Retirement Planners of America was co-founded in 2011 by Ken Moraif, who hosts the radio show "Money Matters with Ken Moraif" and is known for calling the 2008 stock market crash. The fee-based firm, which was originally called Money Matters with Ken Moraif. With headquarters in the Dallas suburb of Plano, Texas, Retirement Planners of America is on SmartAsset's top financial advisor lists for Plano and Texas.
Moraif, who focuses on helping retirees and soon-to-be retirees, made news when he wrote in Kiplinger that he sold all of his client positions in equities the day before WHO declared the coronavirus pandemic. He says that his decision was prompted by the same sell signal that his mathematical formula gave in November 2007 and led to his staying out of the stock market from November 2007 to mid-2009.
Retirement Planners of America Background
Retirement Planners of America switched to its current name in 2019. The Moraif Family Exempt Irrevocable Trust, which Moraif controls, is the principal owner of the firm.
The firm employs advisors who hold designations including Certified Financial Planners™ (CFPs®), chartered financial consultants (ChFCs), chartered retirement planning counselors (CRPCs) and more. General investment management and financial planning are the hallmark offerings of the firm. In addition to Plano, Retirement Planners of America has six other offices in Texas, three in California, two in Arizona and one in Oklahoma City.
Retirement Planners of America Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
Retirement Planners of America works almost exclusively with individual clients, the vast majority of whom fall below the high-net-worth mark. The firm also manages the assets of pension and profit-sharing plans.
Retirement Planners of America does not have a minimum account size for any of their accounts. That being said, the firm's advisors may turn you away if your account balance is deemed to be too small to manage effectively.
Services Offered by Retirement Planners of America
Retirement Planners of America offers portfolio management as well as several financial planning services, including retirement planning, estate planning, tax planning and long-term care planning. However, the firm notes in paperwork filed with the SEC that it does not prepare estate planning documents or tax returns. If clients so choose, it does offer discretionary investment services via a wrap-fee program.
Retirement Planners of America Investment Philosophy
Retirement Planners of America looks to develop relationships with all its clients in order to help them meet their individual investment goals. The firm manages portfolios on a discretionary basis, but clients have significant input and can, to a certain extent, direct portfolio allocation as they see fit.
A range of asset classes may be recommended, but the firm tends to focus on exchange-traded funds, mutual funds, variable annuities and other asset classes that are geared towards retirement. These mutual funds often invest in various stocks and bonds, but the firm may choose those that invest in other securities as well.
Fees Under Retirement Planners of America
Retirement Planners of America has a simple fee schedule, charging an annual fee of generally 1.30% of clients' assets under management. This fee may be higher under certain circumstances or negotiated lower at the firm's discretion. For example, certain legacy clients may pay a 1.25% fee. Annual fees are payable on a quarterly basis, in arrears. The firm does not charge performance-based fees.
| *Estimated investment management fees do not include brokerage, custodial, mutual fund or other fees, which can vary in amount. | |
| Estimated Investment Management Fees at Retirement Planners of America* | |
| Your Assets | Retirement Planners of America Annual Fee Amount |
| $250K | $3,125 |
| $500K | $6,250 |
| $1MM | $12,500 |
| $5 MM | $62,500 |
Clients with less than $250,000 in assets are enrolled in the firm's RPOA Direct program and pay an annual fee of 1.85%.
Retirement Planners of America Awards and Recognition
The firm did make Barron's "Top 100 Independent Wealth Advisors" list for eight years, between 2012 to 2019. In 2023, the firm ranked No. 85 among the publication's list of top 100 RIA firms.
Additionally, the Better Business Bureau has rated it an A+.
What to Watch Out For
Retirement Planners of America does not have any disclosures of legal or disciplinary action on its most recent Form ADV.
One thing to note: Almost all advisors at Retirement Planners of America are licensed insurance agents. As a result, they collect commissions on the sale of insurance products, which can potentially pose a conflict of interest. That said, the firm is bound by its fiduciary duty to act in clients' best interests at all times.
Opening an Account With Retirement Planners of America
For Retirement Planners of America to contact you, go to its website and submit your email and phone number. Alternatively, you can call the office closest to you.
- Chandler, Arizona: (480) 462-0600
- Scottsdale, Arizona: (480) 400-7700
- Orange County, California: (949) 396-0100
- Pasadena, California:(323) 703-5750
- Los Angeles: (424) 290-8870
- Oklahoma City: (405) 395-4310
- Austin, Texas: (512) 593-7400376
- Fort Worth, Texas: (817) 717-8200
- Houston: (713) 255-1007
- North Dallas, Texas: (469) 246-3600
- The Woodlands, Texas: (832) 791-2300
All information is accurate as of the writing of this article.
Tips for Financial Planning
It's been said that a goal without a plan is just a dream. If you need help devising your plan so you can achieve your financial goals, consider hiring a financial advisor. Finding a financial advisor 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.
When putting together a retirement income plan, don't forget to take into account your Social Security benefits. While they probably won't be enough to cover all of your expenses, they can supplement your savings. Figure out how much you have coming your way using our Social Security calculator.
