Top Financial Advisors in Scottsdale, AZ

Find an Advisor

Total Investment Management is a fee-based financial advisor firm that serves a niche group: aviation professionals. The firm caters to commercial and military pilots, flight attendants and anyone else with an occupation directly related to flying. Total Investment Management does not require a set account minimum, but rather a $600 minimum annual fee. The firm's clients are mostly non-high-net-worth individuals, with high-net-worth individuals also making up a large part of its client base.

The team includes three Certified Financial Planners™ (CFP®), one Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), one accredited investment fiduciary (AIF) and one chartered market technician (CMT). Howevever, advisors may earn commissions when selling insurance to advisory clients, creating a conflict of interest. However, Total Investment Management is a fiduciary, so it is legally bound to act in your best interest at all times.

The firm offers three main tiers of investment management: TIM Basic, TIM Portfolio and TIM Premier. Here's how they work:

The TIM Basic portfolio is intended for clients who have employer-sponsored retirement plans, and is centered around mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Far more retirement accounts are covered when you move to the TIM Portfolio, including IRAs, trusts and individual/joint accounts. For TIM Premier members, everything above is included, in addition to quarterly and annual check-in calls from your advisor, insurance analysis, estate planning and Social Security optimization.

To determine exactly how it will invest a client’s assets, Total Investment Management uses two types of analysis: fundamental analysis and technical analysis. Fundamental analysis refers to a strategic examination of the overall financial health of a company, as well as the market risks that could negatively or positively affect the future of that company. Technical analysis is focused on spotting trends to predict where the market could be headed.

The firm determines your asset allocation mix and diversification in an attempt to satisfy your financial goals within your desired time horizon. The firm actively manages your investments, which typically comprise mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Your account will be rebalanced if your allocated assets fall out of their predetermined percentages.

Find an Advisor

Ironwood Investment Counsel is a fee-only firm that offers the services of investment advisory, retirement plan consulting and more. The minimum account size to work with the firm is generally $500,000 or more. Unlike fee-based firms, Ironwood's advisors do not sell insurance or securities for commissions, reducing the number of conflicts of interest the firm and its advisors have. 

Founded in 2001, the firm currently has a team of 14 financial advisors and collectively they manage more than $1.5 billion in assets under management (AUM), which is more than any firm on this list. The firm's advisors have earned a number of certifications including the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), certified investment management analyst (CIMA) and certified trust and financial advisor (CTFA) designations. 

The firm works with individual clients, both above and below the high-net-worth threshold, as well as retirement plans, charities, other investment advisors, corporations and other businesses. 

Ironwood's investment strategy varies based on each individual client's needs. The risk assessment is very important during the process of finding the right long-term plan for each client. The firm uses fundamental analysis and primarily invests in individual stocks, bonds, mutual funds and ETFs, employing long-term, short-term and trading strategies. Portfolios are customized to client goals, with potential use of structured notes, covered calls, independent managers and sub-advisors. 

Find an Advisor

Galvin, Gaustad & Stein (GGS) is a fee-only financial advisor firm that requires at least $500,000 in assets to open an account. The firm’s typical clients include non-high-net-worth individuals, high-net-worth individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans and large and small businesses.

Out of the financial advisors who work in the firm’s office, there are five Chartered Financial Analysts (CFAs), three Certified Financial Planners™ (CFP®), one advisor with a certificate in investment performance measurement (CIPM) and one chartered life underwriter (CLU).

Established in 2010, GGS provides financial planning, retirement plan consulting and investment management services. Offerings include business and retirement planning, estate strategies, asset allocation, insurance analysis, charitable giving and risk management. The firm manages portfolios on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis, sponsors a wrap fee program and can work with independent managers or advise on assets held outside primary custodians. 

GGS goes through a three-step process to ensure that it makes the right investment decisions regarding your assets. This process begins with a proprietary research-based screening of the various stocks currently available. Next, your advisor will take a deep dive into estimates on where the stock’s price is headed and how that can affect your future returns. Lastly, the firm narrows down the remaining choices based off of which one has the fewest red flags and the strongest revenue growth.

