The Top Financial Advisors in Texas

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Retirement Planners of America is a fee-based firm located in the Dallas suburb of Plano and the No. 1 firm in Texas. In addition to client fees, advisors at the firm may earn commissions from selling insurance products or securities. They are still bound by fiduciary duty, though, requiring them to always act in the best interest of the client.

Retirement Planners of America is also on SmartAsset’s list of the top financial advisor firms in Plano. It sports a large and qualified team of advisors that includes 13 certified financial planners (CFPs), two certified public accountants (CPAs), two chartered financial consultants (ChFCs), 27 chartered retirement planning counselors (CRPCs) and two retirement income certified professionals (RICPs).

The firm’s business mainly comes from individual accounts, though it also manages money for high-net-worth individuals. The firm also provides advice for pension and profit sharing plans. It has no set account minimum.

Retirement Planners of America Background

Retirement Planners of America was founded in 2011 as Money Matters With Ken Moraif but changed its name in 2019. The principal owners of the firm are Kenneth Moraif, Charles Dyer Jr., Elias Dragon and Douglas Bartol, all of whom work at the firm as senior advisors.

The firm’s services include financial planning, investment management, retirement advice, family legacy planning, Medicare and long-term planning, income tax planning and education. Ken Moraif hosts a radio show that airs in Phoenix, Los Angeles, Austin, Dallas and Houston. The firm also offers educational seminars.

Retirement Planners of America Investment Strategy

Retirement Planners of America designs a personalized portfolio for each client based on his or her financial situation and investment preferences. It meets frequently with clients to go over results and check in on goals. The firm regularly rebalances portfolios to cut down on volatility. 

Investments include mutual funds, fixed and variable annuities, insurance products, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and individual securities. The firm has both buy and sell strategies.

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The No. 2 firm on our Texas list is Avalon Investment & Advisory. The Houston-based firm also ranks atop SmartAsset’s list of the top Houston financial advisor firms. It has a large team of advisors on staff, including two certified financial planners (CFPs), seven chartered financial analysts (CFAs) and one certified public accountant (CPA).

Most of the firm’s individual clients are high-net-worth individuals, though it does do business with non-high-net-worth individuals as well. This makes sense since the firm requires a minimum investment of $5 million, one of the highest account minimums on this list. The firm also advises pension plans, charitable organizations, other investment advisors, insurance companies, pooled investment vehicles and corporations.

The firm is fee-based, meaning that in addition to fees, its employees sometimes earn commissions for trading certain investments. The firm is still a fiduciary and must make decisions in the best interests of its clients, though.

Avalon Investment & Advisory Background

Avalon Investment & Advisory was founded in 2001. It is owned by a mix of employees and outside investors, including The Cynosure Group, a firm based in Salt Lake City, Utah. No one person or company owns more than 25% of Avalon. In addition to its headquarters in Houston, the company also has a location in San Antonio.

The firm offers clients wealth management and investment management, and also publishes monthly notes and yearly commentaries on market trends and general financial topics.

Avalon Investment & Advisory Investment Strategy

Avalon Investment & Advisory utilizes a fundamental, long-term investment approach. The firm offers a large number of investing strategies, which are broken down into six main categories:

• Equity
• Tactical
• Fixed income
• Cash management
• Private equity
• Hedge funds

Within each strategy the advisors aim for smart asset allocations that will set up clients for financial success. 

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Tolleson Private Wealth Management is a fee-only firm that does business in Dallas. Clients will find a plethora of advisory certifications across the team at Tolleson, including three certified financial planners (CFPs), four certified public accountants (CPAs), two certified private wealth advisors (CPWAs), four chartered financial analysts (CFAs), one personal financial specialist (PFS) and one certified investment management analyst (CIMA). 

Most of Tolleson's client base is made up of high-net-worth individuals. The firm does work with some institutions as well, like banks, pooled investment vehicles and charities. To become a client of Tolleson, you'll need a $10 million minimum investment.

Tolleson Private Wealth Management Background

Tolleson Private Wealth Management was founded in 2000. Executive chairman John C. Tolleson decided to start the business following his retirement from First USA, a retail banking and financial services company that he also founded and grew into a multi-billion dollar public corporation. In total, John Tolleson has over 50 years of experience in finance.

While financial planning and strategic wealth management are integral offerings at Tolleson, the firm typically utilizes an investment-first strategy to achieve clients' goals. This involves a breadth of services, such as investment strategy development, asset allocation determination, performance monitoring, consulting and third-party investment manager analysis.

Tolleson Private Wealth Management Investment Strategy

As a client, the opening step in your relationship with Tolleson Private Wealth Management is a complete review of your needs, which culminates in the creation of an investment policy statement. This all-important document will eventually help to inform the asset allocation of your portfolio, as it details your risk tolerance, income or liquidity requirements, investment goals and more.

What's unique about Tolleson's advisory process is that, in addition to your original investment policy statement, the firm will develop another allocation plan that's based entirely on fixed-income securities. It does this in case you suddenly would prefer a safer, bond-centric strategy. Beyond this, Tolleson invests in stocks, options, mutual funds and alternative investments, too.

