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Csenge Advisory Group Review

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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.

Clearwater, Florida-based Csenge Advisory Group (CAG) is a financial advisor firm that works almost entirely with non-high-net-worth individual clients. There are many financial services available through Csenge, including financial planning, financial consulting, investment management, third-party programs and retirement plan services. Most of the firm's assets are managed on a discretionary basis, by which clients give their advisor the right to make financial decisions on their own.

Csenge Advisory Group holds the first spot on SmartAsset's list of the top financial advisors in Clearwater, Florida, as well as a place on SmartAsset's top financial advisors in Florida.

Csenge Advisory Group Background

Csenge Advisory Group was founded in 2000 by John L. Csenge. He remains the firm's principal owner and managing partner to this day. Csenge has more than 30 years of experience working in the financial services industry. Chief investment officer Eric Caisse is also a partner in the firm. 

Many of the advisors at this firm hold one or more advisory certifications. They include the certified financial planners (CFPs), accredited investment fiduciary (AIF), certified investment management consultant (CIMC), chartered financial analyst (CFA) and chartered market technician (CMT).

Csenge Advisory Group Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes

Individuals below the high-net-worth threshold make up the majority of the client base at Csenge Advisory Group. That's no surprise since the firm doesn't impose a minimum account size.

The firm also manages the accounts of some high-net-worth individuals, retirement plans, charities, trusts, estates and businesses.

Services Offered by Csenge Advisory Group

Csenge Advisory Group offers a complete selection of financial planning and investment management services. The former includes retirement planning, cash flow planning, tax planning, estate planning, education fund planning and asset allocation planning.

The firm's asset management services include 14 asset allocation models offered through a wrap fee program. Each of these are designed to fit a specific type of investor, so clients will be matched to one of the following:

  • CAG Cash Cow
  • CAG Commodore
  • CAG Core & Explore
  • CAG Fixed
  • CAG Growth & Income
  • CAG Hard Asset
  • CAG International
  • CAG Opportunistic
  • CAG Sector Select
  • CAG Tactical Fusion
  • CAG Techno Quant
  • CAG Total Market
  • Radian Preferred
  • WS ESG Balanced

Asset allocation services at CAG are more focused on helping clients figure out how to best allocate the funds in their 401(k)s or other retirement accounts. Consulting services are provided to businesses and corporations to help with retirement plans.

Csenge Advisory Group Investment Philosophy

Csenge Advisory Group's 14 asset allocation models are built to fit a certain type of investor. More specifically, the firm will do a deep dive into your investment goals and objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon and income needs to figure out which model is suited to you. From there, advisors strategically alter these models, which will in turn affect how clients' assets are invested in the market.

Csenge primarily uses fundamental and technical methods of analysis to evaluate investment opportunities. Advisors also look to the relative strength of certain investments to best control for portfolio volatility. Equities, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are by far the most common investments used to craft client portfolios. The firm uses both long- and short-term trading methods to help drive growth.

Fees Under Csenge Advisory Group

Csenge Advisory Group charges different fees for each of its offerings. Rather than have a specific fee schedule for these services, the firm has a maximum annual fee. Here's a breakdown:

Csenge Advisory Group Fees
Service Maximum Annual Fee
Asset management services 2.35%
Asset allocation services 1.50%
Third-party management programs 2.50%
Corporate retirement plan services 1.50%

Financial planning fees are charged on a fixed basis ranging from $750 to $2,000 or an hourly basis ranging from $100 to $500 per hour. Fees are calculated and charged on a quarterly basis, in advance.

What to Watch Out For

Csenge Advisory Group reported no legal or regulatory disclosures on its latest Form ADV.

Advisors at Csenge Advisory Group may collect commissions for selling specific insurance products or securities to clients. This arrangement presents a potential conflict of interest, as it may incentivize advisors to suggest certain products or securities over others. That said, the firm has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of clients at all times.

Opening an Account With Csenge Advisory Group

To get in touch with Csenge Advisory Group, you can call the firm at (727) 437-6000. You can also go to the firm's website and fill out its contact form for so an advisor can contact you directly.

All information is accurate as of the writing of this article.

Financial Planning Tips

  • It's been said that a goal without a plan is only a dream. For help making a concrete plan, consider hiring a financial advisor. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
  • Financial advisors may hold a wide range of certifications and designations, each indicating their training and specializations. One of the most prominent designations is the certified financial planner or CFP. As its name indicates, a CFP has received training in the creation and management of financial plans.

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