Best Financial Advisers in Columbus, Ohio

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Contributor, Benzinga
November 28, 2023

Columbus, Ohio, is a vibrant city known for its innovative spirit and dynamic financial landscape. Catering to a diverse clientele, the top-rated financial advisers in Columbus offer a range of financial services to help individuals and businesses navigate their wealth management journey. 

Whether you're seeking long-term financial counsel, robo-advisory services, fee-only portfolio management, tailored solutions, portfolio analysis, high-value wealth management or assistance with retirement planning, Columbus has it all. Discover how these best financial advisers in Columbus can guide you toward your financial aspirations in this diverse and thriving city.

Quick Look: Financial Advisers in Columbus Near You

  • Best for Long-Term Financial Counsel: Waller Financial Planning Group
  • Best Robo-Adviser: M1 Finance
  • Best for Fee-Only Services: Meyers Wealth Management
  • Best for Tailored Solutions: Cambridge Financial Group
  • Best Portfolio Analysis: Empower
  • Best for High-Value Investors: Windsor Advisory Group
  • Best for Finding Custom Financial Advisers: SmartAsset
  • Best for Retirement Planning Services: Ross Wealth Advisors

Best Financial Advisers in Columbus, Ohio

1. Best for Long-Term Financial Counsel: Waller Financial Planning Group

WALLER FINANCIAL PLANNING GROUP, INC.

WALLER FINANCIAL PLANNING GROUP, INC.

$375,861,845

Waller Financial Planning Group is a financial advisor in Columbus offering both financial planning and investment management services. Its team offers a host of both personal and professional investing services in-house, including cash-flow planning, estate planning, portfolio construction, education planning and retirement preparation services. Waller Financial Planning Group heavily highlights its commitment to ongoing community and philanthropic efforts. Its Donor Advised Fund is a staff-advised charity providing regular financial support to nonprofits around the Columbus area, while its annual Odysseus Awards recognize and reward clients and members of the community making a difference. If you need comprehensive financial planning and also want to see your fee money go toward your community, be sure to consider Waller Financial.

  • A percentage of assets under your management
  • Hourly charges
  • Fixed fees (other than subscription fees)
$500,000
6
330
Yes
8
10
  • Financial planning services
  • Selection of other advisers (including private fund managers)
  • Publication of periodicals or newsletters
Address

941 CHATHAM LANE SUITE 212 COLUMBUS OH, 43221

Phone number

614-457-7026

Waller Financial Planning Group, a top-rated financial adviser in Columbus, offers a comprehensive suite of financial planning and investment management services. With a team of certified financial planners and chartered financial analysts, it provides expert guidance for both personal and professional financial needs, ensuring long-term financial success. 

Waller Financial Planning Group is committed to community and philanthropic endeavors. The firm operates a donor-advised fund supporting various nonprofit organizations in the Columbus area. 

Waller Financial Planning Group Services

  • Cash-flow planning
  • Estate planning
  • Portfolio construction
  • Education planning
  • Retirement preparation services.

Waller Financial Planning Group Investment Strategy

Waller Financial Planning Group's investment approach is client-centric and entails crafting an individual Investment Policy Statement for each client, outlining their specific goals and strategies. Diversification is a fundamental aspect of its strategy, incorporating a mix of asset classes like stocks, bonds, real estate and alternative investments to optimize returns while managing risk. Waller emphasizes a long-term perspective, focusing on realizing the client's desired lifestyle and legacy.

2. Best Robo-Adviser: M1 Finance

M1 Finance is a robo-adviser that provides automated investment tools for self-directed investors. With over 100 expert portfolios to choose from, you can create a custom portfolio of stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or invest in fractional shares. M1 Finance does not charge commissions, trading or management fees; the minimum account balance to start investing is $100. For $95 per year, you can upgrade to M1 Plus and enjoy additional features and benefits. 

