Finding a Top Financial Advisor Firm in Reno, Nevada
SmartAsset created this list of the top financial advisor firms in Reno to make your search easier. Below, we outline what you need to know about Reno’s top firms, including each firm’s fees, services and investment strategies. You can also use our financial advisor matching tool to find an advisor who serves your area.
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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 |
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1 | RB Capital Management, LLC Find an Advisor | $628,339,624 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
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2 | American Wealth Management Find an Advisor | $501,408,277 | $300,000 |
| Minimum Assets$300,000Financial Services
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3 | Cornerstone Find an Advisor | $364,362,754 | $250,000 |
| Minimum Assets$250,000Financial Services
|
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4 | Legacy Wealth Planning, LLC Find an Advisor | $343,116,393 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
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5 | Schultz Financial Group Incorporated Find an Advisor | $178,133,515 | None |
| Minimum AssetsNoneFinancial Services
|
6 | Sage Financial Advisors, LLC Find an Advisor | $220,239,876 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
7 | Open Window Financial Solutions, Ltd. Find an Advisor | $184,473,975 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
8 | Elevage Partners, LLC Find an Advisor | $162,468,255 | $50,000 |
| Minimum Assets$50,000Financial Services
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9 | GW Financial Find an Advisor | $93,514,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Minimum Assets$1,000,000Financial Services
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10 | Vantage Financial Group, Inc. Find an Advisor | $629,952,759 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
What We Use in Our Methodology
To find the top financial advisors in Reno, 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.
RB Capital Management, LLC
At the top of the list, RB Capital Management is a fee-based firm that works with high-net-worth individuals, corporations, foundations, retirement plans and trusts. It does not have an account minimum.
Advisors here may also be broker-dealers and/or insurance agents. These dual or multiple roles can be confusing: advisors have a fiduciary duty to recommend what's best for clients while brokers and salespeople must only recommend what's suitable. When receiving a recommendation, clients should make sure they understand what it is based on and whether and how the advisor will benefit from it.
RB Capital Management Background
The firm takes its name from founder Rob Ballan's initials. As CEO, he oversees the team and portfolio management process. He is the majority owner of the firm.
For investment management specifically, it offers asset allocation and diversification, distribution of wealth across a range of economic sectors and strategies, due diligence on all investments, client-focused personalized portfolios, continuous monitoring and a fee based on account balance. Clients also have the room to request certain uses or restrictions on how their money is used.
The firm also offers financial planning services and a wrap fee program.
RB Capital Management Investment Strategy
When providing asset management and investment advisory services, the firm focuses on hedged strategies and managed fixed-income portfolios. The firm's goal is to maximize client returns while limiting risk. It does this by developing diversified, personalized portfolios.
The process at RB Capital Management begins with a client interview to understand the situation and risk. Then firm then creates an action plan, designed for the long term.
It uses a combination of fixed-income, equities and alternative investments such as precious metals, real estate and commodities.
American Wealth Management
American Wealth Management serves far more individuals who do not high net worths than those who do. Aside from individuals, the fee-based firm also works with businesses, investment companies, trusts, estates, charitable organizations and pension and profit-sharing plans. The firm generally requires a minimum of $300,000 to open an account, though it may waive or lower the requirement at its discretion.
Some staff members at this firm have various certifications, including the certified financial planner (CFP), chartered financial analyst (CFA), accredited investment fiduciary (AIF) and chartered market technician (CMT) designations.
Certain advisors are also brokers and/or insurance agents. In these non-advisor roles, they collect transaction-based commissions, which can present potential conflicts of interest. However, American Wealth Management is legally bound by its fiduciary duty to act in clients' best interest.
American Wealth Management Background
Founded in 1988, American Wealth Management is principally owned by the firm’s president, Laif Meidell, who has been in the financial industry for more than 23 years. The rest of this firm has an average of more than 20 years of experience.
