Finding the Top Financial Advisors in Sarasota, Florida
If you don’t have a financial advisor yet, finding one doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with 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.
If you're looking for a financial advisor in Sarasota, Florida, on your own, it can be a challenge. To find a quality firm, you’d really have to dig into government and financial records like form ADVs. But we did all the hard work for you in order to find the top 10 financial advisors in Sarasota. We covered all the basics such as account minimums, fee basis and more.
Find a Fiduciary Financial Advisor
We match nearly 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 | Cumberland Advisors Find an Advisor | $3,217,125,317 | $1,000,000 |
| Minimum Assets$1,000,000Financial Services
|
| 2 | Investment Advisory Group LLC | $1,217,000,000 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
| 3 | Walsh & Associates, LLC Find an Advisor | $827,707,540 | $500,000 |
| Minimum Assets$500,000Financial Services
|
| 4 | Truvestments Capital, LLC Find an Advisor | $660,777,899 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
| 5 | J.L. Bainbridge & Co., Inc. | $1,371,158,033 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
| 6 | MRA Advisory Group | $361,273,117 | $50,000 |
| Minimum Assets$50,000Financial Services
|
| 7 | HD Money, Inc. Find an Advisor | $386,124,803 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
| 8 | Ranch Capital Advisors, Inc. Find an Advisor | $385,539,477 | $1,000,000 |
| Minimum Assets$1,000,000Financial Services
|
| 9 | Sara-Bay Financial Corp. | $396,759,556 | No set account minimum |
| Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
| 10 | Global Financial Private Client, LLC Find an Advisor | $828,334,313 | $2,000,000 |
| Minimum Assets$2,000,000Financial Services
|
What We Use in Our Methodology
To find the top financial advisors in Sarasota, 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:
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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.
Cumberland Advisors
Cumberland Advisors, which opened for business in 1973, is a registered investment advisory firm headquartered in Sarasota, Florida. Its client base includes individuals, high-net-worth individuals, financial advisors, investment companies, retirement plans, corporations, foundations, government entities, nonprofits and other institutional clients.
Clients generally need a $1 million household minimum, though the firm may waive this requirement or impose a higher minimum. Its fixed income, equity and balanced investment styles generally have a $250,000 minimum. Members of the Cumberland Advisors team hold professional credentials, including the chartered financial analyst (CFA) designations.
The firm is fee-based, which means some advisors may earn commissions for recommending certain products and services in addition to the advisory fees that clients pay. This is a potential conflict of interest, because advisors may have a financial incentive to make certain recommendations. However, the firm has a fiduciary duty to act in the client's best interest at all times.
Cumberland Advisors provides a broad range of financial services, including discretionary investment management, consulting and portfolio management. The firm offers separately managed accounts, fixed income strategies, equity and exchange-traded fund (ETF) strategies, balanced portfolios, private wealth management, institutional investment management, model delivery services and subadvisory services through wrap-fee programs.
Financial planning and consulting may be included for clients with customized portfolios. These services can cover investment planning, retirement planning, education savings, insurance planning, estate planning and tax review.
Investment Advisory Group
Investment Advisory Group is a fee-based financial advisory firm that offers investment management, financial planning and consulting services. The firm is headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, and also has an office in Hanover, Massachusetts. Its advisory team includes Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professionals.
The firm works with individuals, high-net-worth individuals, trusts, estates and charitable organizations. It generally does not impose a minimum account size for establishing an advisory relationship, though certain independent managers may have their own minimums. Standalone financial planning services have a minimum fee of $500.
As a fee-based firm, certain advisors may earn commissions through broker-dealer affiliations, insurance sales and 12b-1 fees. This presents a potential conflict of interest, but the firm's fiduciary duty requires it to act in clients' best interests.
Investment Advisory Group offers discretionary investment management, financial planning, financial consulting, retirement account advisory services, rollover and distribution guidance, variable annuity fee-based account management and access to unaffiliated independent managers. Financial planning may address personal, business, tax and cash flow, death and disability, retirement, investment and estate planning topics. Certain advisory persons also operate under the DBA name Maritime Wealth Advisors LLC.
Investment Advisory Group generally uses a long-term investment approach built around diversified portfolios. The firm’s investment philosophy incorporates Modern Portfolio Theory, the Fama-French Three-Factor Model and behavioral finance principles. Portfolios may include mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), individual stocks and bonds, fixed income, annuities, CDs and index CDs. The firm may periodically reallocate and rebalance portfolios as conditions warrant.
Walsh & Associates
Walsh & Associates, which opened for business in 2011, has a client base that consists mostly of non-high-net-worth individuals and high-net-worth individuals. It also advises trusts, estates, charities, pension and profit-sharing plans and businesses.