The firm ultimately selects your investments based on your personal financial goals and risk profile. Depending on your financial situation, GGS will diversify your money throughout major asset classes like exchange-traded funds (ETFs), as well as individual stocks and bonds.

Find an Advisor

Balboa Wealth Partners is a fee-based firm headquartered in Scottsdale, with additional offices in California and Nevada. The firm serves primarily serves individuals, but also works with high-net-worth individuals, retirement plans and businesses. It generally requires a $250,000 minimum account size for portfolio management, and written financial plans typically have a $1,500 minimum fee. 

Founded in 2015, Balboa's services include comprehensive and traditional asset management (both discretionary and non-discretionary), financial planning, retirement plan consulting, and the use of independent managers or turnkey asset management platforms. Financial planning may address investments, retirement, savings, education funding, insurance needs and charitable giving. 

The firm's advisors hold a range of financial specialties, including the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC), chartered financial consultant (ChFC), chartered life underwriter (CLU) and certified investment management analyst (CIMA) designations. 

However, certain advisors are also registered representatives or insurance agents who may earn commissions, creating potential conflicts of interest. As a fiduciary, the firm has a responsibility to disclose these conflicts and always act in clients' best interests. 

Portfolios are constructed based on client goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. Iinvestments may include mutual funds, ETFs, individual stocks, bonds, options, and other public or private securities. The firm uses fundamental, technical, cyclical, charting, quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis. Balboa favors a long-term approach but allows for shorter-term adjustments when appropriate. Asset allocation, sector weighting and security selection are central to the process, and some legacy holdings may be retained for strategic or tax considerations. Portfolios are monitored and rebalanced to maintain alignment with client objectives.

Find an Advisor

Capital Insight Partners is a fee-based financial advisor firm that was founded in 2008. The firm's advisory team includes includes four Chartered Financial Analysts (CFAs), one Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and one accredited investment fiduciary (AIF). Unlike some of its competition on this list, Capital Insight does not require a specific minimum initial investment.

This firm is mostly focused on working with high-net-worth and non-high-net-worth individuals. However, its advisors also work with a variety of retirement plans.

Certain members of the advisory staff at Capital Insight Partners are licensed to sell insurance products or securities for an extra commission. This has the potential to cause a conflict of interest, which the firm mitigates by being a fiduciary, legally binding it to act in clients' best interests.

Financial planning is the centerpiece of Capital Insight's advisory services. This is based around a comprehensive ideology, as the firm can provide budgeting, estate planning, retirement planning, business planning, insurance analysis, investment management and planning, tax management and more.

As for the firm's investment approach and strategy, Capital Insight Partners builds portfolios using stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, alternative investments and private placements. Advisors rely on both fundamental and technical analysis. The firm typically favors long-term holdings but also using short-term trades, options, margin and short sales when appropriate. Asset allocation, security selection and portfolio weighting are tailored to client needs, with strategies ranging from growth-at-a-reasonable-price equities to investment-grade and high-yield bonds.

Find an Advisor

Fortitude Family Office, founded in 2021, is a fee-only investment advisor serving primarily high-net-worth individuals and charitable organizations. The firm has no account minimum but the vast majority of clients have a high net worth.

Fortitude provides investment management, financial planning and comprehensive family office services such as tax and estate planning coordination, cash flow analysis, risk management reviews and administration of charitable giving. 

The team at Fortitude holds a variety of financial certifications, including the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), certified public accountant (CPA) and chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC) designations. As a fee-only practice, advisors do not sell financial products for commissions. 

The firm employs an investment approach based on diversification across multiple asset classes. Portfolios may include separate accounts managed by third-party sub-advisors, ETFs, mutual funds, direct investments, private funds and real estate-related investments. Fortitude may also advise on non-managed assets such as concentrated stock or real estate holdings. 

Find an Advisor

Dew Wealth Management offers a comprehensive range of financial services, primarily focusing on investment management. Clients can opt for discretionary or non-discretionary investment management services, with the flexibility to combine these services with various other offerings. These additional services may cover a broad spectrum, including financial planning and consulting. 

Dew Wealth Management was founded in 1999 and ccurrently has a team of 20 advisors. Those advisors have earned a number of certifications such as the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), chartered financial consultant (ChFC), certified private wealth advisor (CPWA) chartered life underwriter (CLU), certified investment management analyst (CIMA) and certified exit planning advisor (CEPA). 

