Top Financial Advisors in Portland, OR

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Arnerich Massena, Inc. ranks as the top firm on this list with over $10 billion in assets under management (AUM). It also took the top spot in our review of the top financial advisors in the state of Oregon. Individuals and high-net-worth individuals are the most common client of Arnerich Massena. The firm, however, does continue to maintain relationships with trusts, estates, charitable organizations, endowments, businesses, foundations and retirement plans.

Throughout the 15-person advisory team at Arnerich Massena, you'll find four chartered financial analysts (CFAs), three chartered alternative investment analysts (CAIAs), one certified financial planner (CFP), one chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC), one certified private wealth advisor (CPWA) and one certified public accountant (CPA).

Arnerich Massena, Inc. Background

Arnerich Massena is an employee-owned firm that began doing business in 1991. Its principal owners are Anthony Arnerich (CEO, co-CIO and founder), Terri Schwartz (managing director of institutional services and business development), Bryan Shipley (co-CIO), Reegan Rae (senior investment advisor), Karl Hausafus (general counsel and CCO) and Christine Arnerich (principal).

Rather than employ a set of preselected services, Arnerich Massena caters to what each client type is looking for. For example, the firm offers services for individuals, institutions and retirement plan sponsors and participants.

Arnerich Massena, Inc. Investing Strategy

Prior to the forming of any investment plans, an Arnerich Massena advisor will work with you to figure out your long-term financial goals and any risk-related stipulations you might have. This information is then compared to the risk profile and return potential of multiple traditional and alternative investments to ensure that the securities chosen for your portfolio are a perfect fit. To remain as complete as possible, the firm will also include any related findings from its proprietary market analysis.

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Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, Inc. landed the second spot on our list, as it has just over $5.15 billion in assets under management. This is almost $1 billion more than the third-ranking firm in terms of AUM, Becker Capital Management, Inc.

Ferguson Wellman’s AUM is far from its only distinction. The fee-only firm is also the oldest on this list and one of the biggest, with 23 advisors on staff. Of those advisors, there are six certified financial planners (CFPs), eight chartered financial analysts (CFAs), two certified trust and financial advisors (CTFAs) and one chartered alternative investment analyst (CAIA).

To be a client, you’ll need at least $3 million, which is one of the highest account minimums on this list. However, the firm has another division, West Bearing Investments, that has a much lower account minimum of $750,000.

Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, Inc. Background

Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, Inc. is the oldest firm on this list, as it was founded in 1975. The employee-owned firm offers investment account management services and wealth management services, which include financial forecasting, budget management, estate planning, tax guidance and charitable giving planning services. 

At Ferguson Wellman, each client is served by a team, not by an individual advisor. A relationship associate and portfolio manager tend to planning, long-term strategies and day-to-day needs, while a team of analysts weighs in with expertise and experience. The firm's in-house team of analysts creates most of the firm’s investment strategies, which primarily use individual securities. 

Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, Inc. Investing Strategies

Ferguson Wellman Capital Management's investment principles prioritize a focus on the long term, an analysis of the global economic landscape and the management of risk. The firm offers several investment strategies, which it customizes according to each client's risk tolerance, time horizon, income needs and other factors. 

Its strategies, which primarily use individual securities, include large-cap tax-efficient equity, large-cap core equity, large-cap dividend value, international equity, fixed income and alternatives, such as hedge funds, private equity, private real estate or other nontraditional assets.

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The individual investment management services at Becker Capital Management, Inc. require at least $1 million in investable assets. However, portfolio management for institutions calls for $3 million. The fee-only firm is the second-oldest and the third-biggest on this list.

Of Becker Capital Management’s 14 advisors on staff, there are three certified financial planners (CFPs), three chartered financial analysts (CFAs) and one certified private wealth advisor (CPWA). 

Becker Capital Management, Inc. Background

Founded in 1976, Becker Capital Management, Inc. is just a year younger than the oldest firm on this list, Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, Inc. Becker Capital Management is completely employee-owned. Four employees - CEO Janeen McAninch, president Patrick Becker, Jr., CIO Blake Howells and partner John Becker - each own more than 5% of the firm. 

