Last updated on October 4, 2023
This list of the best Financial Advisors celebrates independent financial professionals who are actively contributing to important discussions on financial literacy, investment strategies, life-stage planning, and wealth management.
With over 100,000 independent financial advisors in the United States, this list recognizes the most engaged, influential, and educational advisors in the country.
This year’s selection showcases advisors who bring exceptional value to diverse communities, including those serving clients in various fields, offering pro bono financial guidance to women, and volunteering to educate local students.
| Best Financial Advisors |
|---|
| Michael Kitces |
| Marguerita Cheng |
| Rebecca Walser |
| Peter Lazaroff |
| Jamie Hopkins |
| Douglas Boneparth |
| Dr. Preston D. Cherry |
| Stephanie McCullough |
| Mary Beth Storjohann |
| Elaine King |
What you'll learn:
1️⃣ Michael Kitces
Role: Head of Planning Strategy, Buckingham Strategic Wealth
Location: Reston, VA
Michael Kitces, with over two decades of experience, has been a financial advisor and educator dedicated to assisting clients and readers at all life stages.
He founded XY Planning Network, focusing on ‘next generation’ clients who require financial guidance but lack substantial assets. The network has grown to include 1,700 advisors serving underserved consumer segments.
2️⃣ Marguerita Cheng
Role: Founder & CEO, Blue Ocean Global Wealth
Location: Gaithersburg, MD
Marguerita Cheng serves as a Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Ambassador, educating the public, policy makers, and media about the importance of ethical financial planning.
She volunteers through programs like the FPA Pro Bono Program and the Foundation for Financial Planning, advocating for the AANHPI community.
Her firm, Blue Ocean Global Wealth, actively supports the BLX Internship program, helping Black and Latino individuals secure their first jobs in the financial planning field.
3️⃣ Rebecca Walser
Role: Principal, Walser Wealth Management
Location: Tampa, FL
Rebecca Walser is a wealth advisor and tax mitigation attorney known for her podcast “Crashes and Taxes,” which simplifies economic trends to enhance financial comprehension.
She authored “Wealth Unbroken,” an Amazon best-selling personal finance education book that focuses on preserving wealth amid market fluctuations and taxes.
4️⃣ Peter Lazaroff
Role: Chief Investment Officer, Plancorp
Location: St. Louis, MO
Peter Lazaroff initiated his career by creating a newsletter that simplifies investing and financial planning for over 10,000 subscribers.
He is involved with Rooted, a local St. Louis initiative, developing financial planning curriculum and support for 50 households in his community.
5️⃣ Jamie Hopkins
Role: Managing Partner, Wealth Solutions, Carson Group
Location: Omaha, NE
Jamie Hopkins founded the nonprofit FinServ Foundation, offering coaching and mentorship to the next generation of financial professionals.
He and his team at the Carson Group created a YouTube series, “The Financial Advisor’s Guide to the SECURE 2.0 Act,” which explains key provisions of the SECURE 2.0 Act for financial advisors.
6️⃣ Douglas Boneparth
Role: President, Bone Fide Wealth, LLC
Location: New York, NY
For over a decade, Douglas Boneparth has been educating young adults through YouTube, social media, and his newsletter “This is the Top.”
He provides weekly live pre-market commentary on Public.com and co-authored “The Millennial Money Fix.”
7️⃣ Dr. Preston D. Cherry
Role: Founder & President, Concurrent Financial
Location: Green Bay, WI
Dr. Preston D. Cherry established the Charles Schwab Foundation Center for Financial Wellness at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, offering financial literacy services to college students and the community.
He also leads the financial planning program at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, and contributes scholarly research on personal financial planning and behavioral finance.
8️⃣ Stephanie McCullough
Role: Founder & Financial Planner, Sofia Financial
Location: Berwyn, PA
Stephanie McCullough founded Sofia Financial, an independent business empowering women to make informed financial decisions and reduce money-related stress.
She hosts the “Take Back Retirement” podcast, sharing stories and expert insights to help others gain financial control. McCullough also provides free financial literacy classes through the Women’s Resource Center.
9️⃣ Mary Beth Storjohann
Role: Co-CEO, Abacus Wealth Partners
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Mary Beth Storjohann founded Workable Wealth, a website and podcast offering education and empowerment to individuals in their 20s through 40s.
She serves as a mentor and career coach for women in the industry and contributes to Abacus’s pro bono financial services program.
Her book, “Work Your Wealth: 9 Steps to Making Smarter Choices With Your Money,” simplifies complex financial topics for consumers.
🔟 Elaine King
Role: Founder, Family and Money Matters Institute
Location: Miami, FL
Elaine King, an award-winning author, focuses on enhancing financial literacy resources for the U.S. Hispanic population.
She produces Spanish-language content across her social media platforms, hosts a monthly segment on Telemundo, and offers Spanish-language online financial education courses.
King is also an external director for accounting firm Shechter & Everett, LLP, where she works with women before, during, and after marital separation to help them achieve financial independence.