Because there is no one-size-fits-all approach for financial management clients, this firm offers a wide range of services, including:
- Pre- or post-retirement planning
- Estate planning and review
- Income tax impact evaluation
- Insurance planning
- Planning for savings
- Charitable giving
- Employee benefit usage
- Budgeting
- Debt management
American Wealth Management Investment Strategy
American Wealth Management believes that the only way to begin creating an attainable financial future is by identifying your exact financial goals. Beyond just that, you will also be required to state your level of risk tolerance, as well as your time horizon. Once a plan is built, your assets will be invested in various exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds, with individual stocks and bonds utilized in certain situations.
While the firm will incorporate technology and its benefits into all of its plans for client portfolios, it also believes that a human connection is necessary for a successful financial relationship. The firm prioritizes what it calls “transparent communication,” pledging to keep you informed on changes in your portfolio through emails, quarterly market reviews and in-person meetings.
Cornerstone
Cornerstone, or Cornerstone Retirement Group, is the next firm on our Reno list. It has a $250,000 account minimum, which it may waive or lower at its discretion. The firm primarily works with individuals who do not have high net worths. It also serves high-net-worth individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, pension and profit-sharing plans, doctors and small businesses.
Several advisors are licensed brokers and/or insurance agents, and one advisor on the team is a certified estate planner (CEP) and chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC). When an advisor has more than one role, there is the potential for a conflict of interest. That said, as an SEC-registered advisor, Cornerstone has the fiduciary duty always to put clients' interests first.
Cornerstone Background
If you've heard of Cornerstone, it may be from seeing its founder and owner, Chris Abts, on cable money news shows. Or maybe you know him from his book, "Redefining Retirement: Creating Security in an Insecure World." He started the firm in 2011.
The firm specializes in comprehensive wealth management (asset management and financial planning) and pension consulting. It also offers complimentary educational events (for the public) and special events for current clients.
Cornerstone Investment Strategy
As with most firms, Cornerstone's investment strategies are based on the client's profile and goals. Its investment recommendations may include exchange-traded funds (ETFs), individual stocks, bonds, other securities, the use of a third-party money manager or platform manager Envestnet Asset Management. When evaluating securities, Cornerstone uses fundamental, technical and cyclical methods of analysis.
According to recent SEC data, assets under the firm's management were primarily invested in equities, with small percentage invested in cash and cash equivalents.
Legacy Wealth Planning, LLC
Legacy Wealth Planning, another fee-based practice, primarily works with individuals and high-net-worth individuals. It serves businesses, charities, non-profits, 403(b) plans, retirement plans and trusts. The firm does not have any minimum account size requirements.
Legacy Wealth Planning's advisors also act as representatives of LPL Financial, one of the nation’s largest broker-dealers. Because they can earn commissions in addition to advisory fees, this represents a potential conflict of interest. The firm is a fiduciary though, meaning it must put clients' best interests before its own.
Legacy Wealth Planning Background
Legacy Wealth Planning has provided investment advisory services since 2017. It is owned by managing partners Phil Mahoney, Mark Levy, Martin McClellan and Chris Vargas.
Services provided by the firm include personalized investment management and financial planning. The firm offers both retirement planning and education planning.
Legacy Wealth Planning Investment Strategy
Rather than offering a cohesive investment approach as a firm, the investment strategies and methodologies used will vary depending on a client's investment advisor representative. All of the investment advisor representatives at Legacy Wealth Planning will, however, create a portfolio based on each client's needs, investment objectives and risk tolerance. The firm typically offers advice on stocks, bonds, annuities and mutual funds.
In addition to customized portfolios, the firm also offers clients model portfolios that are based on different objectives and levels of risk tolerance.
Schultz Financial Group Incorporated
Schultz Financial Group Incorporated, a fee-only firm, caters to a diverse range of clients including individuals, high-net-worth individuals, trusts, estates and business entities. While the firm generally requires a minimum $10,000 annual fee for its Combined Wealth and Investment Management Services, they have the discretion to reduce or waive this fee based on various criteria such as net worth, legacy relationships, managed account composition and the level of services required.