Becker Capital Management serves high-net-worth individuals, families, trusts, estates, institutional investors, nonprofit organizations and more. For its individual clients, the firm offers customized investment advisory services, and it says that it offers financial planning services "as needed." Its financial planning services are focused on helping clients achieve financial security. 

Becker Capital Management, Inc. Investing

Becker Capital Management, Inc. creates customized portfolios for each client, based on his or her current income, risk tolerance, restrictions and long-term growth needs. The firm works with each of its clients to determine the appropriate asset allocation for both their taxable portfolios and their retirement funds, with a focus on tax efficiency.  

Becker Capital Management uses both active and passive strategies for client portfolios. Its investment strategies include all cap value equity, all cap value equity with exchange-traded funds (ETFs), focused all cap value equity, large cap value equity, balanced, balanced with ETFs and fixed income. Typically Becker Capital Management invests its clients' assets in individual value-oriented stocks, municipal and taxable bonds, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds.

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Even with $3.3 billion in assets under management, Northwest Capital Management, Inc. takes the fourth spot on this list. The fee-only firm most notably works with individuals with and without a high net worth, though institutions, government entities and retirement plan sponsors also fall within its typical clientele. The firm does have a secondary office in Seattle.

Northwest has a cast of 11 advisory employees. There are five certifications between them: three certified financial planners (CFPs), one chartered financial analyst (CFA) and one accredited investment fiduciary (AIF).

Northwest Capital Management, Inc. Background

Founded in 1998, Northwest Capital Management has been in business for just over 20 years. Frederick Payne, Jr., the firm's current chairman and chief compliance officer, founded the firm. Payne, along with president Brent Petty and principal Aalok Shah, principally own the firm.

Although Northwest Capital does have financial planning on hand, most of the objectives its clients may have within these plans will be achieved through some form of investing. In other words, the firm appears to be an investment-first company, regardless of whether you're an individual or institution.

Northwest Capital Management, Inc. Investing Strategy

Time horizon is the time at which you anticipate you'll need to withdraw returns from your investment portfolio to achieve a goal. This is the central concern of Northwest Capital, as your time horizon will dictate what your portfolio's overall asset allocation will be. Depending on your specific situation, the firm's plans for your portfolio could have varying percentages of equities, fixed-income securities, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and more. Should you have a strict need for liquidity, the firm will likely invest in more fixed-income investments, like bonds.

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Vista Capital Partners, Inc., a fee-only firm that specializes in investment and wealth management, requires its clients to have at least $2 million in investable assets. The firm has eight certified financial planners (CFPs) and three chartered financial analysts (CFAs) on staff. 

Vista Capital Partners, which manages $1.36 billion in assets, provides services for individuals, high-net-worth individuals, trusts, estates, businesses, corporate retirement plans, foundations, endowments and charitable institutions.

Vista Capital Partners, Inc. Background

Vista Capital Partners, Inc. was founded in 2001. The firm's director of business, Michael O'Reilly, and its CEO, Doug Johanson, principally own the business. Other employees own a lesser percentage of the firm. 

In addition to its investment and wealth advisory services, Vista Capital Partners advises its clients on retirement planning, concentrated positions, college savings plans and charitable giving. The firm collaborates with clients' other advisors in the areas of insurance, estate planning and taxes to create a fully comprehensive wealth management plan. 

Vista Capital Partners, Inc. Investing Strategy

At the start of each client relationship, Vista develops a custom investment policy statement, detailing a client's financial situation and objectives. Clients are able to impose restrictions on certain securities or types of securities. Each client's investment policy statement informs his or her investment plan.

Vista investment plans focus on asset allocation, which Vista says has been shown to be "the most important determinant of investment return and risk." To increase exposure to asset classes, Vista primarily invests its clients in index funds, which it believes can "maximize long-term returns by minimizing costs and taxes."

The firm employs a disciplined rebalancing strategy to ensure that portfolios remain within allocation targets.

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Deschutes Investment Consulting, LLC is a fee-based firm that ranks eighth on our list of the top financial advisors in the state of Oregon. The firm has two certified investment management analysts (CIMAs), one chartered life underwriter (CLU), one chartered financial consultant (ChFC) and one certified retirement plans specialist (CRPS). Note that it is missing the oft-seen certified financial planner (CFP) and chartered financial analyst (CFA) designations.