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Linscomb and Williams, a fee-only firm located in Houston, is next on our list of the state's top advisors. The company’s team features 19 certified financial planners (CFPs), three chartered financial analysts (CFAs), eight certified public accountants (CPAs), one accredited investment fiduciary (AIF) and one accredited estate planner (AEP).

Linscomb and Williams works mostly with individual accounts, though a portion fo clients are high-net-worth investors. It also advises pension plans, charitable organizations and corporations. There is a $1 million account minimum.

Linscomb and Williams Background

Linscomb and Williams was founded in 1971 and remains a wholly owned subsidiary of Cadence Bank. In 2005, the firm was bought by Encore Bancshares, Inc., which was in turn acquired by Cadence in 2012.

The firm offers financial planning, wealth management, charitable giving planning, employee benefits, estate planning, retirement planning, divorce financial planning, inheritance and legal settlements.

Linscomb and Williams Investment Strategy

Linscomb and Williams uses a mix of strategies to build wealth for clients. It uses long-term purchases, short-term purchases and a trading strategy of selling a security within 30 days of buying. Building a personal relationship with clients is important to the firm’s advisors.

A number of investments may be used in client portfolios, including corporate debt, bonds, stocks, municipal debt, U.S. government debt and CDs. No-load mutual funds are also used when appropriate.

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Level Four Advisory Services, a fee-based firm in Dallas, is next on our list. Depending on the type of account you're trying to open, your account minimum will range between $5,000 and $250,000.

The vast majority of Level Four's clients are individuals, with high-net-worth individuals sprinkled in. Institutional clients include pooled investment vehicles, pensions, profit-sharing plans, government entities, insurance companies and other businesses.

There's no shortage of advisory certifications at Level Four, including certified financial planners (CFP), several chartered life underwriters (CLU), chartered financial consultants (ChFC), chartered retirement planning counselors (CRPC), certified public accountants (CPA) and accredited investment fiduciaries (AIF). However, a majority of its advisors are also licensed insurance agents and representatives of a broker/dealer, and may earn commissions on some transactions. This makes Level Four a fee-based firm, but it remains obligated to act in your best interests as a fiduciary. 

Level Four Advisory Services Background

Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC, a CPA firm in Alabama, owns Level Four Advisory Services through Level Four Group, a financial services holding company. Level Four Advisor Services was established in 2005.

Level Four prides itself on offering a robust set of services across financial planning, asset management, business services and advisory programs sponsored by LPL Financial, an independent network of financial advisors and financial institutions.

Level Four Advisory Services Investment Strategy

Level Four Advisory Services has five different portfolio strategies that it has prebuilt to suit certain client archetypes. These model portfolios are aggressive growth, growth, growth with income, income with moderate growth and income with capital preservation.

What will ultimately lead to the strategy you're paired with is the risk tolerance that you and your advisor decide on at the dawn of your relationship. In order to satisfy this wide range of risk levels, the firm may invest in stocks, mutual funds, bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and options.

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RGT Wealth Advisors is a fee-only firm based in Dallas. In addition to being the No. 6 firm in Texas, RGT Wealth Advisors earned a spot on SmartAsset’s list of the top 10 financial advisory firms in Dallas.

The firm has a large team of advisors and a Texas-sized group of certifications that includes certified financial planners (CFPs), certified public accountants (CPAs), certified divorce financial analysts (CDFAs) and chartered financial analysts (CFAs).

The firm requires a $3 million minimum investment. This high barrier might contribute to the majority of its business coming from high-net-worth clients. The firm also advises individuals, pooled investment vehicles, businesses and charitable organizations.

RGT Wealth Advisors Background

RGT Wealth Advisors was founded in 1985. CI US Holdings, Inc. is a majority owner of the firm, while RGT-CI Holdings, LLC controls a minority stake. Originally founded as a tax accounting company, its services have evolved over the years into the more robust advising service it is today.

The firm’s services include:

• Investment management
• Estate planning
• Wealth transfer
• Education and goal-oriented planning
• Life and disability insurance consulting
• Personal budgeting
• Cash flow planning
• Business investment planning
• Business succession planning

RGT Wealth Advisors Investment Strategy

RGT Wealth Advisors says it approaches its clients not just as advisors but as “partners.” It thinks about wealth holistically, as it considers both its clients’ portfolio and non-portfolio assets and brings those together to create an overall financial plan.

Investments the firm typically uses include mutual funds, bonds, stocks, fixed income, real estate, energy, hedge funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Portfolio construction skews toward a diverse long-term allocation, which the firm believes is the best way to build wealth and stability for its clients.

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USCA RIA is a Houston-based financial advisor and one of the highest-rated firms in the state of Texas. USCA RIA is fee-based, meaning it may earn compensation for the sale of certain recommended investments. But as is the case with every firm on this list, USCA RIA is a fiduciary and therefore must act in your best interest.

The firm has a large team of advisors on staff. The team includes there are five certified financial planners (CFPs), two certified investment management analysts (CIMAs), one chartered financial analyst (CFA) and one chartered portfolio manager (CPM).

