Finding a Top Financial Advisor Firm in West Virginia
West Virginia doesn't have too many financial advisors that meet our criteria. However, when it comes to picking one that's right for you, the decision-making process can still be difficult and confusing. SmartAsset created this list of the top financial advisor firms in West Virginia to help you differentiate between the firms. We’ve outlined each firm’s fees, account minimums, specialties and more. SmartAsset's financial advisor matching tool can even further help you in the decision process by pairing you with advisors who serve your area.
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| Rank | Financial Advisor | Assets Managed | Minimum Assets | Financial Services | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
McKinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc.
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$2,094,889,548 | No set account minimum |
|
Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
| 2 |
Fort Henry Capital, LLC
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|
$211,533,839 | No set account minimum |
|
Minimum AssetsNo set account minimumFinancial Services
|
| 3 |
Ironwood Wealth Management, Inc.
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|
$213,589,404 | $100,000 |
|
Minimum Assets$100,000Financial Services
|
What We Use in Our Methodology
To find the top financial advisors in West Virginia, we first identified all firms registered with the SEC in the state. 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. -
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Individual Client CountFirms who serve more individual clients (as opposed to institutional clients) are ranked higher. -
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Clients Per AdvisorFirms with a lower ratio of clients per financial advisor are ranked higher. -
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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.
McKinley Carter Wealth Services
McKinley Carter Wealth Services claims the first spot on our list of the top financial advisory firms in West Virginia. Based in Wheeling, McKinley Carter is bigger than most other West Virginia firms. The firm works with a variety of both institutional and individual clients, though most clients are individuals without a high net worth. It also works with retirement plans, charities, businesses and high-net-worth individuals.
The firm has multiple employees who are certified financial planners (CFP) and accredited investment fiduciaries (AIFs), among other financial certifications. McKinley Carter does not have a set account minimum for advisory services. It is also a fee-only firm, so it doesn't receive commissions that could create a conflict of interest.
McKinley Carter Wealth Services Background
McKinley Carter Wealth Services was founded in 2005 and has been registered with the SEC as an investment advisor ever since. David McKinley and Will Carter are the firm's founders. McKinley is the firm's president and chief investment officer (CIO) and Carter serves as a senior advisor. Carter also has a law degree, whereas McKinley is a CFP.
The firm and its employees work with clients to provide investment and wealth management services as well as financial planning and consulting services. It does have a wrap fee program available to clients.
McKinley Carter Wealth Services Investment Strategy
When it comes to investment strategies and general philosophy, McKinley Carter Wealth Services works with clients to determine their investment objectives. From there, advisors can craft an investment plan or a broader financial plan around the wants and needs of each client on an individual basis. Strategies may be broad-based or specific, again depending on the needs of the client.
The firm and its advisors typically invest client assets in mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), debt and equity securities and options. Other investments may be used or considered if they fit the client's investment profile. When evaluating potential investments for client portfolios, McKinley Carter uses a combination of fundamental and technical analysis methods.
Fort Henry Capital
Fort Henry Capital is a small, Wheeling-based financial advisory firm that is second on our list of the top financial advisory firms in the state of West Virginia. This firm is on the smaller side and doesn't employ many advisors. Fort Henry works mainly with individual clients, those both with and without a high net worth. It also works with a few retirement plans, charities and other businesses on the institutional side.
Fort Henry Capital is a fee-only firm. This means it doesn't receive commissions from selling financial products. There isn't currently a set account minimum for opening an account with the firm.
Fort Henry Capital Background
Fort Henry Capital is the youngest of the firm's on our West Virginia list. It was founded in 2013 and is currently principally owned by Jeremy Lowe and Russell Dunkin, who are also the firm's only financial advisors on staff. Dunkin is a certified financial planner (CFP) and Lowe is a chartered retirement plans specialist (CRPS), a CFP and an accredited investment fiduciary (AIF).
Fort Henry provides comprehensive financial advisory services to its clients. These services include investment management, financial planning, financial consulting and other miscellaneous services. Clients may request a combination of services as well.
Fort Henry Capital Investment Strategy
As is the case with many financial advisory firms, Fort Henry Capital works with clients to determine their financial situation and investment objectives before creating an investment strategy that works for them. Typically, engagements include both investment management and financial planning services, though it ultimately depends upon the client. The firm most commonly uses stocks, mutual funds, corporate debt, exchange traded funds (ETF), government securities, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and certificates of deposit (CDs) in client portfolios.
Fort Henry's advisors primarily use fundamental analysis to evaluate potential investments for client portfolios. Advisors may make both short- and long-term investments.
Ironwood Wealth Management
Ironwood Wealth Management is a small financial advisory firm that claims the final spot on our list. The firm employs a small team of financial advisors and works almost entirely with individuals clients, those both with and without a high net worth. It also works with a handful of institutional clients, including retirement plans and charitable organizations.
The firm is fee-only, so it doesn't receive commissions that could present a potential conflict of interest. There is a $100,000 minimum for investment advisory services, though this minimum may be waived at the discretion of the firm.
Ironwood Wealth Management Background
Ironwood Wealth Management was founded in 2002 by John D. Williams, who is also the firm's principal owner. The firm officially registered as an invesment advisor with the SEC in 2004. Williams is also the firm's president and carries the certified investment management analyst (CIMA), accredited asset management specialist (AAMS), chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC) designations.
Ironwood works with clients to provide investment management services, as well as financial planning and financial consulting services, as is requested by the client.
Ironwood Wealth Management Investment Strategy
Ironwood Wealth Management works with clients to devise invesment strategies based on an investment philosophy that accounts for their investment objectives and financial needs. The firm manages client accounts on a discretionary basis, and investment management engagements are ongoing and continuous. They may be updated or amended if the investment needs of the client adapt over time.
When working to determine how to properly invest your portfolio, Ironwood uses a variety of methods of analysis, including fundamental analysis, technical analysis, quantitative analysis and investment manager review and analysis. Advisors may use a combination of long and short-term purchases to help drive growth in client portfolios.
