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Top Financial Advisors in Washington, D.C.

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This review was produced by SmartAsset based on publicly available information. The named firm and its financial professionals have not reviewed, approved, or endorsed this review and are not responsible for its accuracy. Review content is produced by SmartAsset independently of any business relationships that might exist between SmartAsset and the named firm and its financial professionals, and firms and financial professionals having business relationships with SmartAsset receive no special treatment or consideration in SmartAsset’s reviews. This page contains links to SmartAsset’s financial advisor matching tool, which may or may not match you with the firm mentioned in this review or its financial professionals.

Finding a Top Financial Advisor Firm in Washington, D.C.

Choosing a financial advisor can be a long and arduous process, especially if you have a lot of options to choose from. To make it easier, SmartAsset created a list of the top financial advisors in our nation's capital. Throughout this review, you can compare each firm’s investment philosophy, account minimums and more. The SmartAsset financial advisor matching tool can also help you pick out an advisor; just answer some questions about your goals, and you'll be connected with advisors who serve your area.

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Rank Financial Advisor Assets Managed Minimum Assets Financial Services More Information
1 Farr, Miller & Washington, LLC Farr, Miller & Washington, LLC logo Find an Advisor

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$1,872,202,700 Varies based on account type
  • Financial planning
  • Portfolio management

Minimum Assets

Varies based on account type

Financial Services

  • Financial planning
  • Portfolio management
2 Armstrong, Fleming & Moore, Inc. Armstrong, Fleming & Moore, Inc. logo Find an Advisor

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$1,020,591,900 $1,500,000
  • Financial planning
  • Portfolio management
  • Publication of periodicals

Minimum Assets

$1,500,000

Financial Services

  • Financial planning
  • Portfolio management
  • Publication of periodicals
3 Capital Investment Advisors Capital Investment Advisors logo Find an Advisor

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$311,878,481 No set account minimum
  • Financial planning
  • Portfolio management
  • Pension consulting
  • Selection of other advisors
  • Educational seminars
  • Consulting

Minimum Assets

No set account minimum

Financial Services

  • Financial planning
  • Portfolio management
  • Pension consulting
  • Selection of other advisors
  • Educational seminars
  • Consulting
4 Bryspen, Incorporated Find an Advisor

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$242,312,374 No set account minimum
  • Financial planning
  • Portfolio management

Minimum Assets

No set account minimum

Financial Services

  • Financial planning
  • Portfolio management
5 Graham Capital Wealth Management, LLC Graham Capital Wealth Management, LLC logo Find an Advisor

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$145,820,000 $40,000
  • Financial planning
  • Portfolio management
  • Pension consulting

Minimum Assets

$40,000

Financial Services

  • Financial planning
  • Portfolio management
  • Pension consulting

What We Use in Our Methodology

To find the top financial advisors in Washington, , we first identified all firms registered with the SEC in the city. Next, we filtered out firms that don't offer financial planning services, those that don't serve primarily individual clients and those that have disclosures on their record. The qualifying firms were then ranked according to the following criteria:

  • AUM
    Firms with more total assets under management are ranked higher.
  • Individual Client Count
    Firms who serve more individual clients (as opposed to institutional clients) are ranked higher.
  • Clients Per Advisor
    Firms with a lower ratio of clients per financial advisor are ranked higher.
  • Age of Firm
    Firms that have been in business longer are ranked higher.
  • Fee Structure
    Firms with a fee-only (as opposed to fee-based) compensation structure are ranked higher.

All information is obtained through public records and is updated annually after the firms’ form ADV filing. This list may include firms that have a business relationship with SmartAsset, in which SmartAsset is compensated for lead referrals. Such relationships have no impact on our rankings, and firms are included and ranked based strictly on the above criteria. SmartAsset is not a client of the aforementioned firms, and did not receive compensation for including any of the firms on the aforementioned list.

Farr, Miller & Washington

Farr, Miller & Washington’s account minimum varies by account type. To open a Wealth Builder portfolio, you’ll need at least $100,000. For a large-cap account, you’ll need at least $5,000, with every other type of account needing at least $500,000 in investable assets. 

The firm works with both high-net-worth and non-high-net-worth individuals, as well as pension and profit-sharing plans, charities, local governments and corporations.

Farr, Miller & Washington is an independently owned, fee-only firm. The firm’s officers hold stakes in the business.

The members of the firm’s advisory staff hold multiple certifications, including certified financial planner (CFP), chartered financial analyst (CFA), certified public accountant (CPA) and certificate in investment performance measurement (CIPM) designations.