M1 Finance supports various types of accounts, including individual and joint taxable accounts, traditional, Roth and simplified employee pension plans (SEP) individual retirement accounts (IRAs) as well as trust and custodial accounts for minors. With M1 Borrow, you can access a flexible line of credit of up to 40% of your portfolio value at a low interest rate. M1 Finance uses a pie-based portfolio system that allows you to allocate your funds proportionately to the slices in your pie. You can create a pie from scratch or add slices of expert pies curated around different goals.

M1 Finance Services

  • Investment management
  • Retirement investing
  • Personal loans
  • Margin loans
  • Banking services

M1 Finance Investment Strategy

M1 Finance provides custom investment portfolios tailored to your specific goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. You have the option to create your portfolio or select one of the expert-designed options. M1 offers micro-investing features such as fractional shares and automatic dividend reinvestment, which help to maximize returns. Dynamic rebalancing algorithms ensure that your portfolio remains aligned with your target weights without any unnecessary trading.

3. Best for Fee-Only Services: Meyers Wealth Management

MEYERS WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC

MEYERS WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC

$682,500,000

Meyers Wealth Management is a registered investment advisor and financial planning service primarily providing portfolio management services to individuals and businesses. Meyers’ analysts use a number of strategies when it evaluates investments but primarily focuses on value investing and the modern portfolio theory. There is no minimum account balance to begin with Meyers. When you allow Meyers Wealth Management to handle your portfolio investing, you may also receive financial planning, retirement advising and pension consulting free of charge. While basic services are included with your portfolio management plan, Meyers reserves the right to negotiate an additional fee for any of these services if your needs go beyond basic needs.

  • A percentage of assets under your management
$0
N/A
344
Yes
4
8
  • Financial planning services
  • Pension consulting services
  • Selection of other advisers (including private fund managers)
  • Educational seminars/workshops
Address

4100 HORIZONS DRIVE SUITE 101COLUMBUS OH, 43220

Phone number

614-442-6787

Meyers Wealth Management, a registered Columbus financial adviser and financial planning service, has been dedicated to delivering personalized and fee-only portfolio management services since its inception over four decades ago. Founded by Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) Robert D. Meyers, it remains a family-owned and -operated business committed to providing objective, transparent and customized advice to its diverse clientele.

Meyers Wealth Management holds itself to the fiduciary standard, ensuring unwavering commitment to the best interests of its clients. Catering to individuals, families, businesses and institutions across various sectors and industries, Meyers Wealth Management is steadfast in offering personalized and comprehensive financial guidance rooted in each client's specific needs and objectives.

Meyers Wealth Management Services

  • Portfolio management
  • Financial planning
  • Retirement advising
  • Pension consulting
  • Life insurance planning and analysis

Meyers Wealth Management Investment Strategy

Meyers Wealth Management employs diverse investment strategies, including tactical asset allocation, value investing, dynamic money management and equity and fixed-income investing. These strategies are carefully orchestrated to construct diversified and customized portfolios to meet each client's unique needs and objectives. By applying these distinct strategies, the firm ensures a well-rounded approach to portfolio management, allowing clients to benefit from a tailored and comprehensive investment strategy.

4. Best for Tailored Solutions: Cambridge Financial Group

CAMBRIDGE FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

CAMBRIDGE FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

$192,160,508

Cambridge Financial Group is a team of financial planners primarily working with individuals, pension planning services and businesses. The minimum account size required to open an account with Cambridge is $100,000. Cambridge’s primary investment strategy focuses on investing in a combination of 30 stocks. The specific stocks it will choose for you will depend on your risk tolerance and goals for investing. Planners select 20 of the 30 stocks for your portfolio dependent on price momentum, while the remaining 10 they select is based on relative value. Its team also performs monthly reevaluations and rebalances your portfolio as needed.

