Top 10 Best Financial Advisors in Council Bluffs, Iowa

Are you looking for top financial advisors in Council Bluffs? Many residents in Iowa frequently search for terms like “top wealth advisors near me” online. And it makes sense why they would.

Choosing a financial advisor is crucial since you’re entrusting your assets to a company or an individual at that company. Naturally, you want to make sure your money is safeguarded and invested wisely for wealth growth or retirement.

So, how can you be sure your investments are managed by the right people? How do you get accurate information about the fees of financial advisors in Council Bluffs to understand how they might affect your savings or retirement funds over time?

When Do You Need Financial Advice?

Making wise financial choices is key to reaching your goals. Managing your money on your own might work for some, but there are times when it’s beneficial to get help from a top Council Bluffs financial advisor.

Complicated Finances: If your financial situation gets too complex for you to handle on your own, a financial advisor can guide you through it. They can craft a detailed plan that fits your unique needs.

Short on Time or Knowledge: Juggling work, family, and personal life can leave little room for effectively managing your finances. A Council Bluffs financial advisor can take over various financial duties, including managing your portfolio, researching investment options, and keeping up with market trends, so you can concentrate on other important things in your life.

Long-Term Goals: Whether it’s saving for retirement, your child’s education, or preparing for a big life event, a financial advisor can help outline a plan to meet your long-term objectives.

Investment Guidance: If investing is new to you or you’re not confident yet in making investment choices, a knowledgeable wealth advisor in Council Bluffs can offer direction. They’ll evaluate your risk tolerance, suggest appropriate investment opportunities, and make sure your investments are aligned with your goals.

Major Life Changes: Life events, such as getting married, going through a divorce, receiving an inheritance, or starting a business can lead to complicated financial situations. A financial advisor can provide impartial advice at these times, helping you make sound decisions and tackle any challenges.

In these situations, getting help from one of the best financial planners in Council Bluffs can bring you peace of mind and better financial results. Think about speaking with a reliable financial advisor to review your needs and see how their expertise can aid your financial journey.

Selecting the Right Path to Financial Planning

Creating a solid financial plan is essential for ensuring financial stability over the long term.

Here are two approaches to consider:

1.   Use Online Platforms for Self-Managed Investing

Take charge of your financial future by using online platforms that let you manage your investments on your own. This approach can save you money by cutting out the middlemen traditionally involved in financial transactions.

2.   Seek the Advice of a Council Bluffs Financial Planner

Working with a professional financial planner or wealth manager can lead to positive results, even considering the costs involved. Studies indicate that getting advice from a financial advisor could boost the returns on your investment portfolio by 1.5% to 4%.

Payment Models of Council Bluffs Financial Advisors

Knowing the different ways financial advisors are compensated is key when looking for one in Rapid City.

The most common compensation methods include:

Hourly Fees: Advisors bill clients for the hours they spend working on their financial issues, without regard to the client’s total assets.

Retainer Fee: This is a set charge paid monthly or annually for continuous access to a Council Bluff wealth advisor’s services within the scope of the agreement.

Flat Fees: A single charge covers specific financial planning and asset management services, without being affected by the client’s portfolio size.

Commission-based: In this payment scheme, financial advisors receive a commission based on the amount spent on certain investments, usually calculated for each transaction.

Asset Management Fee: This fee is a percentage of the total assets being managed by the advisor. It’s taken directly from the client’s account.

Choosing the Ideal Payment Structure: Which Is Best?

It’s important to weigh the possibility of conflicts of interest when deciding how your financial  planner in Council Bluffs will be compensated. Picking the wrong compensation model could adversely impact your finances.

A commission-based compensation model is often seen as advantageous. Under this model, your financial advisor benefits directly from the growth of your investments, which motivates them to focus on your financial prosperity.

Choosing a compensation scheme that matches your objectives and guarantees that your advisor’s motivations are in harmony with your interests is essential.

5 Significant Factors When Choosing a Wealth Advisor in Council Bluffs

When picking a financial advisor, consider these important factors to ensure you make a well-informed choice that aligns with your financial aspirations.

1. Credentials and Experience

Seek advisors with significant credentials, such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), to ensure they possess the necessary expertise and follow professional standards. Explore their experience level, how long they’ve been in practice, and their specific areas of expertise.

