Top Financial Advisors in Washington, D.C.

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Armstrong, Fleming & Moore is SmartAsset's highest-rated financial advisory firm in Washington D.C. However, this fee-based practice requires a relatively high account minimum of $1 million, though it may waive the requirement at its discretion. In fact, the firm states that its services are best suited for individuals and families with a minimum net worth of $3 million. It firm serves both high-net-worth and non-high-net-worth individuals, as well as charitable organizations.

No matter where you are in your financial timeline, the firm can offer guidance. Armstrong, Fleming & Moore lists the following as its most common services: Investment management, cash-flow planning, retirement planning, tax planning, education planning, estate planning and risk management. 

Armstrong, Fleming & Moore’s investment committee, which comprises its principals and other advisors, ultimately decides where to invest your assets. The firm’s investment committee meets monthly to discuss investment opportunities. Typically, the firm uses exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, stocks and bonds. 

The investment committee bases its decisions for individual portfolios on an investor’s risk tolerance and financial goals. As your account matures, the firm will rebalance your account should it drift from your target asset allocation.

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With no set account minimum, Capital Investment Advisors works mostly with individuals who do not have high net worths. It also serves high-net-worth individuals, retirement plans, charities and corporations. Services the firm ofrers include financial planning, retirement planning, investment management, estate planning, risk managmeent and more. 

As a fee-based firm, some advisors may also be broker-dealer representatives and/or insurance agents. The compensation for these non-advisor roles are transaction-based, which can potentially be a conflict of interest. That said, the firm is a fiduciary, meaning it is legally bound to act in its clients' best interests.

Capital Investment Advisors follows a strategic approach to asset management by utilizing a third-party multi-manager program to oversee client portfolios. Portfolios can include a diverse range of investments, including common and preferred stocks, bonds, mutual funds and government securities. These investments are organized into model portfolios that vary in risk, aligning with the client's risk tolerance and financial objectives.

CIA emphasizes a time-segmented approach when planning for clients' future cash needs. Immediate needs within the first five years are allocated to low-risk investments like savings accounts or U.S. government securities. As the timeline progresses, funds designated for the fifth to 10th year and beyond are gradually placed in portfolios with increasing levels of risk to balance potential growth with the client’s long-term goals. For funds earmarked for use beyond the 20-year mark, the firm recommends more aggressive investments to maximize long-term growth potential.

Bryspen, Incorporated is a fee-only advisor that works almost entirely with high-net-worth individuals. It also maintains advisory relationships with some non-high-net-worth individuals and retirement plans. The firm does not list a minimum account size requiremnet in its Form ADV brochure. As a fee-only practice, Bryspen advisors do not sell securities or insurance policies for commissions. This means you'll avoid a common conflict of interest.

Bryspen provides financial planning services to its clients in the form of a “Financial Profile” report. The firm also offers investment supervisory services and consulting services. Without a website, you'll have to read the firm's Form ADV documentation or contact the firm directly to get a better sense of whether it's a fit for you. 

Bryspen primarily relies on fundamental analysis when evaluating potential securities. This method of analysis attempts to discern the intrinsic or “fundamental” value of a company or stock by examining overall economic and financial factors, then using that value to determine if the stock is overpriced or underpriced.

The firm’s investment strategy is not restricted to any single product or service offered by broker-dealers or insurance companies. Instead, Bryspen provides advice on a variety of investment vehicles, including mutual funds, exchange-listed securities, over-the-counter stocks and foreign issuers. Additionally, the firm offers guidance on corporate debt securities, municipal bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs) and U.S. government securities.

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Graham Capital Wealth Management is a fee-based firm that works entirely with individual clients, both above and below the high-net-worth threshold.. The firm requires at least a $40,000 investment for its portfolio management services, though it may reduce that amount at its discretion. With a relatively low minimum, the overwhelming majority of clients do not have a high net worth. The firm primarily offers wealth management services, which comprise both investment management and financial planning. 

Based on its discussions with you, Graham will construct an investment portfolio, consisting of low-cost, diversified mutual funds and/or exchange-traded funds. It may also use individual stocks or bonds – and retain already held investments due to tax considerations and other factors. Generally, the firm takes the long-term approach, though it may engage in short-term trading if deemed appropriate.

When evaluating investments, Graham Capital primarily uses fundamental, technical and/or cyclical methods of analysis. Its sources of research include financial media companies, third-party research materials, Internet sources and company annual reports, prospectuses and press releases.

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Capital Area Planning Group is a fee-based firm that offers services such as investment management, financial planning, tax preparation, employee benefit plan services and wrap fee programs. The firm works primarily works with individuals, high-net worth individuals and pension and profit-sharing plans. 

The firm requires $500,000 as a minimum investment size. The firm's investment management fee is based on the market value of assets and ranges from 0.50% to 1.50%, though the fee is may be negotiable if the client invests above $25,000,000 with the firm. 

The firm uses a variety of methods of analysis and investment strategies to invest its clients assets. Some modes of analysis and strategies include modern portfolio theory, fundamental analysis, common stock, corporate bonds and more. 

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Parco Wealth Management rounds out our list of the top financial advisors in the nation’s capital. The firm’s client base is entirely composed of non-high-net-worth individuals. That’s no surprise, considering Parco does not institute a minimum account size requirement. 

Parco, which specializes in providing retirement services to federal workers, operates on a fee-based structure. This means its advisors may receive third-party compensation when selling insurance policies to advisory clients – a conflict of interest. However, the firm is legally required to act in its clients’ best interests as a fiduciary.

While the firm doesn’t list “portfolio management” as one of its services on its Form ADV, Parco does manage $8.2 million in clients assets, as of February 2024. In its firm brochure, Parco states that it uses a strategic approach to investing that emphasizes asset allocation and a broad, diversified distribution of securities and other investments. The firm tailors investment strategies to individual client profiles, considering factors such as investment objectives, time frames, risk appetite, financial conditions, liquidity needs, net worth, income levels and employment status.