Best Georgia Financial Planners
Finding a reliable financial planner can be a crucial step in securing your financial future. If you’re in Georgia and looking for the best financial planners, you’re in luck. Georgia boasts several top-tier financial planning firms with excellent reputations. This article will delve into the details of some of the best financial planners in the state, based on Yelp reviews and other credible sources. We will also provide useful information on what to look for when choosing a financial planner and the essential credentials they should have.
What to Look for in a Financial Planner
Choosing the right financial planner involves more than just picking a name from a list. It requires understanding your financial goals, the type of services you need, and the planner’s qualifications and experience. Here are some key aspects to consider:
-- Fiduciary Duty: Ensure that the financial planner acts as a fiduciary. This means they are legally obligated to put your interests above their own, providing unbiased and conflict-free advice.
- Fee Structure: Look for fee-only planners who charge a flat rate or a percentage of assets under management, rather than commission-based advisors who might have incentives to sell specific products.
- Certifications and Credentials: Check for certifications such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®), and Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®).
- Experience and Expertise: Review their experience, especially in areas that align with your financial needs, whether it’s retirement planning, estate planning, or investment management.
- Client Reviews and Testimonials: Read reviews and testimonials to gauge the satisfaction of their current clients.
Top Financial Planners in Georgia
1. Veracity Capital, LLC
Located in Atlanta, Veracity Capital, LLC is a boutique financial advisory firm that offers a comprehensive range of services, including financial planning, portfolio management, and wealth management. Their team includes highly qualified professionals with extensive experience in the financial industry.
Contact Information:
- Address: 2859 Paces Ferry Rd, STE #635, Atlanta, GA 30339
- Phone: 678-685-3265
- Website: Veracity Capital
Services Provided:
- Financial Planning
- Portfolio Management
- Retirement Planning
- Wealth Management
- Investment Advice & Management
Client Review Highlights: Clients praise Veracity Capital for their personalized approach and expertise in handling complex financial situations. Their emphasis on tax planning and retirement strategies is particularly appreciated.
-2. Culbreth Wealth Management, LLC
Culbreth Wealth Management, LLC, based in Dacula, offers a wide range of services tailored to both individual and business financial planning needs. With over 18 years of experience, they are known for their thorough and client-focused approach.
Contact Information:
- Address: 2098 Teron Trace, Ste. 700, Dacula, GA 30019
- Phone: 770-979-1301
- Website: Culbreth Wealth Management
Services Provided:
- Financial Planning
- Portfolio Management
- Risk Management
- Education Funding and Planning
- Insurance Products & Annuities
Client Review Highlights: Reviewers highlight Culbreth Wealth Management’s ability to navigate economic cycles and their expertise in insurance products. Clients appreciate the firm’s commitment to fiduciary duty and personalized financial strategies.
3. Elwood & Goetz Wealth Advisory
Elwood & Goetz Wealth Advisory is one of the oldest independent, fee-only financial planning firms in Georgia. With offices in Athens, Atlanta, and beyond, they serve clients nationwide. Their team includes distinguished professors and highly credentialed planners.
-Contact Information:
- Address: 405 Dearing Extension, Athens, GA 30606
- Phone: 706-548-8128
- Website: Elwood & Goetz Wealth Advisory
Services Provided:
- Comprehensive Financial Planning
- Wealth Management
- Retirement Planning
- Education Planning
- Estate Planning & Trusts
Client Review Highlights: Elwood & Goetz are celebrated for their client-first approach and comprehensive service offerings. Their emphasis on fiduciary duty and independent advice stands out, along with a high client retention rate.
-4. Evans Wealth Management
Based in Duluth, Evans Wealth Management focuses on providing fee-only financial advisory services. The firm prides itself on offering personalized and unbiased financial advice, free from the influence of corporate interests.
Contact Information:
- Address: 6340 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 200, Duluth, GA 30097
- Phone: 770-828-8303
- Website: Evans Wealth Management
Services Provided:
- Investment Management
- Retirement Planning
- Tax Planning
- Financial Planning for Individuals and Businesses
Client Review Highlights: Clients appreciate Sam Evans’ commitment to understanding their unique financial situations and providing tailored advice. The firm’s focus on transparency and avoiding sales tactics is highly regarded.
What Credentials to Look For
When selecting a financial planner, it’s important to verify their credentials. Here are some of the most respected certifications:
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®): This certification indicates the planner has met rigorous education, examination, experience, and ethics requirements.
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®): This is a globally recognized certification for investment management professionals, signifying expertise in investment analysis and portfolio management.
- Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®): This credential focuses on asset allocation, ethics, due diligence, risk measurement, and investment consulting.
- Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®): This designation shows specialization in estate planning.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA): A CPA with a Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation is highly qualified in personal financial planning.
Top Financial Planning Services
Financial planning services can vary significantly from one firm to another. Here’s a breakdown of common services offered by top financial planners in Georgia:
Financial Planning
Financial planners help clients develop strategies to meet their financial goals, such as saving for retirement, education, or major purchases. They consider the client’s entire financial picture, including assets, liabilities, income, and expenses.
Portfolio Management
This involves managing investment portfolios to meet specific financial goals. It includes asset allocation, selecting investments, and ongoing portfolio management.
Retirement Planning
Advisors help clients plan for retirement by developing strategies to ensure they have enough income to live comfortably after they stop working. This includes managing retirement accounts and creating withdrawal strategies.
Risk Management
Financial planners assess and mitigate financial risks. This includes insurance planning to protect against unforeseen events and strategies to minimize investment risks.
Education Funding and Planning
Advisors help clients save for education expenses, often using tax-advantaged savings plans like 529 plans.
Estate Planning & Trusts
This service involves creating plans for the management and distribution of a client’s estate after their death. It includes drafting wills, setting up trusts, and planning for estate taxes.
Conclusion
Choosing the right financial planner is a critical step in achieving your financial goals. The top financial planners in Georgia, such as Veracity Capital, LLC, Culbreth Wealth Management, LLC, Elwood & Goetz Wealth Advisory, and Evans Wealth Management, offer a range of services tailored to meet diverse financial needs. When selecting a planner, ensure they have the right credentials, a transparent fee structure, and a fiduciary duty to put your interests first. Reading reviews and understanding their service offerings can also help you make an informed decision.
Table of Top Financial Planners in Georgia
| Firm Name | Location | Services Provided | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veracity Capital, LLC | Atlanta, GA | Financial Planning, Portfolio Management, Retirement Planning | 2859 Paces Ferry Rd, STE #635, Atlanta, GA 30339 <br> 678-685-3265 <br> Veracity Capital |
| Culbreth Wealth Management, LLC | Dacula, GA | Financial Planning, Risk Management, Education Funding | 2098 Teron Trace, Ste. 700, Dacula, GA 30019 <br> 770-979-1301 <br> Culbreth Wealth Management |
| Elwood & Goetz Wealth Advisory | Athens, GA | Comprehensive Financial Planning, Wealth Management | 405 Dearing Extension, Athens, GA 30606 <br> 706-548-8128 <br> Elwood & Goetz Wealth Advisory |
| Evans Wealth Management | Duluth, GA | Investment Management, Retirement Planning, Tax Planning | 6340 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 200, Duluth, GA 30097 <br> 770-828-8303 <br> Evans Wealth Management |
Remember, the right financial planner can make a significant difference in achieving financial success and peace of mind. Take the time to research and choose a planner who aligns with your financial goals and values.