  • A percentage of assets under your management
$100,000
4
301
Yes
89
8
    Address

    4100 HORIZONS DRIVE, SUITE 101 COLUMBUS OH, 43220

    Phone number

    614-457-1530

    Cambridge Financial Group is a team of financial planners in Columbus dedicated to providing individuals, businesses and pension planning services with impartial, conflict-free and trustworthy guidance. Established in 1986, the firm is registered and serves clients across 32 states, boasting a licensed staff of three experienced advisers. A minimum deposit of $100,000 is required to initiate an account with Cambridge.

    The firm follows a fiduciary standard, which means it is legally obligated to act in the best interest of its clients. Cambridge Financial Group also provides educational resources and seminars to help clients learn more about financial topics and strategies. The central mission of the firm revolves around helping clients increase their net worth while upholding their cherished values.

    Cambridge Financial Group Services

    Cambridge Financial Group Investment Strategy

    Cambridge Financial Group capitalizes on short-term stock market inefficiencies by investing in stocks with strong price momentum and undervalued attributes relative to peers. Each client's portfolio comprises 30 diversified stocks, with 20 selected for their price momentum and 10 for their relative value. Regular monitoring and rebalancing ensure the optimal momentum-value mix. Portfolios are tailored to each client's risk tolerance and financial goals, delivering consistent long-term returns focusing on risk management.

    5. Best for Portfolio Analysis: Empower

    Empower, formerly Personal Capital, is a financial platform offering free tools and paid advisory services for personal wealth management. After being acquired by Empower Retirement in 2020, Personal Capital rebranded to Empower in 2023. Empower aims to provide a comprehensive and personalized financial solution that combines data-driven technology with human advice to help customers achieve their financial objectives.

    The free tools Empower offers include the Empower Personal Dashboard, which allows users to conveniently view their net worth, cash flow, portfolio performance, retirement readiness and other financial information in one place. Users can link their financial accounts to gain a holistic view of their finances. Empower's paid services feature the Empower Personal Wealth program, which provides professional investment management and financial planning. Fees for this program are based on assets under management. As a leading financial planner in Columbus, Empower offers a robust and well-rounded approach to personal wealth management.

    Empower Services 

    • Personalized investment management
    • Financial planning
    • Retirement products and solutions
    • Brokerage and banking services. 

    Empower Investment Strategy

    The firm's strategy is built on five core principles: dynamic portfolio allocation, personalization, smart weighting, tax optimization and rebalancing. Combining data-driven technology with human insights, Empower tailors portfolios to users' financial goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. Its proprietary Smart Weighting™ methodology enhances returns and reduces risk by diversifying the portfolio. To maintain optimal performance, Empower consistently monitors and adjusts portfolios. 

    6. Best for High-Value Investors: Windsor Advisory Group

    Windsor Advisory Group, a top-rated financial adviser in Columbus, offers personalized financial solutions tailored to the needs of high-net-worth individuals, families and businesses. What sets Windsor apart is its role as your personal chief financial officer, providing comprehensive financial consulting and family office services across various financial matters, including taxes, estate planning, insurance, banking and private business transactions. Windsor collaborates seamlessly with your team of professionals, such as attorneys, accountants and other advisers, ensuring the realization of your financial objectives.

    As a fee-only fiduciary adviser, Windsor prioritizes your best interests and operates without the influence of commissions or incentives for selling products or services. It charges a reasonable advisory fee based on assets under management or a fixed fee, tailored to the complexity of your financials and services provided, ensuring a commitment to acting in your best interests and seeking optimal execution for your portfolio transactions.

    Windsor Advisory Group Services

    • Portfolio management
    • Subadvisory services
    • Access to private investment funds
    • Family office services

    Windsor Advisory Group Investment Strategy

    Windsor Advisory Group's investment strategy focuses on enhanced diversification across public and private investments, tailoring portfolios to clients' specific goals and maintaining a tax-conscious approach. Its disciplined approach keeps portfolios fully invested while avoiding market timing and behavioral biases that can impact returns.

