Located in Kirkland, Washington, Robinswood Financial is a fee-only advisory firm that designs and monitors diversified investment portfolios. This practice is also the No. 1 firm on SmartAsset's list of the top financial advisors in Kirkland.
As a fee-only firm, all compensation at Robinswood comes from client-paid fees. On the other hand, fee-based advisors earn client-paid fees plus third-party sales commissions.
Robinswood Financial Background
Robinson Financial was formed in 2007. Edward L. Ward, the firm's principal owner is board-certified in estate planning (BCE) and also holds the certified fund specialist (CFS) credential.
Ward leads a team of advisors who hold the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), chartered life underwriter (CLU), chartered financial consultant (ChFC), chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC) and accredited asset management specialist (AAMS) designations.
Robinswood Financial Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
Robinson Financial primarily works with individuals and high-net-worth individuals who have long-term investment goals and possess an understanding of the financial markets and different asset classes. The firm also notes that most of its clients are willing to leave the day-to-day investment decisions to the professionals.
The firm's minimum requirement for an account is $250,000, but it may waive this amount for people who are referred to the firm by clients.
Services Offered by Robinswood Financial
Robinswood Financial provides fee-only investment management services. It begins by collecting information about the client’s finances, long-term investment goals and risk tolerance. It then devises an asset allocation that aligns with the client profile. The firm’s investment professionals then establish and monitor an investment portfolio and make adjustments if deemed necessary.
These accounts are generally opened on a brokerage platform offered by Charles Schwab. At least quarterly, the firm contacts its clients requesting them to notify their advisor about any changes to their financial situation.
Robinswood Financial notes in its Firm Brochure (Part 2A of Form ADV) that most of its clients need help managing their taxable accounts, IRAs and 401(k) assets. "We help such clients develop long-term plans for their assets, transition from their working lives into retirement and manage their wealth."
Robinswood Financial Investment Philosophy
Robinswood Financial follows a globally diversified, long-term investment strategy built on academic research rather than active trading. The firm primarily uses institutional index and asset-class mutual funds, along with exchange-traded funds (ETFs), to create tax-efficient, low-cost portfolios. Asset allocations are tailored to each client’s goals and risk tolerance, ranging from ultra conservative to very aggressive, with broad exposure to U.S., international and fixed-income markets.
Fees Under Robinswood Financial
Robinswood Financial charges an annual portfolio management fee based on account size, billed quarterly in arrears. Fees are 0.75% on the first $1 million, 0.20% on amounts up to $5 million, and 0.10% above $5 million. The minimum household account is $250,000, with a $1,875 minimum annual fee. Additional fund and custodial expenses may apply but are not shared with Robinswood.
This chart shows how much you'll pay in advisory fees at Robinswood based on how much money you have invested. These numbers are for individual clients or households:
| *Estimated investment management fees do not include brokerage, custodial, third-party manager or other fees, which can vary in amount. | |
| Estimated Investment Management Fees at Robinswood Financial* | |
| Your Assets | Robinswood Financial Fee Amounts |
| $500K | $3,750 |
| $1MM | $7,500 |
| $5MM | $15,500 |
| $10MM | $20,500 |
What to Watch Out For
Robinswood Financial reported no disclosures of legal or disciplinary action on its latest Form ADV.
Opening an Account with Robinswood Financial
To speak to someone about opening an account, fill out this form or call the office toll free at (800) 671-1153.
Tips for Finding the Right Financial Advisor
- Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with 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.
- Talk to at least three prospective advisors to get a sense of fees and investment options. For information about Washington state in particular, check out our list of the top financial advisors in Washington.
All information was accurate as of the writing of this article.