2. Offered Services

Assess what services your potential Council Bluffs wealth advisor provides, such as comprehensive planning, investment management, retirement advice, or other specialized services. Their services must meet your unique financial needs.

3. Fiduciary Responsibility

Verify if the advisor acts as a fiduciary. This would mean they’re ethically bound to act in your best interest, which guarantees they put your needs ahead of their interests.

4. Client Feedback and Fee Structure

Look into their client base for referrals or feedback to gauge their reputation and effectiveness. Understand their fee model, whether it’s asset-based, fee-based, or hourly rates, and ensure it’s something you’re comfortable with in terms of your investment returns.

5. Personal Compatibility

Have a preliminary meeting with your potential wealth advisors in Council Bluffs to evaluate your compatibility in terms of communication and rapport. A positive relationship and clear communication are crucial for a beneficial partnership.

When looking for a financial planner in Council Bluffs, use these guidelines to choose a financial advisor wisely, as your financial security hinges on this decision.

10 Best Financial Advisors in Council Bluffs, Iowa

Explore the top financial advisors in the area who are dedicated to leading you toward financial prosperity. Possessing extensive knowledge, skill, and a deep commitment to exceptional service, these advisors have earned a strong reputation for offering reliable financial advice.

1. Dickinson Investment Advisors

Dickinson Investment Advisors is a testament to personalized and effective financial planning in Council Bluffs. Founded in 1998 by Ron Dickinson, a seasoned Certified Financial Planner® and CPA, this firm is built on a foundation of deep expertise and a genuine commitment to its clients’ financial well-being.

Dickinson Investment Advisors operates on a transparent, fee-based model, eliminating the worry of hidden costs or commissions. The firm utilizes a blend of top-tier investment vehicles to craft portfolios aimed at achieving or surpassing market returns over time.

With a dedicated team comprising three advisors and three operational experts, Dickinson Investment Advisors offers a full spectrum of services, focusing on tax planning, financial strategy, and investment management.

Registered with the SEC and active in Iowa, Nebraska, and Texas, the firm stands as a trusted beacon for numerous clients aiming for a balanced and prosperous retirement.

At the heart of the service of Dickinson Investment Advisors is the pledge of open, honest communication, prioritizing integrity over quick gains.

Dickinson Investment Advisors
535 W Broadway #301
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Phone: (712) 256-4856
dickinsoninvestments.com

2. iRetire Financial

iRetire Financial stands out as a beacon of trust and expertise in the realm of financial planning in Council Bluffs. Its team, comprising three CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals and one Chartered Financial Analyst®, embodies a commitment to excellence and continuous learning.

The array of services at iRetire Financial is comprehensive, covering all bases from retirement and financial planning to estate strategies and business succession planning. The firm also excels in managing diverse investment portfolios, ensuring your financial growth and security.

iRetire Financial has a fiduciary commitment. They’re not just advisors; they’re your staunch allies, placing your interests above all else. This principle is woven into their every action, providing you with advice that’s purely in your favor.

iRetire Financial’s backbone is its skilled administrative support staff, who ensure that every interaction with iRetire Financial is smooth, informative, and friendly. They’re an integral part of the commitment to excellence, ready to assist with any query or need.

iRetire Financial
928 Valley View Drive # 18
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Phone: (712) 322-2444
iretirefinancial.com

3. Harmoney Investment Group

Harmoney Investment Group is a sanctuary for anyone seeking to navigate the financial landscape with wisdom and integrity. What makes this one of the top financial advisory firms in Council Bluffs is its understanding that financial health isn’t just about the size of your income but how you manage and optimize what you have.

Whether you’re adding to an IRA, saving for college, or investing more substantially, Harmoney Investment Group is committed to offering strategies that resonate with your unique situation.

Harmoney Investment Group offers a suite of services, including investments, financial planning, insurance, retirement income planning, and estate strategies. Its foundation is built on a commitment to place clients’ interests at the forefront, embodying its role as a fiduciary with every piece of advice and strategy it offers.

Lastly, this group isn’t about one-size-fits-all solutions. They meet you at your current life stage, tuning their advice to what matters most to you.

Harmoney Investment Group
500 Willow Avenue, Suite 414
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Phone: (402) 718-3684
harmoneyinvest.com

4. Farm Bureau Financial Services

Since its inception in 1939, Farm Bureau Financial Services has evolved beyond its agricultural insurance origins to become a comprehensive ally for individuals from all walks of life, aiding them in safeguarding their futures and nurturing their dreams.

