Top 5 Financial Advisors in Fort Collins, CO

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IFAM Capital tops this list with the highest assets under management. IFAM's client base is fairly diverse, though it primarily consists of individuals, including those above and below the high-net-worth threshold. It also includes retirement plans, charities, insurance companies, businesses and government entities. There is no specific account minimum for those looking to work with an advisor at the firm.

This is a fee-based firm, as certain on-staff advisors have the opportunity to sell insurance products or securities on a commission basis. Despite the potential conflict of interest this arrangement involves, the firm is still a fiduciary, and is therefore legally obligated to act in the best interests of clients at all times.

IFAM Capital Background

IFAM Capital was founded in 2014, though it is the successor firm of IFM Capital Advisors, LLC. The firm is a part of the Focus Financial Partners, LLC network. That technically makes it a wholly-owned subsidiary of Focus Operating, LLC, which is, in turn, owned by Focus, LLC, a large, nationwide financial services company. The firm's leadership team includes partners Clayton Hartman, Brian Sullivan, Wayne Jamerson, Alan Beugg, Jeff Gordon and Bryce Sowitch.

IFAM Capital has a wide range of financial planning and wealth management services, along with dedicated investment management. Financial planning services are available for a range of topics, including retirement and estate planning. The firm offers both discretionary and non-discretionary investment services, and it utilizes a wrap fee program as well.

IFAM Capital Investment Strategy

IFAM Capital, like many other advisory firms, looks to personalize its investment strategy for each individual client. Advisors gather information about their client, and then use those insights to develop an investment plan that addresses their current financial situation, while keeping an eye toward their future goals. Advisors utilize a holisitc approach when it comes to investing, taking into account the entirety of the client's financial situation.

At the start of the portfolio creation process, IFAM may use model portfolios. These models typically allocate client assets among mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other investment managers. The two main strategies the firm uses are the IFAM Strategic Income Portfolio Strategy and the IFAM Dynamic Income Portfolio Strategy. The former is more aggressive and looks to purchase individual stocks, whereas the latter is centered around much safer index funds.

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Cosner Financial Group, a fee-based firm, comes in second on our list. The client base at this firm is almost fully comprised of individuals, with over 85% of them having less than a high net worth. Just about anyone can open an account at this firm, as Cosner does not impose any minimums on prospective clients.

Certain members of Cosner's advisory team may have the ability to earn commissions when they sell specific financial products to clients. While this does create a potential conflict of interest, the firm is bound by fiduciary duty to act in clients' best interests, no matter what. The firm employs one certified financial planner (CFP).

Cosner Financial Group Background

Originally founded in 1988 by Jim Cosner, Cosner Financial Group has only been an SEC-registered investment advisor since 2008. The firm provides a slate of comprehensive investment management, financial planning and consulting services for clients. Investment services can be carried out on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis, depending on the scope of services requested by the client. Financial planning and consulting services at Cosner may include advice on a spectrum of topics, from retirement and estate plannning to debt analysis and credit evaluation.

Today, the firm is owned Jim Cosner's son, Ryan Cosner, who joined the firm in 2002. Jim Cosner is still involved with Cosner Financial Group, and he has over three decades of wealth management experience. The two other advisors at the firm are Jeremy Newton and Austin Kelly.

Cosner Financial Group Investment Strategy

Since the financial situation of each client is different, Cosner Financial Group looks to personalize its investment strategies to the individual investment objectives and financial goals of each client. Advisors also place significant emphasis on continuous and regular account supervision and rebalances. This allows the firm to ensure that your portfolio is keeping up with changes in the market, while maintaining a focus on your long-term goals.

The firm uses stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), options, mutual funds and other securities to flesh out its portfolios. Methods of analysis used to evaluate investments include fundamental, technical, charting and cyclical analysis. Advisors implement their investment strategies using both long- and short-term purchases, along with options writing, trading, short sales and margin transactions.

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Next is fee-only firm Trail Ridge Investment Advisors. Client include individuals, high-net-worth individuals, charities and corporations. The minimum account size is $5,000. 

The team at Trail Ridge holds multiple certifications, such as certified financial planner (CFP), chartered financial analyst (CFA), certified trust and fiduciary advisor (CTFA) and even two juris doctorates (JDs). 

Trail Ridge Investment Advisors Background

Trail Ridge was founded in 2016 and is owned by Trail Ridge Wealth Management, Inc., which is owned in turn by managing members David Chadwick Jones, CCO Jeffrey Kadavy, Mark Kerwood, Peter Loritz and Jacqueline Zipser.

The firm focuses mainly on professionals early in their careers and offers investment advisory services, financial planning and asset management. 

Trail Ridge Investment Advisors Investment Strategy

Trail Ridge bases its strategy on modern portfolio theory, a risk-averse and long-term approach. Portfolios are largely constructed of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds and other equity-related index funds tailored to the client’s specific needs. 

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The youngest firm on the list, fee-based Theory Financial, ranks next. Its client base is uniquely comprised of individuals, both non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth split evenly. There is no account minimum. 

Most of the advisors on staff hold a professional accreditation, including certified financial planner (CFP), chartered financial consultant (ChFC) and chartered life underwriter (CLU). Advisors may receive a commission from the sale of insurance products, and while this may be a potential conflict of interest, the firm has a fidciary duty to act in the best interest of its clients at all times. 

Theory Financial Background

Theory Financial was founded in 2019 by Ryan Charles Stout, managing member, Chief Compliance Officer and sole owner. 

Services include investment management and financial planning. 

Theory Financial Investment Strategy

Theory Financial bases its recommendations on fundamental and cyclical analysis, along with modern portfolio theory. The firm generally employs an asset allocation strategy that builds client portfolios from exchange-traded fudns (ETFs), mutual funds or similar securities, as well as individual securities.

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If you're interested in becoming a client of Navigation Wealth Management, there are no minimum asset requirements to meet. As a result, the firm works almost entirely with non-high-net-worth individuals. High-net-worth individuals and charitable organizations flesh out the rest of its client base. The team of advisors at Navigation consists of three accredited investment fiduciaries (AIFs).

Certain on-staff advisors at this firm can sell insurance products on a commission basis. In turn, Navigation Wealth Management is a fee-based operation. Although this represents a potential conflict of interest, the firm's fiduciary duty means it must act in your best interest at all times.

Navigation Wealth Management Background

Navigation Wealth Management has only been in business for a few years, as it was established in just 2016. Adam Brunin, the firm's president is its sole owner. Brunin has about 20 years of experience in the financial services industry.

Individuals can access both investment management and general financial planning services through Navigation. Variable annuity and life insurance planning and management is also available.

Navigation Wealth Management Investing Strategy

Navigation Wealth Management invests client assets according to your personal needs and situation. To determine the type of investor profile you have, the firm will work with you to determine a few very specific and important factors. These include your risk tolerance, liquidity needs, time horizon, income needs and short- and long-term financial goals.

Once the above is clearly delineated, the firm will invest your money into the market via an exact asset allocation. As your portfolio ages, the firm will monitor your returns in an effort to keep the intended asset allocation intact. The firm may decide to rebalance as necessary.