Dallas is in the top 10 of most populated cities in the U.S. The metro boasts a slew of financial advisors to help you manage your investments and curate a solid financial plan.
Benzinga has done the research — take a look at our guide to the best financial advisors in Dallas, Texas to find a firm today.
Best Financial Advisors in Dallas Near You:
- Best for Goal Setting: Quest Capital Management
- Best Robo-Advisor: M1 Finance
- Best for Holistic Approach: 360 Wealth Management
- Best Mobile App: Betterment
- Best for High Net-Worth Investors: McGowan Group Asset Management
- Best Portfolio Analysis: Personal Capital
- Best for Biblical Approach: PanthRex Asset Management
- Best for Finding Financial Advisors: SmartAsset
- Best for Experienced Services: Allred Capital Management
Best for Goal Setting: Quest Capital Management
Quest Capital Management is a comprehensive financial planning firm in Dallas. Quest can help you navigate wealth management but the firm also offers tax and inheritance planning.
The firm believes its framework can help you build a financial plan that adjusts to life’s stages. The Quest process begins with an in-person meeting to share your goals, risk level and expectations. Your Quest advisor will help you set specific, measurable goals for your finances with a plan focused on diversification within your risk level.
Quest Capital is also dedicated to the Dallas community. The firm supports nonprofit organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House, North Texas Food Bank and Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County.
Quest Capital Management is a financial planner in Dallas offering tax planning, inheritance planning and wealth management services. Quest doesn’t use a particular investing strategy for each of its clients, instead focusing on diversification that’s in line with each of its client’s particular goals and risk levels. The Quest process begins with an in-person meeting with one of its team’s top financial advisors. During this meeting, you’ll share your goals and expectations with its team. Quest excels in setting SMART goals, which are specifically timed and measurable objectives. If you have concrete, nameable goals you’re ready to start working toward, Quest might be right for you.
- A percentage of assets under your management
- Fixed fees (other than subscription fees)
- Commissions
- Other
- Financial planning services
- Selection of other advisers (including private fund managers)
- Educational seminars/workshops
Address
8117 PRESTON ROAD, SUITE 700 DALLAS TX, 75225
Phone number
214-691-6090
Best Robo-Advisor: M1 Finance
M1 Finance is a robo-advisor that offers more than 80 portfolio models. You can choose a model targeted toward your goals or customize your own portfolio with exchange-traded funds (ETFs), individual stocks, or both.
A Basic M1 account is free and it includes a checking account. There is a 3.5% base rate for your portfolio line of credit.
The Plus account is $125 per year. You get all the Basic account features plus 1% APY on your checking, 1% cash back for debit card purchases and a 2% rate for your portfolio line of credit. And you’ll also get access to a 2nd daily trade window.
Portfolios can be set to auto-adjust. Or you can make adjustments yourself through the website or mobile app. M1 is best for self-starters because you’re 100% in charge of your own financial plan.
Best for Holistic Approach: 360 Wealth Management
360 Wealth Management aims to provide a full-circle approach with you at the center. It’s 1 of the largest financial and pension planning services in the country with over $1.2 billion in assets under management.
360 Wealth Management builds its approach on sensitivity to expenses and taxes, proactive asset management, a transparent fee structure and a measured approach to risk. Expect active portfolio management and long-term tax considerations. Your investment strategy will use risk-adjusted return calculations instead of just gross return over time.
The new client experience is holistic. It includes an initial meeting to begin a relationship, a 2nd meeting to go forward, several scheduled phone calls, a presentation and final review.
360 Wealth Management is one of the largest financial and pension planning services in the country with over $1.2 billion in assets under management. Its main clients include investors and high net-worth individuals who are looking for a personalized retirement plan. 360 Wealth Management focuses on providing its clients with a “bedrock investing philosophy” that relies on active portfolio management and long-term tax considerations. Its investment strategy uses “risk-adjusted return” calculations instead of merely looking at gross return over time. This means that its team’s services are best suited for investors who are looking to maximize their returns and who aren’t afraid of taking financial risks.
- A percentage of assets under your management
- Hourly charges
- Fixed fees (other than subscription fees)
- Financial planning services
- Pension consulting services
- Selection of other advisers (including private fund managers)
Address
17300 NORTH DALLAS PARKWAY SUITE 2065DALLAS TX, 75248
Phone number
972-421-1360
Best Mobile App: Betterment
Betterment is an online advisor and investment manager with a great mobile app for on-the-go accessibility.
Betterment has 3 set portfolio models or you can create your own. Its options are focused on social responsibility, high returns and income growth.
Betterment offers individual and joint accounts, retirement accounts and trusts. You can also get a cash savings account with a 0.30% yield.
A Betterment Digital membership has a 0.25% AUM fee and advising services are available for an additional fee. The Premium membership has a $100,000 account minimum with a 0.40% AUM fee. Premium members also have unlimited phone access to certified financial planners®.
Best for High Net-Worth Investors: McGowan Group Asset Management
McGowan Group Asset Management specializes in strategic financial planning for high-net-worth investors, but it believes every client can benefit from a plan. The firm can help you improve cash flow, provide estate recommendations and create a plan to maintain your wealth for generations.
You’ll need to have at least $500,000 to open an account with McGowan — the firm is strict about this minimum. Complete the new client questionnaire on its website to get started.
McGowan Group Asset Management is one of the top financial advisors and planning services for investors with a higher asset balance. McGowan specializes in strategic financial planning. If you’d like to reach a specific annual dividend income, gift to a charity or target retirement date, McGowan can create a specialized plan to help you reach your goal. You’ll need to have at least $500,000 worth of assets under management to open an account with McGowan, and it’s usually strict about this minimum. This means that its services are best targeted toward higher-value investors, charities and corporations with a specific investing goal in mind.
