Finding a Top Financial Advisor Firm in New Hampshire
Finding a financial advisor can mean doing a lot of homework as you compare different advisors' fees, services and other factors. To help you make this important decision, we set out to identify the top ten advisor firms in New Hampshire. In this list you can easily compare the firms across such fundamentals as assets under management (AUM), fees and investment strategy. If you don’t have a financial advisor yet, finding one doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
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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 | Lake Street Advisors ![]() | $3,108,813,749 | $20,000,000 |
| Minimum Assets$20,000,000Financial Services
|
2 | The Harbor Group, Inc. ![]() | $1,532,470,964 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
3 | Charter Oak Capital Management ![]() | $1,109,715,192 | $350,000 |
| Minimum Assets$350,000Financial Services
|
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4 | Independence Financial Advisors, LLC ![]() | $349,110,003 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
5 | Northeast Planning Associates, Inc. ![]() | $301,435,475 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
6 | Arcadia Wealth Management ![]() | $336,764,559 | $10,000 |
| Minimum Assets$10,000Financial Services
|
7 | Carlson Investments ![]() | $634,897,677 | $250,000 |
| Minimum Assets$250,000Financial Services
|
8 | CMH Wealth Management, LLC ![]() | $695,111,412 | $8,000 minimum annual fee |
| Minimum Assets$8,000 minimum annual feeFinancial Services
|
9 | Milestone Financial Planning, LLC ![]() | $423,891,386 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
10 | Mascoma Wealth Management, LLC ![]() | $435,321,103 | $10,000 |
| Minimum Assets$10,000Financial Services
|
What We Use in Our Methodology
To find the top financial advisors in New Hampshire, 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.
Lake Street Advisors
At the top of our list is Lake Street Advisors, a fee-only financial advisor firm, which is headquartered in Portsmouth. The firm also has a branch office in Boston. The firm primarily serves high-net-worth individuals and pension and profit-sharing plans. Investors are required to have a minimum investment of $20 million. Accounts are managed on a discretionary and non-discretionary basis.
Advisors at Lake Street hold numerous professional designations, including chartered financial analyst (CFA), Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), investment adviser certified compliance professional (IACCP), certified retirement counselor (CRC), certified divorce financial analyst (CDFA), chartered alternative investment advisor (CAIA) and certified private wealth advisor (CPWA).
Lake Street Advisors Background
Founded in 2003, Lake Street Advisors is an indirect, majority-owned subsidiary of Focus Financial Partners, LLC. CEO Buddy Webb and three other firm managers own small stakes in the firm.
Lake Street offers investment management and stand-alone financial planning. It also provides multi-family office and wealth management services, including holistic financial planning, asset allocation, investment management, financial reporting, cash flow and liquidity reporting, gift and estate planning, insurance and asset protection planning, income tax planning, bill payment administration and concierge services.
Lake Street Advisors Investment Strategy
Lake Street Advisors assigns to each client a team composed of a partner and a dedicated relationship manager (financial planner) who will coordinate with the investment team, which in turn includes an investment manager and investment analyst. Once the client’s portfolio has been constructed, and customized to goals and other key factors, the investment team will monitor and periodically rebalance it. The firm notes that its “recommendations are not limited to any specific product or service offered by a broker-dealer, investment company, or insurer.”
As of Lake Street’s most recent SEC filings, the firm invests in a plethora of different securities. These include stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs), hedge funds, private equity, warrants, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds and more.
The Harbor Group
Based in Bedford, The Harbor Group manages client assets primarily on a discretionary basis for both high-net-worth and non-high-net-worth individuals. It also works with a few retirement plans and charitable organizations.
The advisory team here includes many designations such as Certified Financial Planners™ (CFPs®), one chartered financial analyst (CFA), one chartered financial consultant (ChFC), one certified public accountant (CPA), one chartered alternative investment analyst (CAIA) and one certificate in investment performance measurement (CIPM).
There is no set account minimum.
The Harbor Group Background
Marc Herbert and Timothy Riley co-founded The Harbor Group in 1981. Herbert no longer works at the firm. Today, it's owned by President and CEO Tim Riley, Chief Planning Officer (CPO) Chris MacBean and Chief Investment Officer (CIO) Ryan Callaghan.
Investment advisory services are on a fee basis, but advisors who are insurance agents may receive commissions in their other capacities. In addition to investment management and insurance products, the practice offers financial planning, which can cover such topics as cash flow, college planning, retirement planning, tax planning, insurance review and estate planning.
The Harbor Group Investment Strategy
The Harbor Group primarily uses strategic asset allocation, emphasizing, it notes, “prudent diversification of assets and long-term investment planning consistent with the client’s objectives.” In constructing portfolios, the firm utilizes mostly no-load mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, usually through discount brokers.
In most cases, this firm is not generally involved in the analysis or recommendation of individual securities like stocks and bonds. Instead, it tends to focus on mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Charter Oak Capital Management
Charter Oak Capital Management is a fee-only firm, which means all of its compensation comes from client-paid fees. Various professional designations are represented among advisors, including Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), certified public accountant (CPA), financial paraplanner qualified professional (FPQP), chartered retirement planning counselors (CRPC) and more.
