefer general financial planning, the firm offers budget planning, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance review and services that focuse on other areas of note.
Financial Advisory Service Investment Strategy
The first step in the firm’s investment-building process is helping you define your financial goals. You’ll go over things like your current account balances, insurance needs, income taxes, retirement goals and any existing investments. Using this information, your advisor will build a plan. Typically, the firm invests its clients’ assets in investments like mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), equity securities, annuities and more.
The advisor-client relationship doesn’t end there. Once your advisor puts your strategy into place, he or she will constantly update you on any changes in your account. This open line of communication maximizes transparency, giving you more control over your money.
Modern Wealth Management
Modern Wealth Management is a fee-based firm that caters to a diverse clientele including individuals, high net-worth individuals, trusts, pension and retirement plans, and estates. They generally require a minimum of $500,000 in investable assets per household, although this threshold may be negotiable or waived based on the firm's discretion.
Fee-based firms can present a potential conflict of interest but the firm and its advisors are bound by a fiduciary duty to put the needs of each client first.
Modern Wealth Management Background
Modern Wealth Management was founded in 2022. The firm is entirely owned by Modern Wealth Holdings, LLC, which acts as its corporate owner. Today, the firm manages more than $2 billion in assets under management (AUM) across its 36 advisors.
Modern Wealth Management Investment Strategy
Modern Wealth Management employs a variety of investment strategies tailored to align with each client's financial goals. These strategies include strategic asset allocation, tactical approaches, defensive maneuvers, and maintaining a diversified portfolio. The firm invests in a broad range of assets such as stocks, bonds, ETFs, US Government Treasuries, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), alternative investments, mutual funds and money market funds.
Sunesis Advisors, LLC
Sunesis Advisors, another fee-only advisor firm, is next on our list. The Overland Park-based financial advisor firm has a small team of advisors. What makes this firm especially unique is its individual client base. The firm has a very small number of high-net-worth clients, and it does not serve any non-high-net-worth clients.
Not surprisingly, the firm calls for a minimum of $5 million in investable assets to open an account. Aside from its small group of individual clients, the firm also can work with trusts, estates, charities and businesses.
As a fee-only practice, Sunesis and its advisors do not sell financial products or insurance for commissions. The firm's revenue comes from the fees that clients pay for advisory services, not third-party firms. Like most firms, Sunesis' fees are charged as a percentage of assets under management.
Sunesis Advisors Background
Founder Chad Battison established Sunesis Advisors in 2011. Battison’s financial industry experience extends far beyond that though. He has been in the field since 1994, giving him a total of 25 years of experience. Battison remains the firm's majority owner and its chief compliance officer.
Holisticity is the hallmark of how this firm attempts to attend to its clients’ personal, familial and business needs. The firm focuses on the following areas:
- Retirement planning
- Estate planning
- Tax planning and mitigation
- Asset protection
- Business succession planning
- Insurance coverage review
Sunesis Advisors Investment Strategy
There are two basic routes that this firm will take to build a client’s portfolio. Either Sunesis will use third-party investment managers to flesh out and diversify a client’s account, or it will utilize mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and co-mingled funds to accomplish the same task.
While the second approach is fairly typical, the prospect of using outside managers is not quite as common. The firm asserts that working in this way will maximize your net worth and current cash flow while keeping your investments diversified, instead of trying to fit your needs into the firm’s preferred investment methods.
Meritage Portfolio Management, Inc.
Established in 1991, Meritage Portfolio Management is a fee-only advisory firm. It mainly works with high-net-worth individuals, but it also extends its services to clients outside this scope. To work with the firm, you’d need a minimum investment of $2 million.
As a fee-only firm, Meritage collects only fees for its own services. It doesn’t sell its own products or earns commissions by recommending one investment or provider instead of another. This can significantly reduce potential conflicts of interest since the advisor won’t be incentivized to make recommendations that could earn him or her more in compensation.
The firm is currently staffed by multiple advisors who hold the chartered financial analyst (CFA), Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), certified public accountant (CPA) and chartered investment counselor (CIC).
Meritage Portfolio Management Background
Meritage Portfolio Management was formed in 1991 by Evans, Bash, Magrino and Klein, Inc. The firm generally offers financial planning and portfolio management services to its clients.
Its two primary owners are Mark E. Eveans and James M. Klein, who both serve as senior portfolio managers for the firm. Together, they trace back more than 70 years of experience in the financial services industry. Two other associates, Leonard C. Mitchell and Sharon L. Divine, own minority interests in the firm.
Meritage Portfolio Management Investment Strategy
Meritage Portfolio Management offers discretionary investment advisory services based on six different equity-driven strategies: Value, Growth, Yield-Focus, Small Cap Value, Small Cap Growth and Small Cap Core, a combination of the Small Cap Value and Small Cap Growth strategies. It also deploys taxable and tax-exempt fixed-income strategies managed conservatively.
To build an asset allocation, Meritage focuses on several factors such as risk tolerance, cash flow needs, time horizon, adaptability to changing market conditions and financial situation and overall investment objectives.