To receive asset management services from the firm, you’d need at least $500,000. Members of the Walsh & Associates team holds a variety of professional credentials, including the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), certified private wealth advisor (CPWA), Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), accredited investment fiduciary (AIF), chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC) and certified trust and financial advisor (CTFA) designations.
The firm is fee-based, which means some advisors may earn commissions for recommending certain products and services in addition to the advisory fees that clients pay. This is a potential conflict of interest, because advisors may have a financial incentive to make certain recommendations. However, the firm has a fiduciary duty to act in the client's best interest at all times.
Walsh & Associates provides a broad range of financial services, including comprehensive portfolio management, financial planning and retirement plan consulting. The firm helps clients design and manage investment portfolios, offers in-depth financial planning through its Red Flag Audit and advises employers on retirement plan options. It also assists clients with third-party money managers and offers access to Optimum Market Portfolios through LPL Financial.
Walsh & Associates mainly allocates client assets across individual stocks or bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), options, mutual funds and variable annuities. It may also consider other types of securities if it believes they may help you meet your investment goals. In its securities selection process, the firm would consider your individual financial circumstances. It will also take into account factors like market research and reports on economic outlook.
Truvestments Capital
Truvestments Capital is a fee-based financial advisory firm that leads off our list of the top advisors in Sarasota. It offers financial planning and portfolio management, as well as family office wealth planning services. Its team includes a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®).
The firm works mostly with non-high-net-worth individuals, but also serves high-net-worth individuals and retirement plans. It does not require an account minimum for individual portfolio management services.
Some advisors at the firm can earn commissions for selling financial products. This is a potential conflict of interest, but all advisors still have to act in the best interest of the client.
Founded in 2008, Truvestments Capital offers discretionary and non-discretionary asset management, financial planning and consulting services. It also acts as a sub-advisor for other investment advisors. Financial planning services address a wide range of needs including retirement strategies, estate planning, tax reduction, risk management and cash flow analysis.
Truvestments’ investment approach combines multiple methods of analysis. Fundamental analysis evaluates a company’s financial health and earnings potential, while technical and charting analysis study market patterns and price movements. Cyclical analysis considers how broader market cycles may affect asset values. Portfolios are tailored to each client’s goals, risk tolerance and time horizon and may include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and options. Strategies can involve long-term holdings or option writing. The firm emphasizes customized asset allocation, diversification and ongoing monitoring of portfolios.
J.L. Bainbridge
J.L. Bainbridge & Co., Inc. is a fee-only financial advisory firm headquartered in Sarasota, Florida. Its client base includes individuals, high-net-worth individuals, pension plans, 401(k) plans and charitable organizations.
The firm does not maintain a formal minimum account size, though it generally suggests a portfolio of at least $200,000. Members of the J.L. Bainbridge team hold professional credentials, including the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and certified public accountant (CPA) designations.
As a fee-only firm, advisors at J.L. Bainbridge do not receive commissions for selling securities or insurance. The firm charges asset-based investment management fees, and clients may also pay third-party costs such as brokerage, custodial, transaction or fund-level expenses.
J.L. Bainbridge provides portfolio management, financial planning, retirement planning, estate planning, tax strategies, 529 education planning, charitable giving strategies and cash management. The firm also offers IRA and 401(k) strategies, held-away asset management for certain retirement and education accounts through Pontera, variable annuity asset allocation advice and Medicare review services.
J.L. Bainbridge’s primary equity approach is a growth strategy that seeks undervalued stocks based on earnings-per-share growth potential. Research may include company filings, analyst calls, analyst meetings, discussions with company representatives and site visits. Portfolios may also include ETFs, bonds, preferred stocks, mutual funds, CDs, money market instruments and Treasuries, while covered calls may be used as an add-on strategy for certain accounts.
MRA Advisory Group
Clients generally need a $50,000 household minimum for the firm’s WealthBuilder Investing program, though MRA may waive or negotiate this requirement. Its Biblically Responsible Investing portfolios have a $5,000 minimum, and financial planning is available through monthly subscription services.
The firm is fee-based, which means some advisors may earn commissions for recommending certain products and services in addition to the advisory fees that clients pay. This is a potential conflict of interest, because advisors may have a financial incentive to make certain recommendations. However, the firm has a fiduciary duty to act in the client's best interest at all times.
MRA Advisory Group provides a range of financial services, including financial planning, discretionary wealth management, retirement account advisory services and insurance planning. The firm also offers tax preparation through an affiliate, estate planning document preparation, business succession planning, executive compensation guidance, group health insurance and financial education. It may also provide access to high-yield savings accounts, sub-advisory services and referrals to certain affiliated or third-party services.
MRA Advisory Group primarily uses risk-based model portfolios that range from income-oriented to aggressive allocations. Portfolios may include exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, individual stocks and bonds, REITs, MLPs, closed-end funds, preferred securities, convertible securities and alternative investments when appropriate.