Investment management accounts are primarily handled on a discretionary basis. The firm's minimum investment is $350,000, though it may, at its own sole discretion, accept clients with less than that. In addition, the vast majority of clients do not have a high net worth. The firm also serves high-net-worth individuals and charitable organizations.
Charter Oak Capital Management Background
Jeffrey Troiano started Charter Oak Capital Management in 2002. He is the majority owner of the firm, while four other partners have minority stakes. While the firm is based in Portsmouth, it has two other offices in Maine (Portland and Kennebunk).
The firm offers a wide selection of services across areas like portfolio management, financial planning and retirement plan consulting.
Charter Oak Capital Management Investment Strategy
Using charting, fundamental and technical analysis as well as analysis of economic, market, industry, firm and product cycles and trends, Charter Oak Capital Management’s investment strategies include long-term purchases (securities held at least a year), short-term purchases (securities sold between 30 days and one year) and trading (securities sold within 30 days).
The firm makes option transactions when clients make a special request. That said, for accounts whose discretionary investment authority it controls, the firm does not use options or other derivatives.
Independence Financial Advisors
Independence Financial Advisors works primarily with individuals whose assets are both above and below the high-net-worth threshold. It also serves pension and profit-sharing plans and businesses.
As a fee-based firm, some of Independence Financial’s advisors may be licensed to sell insurance and investment products and could earn commissions on those transactions, which is a potential conflict of interest. However, the firm’s fiduciary obligations require the team to act in the best interests of clients.
Independence Financial does not impose a minimum account requirement.
Independence Financial Advisors Background
Headquartered in Franklin, Independence Financial Advisors was founded in 2011. The firm is a wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Savings Bank, a New Hampshire state-chartered mutual savings bank.
Client assets are managed mostly on a discretionary, but some accounts are managed on a non-discretionary basis. The firm employs seven investor advisor representatives.
Independence Financial Advisors Strategy
Independence Financial manages client assets based on financial goals, time horizon and risk tolerance. These include:
- Wealth management
- Retirement planning
- Estate planning
- Financial planning
Northeast Planning Associates
Northeast Planning Associates (NPA) works solely with individuals with and without a high net worth. As a fee-based firm, some of NPA’s advisors may be licensed to sell insurance and investment products, and they could earn commissions on those transactions. Although this is a potential conflict of interest, the firm’s fiduciary obligations require the team to act in the best interests of clients, at all times.
NPA does not impose a minimum account requirement to engage in services.
Northeast Planning Associates Background
NPA was founded as a registered investment advisor in 1984. The owners of NPA are founder and CEO Edward C. Hiers and president and chief operating officer (COO) Benjamin Hiers.
The firm’s financial team holds multiple certifications, including Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), chartered financial consultants (ChFC), chartered life underwriter (CLU), certified investment management analyst (CIMA) and certified kingdom advisor (CKA).
Northeast Planning Associates Strategy
NPA offers investment advice, insurance strategies and brokerage services based on client financial goals, time horizon and risk tolerance. These include:
- Financial planning
- Investment management
- Educational accounts
- Insurance programs
Research and analysis from NPA is derived from numerous sources, including financial media companies, third-party research materials, Internet sources, and reviews of company activities, including annual reports, prospectuses, press releases and research prepared by others. Fundamental analysis utilizes economic and business indicators as investment selection criteria.
NPA generally employs a long-term investment strategy for its clients, as consistent with their financial goals.
Arcadia Wealth Management
Arcadia Wealth Management is a fee-based firm that caters to caters to individuals, high-net-worth individuals, and pension and profit-sharing plans. The firm offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet various financial needs, including investment planning, life insurance, addressing tax concerns and retirement planning. There is typically a requirement of $10,000 to open an account.
As a fee-based firm, there is the potential for a conflict of interest as both the firm and its advisors can earn a commission for the sale of certain securities. However, the firm is bound by a fiduciary duty to put the needs of each client first.
Arcadia Wealth Management Background
Arcadia Wealth Management was founded in 2016. The firm is solely owned and operated by Michael R. Panico. Today, the firm manages more than $300 million in assets under management (AUM) across its five advisors.
Arcadia Wealth Management Investment Philosophy
The firm focuses primarily on long-term trading strategies to align with the financial goals of their clients. Their investment portfolio typically includes mutual funds, fixed-income securities, and real estate funds, such as REITs. Additionally, they invest in insurance products like annuities, equities, various ETFs including those focused on gold and precious metals and treasury inflation-protected or inflation-linked bonds.
DL Carlson Investment Group
Named after founder Dave Carlson, DL Carlson Investment Group has been in business since 1989. The fee-only firm in Concord employs a team of advisors that includes one chartered financial analyst (CFA) and one chartered alternative investment analyst (CAIA).