This firm offers a wide range of services to cater to the diverse needs of its clients. These services include combined wealth and non-discretionary investment management, real estate advisory, philanthropic planning, multi-advisor coordination, legacy planning and wealth transfer, stand-alone wealth management services, estate planning, insurance planning and tax planning.
Schultz Financial Group Incorporated Background
Schultz Financial Group Incorporated has been in operation since 1982. The firm is currently under corporate ownership. The Schultz Family 2005 Trust, with Russell Schultz and Vicki Schultz as trustees, is the sole owner of the firm. The firm has five advisors on staff who managed more than $175 million in assets under management (AUM), collectively. The firm has multiple certified financial planners (CFPs).
Schultz Financial Group Incorporated Investment Strategy
Schultz Financial Group Incorporated employs a comprehensive investment approach that focuses on diversification across various strategies, including equities, fixed income, hedged strategies, energy, real estate, commodities, and private equity. The firm also conducts a thorough analysis of investment managers' strategies, utilizing fundamental, technical or cyclical analysis methods.??
When working with clients, the firm takes into consideration their investment risk tolerance, financial situation, investment objectives, designated investment objectives, and any restrictions on services. This ensures that the firm can tailor its investment strategies to meet the unique needs and preferences of each individual client.
Sage Financial Advisors, Inc.
Sage Financial Advisors is a fee-only firm that suggests a minimum account size of $750,000 but does not require a minimum balance size. Its typical clients include individuals, high-net-worth individuals, charitable institutions, foundations, trusts, corporate pension and profit-sharing plans, municipalities and endowments.
The firm's small team holds several financial certifications including the chartered financial analyst (CFA), accredited investment fiduciary (AIF), chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC) and financial paraplanner qualified professional (FPQP) designations.
As a fee-only practice, Sage and its advisors do not sell financial products or insurance for commissions. Instead, the firm only collects fees that are paid directly by clients, not third-party firms.
Sage Financial Advisors Background
Brian Loy formed Sage Financial Advisors in 1996. Today, he is the firm’s president and majority shareholder, sharing ownership with CCO Kirstin Griffin and Stan Teilgland.
Sage Financial Advisors offers wealth management, retirement planning, risk management and personal financial services for individuals. The firm approaches wealth management for businesses by providing services to aid with expansion, human capital, profitability, leader succession, exit planning and tax minimization.
Sage Financial Advisors Investment Strategy
The investment types that Sage uses in its client accounts can be divided into two categories: equities and fixed income. It may recommend market-centric index funds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), U.S. government and corporate securities, preferred stocks, municipal bonds, CDs, investment trusts and closed-end funds.
The firm believes that by combining the above investments and focusing on a long-term strategy, it can mitigate the emotional pitfalls of investing and the trigger finger that sometimes accompanies them. Sage’s advisors will rebalance your portfolio periodically. Rebalancing will also occur if your financial objectives change.
Open Window Financial Solutions, Ltd.
Open Window Financial Solutions is a fee-only that serves individuals, high-net-worth individuals, pensions and profit-sharing plans. While the firm does not impose a minimum account size, it does charge a minimum annual fee of $6,000. That means accounts with less than $343,000 will pay a higher management fee than 1.75%.
As a fee-only practice, advisors do not collect transaction-based commissions. Their only compensation comes from the advisory fees they collect from clients.
The Open Window team's financial certifications include the certified financial planner (CFP) and accredited investment fiduciary (AIF) designations, as well as the financial paraplanner qualified professional (FPQP) credential.
Open Window Financial Solutions Background
Joe Hollen founded the firm in 2004. His son Eric Hollen became a co-owner in 2017. Both Hollens are certified financial planners (CFPs). The elder Hollen is also a medical doctor.
The firm offers investment advisory services on a discretionary basis. It also provides financial planning and consulting and advisory services to ERISA retirement plans.
