Best Denver, Colorado Financial Planners
What to Look for in a Financial Planner
When searching for the best financial planner in Denver, Colorado, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you find the right professional for your needs. Financial planning is a crucial service that can help you manage your wealth, prepare for retirement, and achieve your financial goals. But how do you choose the right advisor?
Experience and Credentials
First and foremost, you should look for experience and credentials. Financial planners should have several years of experience in the industry, handling various financial scenarios. Certifications like CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) are indicators of a planner’s commitment to their profession and expertise in financial management. For instance, Mark R. Brown of Brown and Company has been providing strategic financial guidance since 1983 and holds numerous accolades, including consecutive Barron’s and Forbes awards.
-Fiduciary Responsibility
Another critical factor is fiduciary responsibility. A fiduciary is legally obligated to act in your best interests. This means they should offer unbiased advice without any conflict of interest. Firms like SHJ Wealth Advisors emphasize their role as fee-only fiduciaries, meaning they do not earn commissions on products they recommend, ensuring their advice is aligned with your best interests.
Range of Services
A comprehensive range of services is also essential. Financial planners should offer services that cover all aspects of your financial life, including investment management, retirement planning, tax planning, and estate planning. Mercer Advisors, for example, provides extensive services from retirement planning to estate administration, ensuring all your financial needs are met under one roof.
Personalized Approach
The best financial planners offer a personalized approach tailored to your unique financial situation. This means taking the time to understand your goals, values, and financial circumstances. Park Hill Financial Planning specializes in creating customized financial plans that are tailored to each client’s specific needs, including tax-efficient strategies and equity-based compensation planning.
Reviews and Reputation
Lastly, consider the reviews and reputation of the financial planner. Client testimonials and online reviews can provide insight into the planner’s effectiveness and client satisfaction. Firms like Allworth Financial are known for their educational approach and have built a strong reputation, as evidenced by their long-running Money Matters podcast and positive client feedback.
-Top Financial Planners in Denver
SHJ Wealth Advisors
SHJ Wealth Advisors prides itself on a multigenerational team approach, providing comprehensive financial planning and investment management. They emphasize a commission-free structure to ensure unbiased advice. Services include retirement planning, tax planning, ESG investing, and more. They take a holistic approach to financial planning, adapting strategies as life circumstances change.
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive Financial Planning | Personalized financial plans and investment strategies. |
| Investment Management | Portfolio design and implementation. |
| Retirement Planning | Customized retirement strategies. |
| Tax Planning | In-depth tax analysis and planning. |
| ESG Investing | Environmentally and socially responsible investments. |
Contact Information
- Website: SHJ Wealth Advisors
- Phone: 303-639-5100
- Address: 720 S Colorado Blvd Suite 600, South Tower, Denver, CO 80246
Mercer Advisors
Mercer Advisors offers a robust team of certified financial planners, each bringing unique expertise to the table. They focus on comprehensive wealth management, including retirement planning, estate planning, and social security optimization. With a strong emphasis on client education and empowerment, Mercer Advisors ensures clients are well-informed about their financial decisions.
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Retirement Planning | Social Security optimization and retirement income planning. |
| Estate Planning | Comprehensive estate and trust management. |
| Financial Planning | Tailored financial strategies for high-net-worth individuals. |
| Investment Management | Customized investment strategies. |
Contact Information
- Website: Mercer Advisors
- Phone: 720-253-1818
- Address: 50 South Steele Street, #830, Denver, CO 80209
Allworth Financial
Allworth Financial stands out for its educational approach, empowering clients through financial literacy. Their services include retirement and financial planning, investment management, and more. They are well-regarded for their straightforward, no-nonsense advice, delivered through various platforms, including their popular Money Matters podcast.
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Retirement Planning | Strategies for maximizing retirement savings. |
| Investment Management | Personalized investment advice and portfolio management. |
| Financial Planning | Comprehensive financial guidance and strategy. |
Contact Information
- Website: Allworth Financial
- Phone: 303-893-0490
- Address: 1675 Broadway, Suite 1400, Denver, CO 80202
Brown and Company
Led by Mark R. Brown, Brown and Company has a longstanding reputation for excellence in wealth management. They offer strategic financial guidance with a focus on personalized service. Their services cover all aspects of financial planning, from investment management to tax and estate planning.
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Wealth Management | Comprehensive wealth management strategies. |
| Tax Planning | In-depth tax planning and strategy. |
| Estate Planning | Detailed estate planning and administration. |
Contact Information
- Website: Brown and Company
- Phone: 303-863-7112
- Address: 250 Fillmore Street Suite 475, Denver, CO 80206
Park Hill Financial Planning
Park Hill Financial Planning focuses on families and individuals in the Park Hill and Central Park areas. They offer both ongoing and project-based engagements, specializing in tax-efficient planning and equity-based compensation strategies. Their personalized approach ensures that all aspects of a client’s financial life are meticulously planned.
-| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax-Efficient Planning | Strategies to minimize taxes and maximize benefits. |
| Equity-Based Compensation | Planning and maximizing equity-based compensation. |
| Retirement Planning | Customized retirement income strategies. |
Contact Information
- Website: Park Hill Financial Planning
- Phone: 630-730-7071
- Address: 2995 Holly St., Denver, CO 80207
How to Evaluate Credentials
When evaluating financial planners, it’s essential to look at their credentials to ensure they have the necessary qualifications and expertise. Here are some of the top credentials to look for:
Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®)
The CFP® certification is one of the most respected credentials in the financial planning industry. It indicates that the planner has met rigorous education, examination, experience, and ethical requirements. Professionals like Brett Landstrom and Sandra Laskowski at Mercer Advisors hold this designation, showcasing their expertise and commitment to their clients.
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
The CFA designation is highly regarded in the investment community. It requires passing three levels of exams covering areas such as ethics, investment analysis, and portfolio management. Firms like Park Hill Financial Planning, with CFP® and CFA professionals, provide a high level of investment management expertise.
-Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
The ChFC® designation is similar to the CFP® but requires additional coursework in specialized financial planning areas. It indicates a comprehensive understanding of financial planning for various client needs.
Enrolled Agent (EA)
An EA is a tax advisor who is authorized to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This credential is essential for planners who offer tax planning services, as it indicates their ability to handle complex tax issues.
Conclusion
Finding the right financial planner in Denver, Colorado, involves considering several critical factors, from credentials and experience to fiduciary responsibility and personalized service. By focusing on these aspects, you can ensure that you choose a financial planner who will help you achieve your financial goals with confidence and clarity. Whether you opt for a well-established firm like Brown and Company or a specialized advisor like those at Park Hill Financial Planning, Denver offers a wealth of options to meet your financial planning needs.
For more detailed information and reviews, you can explore their websites and schedule an introductory meeting to see which advisor aligns best with your financial goals.