HD Money, Inc.
HD Money is a fee-based firm whose client base is made up of individuals and high-net-worth individuals. While the firm doesn't have a minimum account size or portfolio requirements, separate account managers utilized by HD Money may have a minimum portfolio fee or size as a prerequisite to establishing accounts.
As a fee-based firm, advisors receive compensation from third-parties for the sale of insurance products, like annuities. However, as a fiduciary HD Money is obligated to put its clients' best interests first, at all times. HD Money has one chartered financial analyst (CFA) on staff.
Its services include setting financial goals, cash flow management, tax and insurance planning, education and retirement funding, estate planning and portfolio management. The firm also provides consulting in areas such as income analysis, legacy planning and Social Security review. Additionally, HD Money has an agreement with its affiliate, Vimvest Securities, to provide access to portfolios that are developed and monitored by Vimvest.
The firm builds client portfolios based on individual goals, risk tolerance and financial circumstances, often recommending Vimvest portfolios. Their approach draws on Modern Portfolio Theory, seeking to balance risk and return through diversification. Investments typically include ETFs, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, fixed indexed annuities and structured notes. The firm emphasizes long-term strategies designed to smooth out short-term market volatility.
Ranch Capital Advisors
Ranch Capital Advisors is an entirely individual-centric financial advisor firm. In fact, it works mostly with non-high-net-worth individuals, with about a fifth of its client base being high-net-worth individuals. The firm also has a $1 million minimum investment requirement, though it may be willing to waive this at its own discretion.
As a fee-based firm, certain on-staff advisors can sell insurance and securities on a commission basis. Although this presents a potential conflict of interest, the firm's fiduciary duty requires it to act in clients' best interests.
Ranch Capital Advisors is quite a young firm, as it was founded in 2019. Financial planning and portfolio management services are both available at this firm, which manages financial assets on both a discretionary and non-discretionary basis. The firm also offers financial coaching services to help clients with day-to-day financial decisions and spending habits. The advisory team here includes several Certified Financial Planners™ (CFP®).
Ranch Capital Advisors will first meet with clients to discuss the specifics of their situation before making any investment decisions. The most important factors the firm focuses on are risk tolerance, time horizon, financial goals and income needs. Your portfolio may include stocks, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, mutual funds, ETFs, U.S. government securities, municipal securities and options contracts. The firm may also invest in money market funds, real estate and structured notes.
As your long-term situation changes, the firm will update your investment plan. This may also involve rebalancing your portfolio so your investments match your newfound changes.
Sara-Bay Financial
Sara-Bay Financial Corp. is a fee-only registered investment advisory firm. Its client base primarily includes individuals, along with joint account holders, qualified retirement accounts, trusts, foundations and corporate accounts.
The firm generally does not require a minimum account size to open a portfolio management account. However, managed accounts are subject to a $1,000 minimum annual fee, billed quarterly.
As a fee-only firm, advisors at Sara-Bay Financial do not receive commissions for selling securities or insurance.
Sara-Bay Financial provides discretionary portfolio management, asset allocation, investment monitoring and financial planning when appropriate. The firm also offers individual stock management, goal planning, retirement planning, charitable giving, proxy voting for authorized clients and limited assistance with class action cost-benefit decisions.
Financial planning services may address goal planning, retirement planning and charitable giving, depending on the client’s needs.
Sara-Bay Financial uses several portfolio strategies, including growth, dividend income, ETF growth, balanced ETF, fixed income and blended strategies. The firm’s investment process may incorporate fundamental analysis, such as earnings, cash flow, dividends and debt ratios, as well as technical analysis, including pricing trends, relative strength and moving averages. Portfolios may include individual stocks, equity ETFs, bond ETFs, money market funds and CDs, depending on the strategy.
Global Financial Private Client
Global Financial Private Client offers holistic financial planning and portfolio management services to a client base that mostly comprises individuals and high-net-worth individuals, as well as retirement plans and corporations. The minimum investment here is $2 million, though the firm may be willing to accept clients with less than that amount. As a fee-only firm, advisors at Global Financial Private Client do not receive commissions for selling securities or insurance.
The firm aims to create a comprehensive financial plan that addresses every aspect of a family's financial life. Depending on your needs, it can involve the following topics: wealth management, philanthropy, estate planning, professional network management, asset protection, tax planning, risk management, estate planning and reporting.
In addition, the firm can work on personal projects upon your request.
Global Financial Private Client relies on fundamental, technical and cyclical methods of analysis to guide its investment approach. Strategies include long- and short-term purchases, as well as trading, with portfolios tailored to each client’s objectives. The firm primarily allocates assets across individual stocks, bonds and independent managers, while treating cash as an asset class and maintaining defensive positions when market conditions warrant.