Farr, Miller & Washington Background

Michael Farr, Elmon Miller and John Washington founded the firm in 1996. Farr is the only one still working at the firm, as Miller and Washington have since passed away. Farr serves as president and CEO, and is the majority owner through a holding company. The firm also operates offices in Naples, Florida and Devon, Pennsylvania.

Regardless of what step you’re looking to take in your personal financial life, this firm likely offers relevant services. The firm offers tax mitigation, retirement planning, trust creation, estate planning, wealth transfers and pension and profit-sharing management. Advisors at this firm also have experience dealing with the financial issues faced by businesses, charitable organizations, foundations and state and municipal governments.

Farr, Miller & Washington Strategy

Quality investments, sustained growth, fundamental analysis and a long-term focus are the four pillars of the firm's business. But before any of these principles can be put into practice, your advisor will create a balance sheet of your assets. During this initial conversation, you’ll discuss your tax status, risk tolerance, time horizon, cash-flow needs and any other relevant factors.

The firm's core investment products are large cap growth equity; small/mid cap core equity; fixed income; and growth and income. A fifth investment approach, Wealth Builder, uses model portfolios investing in exchange-traded funds, and can be adjusted to fit any risk tolerance.

Armstrong, Fleming & Moore

Armstrong, Fleming & Moore requires a relatively high account minimum of $1.5 million, though it may waive the requirement at its discretion.

It firm serves both high-net-worth and non-high-net-worth individuals, as well as charities and company retirement plans.

The advisory team holds multiple certifications, including certified financial planner (CFP), accredited investment fiduciary (AIF) and chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC) designations.

Armstrong, Fleming & Moore is a fee-based firm. Some advisors are insurance agents and collect sales commissions. The firm is a fiduciary, however, so its advisors are legally required to put clients' best interests before their own.

Armstrong, Fleming & Moore Background

One of the oldest firms on this list, Armstrong, Fleming & Moore was founded in 1983 by chairman emeritus Alexandra Armstrong. Today, the firm is majority owned by principals Ryan Fleming and Mary Moore. In 2012 and 2014, Chris Rivers and Carl Holubowich also became owners.

No matter where you are in your financial timeline, the firm can offer guidance. Armstrong, Fleming & Moore lists the following as its most common services:

  • Cash-flow planning and debt analysis
  • Retirement planning
  • Tax planning
  • Education planning
  • Estate planning
  • Insurance planning and risk management

Armstrong, Fleming & Moore Strategy

Armstrong, Fleming & Moore’s investment committee, which is comprised of its principals and other advisors, ultimately decides where to invest your assets. The firm’s investment committee meets bi-weekly to discuss investment opportunities. Typically, the firm uses exchange-traded funds, mutual funds, stocks and bonds. 

The investment committee bases its decisions for individual portfolios on an investor’s risk tolerance and financial goals. As your account matures, the firm will rebalance your account should it drift from your target asset allocation.

Capital Investment Advisors

With no set account minimum, Capital Investment Advisors works mostly with individuals who do not have high net worths. It also serves high-net-worth individuals, retirement plans, charities and corporations.

The firm's team of advisors holds numerous certifications, including certified financial planner (CFP), certified public accountant (CPA), chartered financial consultant (ChFC), chartered life underwriter (CLU) and certified fund specialist (CFS) designations.

As a fee-based firm, some advisors may also be broker-dealer representatives and/or insurance agents. The compensation for these non-advisor roles are transaction-based, which can potentially be a conflict of interest. That said, the firm is a fiduciary, meaning it is legally bound to act in its clients' best interests.

Capital Investment Advisors Background

While it’s hardly a young firm, Capital Investment Advisors is one of the most recently formed firms on this list. It was founded in 1998 by the firm’s current president and CEO, John Girouard, who has more than 30 years of experience in the industry. Aside from Girouard, the rest of the firm’s staff averages about 20 years’ experience in asset management.

Capital Investment Advisors emphasizes the importance of financial independence. The firm strives to help its clients achieve financial independence through its various services, which include:

  • Financial planning
  • Retirement planning
  • Investment management
  • Risk management and insurance services
  • Estate and legacy planning
  • Charitable and philanthropic gifting strategies
  • Social Security, Medicare and employer benefit strategies
  • Long-term care planning
  • Education savings plans
  • Comprehensive tax analysis and preparation

Capital Investment Advisors Strategy

Capital Investment Advisors says it “subscribes to ‘Conditionomics,’ the psychology of money.” In other words, the firm thinks holistically about an investor’s financial life and believes that all financial decisions are equally important and valuable, no matter how small or large those decisions appear to be.  

