Finding a Top Financial Advisor Firm in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Sorting through all financial advisor firms serving your area to find the right advisor for you can be a challenging undertaking. To simplify the search for Grand Rapids residents, SmartAsset has created this list of the top Grand Rapids financial advisor firms. After extensive research into the area’s firms, SmartAsset has provided information on the services that each firm offers, the account minimums required, the fees charged and more. You can also use SmartAsset’s financial advisor matching tool to get connected with financial advisors who serve your area, then interview them to figure out which one best fits your needs.
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We match more than 50,000 people with financial advisors per month. Get connected to an advisor that serves your area today.Rank | Financial Advisor | Assets Managed | Minimum Assets | Financial Services | More Information |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | NPF Investment Advisors ![]() | $1,996,013,713 | $1,500,000 |
| Minimum Assets$1,500,000Financial Services
|
2 | Strategies Wealth Advisors, LLC ![]() | $1,289,606,975 | $1,000,000 |
| Minimum Assets$1,000,000Financial Services
|
3 | Financial Advisory Corporation ![]() | $854,332,137 | $9,500 minimum annual fee |
| Minimum Assets$9,500 minimum annual feeFinancial Services
|
4 | LaFleur & Godfrey Private Wealth Management ![]() | $906,912,218 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
5 | BeManaged (Actium LLC) ![]() | $501,896,722 | No required minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo required minimumFinancial Services
|
6 | Midwest Capital Advisors, LLC ![]() | $760,067,568 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
7 | Grand Wealth Management, LLC ![]() | $582,326,800 | $1,000,000 |
| Minimum Assets$1,000,000Financial Services
|
8 | Fiduciary Financial Advisors ![]() | $323,699,000 | No required minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo required minimumFinancial Services
|
9 | Blue Water Asset Management ![]() | $319,208,502 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
10 | Voisard Asset Management Group ![]() | $311,629,111 | $250,000 |
| Minimum Assets$250,000Financial Services
|
What We Use in Our Methodology
To find the top financial advisors in Grand Rapids, 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:
- AUMFirms with more total assets under management are ranked higher.
- Individual Client CountFirms who serve more individual clients (as opposed to institutional clients) are ranked higher.
- Clients Per AdvisorFirms with a lower ratio of clients per financial advisor are ranked higher.
- Age of FirmFirms that have been in business longer 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.
NPF Investment Advisors
NPF Investment Advisors maintains advisory relationships with retirement plans, charitable organizations, government entities and businesses as well. In general, the firm prefers to work with clients who have at least $1.5 million in investable assets.
NPF’s premier offering is its investment management services, which involve the creation of a personalized investment portfolio for each client. Financial planning services are also available at the firm. These include estate planning, insurance needs analysis, retirement planning, charitable planning, debt management, education planning, special needs planning and more.
As a fee-only firm, the only compensation that NPF receives is the advisory fees that clients pay themselves.
NPF Investment Advisors Background
NPF Investment Advisors has been in business for quite a long time, as it was founded in 1933. The firm’s majority owner is chief investment officer (CIO) Kurt Arvidson, and its minority owners are partners John Wisentaner, Charles Dutcher, Marilee Bartl and Daniel Lupo. In all, the firm’s advisory team has more than 100 years of experience.
Seven advisors at this firm hold a chartered financial analyst (CFA) designation. There are also two chartered private wealth advisors (CPWAs), three certified financial planners (CFPs), one chartered market technician (CMT) and one certified divorce financial analyst (CDFA).
NPF Investment Advisors Investment Strategy
As stated above, NPF Investment Advisors looks to customize each and every one of its portfolios to the client’s specific financial needs and goals. In addition to this, the firm will take into account your investment preferences, including risk tolerance, time horizon and liquidity needs. Information relating to the client’s family composition may also be used during this time.
Although NPF is technically open to using any type of investment within its clients’ portfolios, it does have some securities it tends to use more often. More specifically, the firm has an affinity for equities, corporate bonds, municipal bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and no-load and load-waived mutual funds. On a less frequent basis, the firm may invest client assets in certificates of deposit (CDs), warrants, commercial paper, variable annuities, U.S. government securities and pooled investment vehicles.