Specific services may include in-depth reviews of a client’s financial and business situation, coordination with outside professionals, tax and estate planning guidance, insurance and risk management reviews, investment oversight, business valuation, retirement plan consulting and educational programs on financial and investment topics.

Dew Wealth Management designs investment plans around each client’s goals, using research on companies and markets to guide both longer-term and shorter-term investments. Portfolios can include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate investments and sometimes private opportunities. The firm may partner with outside managers, offer socially responsible investing options, and hold cash when needed for flexibility or protection.

Find an Advisor

Founded in 2013, WT Wealth Management is a fee-based practice, as advisors may receive commissions from insurance sales. The firm serves individuals, high-net-worth individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations and businesses. There is no account minimum. 

Advisory offerings include discretionary portfolio management, financial planning and wealth education, covering areas such as investment strategy, asset allocation, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning and risk management.

Portfolios are typically constructed using proprietary investment models tailored to client goals and risk tolerance. Core strategies include its Culturally Significant Equities (investing in companies with substantial societal impact), Quantitative Models (statistical analysis for globally diversified, low-cost ETF portfolios) and Target Risk Models (multi-asset allocations balancing growth and risk mitigation). Additional strategies range from ultra-conservative Enhanced Cash Management to high-risk NextGen thematic equity portfolios. Assets may include individual stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, REITs, commodities, currencies, and alternative investments.

The firm emphasizes diversification, low fees and disciplined long-term investing, using fundamental, technical and cyclical methods of investment analysis. Portfolios are rebalanced at least quarterly, and clients may impose restrictions aligned with personal values. WTWM also offers educational events and publishes regular market commentary to help clients better understand financial concepts and investment decisions.

Find an Advisor

Able Financial Group was founded in 2006 and has operated as an investment advisor since 2023. It is a fee-based firm, meaning its advisors can earn commissions for selling securities and insurance. The firm serves individuals, high-net-worth individuals, charitable organizations, retirement plans, corporations and other businesses. For the firm's Comprehensive Portfolio Management services, the usual minimum account size is $500,000, although this may be waived.

Services include ongoing portfolio management with financial planning, standalone planning and consulting, and retirement plan consulting for employers. Planning and consulting can cover retirement, estate, tax, education, insurance and business needs.

The Able Financial Group team features multiple advisors who are Certified Financial Planners™ (CFP®), one of whom is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

The firm’s investment approach uses asset allocation and various methods of analysis, including fundamental and technical analysis. Strategies may involve long- or short-term securities purchases, fixed income, options, structured notes, private equity and alternative investments. Portfolios can hold stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, REITs, commodities and private securities. 

Asset allocation methods may be strategic, dynamic, tactical or core-satellite, meaning the firm can keep a steady long-term mix, adjust gradually to market conditions, make short-term shifts to pursue opportunities or combine a stable core with a smaller, more actively managed portion.

Find an Advisor

ARQ Wealth Advisors completes our list of the top financial advisory firms in Scottsdale. Founded in 2008, ARQ primarily serves individuals and high-net-worth individuals but offers services to institutional clients, as well. 

Advisory services include discretionary investment management and financial planning in areas like retirement, estate, tax, education, insurance, lending and executive compensation. Portfolios are designed based on client goals, risk tolerance and time horizon, with ongoing monitoring and rebalancing.

Its Wealth Apex service requires a $750,000 portfolio minimum, while the Wealth Builder service requires $250,000 plus a $500 monthly contribution, or a $2,500 annual minimum fee. 

The ARQ team holds a variety of financial certifications including the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), chartered financial consultant (ChFC), accredited investment fiduciary (AIF) and retirement income certified professional (RICP) designations. 

The investment strategy uses a combination of strategic, dynamic, tactical and core-satellite asset allocation. Methods include fundamental, technical, cyclical, and chart analysis. Portfolios may include individual stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, options, REITs and commodities. Some clients may see their assets allocated to private securities or alternative assets like private credit, cryptocurrencies and digital assets, generally through ETFs and mutual funds.