Open Window Financial Solutions Investment Strategy
When evaluating securities, Open Window uses fundamental analysis. Its strategies include both long-term and short-term purchases. According to recent SEC data, assets under the firm's management were mostly (85%) invested in securities issued by registered investment companies (such as mutual funds) or business development companies, while the remaining 15% of assets were invested in exchange-traded stocks.
Elevage Partners, LLC
Elevage Partners, the final firm on our Reno list, is a fee-based practice that serves individuals, high-net-worth individuals and pooled investment vehicles. The firm requires a minimum account size of $50,000.
In addition to client-paid fees, some advisors at Elevage may receive commissions for selling insurance products in their separate roles as insurance agents. While this may lead to a conflict of interest, advisors have a fiduciary duty to act in your best interests. The Elevage team includes one advisor who holds the certified finanical planner (CFP) designation.
Elevage Partners Background
Elevage Partners was founded in 2011 by the firm's CEO and chief compliance officer, Jeffery D. Powell. He remains the principal owner of the business.
The firm offers individual portfolio management and financial planning services that may touch on a variety of areas, including a client's tax and cash flow situation, investments, retirement plan, estate plan and insurance policies. The firm also manages its own in-house funds, which it may recommend to certain clients.
Elevage Partners Investment Strategy
Like many other firms, Elevage Partners first identify a client's financial goals and objectives, and then establishes an investment policy. Depending on their policy, a client's assets may then be invested in a combination of exchange-listed securities, mutual funds, ETFs, corporate debt securities and municipal securities.
The firm takes a long-term approach to investing, but may use short-term purchases (assets that are held for up to a year). Elevage Partners also use fundament analysis, economic and market analysis, as well as mutual fund/ETF analysis.
GW Financial
GW Financial is a fee-based firm that works with both individuals and high-net-worth individuals, as well as pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations, corporations and trusts.
The firm’s minimum account size is $1 million. Fees for wealth management are based on a percentage of assets under management while financial planning fees are charged at a flat rate. The team includes three certified financial planners (CFPs), one certified public accountant (CPA), a chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC) and an accredited investment fiduciary (AIF).
At least one member fo the GW Financial team may receive third-party compensation for recommending certain advisory products. However, the firm has a fiduciary duty to always act in its client's best interests.
GW Financial Background
GWF was founded in 1981 by Glenn Woody. Woody sold the firm in 2014 to Julie Anderson Bray and Scott Anderson. In addition to the Reno headquarters, there are offices in Costa Mesa, California, and Palm Desert, California
Services offered at the firm include investment management, financial planning, retirement planning, life insurance and divorce planning.
GW Financial Investment Strategy
The firm primarily relies on strategic asset allocation, an investment strategy includes setting target percentages for various asset classes in a portfolio. As for investments, GW Financial allocates client assets across actively managed funds, broad sector funds and exchange-traded funds. The firm says portfolios are globally diversified to control the risk associated with traditional markets.
Vantage Financial Group
Vantage Wealth Planning, a fee-only firm, caters to a diverse range of clients, including individuals, business entities, charitable institutions, foundations, trusts and estates. The firm offers a range of services to meet the financial needs of its clients. These services include financial planning and consulting services, investment advisory services, and non-investment consulting/implementation services. There is no minimum account size to work with the firm.
Vantage Financial Group Background
Vantage Wealth Planning was established in 2014. The firm is owned by multiple owners, including Kyle McCann, who serves as the Managing Member, and Benson Mathews. The firm's two advisors collectively manage more than $130 million in assets under management (AUM) and both have earned their certified financial planner (CFP) certification.
Vantage Financial Group Investment Strategy
Vantage Financial Group's investment strategy focuses on long-term purchases, where securities are held for at least a year, as well as short-term purchases, where securities are sold within a year. In terms of typical investments, the firm commonly utilizes various mutual funds and/or ETFs, individual equity (stocks), and debt (bonds) and fixed-income securities. The firm takes into consideration various client investor characteristics such as their financial situation, investment objectives, designated investment objectives, asset allocation, account performance and their individual risk tolerance