Strategies Wealth Advisors
Strategies Wealth Advisors is a fee-based financial advisory firm with a minimum account size of $1 million. However, the firm may be willing to waive this minimum at its discretion. Its client base is almost an even split between non-high-net-worth individuals and high-net-worth individuals. It also does some institutional business, advising corporations and retirement plans.
The firm's advisory staff includes one registered financial consultant (RFC), two certified financial planners (CFPs) and one certified public accountant (CPA). Advisors here may also be registered to sell you securities on a commission basis. This is a potential conflict of interest, but all advisors at the firm are bound by fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of clients at all times.
Strategies Wealth Advisors Background
Strategies Wealth Advisors was founded in 2017 by Michael Berkemeier. Berkemeier and Aaron Veldheer principally own the firm, with John Vande Guchte and Mark Ghafari being minority owners.
The firm offers the following services to clients:
- Financial planning
- Portfolio management services
- Business consulting
- Tailored services
Strategies Wealth Advisors Investment Strategy
Asset allocation and fundamental analysis are the basis of the investment philosophy at Strategies Wealth Advisors. Assets advisors use within clients' portfolios include equities, fixed-income, international investments, cash and cash equivalents. Strategies used by the firm seek to balance growth with risk, and find a medium that works for the client. Client needs that are factored into their portfolio plans include risk tolerance, income and liquidity needs, tax specifics, and time horizon.
Financial Advisory Corporation
Financial Advisory Corporation is a fee-only firm, which means all of its compensation comes from the fees that clients pay for its services. The firm's client base includes both non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals. It also advises institutional clients, including retirement plans, charitable organizations and corporations.
There is no minimum account size requirement here, but there is a minimum annual fee of $9,500, which makes it unlikely the firm is a match for those with accounts worth less than $750,000. Clients are charged a base fee, plus a percentage of net worth and a percentage of investments.
The advisory team here includes six certified financial planners (CFPs), five certified kingdom advisors (CKAs) and one chartered financial analyst (CFA).
Financial Advisory Corporation Background
Paul G. Anthes founded Financial Advisory Corporation in 1988. Anthes remains the principal owner of the firm and acts as president and one of its wealth advisors.
Services offered by the firm include:
- Investment planning
- Financial planning
- Retirement plans
- Estate planning
- Tax planning
- Risk management
- Retirement planning
Financial Advisory Corporation Investment Strategy
Asset allocation is a key part of the strategy for advisors at Financial Advisory Corporation. Clients get a portfolio with a balance of equity investments, fixed income and cash. The client’s investment goals and risk tolerance are used to determine the appropriate allocation.
Mutual fund analysis is used to pick which funds clients invest in. The track record of the fund manager is considered to see if the investment is a smart one over time. The fund is also compared to other funds the client invests in to make sure there is not significant overlap.
LaFleur & Godfrey Private Wealth Management
As a fee-only firm, LaFleur & Godfrey Private Wealth Management receives all of its compensation solely from client-paid fees. The firm is heavily individual-centric, as the vast majority of its client base is comprised of individuals with and without a high net worth. Charitable organizations, retirement plans and businesses make up the rest of its clients.
There is no specific set account minimum at LaFleur and Godfrey. The firm's team of advisors includes at least one chartered financial analyst (CFA), a certified financial planner (CFP), and a certified employee benefit specialist (CEBS).
LaFleur & Godfrey Private Wealth Management Background
LaFleur & Godfrey Private Wealth Management is one of the youngest firms on this list, as it was created in its current form in 2013. However, the history of its predecessor firm can be traced back to 1987, when it was founded by Jim Lafleur and Rick Godfrey, both of whom are now retired. Today, the firm is part of the Focus Financial Partners nationwide network of advisory firms.
Comprehensive wealth management is the premier offering at LaFleur & Godfrey. This service covers both financial planning and investment management.
LaFleur & Godfrey Private Wealth Management Investing Strategy
LaFleur & Godfrey Private Wealth Management meets with clients before even thinking about investing any of their money. This meeting involves attaining a deep understanding of the clients' situation and needs, as the firm will look to identify your risk tolerance, time horizon, income needs and short- and long-term financial goals. Based on these factors, your advisor will build a portfolio plan to reach your objectives.