The Retirement Planning Group, Inc.
The Retirement Planning Group is based in Leawood. The firm principally serves individuals and high-net-worth individuals, but it's open to working with corporate retirement plans and private companies. This fee-based firm doesn’t call for a set amount of minimum assets to open an account with one of its advisors.
If an advisor at this firm offers you an insurance policy and you purchase it, know that he or she may earn a commission. However, the firm is registered with the SEC and is bound by fiduciary duty.
There are a number of accredited financial professionals on staff at the Retirement Planning Group, including chartered retirement planning counselors (CRPCs), certified financial planners (CFPs) and chartered mutual fund counselors (CMFCs).
The Retirement Planning Group Background
The Retirement Planning Group has five principal owners: Kevin M. Conard, Ryan P. Costello, Robert R. O’Blennis, Dwight Twillman and Kevin Jaeger.
In addition to its main office in Leawood, the firm also operates branch offices in St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri.
As its name suggests, The Retirement Planning Group's primary service is its comprehensive retirement planning. However, the firm offers investment management, tax management and planning, cash management, charitable trust planning, estate planning and much more.
The Retirement Planning Group Investment Strategy
To design safe, retirement-minded portfolios, The Retirement Planning Group primarily relies on mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) when building client portfolios. The firm uses its own proprietary analysis and research to determine which securities are best suited for your needs.
The firm seeks to create a well-diversified asset allocation that uses many different areas of the investment market. To do this effectively, the firm will work with you to determine your risk tolerance. While the firm occasionally uses active investment principles, it tends to focus on passive investing.
Westward Investment Advisory
Westward Investment Advisory is a fee-based firm located in Prairie Village. Westward has a small client base, mostly composed of high-net-worth individuals and individuals without a high net worth. The firm, which also works with charitable organizations, does not require a minimum account size.
The firm charges investment advisory fees as a percentage of a client's assets under management. Westward may also charge flat fees or hourly fees for certain services. At least one advisor on staff earns commissions on transactions involving certain securities in his separate role as a representative of a broker-dealer, making Westward a fee-based firm. While commissions and third-party compensation can create conflicts of interest, the firm must abide by fiduciary duty and act in its client's best interests.
Westward does not have an accredited professional on staff, such as Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) or certified public accountants (CPAs).
Westward Investment Advisory Background
Westward Investment Advisory has been in business since 2015. In addition to its office in Prairie Village, Westward also has a location in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Managing directors Casey McLiney and James Holcomb are the primary owners of the firm. Holcomb also serves as the chief executive officer.
The firm's services include portfolio management, financial planning, consulting services and recommendations of third-party money managers.
Westward Investment Advisory Investment Strategy
Like other firms on our list, Westward Investment Advisory builds investment strategies for clients that take into account their financial goals, risk tolerance and liquidity needs. The firm may rely on both tactical and strategic asset allocation when constructing a client's portfolio. Advisors may invest client assets in mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, separately managed accounts and individual securities.
Rocky Mountain Advisers, LLC
Rocky Mountain Advisers (RMA) is a fee-only firm that conducts most of its business in its current headquarters in Salina, Kansas. Unlike most of the firms on our list, RMA doesn’t have a web presence. The firm doesn't require a minimum investment to open an account.
The firm primarily works with non-high-net-worth individuals, but also has high-net-worth individuals, investment companies, retirement plans, corportations, businesses and charities as clients.
Rocky Mountain Advisers Background
Rocky Mountain Advisers formed in 2008. However, it became actively involved in providing investment advisory services in 2010. Its principal equity holder is the Susan L. Ciciora Trust, an irrevocable grantor trust domiciled in Alaska.
In 2018, RMA closed its office in Boulder, Colorado. That same year, it also resigned as co-manager of the Boulder Growth & Income Fund with Stewart West Indies Trading Co,. Ltd. (SIA). It still, however, serves as a sub-advisor to the fund.
The firm provides discretionary investment advisory and financial planning services to private clients. It also sub-advises the Boulder Growth & Income Fund, a closed-end mutual fund registered with the SEC.
The firm provides discretionary investment advisory and financial planning services to private clients. It also sub-advises the Boulder Growth & Income Fund, a closed-end mutual fund registered with the SEC.
Rocky Mountain Advisers Investment Strategy
Rocky Mountain Advisers develops asset allocations based on a client’s objectives including maximum capital appreciation, tax situation, income and projected growth of income. On a discretionary basis, the firm may invest your assets in the following.
- Exchange-listed securities, including exchange traded funds (ETFs)
- Securities traded over-the-counter
- Foreign issuers
- Warrants
- Corporate debt securities (other than commercial paper)
- Municipal securities
- Variable annuities
- Mutual fund shares
- U.S. governmental securities
- Options contracts on securities
- Interests in partnerships investing in oil and gas interests
- Certificates of deposit
Based on your financial situation and objectives, the firm may engage in long-or-short-term purchases. Long-term strategies typically involve seeking potentially undervalued securities and holding on to these in the account for at least a year. The latter involves purchasing securities with the intent to sell them within a year or less.