- A percentage of assets under your management
- Hourly charges
- Financial planning services
Address
200 CRESCENT COURT #657DALLAS TX, 75201
Phone number
214-720-4400
Best Portfolio Analysis: Personal Capital
Personal Capital is a free financial manager and robo-advisor. It can analyze all aspects of your finances and offer comprehensive financial planning services like investment assessment, 401(k) fee analysis and spending tracking.
You can also link your individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and other accounts to Personal Capital. There’s a $100,000 minimum requirement with a fee tier starting at 0.89% if you want Personal Capital to manage your accounts. That scales down to 0.49% for larger account amounts.
Personal Capital aims to help you track and manage your financial life for less than traditional financial advisors.
Best for Biblical Approach: PanthRex Asset Management
PanthRex Asset Management is a financial advising and planning service focused on helping you achieve financial freedom. Both of the firm's advisors have more than 20 years of experience and believe all aspects of your life must be considered to build an effective financial plan.
PanthRex is unique in its Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) approach. Companies that successfully pass BRI screening align with Biblical beliefs. PanthRex utilizes this data in managing portfolios.
PanthRex Asset Management is a financial advising and planning service aimed at helping its clients achieve financial freedom. The majority of its clients are searching for high- to medium-risk investments to produce a reliable stream of income over time. This means investing heavily in stocks that pay dividends and products like real estate investment trusts (REITs). PanthRex might be the right choice for you if your main investment goal is to create a stream of passive income. If you’re searching for active wealth management or you’re just looking to make it through retirement, you may want to choose another financial advisor in Dallas.
- A percentage of assets under your management
- Hourly charges
- Fixed fees (other than subscription fees)
- Other
- Financial planning services
- Selection of other advisers (including private fund managers)
Address
9111 CYPRESS WATERS BLVD SUITE 140DALLAS TX, 75019
Phone number
(888) 302-5559
Best for Finding Financial Advisors: SmartAsset
SmartAsset can quickly connect you with local choices for your financial advisor. Complete the questionnaire on its homepage and an algorithm will match you with a few choices. You can even schedule your initial in-person meeting with a financial advisor through SmartAsset.
SmartAsset can also offer you a wealth of financial calculators to help you make a decision. Check out the retirement, 401(k) or home-buying calculators as you create your financial plan. There are also resources to guide you to the best credit cards, checking and savings accounts or tax software.
Best for Experienced Services: Allred Capital Management
Allred Capital Management is led by a founding partner with more than 30 years of financial advising experience. It has grown to a 5-person team committed to extensive service offerings.
The firm provides portfolio and risk management, as well as retirement, financial and education planning. You can also find business and longevity planning, institutional consulting and more.
Allred’s 4-step process includes an initial meeting, personalized plan creation and the creation and management of your new accounts.
Allred Capital Management employs a full team of certified financial planners and takes a personal, 4-step approach to financial advising and investment management. It’s also one of the few financial planners who aim its services at individuals primarily instead of high net-worth estates and trusts. It even offers specialized programs for healthcare professionals and small business owners. When you first meet with Allred Capital Management, you’ll tell your certified financial planner about your investing goals and current assets. From there, your planner will create a personalized plan that fits your needs that you’ll sign off on at your next meeting. Allred Capital Management is one of the top financial planners for individuals looking for personalized investment advice without high account minimums.
- A percentage of assets under your management
- Hourly charges
- Fixed fees (other than subscription fees)
- Financial planning services
- Selection of other advisers (including private fund managers)
Address
2001 ROSS AVENUE SUITE 550DALLAS TX, 75201
Phone number
844-965-7695
Frequently Asked Questions
Which certifications should my financial planner have?
There are many financial certifications available, but the top 3 are Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS).
A CFP® must meet requirements set by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. There are 4 parts to the initial certification, and it takes up to 1,000 hours to complete the coursework and the exam. A CFP® must have a bachelor’s degree and coursework in financial planning.
A Chartered Financial Analyst must also hold a bachelor’s degree or have equivalent education or work experience. The credential requires 48 months of related professional work experience in an investment-related field, and it requires the candidate to take 3 grueling exams taken over several years.
The PFS designation is offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. This professional is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with additional expertise in all aspects of financial and wealth management.
Is it worth paying a financial advisor 1%?
Many financial advisors still make their money based on a percentage (like 1%) of your portfolio. But some in the industry think this fee structure is dated and benefits financial advisors who work with wealthy clients.
Robo-advisors can offer you management solutions at a lower cost. Some robo-advisors also have add-on advice service from human advisors.
Everyone can benefit from financial guidance and planning, but the worth of that service can only be determined by you.
Can I talk to a financial advisor for free?
Most initial consultations are free. This isn’t meant to be a gimmick to trick you into service. A good financial advisor bases business on trust and honesty.
Begin a long-term relationship with your advisor and firm. This initial meeting will allow you to see if you and the potential advisor mesh well on many levels.
Find Your Financial Advisor Today
A robo-advisor or human financial advisor can be the ticket to planning a secure financial future. Learn to invest strategically, trade stocks, optimize your tax situation, plan for retirement or manage your debt.
Take the 1st step — start with our recommendations, then find a financial advisor to help guide your plans today.
Methodology
To determine the top financial advisors in Dallas, we pored through all SEC-registered advisory firms who have an office in Dallas. We winnowed the list by only including advisors that are registered fiduciaries, have no past disclosures and have minimal personal conflicts of interest. To further break down the list to the true top advisors in the area, we gave weight to advisors that offer both investment management and planning, have no conflicts of interest, have offices in multiple states, have a wrap fee program and over $50 million in assets under management.