Generally speaking, the firm tends to invest in individual stocks and bonds. On certain occasions, investments in mutual funds and ETFs may also be made.
BeManaged
BeManaged is an independent fee-only advisory firm that specializes in helping individuals and employers with financial planning and oversight. The firm's entire client base of over 1,450 clients, for portfolio management, is made up of individuals that are not high-net-worth individuals. The firm, which doesn't set an account balance minimum, offers services in investment management, and financial planning and coaching.
BeManaged Background
BeManaged, registered as Actium LLC, was founded in 2006 by John C. Whaley to provide investors access to financial advice that may not be able to afford traditional channels. The team now consists of multiple chartered financial analyst (CFA) designations. The firm now offers its financial advice through its "BeAdvised" product and its portfolio management through its traditional "BeManaged."
BeManaged Investment Strategy
BeManaged aims to provide an in-depth analysis of its client's goals and current financial situation before deciding on an investment approach. The amount of risk in reaching the client's goals is important for the firm to address their needs appropriately. The advisor will then pick a mixed portfolio that addresses their overall desired outcome. The firm promotes semi-active management, typically making account changes 2-4 times per year.
Midwest Capital Advisors
Midwest Capital Advisors is a fee-only firm. The firm employs some certified financial planners (CFPs), accredited investment fiduciaries (AIFs), and chartered retirement planning counselors (CRPC). The firm does not have a minimum investment requirement, but it reserves the right to charge a minimum fee.
Midwest Capital Advisors advises both non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals, though most of its clients fall into the former group. It also has an institutional business, advising pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations, government entities, corporations and a school district consortium.
Midwest Capital Advisors Background
Midwest Capital Advisors was founded in 2003. It is owned by Henry G. Swain, Michael D. DeSmyter, Jack N. Tunge, Mark R. Satkoski and Jeffrey A. Gietzen. Each of them still works at the firm as an advisor, while Gietzen is not listed on the firm’s employee page.
Services offered by the firm include:
- Investment management
- Financial planning
- Cash flow analysis
- Retirement income planning
- Tax planning
- Education planning
- Estate planning
Midwest Capital Advisors Investment Strategy
Midwest Capital Advisors breaks down the global equity market into various asset classes, including geography, development of the market, market cap and value vs. growth. Each asset class is analyzed using both historical and forward-looking research and analytics.
Potential funds clients could invest in are analyzed for absolute and risk-adjusted returns, manager tenures, risk profile, fiduciary measures, fees and style drift, among other factors. All of this information is used to pick mutual funds for clients to invest in as part of their overall investing strategy.
Grand Wealth Management
The advisory staff at Grand Wealth Management holds a total of nine certifications. These include some certified financial planners (CFPs), certified investment management analysts (CIMA), accredited investment fiduciary (AIF), certified public accountants (CPA) and personal financial specialists (PFS).
This fee-only firm also has one of the highest account minimums on this list. Grand Wealth Management's services generally call for $1 million in investable assets to open an account. Likely because of this fact, its advisors manage around double the number of high-net-worth individuals as their non-high-net-worth counterparts. The firm’s typical clients are individuals and their families, including professionals, executives, business owners, and retirees.
Grand Wealth Management Background
Founded in 2004, Grand Wealth Management is independently owned by the firm’s top four advisors: managing principal Jeffrey Williams, principal Steven Starnes, senior financial advisor Anastasia Wiese and chief operations manager/chief compliance officer (CCO) Janelle Anderson. The team of advisors at this firm has accrued, on average, more than 20 years in the financial services industry.
Grand Wealth Management believes that the comprehensive management of your wealth is the best way to help you achieve your financial goals. The firm offers the following services:
- Investment management
- Estate planning
- Retirement planning
- Risk management
- Education planning
- Charitable planning
- Tax planning and minimization
Grand Wealth Management Investing Strategy
Grand Wealth Management says it bases its investment strategy solely on objective facts determined through peer-reviewed studies and other types of academic financial studies. The firm claims that this has taught its advisors to not to involve emotions and trends in their investment choices.
The firm primarily invests its clients’ assets in ETFs, other index funds and mutual funds to minimize risk for even the most risk-averse investor. Notably, the firm avoids using all personal securities and actively managed funds in its client portfolios.