To become a client of Deschutes Investment Consulting, you must have a minimum of $250,000 in investable assets. This has led the firm to have a heavy dosage of individual clients, as well as high-net-worth individuals, trusts, estates, IRAs, businesses and corporate retirement plans.

As a fee-based firm, some of Deschutes advisors can earn money from the sale of insurance products. The is a fiduciary, though, legally binding it to act in clients' best interests.

Deschutes Investment Consulting, LLC Background

MacGregor Hall, president of Deschutes Investment Consulting, formed the firm in 2011. Hall has a long-standing history in financial services that expands over more than two decades.

For individuals, Deschutes' wealth management suite of services are meant to be as comprehensive as possible. More specifically, the firm will include parts of investment management, financial planning and tax minimization to whatever degree best suites your needs.

Deschutes Investment Consulting, LLC Investing Strategy

Nearly all of Deschutes Investment Consulting's investing decisions involve ETFs, mutual funds and separately managed accounts (SMAs). These are generally popular securities across the financial advisor business, but it's rather unique to see a firm that rarely deviates from them. Even within these investment types, Deschutes' advisors will look to diversify effectively.

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Phillips & Company Advisors, LLC falls just beneath the $1 billion threshold in assets under management. The fee-based firm employs a total of 15 advisors, though none of these employees hold advisory certifications. This is rare for a firm of Phillips' size.

In order to become a client of this firm, you'll need at least $1 million in investable assets. Almost 80% of the client base at Phillips consists of individuals, but it also has relationships with high-net-worth individuals, retirement plans, businesses and charitable organizations.

As a fee-based operation, some of Phillips & Company's advisors have the opportunity to sell insurance products for commissions. The firm does abide by fiduciary duty, legally binding it to act in clients' best interests no matter what.

Phillips & Company Advisors, LLC Background

Philips & Company Securities, Inc., the predecessor to Phillips & Company Advisors, was created in 2004. The firm changed to the name it holds today in 2011. CEO Tim Phillips founded the firm and remains its majority owner. He has been in financial services industry for almost 30 years and was, at one point, named by the Governor of Oregon to aid in the management of the state's venture capital and private equity investments.

Although Phillips & Company does offer some financial planning services, the majority of its offerings are related to investment management. This includes recommending asset allocations, tax optimization, periodic rebalancings and more. Some of its financial planning options are retirement planning, holistic wealth management and estate and trust planning.

Phillips & Company Advisors, LLC Investing Strategy

Prior to the beginning of any real investment planning, Phillips & Company Advisors will look to understand your personal financial needs. This will involve a one-on-one conversation with your advisor to discuss your ultimate financial goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, liquidity needs and any possible investment discretion you may desire.

Based on your finalized investor profile, a risk-adjusted investment plan will be drawn up. More specifically, you'll be paired with a specific asset allocation strategy that will dictate what investments your portfolio will hold. The firm has five proprietary models that take into account tax efficiency and risk/return.

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Almost eight out of every 10 clients at Sloy Dahl & Holst, Inc. is an individual, with most of them being non-high-net-worth. Trusts, estates, corporations, investment companies, banks and charitable organizations complete the firm's overall client base. New clients will not need to abide by a minimum asset level to join.

The three co-founders of Sloy Dahl & Holst are all certified financial planners (CFPs). The firm also has an accredited investment fiduciary (AIF) and a qualified plan financial consultant (QPFC) on staff.

Certain advisors at Sloy Dahl & Holst can sell insurance products to earn extra commissions. Alhough this could present a clear conflict of interest, the firm is bound by fiduciary duty and therefore must act in your best interest.

Sloy Dahl & Holst, Inc. Background

Sloy Dahl & Holst was co-founded by its three principals: Ron Sloy, James Holst and Tony Dahl. Dahl passed away in 1996, leaving Sloy and Holst to remain the firm's owners.

Essentially all of the services available at this firm fall under the umbrella of portfolio management. It does also offer financial consulting and employer sponsored retirement plan management.