With a minimum $250,000 investment required, the firm serves both non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals. The firm's on-staff advisors also work with pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations and businesses.
DL Carlson Investment Group Background
Firm chairman Dave Carlson founded DL Carlson Investment Group in 1989. Carlson has had a long career as a financial advisor, as he's spent more than 50 years in the industry. The firm is employee-owned, with president and chief investment officer (CIO) Jay Mullins acting as principal owner.
The boutique practice primarily offers investment management services, in addition to a selection of wealth management offerings.
DL Carlson Investment Group Investment Strategy
DL Carlson Investment Group offers three portfolio investment styles: equity, balanced and fixed-income. Primarily using fundamental analysis when selecting investments, it employs long-term purchases, short-term purchases, trading, margin transactions and option writing (including covered options, uncovered options or spreading strategies).
Before the firm invests any of your money, it makes sure to go over your personal needs with you directly. This involves doing a deep dive into your risk tolerance, time horizon, long- and short-term investment goals, income needs and more. In the end, your portfolio's composition and management will rely on these guiding characteristics.
CMH Wealth Management
Lending the first initial of their last names to the firm’s name, the founders of CMH Wealth Management are Brian Carolan, Karen McCloskey and Kristen Hanley.
They, along with a few other advisors, manage the firm's client assets on a solely discretionary basis. Team members hold various professional accreditations, including Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), chartered financial analyst (CFA), certified trust and fiduciary advisor (CTFA) and certified private wealth advisor (CPWA).
With around a few hundred clients, the North Hampton practice’s client-to-advisor ratio is quite low. It serves individuals who are both high-net-worth and non-high-net-worth. The fee-only firm does not have a published investment minimum, though it charges a minimum $8,000 annual fee.
CMH Wealth Management Background
Before founding their boutique investment firm in 2009, McCloskey, Carolan and Hanley worked at U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management together. Carolan and McCloskey primarily own the firm, while Hanley has a small stake.
CMH offers portfolio management and financial planning. It can provide guidance on such areas as financial, retirement, estate, tax, insurance and charitable planning.
CMH Wealth Management Investment Strategy
In its investment management process, CMH Wealth Management applies qualitative and quantitative analyses to select securities. It may invest in individual stocks and bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and money market instruments.
All client portfolios are tailored to their owner's specific needs. To accurately build a portfolio for you, the firm will meet to discuss your risk tolerance, investment goals, time horizon, liquidity needs and more. As your goals change over time, the firm will adjust your portfolio accordingly.
Milestone Financial Planning
Milestone Financial Planning is a fee-only firm that caters to a diverse clientele including individuals, high-net-worth individuals, trusts, non-profit organizations and small businesses. The firm does not require a minimum asset level to start a relationship.
The firm provides education funding analysis, retirement planning, estate planning, and investment management services. Other offerings encompass cash management, insurance for asset protection, education planning, and coordination with other advisors such as estate planning attorneys, tax accountants and insurance agents.
Milestone Financial Planning Background
Milestone Financial Planning was founded in 2002. The firm is collectively managed by multiple owners, including Jennifer Climo, Jonathan Harrington, and Kathryn Lund-Wilde. Today, the firm manages more than $400 million in assets under management (AUM) across its five advisors.
Milestone Financial Planning Investment Philosophy
The firm employs a strategic approach to investing that emphasizes long-term growth through globally diversified portfolios of stocks and bonds. The firm focuses on disciplined asset allocation, tax efficiency and the avoidance of market timing and speculative practices. Investments are primarily made in low-cost, passively managed mutual funds and ETFs. Regular rebalancing is conducted to ensure that each client's investments align with their desired risk tolerance levels.
Mascoma Wealth Management
Mascoma Wealth Management is a fee-only firm, which means its only form of compensation is what clients pay for services. While Mascoma Wealth tends to focus on investment services, it also provides financial planning.
The firm has a $10,000 minimum investment requirement. When it comes to individual clients, the firm works with more people below the high-net-worth threshold than above it. Institutional clients of the firm include charities, businesses, government entities and retirement plans.
Most of Mascoma Wealth Management's client accounts are managed on a discretionary basis, with a minority managed on a non-discretionary basis.
Mascoma Wealth Management Background
Mascoma Wealth Management was created in 2013. The firm, whose office is in Hanover, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mascoma Bank. Zuzana Brochu joined the firm in October 2022.
Among the professional certifications held by various team members are Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), chartered financial consultant (ChFC), chartered advisor for senior living (CASL), FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, 65, 66 licenses and juris doctorate.
Mascoma Wealth Management Investment Philosophy
When working with clients, Mascoma Wealth Management will work to understand their needs. This is done before the creation of a portfolio, as a client's investing characteristics play a large part in how their portfolio is built. For example, the firm may go over your risk tolerance, time horizon, income needs and long-term goals.
Once your investor profile is complete, the firm will flesh out your portfolio with a wide variety of securities. According to the firm's Form ADV, it tends to invest in some combination of individual stocks and bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and cash.