Capital Investment Advisors typically invests its clients’ assets in stocks, bonds, government securities, mutual funds, unit investment trusts and limited partnerships. The asset allocations applied to your account will vary depending on your risk tolerance and cash flow needs.

A unique feature of Capital Investment Advisors is the extensive introductory workshop it provides to new clients. This meeting is centered on teaching new clients the ins and outs of the financial industry, with the idea that this knowledge will allow you to better understand the firm’s decisions regarding your assets.

Bryspen, Incorporated

Bryspen, Incorporated works almost entirely with high-net-worth individuals. It also maintains advisory relationships with non-high-net-worth individuals and retirement plans.

The services at Bryspen, Incorporated are offered on a fee-only basis. This means that its income is exclusively from client fees.

Bryspen, Incorporated Background

John S. Bryan founded Bryspen, Incorporated in 1993 in Atlanta. The firm has since moved its principal place of business to Washington, D.C. Bryan is still the firm’s president and 100% owner.

Bryspen provides financial planning services to its clients in the form of a “Financial Profile” report. The firm also offers investment supervisory services and consulting services.

Bryspen, Incorporated Investment Philosophy

Bryspen primarily relies on fundamental analysis when evaluating potential securities. This method of analysis attempts to discern the intrinsic or “fundamental” value of a company or stock by examining overall economic and financial factors, then using that value to determine if the stock is overpriced or underpriced.

The firm also seeks to maintain diversification across different asset classes in client portfolios. It sticks to a long-term purchasing strategy for the most part, which means purchasing investments with the intent of holding onto them for at least one year. In certain situations, however, the firm may employ a short-term purchasing strategy if it feels conditions could soon result in a significant price increase.

Graham Capital Wealth Management

With its SEC registration approved only recently, Graham Capital Wealth Management is one of the newer firms on this list. The firm requires at least a $40,000 investment for its portfolio management services, though it may reduce that amount at its discretion. With such a relatively low minimum, it serves mainly individuals who do not have high net worths and some high-net-worth individuals.

At Graham Capital, advisors may also be insurance agents. In these sales roles, they can collect commissions, which could potentially be a conflict of interest. But as an SEC-registered firm, the advisors are legally required to put clients' best interests first. 

Graham Capital Wealth Management Background

Two members of the Graham family work at the firm as managing directors: Stash and Alex. The former is the majority owner and chief investment officer (CIO), while the latter serves as chief compliance officer (CCO). Both have master's degrees in finance.

The advisory provides investment management and financial planning services. It also offers retirement plan advisory services to plan sponsors. The fee for financial planning is usually included in your investment management fee, which is asset-based.

Graham Capital Wealth Management Investing Strategies

Based on its discussions with you, Graham will construct an investment portfolio, consisting of low-cost, diversified mutual funds and/or exchange-traded funds. It may also use individual stocks or bonds - and retain already held investments due to tax considerations and other factors. Generally, the firm takes the long view, though it may engage in short-term trading if deemed appropriate.

When evaluating investments, Graham Capital primarily uses fundamental, technical and/or cyclical methods of analysis. Its sources of research include financial media companies, third-party research materials, Internet sources and company annual reports, prospectuses and press releases.

How Long $1mm Lasts in Retirement

SmartAsset's interactive map highlights places where $1 million will last the longest in retirement. Zoom between states and the national map to see the top spots in each region. Also, scroll over any city to learn about the cost of living in retirement for that location.

Least
Most
Rank City Housing Expenses Food Expenses Healthcare Expenses Utilities Expenses Transportation Expenses

Methodology We analyzed data on average expenditures for seniors, cost of living and investment returns to determine how many years of retirement a $1 million nest egg would cover in cities across America.

First, we looked at data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on the average annual expenditures of seniors. We then applied cost of living data from the Council for Community and Economic Research to adjust those national average spending levels based on the costs of each expense category (housing, food, healthcare, utilities, transportation and other) in each city. Using this data, SmartAsset calculated the average cost of living for retirees in the largest U.S. cities.

We assumed the $1 million would grow at a real return (interest minus inflation) of 2%. Then, we divided $1 million by the sum of each of those annual numbers to determine how long $1 million would cover retirement expenses in each of the cities in our study. Cities where $1 million lasted the longest ranked the highest in the study.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Council for Community and Economic Research