Sloy Dahl & Holst, Inc. Investing Strategy

Sloy Dahl & Holst has built five proprietary investment models that clients are matched with based on their risk tolerance. Prior to this, though, the firm will finish a rigorous review of your personal investment needs, like your risk tolerance, liquidity needs, investment objectives and time horizon. Here's a short overview of the firm's asset allocation models:

• Sloy, Dahl & Holst Conservative Model: diversification across mostly bonds, money market funds and alternative investments like futures; 20% to 40% allocation in domestic and global equities
• Sloy, Dahl & Holst Moderate Model: some fixed-income investment are used, but mutual funds are the centerpiece; 35% to 55% allocation in domestic and global equities
• Sloy, Dahl & Holst Balanced Model: looks to find a balance between risk and safety through mutual funds and a 50% to 70% allocation in domestic and global equities
• Sloy, Dahl & Holst Growth Model: fixed-income securities and mutual funds become an afterthought, as domestic and global equities will occupy 65% to 85% of your portfolio
• Sloy, Dahl & Holst Aggressive Model: the riskiest strategy, this model contains an 80% to 100% allocation in domestic and global equities, with some fixed-income securities possibly mixed in

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Confluence Wealth Management, LLC requires an account minimum of $1 million. The fee-only firm's clients include high-net-worth individuals, families, estates, private trusts charitable organzations, foundations, endowments and corporate retirement plans. 

Throughout its team, Confluence Wealth Management has certified financial planners (CFPs), chartered financial analysts (CFAs) and certified public accountants (CPAs). These are some of the most standard advisory certifications in the industry.

Confluence Wealth Management, LLC Background

Confluence Wealth Management LLC was founded in 2011. CEO Kathleen Kee owns the firm. 

The firm's name, Confluence, reflects its belief that collaboration and integration are key to achieving financial well-being. As such, the firm will work alongside any other professionals who their clients are working with, and it focuses on ensuring that all aspects of a client's wealth management strategy and life plans work well together.

Confluence Wealth Management offers three distinct services: consulting services, investment management services and employer retirement plan management. Those services include financial planning, investment management, tax planning, risk management, estate planning and charitable gifting.

Confluence Wealth Management, LLC Wealth Lifecycle Planning

Confluence Wealth Management's financial planning process is based on what it calls the Wealth Lifecycle. The Wealth Lifecycle has three different stages:

1. Acquiring wealth
2. Growing wealth
3. Securing wealth

The stage that a client is in shapes the advice the Confluence gives. If a client is looking to build their investments, the firm focuses on guiding that client toward financial success. For clients looking to grow their wealth, Confluence helps them to capitalize on new opportunities and minimize risk. Clients looking to secure their wealth will be advised on how to plan for retirement and their estate. 

Portfolios are built according to clients' risk tolerance, tax sensitivity, growth, income or capital preservation objectives and socially responsible preferences. The firm's investment strategy emphasizes global diversification, broad asset allocation and a long-term approach. Portfolios may include both active and passive management styles. Typically, Confluence uses no-load, institutional class mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, individual equities and municipal U.S. government and corporate bonds. 

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Multnomah Group, Inc. may hold the tenth spot on our list of the top financial advisors in Portland, but it still manages more than $630 million in client assets. The fee-only firm requires $250,000 in investable assets to become a client. Multnomah has less than 50 clients, so most of its assets under management come from high-net-worth individuals and pension and profit-sharing plans. It maintains relationships with some individuals, charitable organizations, government entities, businesses and investment advisors as well.

Although the advisory staff at Multnomah does not have a certified financial planner (CFP), the firm employs four chartered financial analysts (CFAs).

Multnomah Group, Inc. Background

Multnomah Group is an independently-owned firm that was opened in 2003. Managing principal Erik Daley and chief investment officer Scott Cameron co-founded Multnomah. The two remain the principal owners to this day.

Investment advisory, financial planning and portfolio management are the main services that Multnomah can offer individual clients. Retirement plan sponsors can also get consulting, plan management and fiduciary services through the firm.

Multnomah Group, Inc. Investing Strategy

The investing philosophy of Multnomah Group is completely nondiscriminatory to all types of investments, but most specifically fixed-income securities, equities, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds. The firm employs this strategy for one reason: diversification. By including a strong variance of securities in their investment analyses, Multnomah increases its chances of effectively diversifying a client's portfolio while keeping in line with their respective risk tolerance and time horizon.