    7. Best for Finding Custom Financial Advisers: SmartAsset

    SmartAsset, a financial technology company, is a one-stop solution for connecting with financial advisers and online brokers. As a financial adviser, it offers personalized advice, calculators and tools to help you make intelligent financial decisions. Whether you need assistance with taxes, retirement, investing, banking or finding a financial adviser, SmartAsset has you covered. Its platform connects you with up to three fiduciary financial advisers in your area, allowing you to compare qualifications, experience and fees to choose the best fit. 

    The company also provides a free tool to help you find the most suitable online brokerage account for your investment goals. Simply answer a few questions about your financial situation, goals and preferences to get started. You can also access its extensive library of articles, guides, reviews and resources to enhance your financial literacy. 

    SmartAsset Service

    • Financial advisers matching

    SmartAsset Investment Strategy

    SmartAsset does not offer a particular investment approach because it does not oversee user assets. SmartAsset operates an online platform that connects users with financial advisers capable of assisting them with their investment requirements.

    8. Best for Retirement Planning Services: Ross Wealth Advisors

    A top financial adviser in Columbus, Ross Wealth Advisors specializes in retirement planning for affluent individuals, corporate executives and business owners. It creates personalized financial strategies covering retirement income, wealth accumulation, asset protection, tax efficiency and legacy planning. The firm offers investment and multifamily office solutions for streamlined financial management. 

    Ross Wealth team includes experienced professionals, such as certified financial planners (CFPs), investment experts, insurance specialists and registered investment advisers (RIAs). It maintains a network of support experts for various retirement aspects, including tax preparation, Social Security, medicare, insurance, real estate, estate planning and funeral preplanning. Ross Wealth Advisors is dedicated to earning clients' trust through objective and transparent advice, approaching retirement planning holistically and believing that the best years of retirement are ahead.

    Ross Wealth Advisors Services

    • Investment planning
    • Tax planning
    • Income planning
    • Healthcare planning
    • Legacy planning

    Ross Wealth Advisors Investment Strategy 

    Ross Wealth Advisors' investment strategy prioritizes personalization, crafting tailored financial strategies aligned with each client's unique goals and risk tolerance. Diversification is a cornerstone of its strategy, spreading portfolios across asset classes to mitigate risk. The firm manages clients' portfolios, adjusting them in response to market conditions and trends. It also focuses on tax efficiency, using tax-advantaged accounts and collaborating with clients' tax professionals to minimize the tax impact of investments.

    Finding Financial Success in Columbus

    These top financial advisers offer expertise and tailored services to help you achieve your financial goals. With a commitment to personalization, sound investment strategies and a fiduciary approach, you can confidently navigate the path to financial success. Whether you're planning for retirement, seeking fee-only services or looking for expert guidance, the best financial advisers in Columbus provide many options to suit your unique financial needs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q

    What qualifications should I look for in a financial adviser in Columbus?

    A

    When choosing a financial adviser in Columbus, look for qualifications such as certified financial planner (CFP) designation and relevant experience in the industry. Also, consider its track record and client reviews for added assurance.

    Q

    What are some common mistakes to avoid when choosing a financial adviser in Columbus?

    A

    Avoid common mistakes such as inadequate research on the adviser’s background and qualifications and a lack of understanding of the fees and commissions associated with its services. Steer clear of advisers making unrealistic promises or who pressure you into making decisions you are not comfortable with.

    Q

    How can a financial adviser in Columbus help me achieve my financial goals?

    A

    A financial adviser in Columbus can assist you in developing a tailored financial plan, managing your investments and providing ongoing support to achieve your financial objectives.

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    Anna Yen

    About Anna Yen

    Anna Yen, CFA is a personal finance writer with over two decades of professional finance and writing experience in roles within JPMorgan and UBS derivatives, asset management, crypto, and Family Money Map. She specializes in writing about personal finance topics ranging from investments, budgeting, debt management, credit, student loans, insurance, and retirement planning to real estate and cryptocurrencies. Her work has been published on sites like Quicken, the crypto exchange Bybit, and Credit.com.