Fiduciary Financial Advisors
Fiduciary Financial Advisors has no minimum account requirement and works with individuals, high-net-worth individuals, and corporations or other business entities. As a fee-based firm, some if its advisors may earn commissions on some of the securities they recommend to their clients. This may create a potential conflict of interest but each advisor is bound by a fiduciary duty to put the needs of their clients first.
The firm doesn't impose an account balance minimum.
Fiduciary Financial Advisors Background
The firm was founded in 2014 by Ben VerWys. Today, the firm has grown to 16 advisors and more than 850 clients. The firm offers services in financial planning and portfolio management. Its financial planning services include cash flow management, debt management, risk management, employee benefits, tax planning strategies, and more.
Fiduciary Financial Advisors Investing Strategy
Fiduciary Financial Advisors is looking for clients that are open to a unique approach for investing. As a full-service wealth management firm, it tries to provide an approach that is specific to you in finding the right investment balance. The firm leaves it pretty open what they are willing to invest in for their clients but each strategy may include stocks, bonds, cash equivalents, mutual funds, and more.
Blue Water Asset Management
Blue Water Asset Management does not have a specific minimum asset requirement to open an account. Although Blue Water Asset Management primarily serves individuals, it also works with charitable organizations, state and municipal government entities, businesses, private schools and investment advisors.
Because this firm is fee-based, its advisors may earn commissions from trading certain securities or selling insurance policies. While this may provide a potential conflict of interest, the firm and its advisors are bound by their fiduciary duty to put the needs of the client first.
Blue Water Asset Management Background
Blue Water Asset Management was founded in 2015, making it one of the youngest firms on this list. Although the firm was formed relatively recently, its advisors have spent an average of almost 30 years in finance. Blue Water Asset Management is principally owned by managing member Mark Redfield and chief compliance officer (CCO) Jay Greer.
Blue Water has a unique structure, in that it’s essentially a co-op of three financial advisor firms that work together so each can provide their strengths to the right clients. These firms include Jay Greer & Co., Redfield Financial Group and Capital Income Consultants.
As a whole, Blue Water offers a broad array of advisory services, including wealth management, financial planning, investment consulting and pension consulting for plan sponsors and beneficiaries. More distinct choices regarding the management of your assets will be made once you’ve made your ultimate financial goals clear.
Blue Water Asset Management Investing Strategy
Blue Water Asset Management incorporates modern portfolio theory into all of its investing decisions. For those not familiar with this approach, it focuses on striking a balance between risk and return, with the stipulation that higher levels of risk should only be accepted if there is a proportionate potential for return.
Blue Water Asset Management utilizes many different types of investments when enacting these principles, like money market funds, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs), municipal securities, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, variable annuities, real estate investment trusts (REITs), options, warrants and limited partnerships.
Voisard Asset Management Group
Voisard Asset Management Group is a fee-only firm that typically serves individuals both with and without a high net worth, trusts, estates and charitable organizations. About three-quarters of its individual clients are non-high-net-worth individuals. To open an account with Voisard Asset Management Group, you’ll need at least $250,000 in investable assets.
Four members of Voisard Asset Management Group’s financial advisor team are certified financial planners (CFPs). One is also an accredited investment fiduciary (AIF).
Voisard Asset Management Group Background
Voisard Asset Management Group’s principal owner is company president Douglas Voisard, who founded the firm in 2002. The firm's advisors average around 15 years of experience in the financial services industry.
Whether you need financial help with a specific area or simply want to invest your assets, this firm likely has a relevant service. Its extensive list of offerings are as follows:
- Budgeting
- Cash flow planning
- Retirement planning
- Estate planning
- Investment management
- Death/disability financial review
- Insurance analysis
- Tax management
Voisard Asset Management Group Investing Strategy
Voisard Asset Management Group prioritizes determining the appropriate asset allocations for its client portfolios. In general, the firm says that it uses securities, fixed-income, cash, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Voisard Asset Management Group utilizes five investment strategies: short-term purchases, long-term purchases, options, margin transactions and short sales. Although the firm says it focuses on long-term growth, it also attempts to take advantage of market conditions. This is not only done to satisfy clients’ liquidity needs but also to make gains that can then open up more potential investment opportunities.