USCA RIA works with a mix of individuals and high-net-worth individuals, though non-high-net-worth individuals make up a majority of the firm’s clients. The firm also advises pension plans, charitable organizations, government entities and businesses. There is a $50,000 minimum investment required to open an account.

USCA RIA Background

Founded in 2010, USCA RIA is a subsidiary of U.S. Capital Advisors LLC, an integrated financial services boutique that also owns USCA Securities, LLC, USCA Asset Management and USCA Management, LLC. Some USCA RIA advisors are also registered with USCA Securities LLC, a registered broker-dealer.

Services offered by the firm include wealth management, financial planning, asset allocation, discretionary portfolio management and alternative investments. In addition to its offices in Houston, the firm has locations in Austin and Dallas. 

USCA RIA Investment Strategy

USCA RIA uses a variety of research strategies to figure out what investments to include in a client's portfolio. This requires looking at a company’s press releases and security filings, credit analysis and performance analysis. Outside factors like market and political developments may also be considered. 

Investments used in client portfolios could include stocks, international equities, bonds, mutual funds and ETFs. The firm may also recommend municipal securities and insurance solutions.

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TCG Advisory Services takes the next spot on our list of the top financial advisory firms in Texas. The Austin-based firm its advisors work with almost all types of clients, including individuals both with and without a high net worth, banks, investment companies, business development companies, pooled investment vehicles, pensions, profit sharing plans, charities, government entities, other investment advisors, insurance companies and other corporations.

The firm's staff includes seven certified financial planners (CFPs), two accredited investment fiduciaries (AIFs) and a chartered financial analyst (CFA). 

There is no set account minimum stated on this firm's Form ADV. TCG Advisory Services is a fee-only firm, meaning all of its income comes from client fees. Advisors do not receive third-party commissions.

TCG Advisors Background

Founded in 2001 by John Pesce (CEO) and Mike Cochran, TCG Advisory Services is now owned by TCG Group Holdings, LLP and investment advisor Total Compensation Group Investment Advisory Services Management, LLC. Pesce personally owns the largest share of TCG Group Holdings.

TCG Advisors specializes in portfolio management, but it provides a few different kinds of portfolio management. Clients can take advantage of model portfolios, management programs and robo-advisor services through Charles Schwab Intelligent Portfolios. TCG also offers financial planning services.

TCG Advisors Investment Strategy

TCG Advisors uses a portfolio management model that is heavily centered upon its model portfolios. As a result, its investment strategies revolve heavily around those model programs. Advisors at the firm review these models quarterly. Their goals are to maximize returns while mitigating volatility. If models begin to misallocate investments, advisors will rebalance immediately.

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Located in Dallas, CH Investment Partners is the next firm on our Texas list. This fee-only advisory firm has a client base consisting of high-net-worth individuals, private pooled investment vehicles and a single charity. The firm tends to require a high minimum investment of $40 million, by far the largest on our list.

CH Investment Partners has several certified public accountants and chartered financial analysts on staff. 

The firm is fee-only, as it does not receive third-party commissions and instead only receives advisory fees directly from clients. CH Investment Partners is also ranked among the top firms in Dallas. 

CH Investment Partners Background

CH Investment Partners was established in 2019. Its principal owners are Michael Silverman and Kirk Rimer. The firm used to be part of Crow Holdings Capital Partners, LLC, a firm that made it onto previous lists.

The firm provides clients with investment management services, financial planning and business consulting services. CH Investment Partners typically serves separately managed accounts and affiliated pooled investment vehicles.

CH Investment Partners Investment Strategy

CH Investment Partners provides clients with several different investment strategies that can be tailored to fit their needs. These include global equities, hedge funds, private equity and direct investments, master limited partnerships, real estate and fixed income. Advisors also tend to invest client assets in financial instruments, securities, private investments and more.

Advisors at CH prioritize diversification and correlation, liquidity terms and fee structures when it comes to crafting client portfolios.

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Southern Wealth Management is a fee-based financial advisory firm located in Dallas. The firm has a $1 million minimum account size requirement. It works with high-net-worth individuals, charities and businesses. The firm's advisory staff includes a host of certified financial planners (CFPs), certified public accountants (CPAs), certified investment management analysts (CIMAs) and other accredited professionals.

This firm is fee-based, meaning some advisors can receive commissions from selling securities, insurance or other financial products to clients. Despite this potential conflict of interest, the firm is still a fiduciary and is legally obligated to act in the best interests of clients at all times.

Southern Wealth Management Background

Southern Wealth Management has been in the business of financial advising since its founding in 2005. The firm is a multi-family office operation and has offices in Dallas, Midland, San Antonio and New Orleans.

Southern Wealth Management's advisors combine their resources and skills in order to best provide clients with advisory services. The firm offers financial planning services, estate planning and investment consulting, among other features.

Southern Wealth Management Investment Strategy

Southern Wealth Management's investment strategies are tailored to meet the needs of clients. Advisors work with clients to determine factors like overall risk tolerance, investment objectives, time horizon and investment restrictions.

Advisors at this firm build client portfolios using a mix of individual equities, bonds and mutual funds. They may use other investments too, as they see fit.