At its core, Farm Bureau Financial Services is not just about offering products; it’s about forging meaningful connections with people. This top Council Bluffs financial advisory firm delves into understanding what’s truly important to you: your family, your home, and your aspirations.

The evolution of Farm Bureau Financial Services from focusing solely on farmers to serving a diverse clientele mirrors its commitment to growth and adaptability, always intending to address the specific needs of its members.

Today, Farm Bureau Financial Services provides a spectrum of services that include financial planning, wealth management, and various investment opportunities.

Farm Bureau Financial Services
126 E Broadway #1
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Phone: (712) 322-0375
fbfs.com

5. Bracker Wealth Management

Bracker Wealth Management offers a unique approach to financial planning and wealth management in Council Bluffs. Unlike distant, impersonal firms, every member of the Bracker Wealth Management team is a resident of Southwest Iowa, making them not just advisors but neighbors and familiar faces in the community.

The comprehensive services at Bracker Wealth Management cover a wide range of financial needs, from investments in various IRAs and brokerage accounts to detailed financial planning, including retirement, tax, and estate plans. The firm also provides essential insurance services, ensuring their clients are prepared for every aspect of their financial future.

Bracker Wealth Management is committed to crafting financial strategies that are as unique as the individuals they assist, ensuring that each plan is designed with the client’s best interests and goals at the forefront.

At Bracker Wealth Management, you’re not just getting a financial advisor; you’re partnering with a neighbor who is invested in your success and well-being.

Bracker Wealth Management
532 1st Avenue #102
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Phone: (712) 256-7252
brackerwealthmanagement.com

6. Milestone Financial Group, Inc.

With over 60 years of evolving history and 50+ years of collective experience, Milestone Financial Group is a testament to enduring values and personalized financial stewardship. As a fiduciary, the firm is committed to prioritizing your best interests, a promise that’s been the cornerstone of their growth and longevity.

From its origins in 1963 with Mildred Parker’s insurance agency to its current incarnation, Milestone Financial Group has provided reliable financial guidance, making it one of the best financial advisory firms in Council Bluffs and Red Oak.

Milestone Financial Group offers a broad spectrum of services, including retirement planning, tax management, investment and insurance planning, and more.

The firm’s approach is built on seven pillars (risk management, tax planning, income planning, legacy planning, wealth management, charitable giving, and value-added services).

This comprehensive framework simplifies the extensive offerings at Milestone Financial Group, ensuring that every aspect of your financial life is addressed with care and expertise.

Milestone Financial Group, Inc.
505 N 3rd Street
Red Oak, IA 51566
Phone: (712) 623-5726
planwithmilestonefinancial.com

7. Mariner Wealth Advisors

Mariner Wealth Advisors is a top financial planning firm that’s dedicated to crafting personalized financial strategies that adapt to the changing lives of its clients. With a focus on long-term partnerships, Mariner Wealth Advisors aims to understand what truly matters to each individual, guiding them toward achieving their life goals.

Founded in 2006 with a client-centered ethos, the firm under Marty Bicknell’s leadership has continuously placed the client’s interests at the core of its operations.

With a suite of services for both individuals and businesses, Mariner Wealth Advisors delivers customized advice that spans various aspects of financial health. Its in-house team of experts in areas like tax planning, estate planning, investment management, and more ensures a coordinated approach.

Esteemed by Barron’s as a top five Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) for eight consecutive years, Mariner Wealth Advisors combines national acclaim with a local touch, offering comprehensive wealth management services designed to navigate clients through their financial journey.

Mariner Wealth Advisors
366 Regency Parkway
Omaha, NE 68114
Phone: (402) 829-3650
marinerwealthadvisors.com

8. Sterling Financial Advisors

Sterling Financial Advisors is a trusted partner in financial planning in Omaha, Nebraska, but it is also considered one of the best financial advisory firms in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The firm is dedicated to shaping strategies that align with your personal or organizational aspirations.

With a team approach, Sterling Financial Advisors brings a wealth of experience to the table, offering a depth of insight that transcends what any single advisor could provide.

Under the leadership of Mary H. Jochim and John R. Dee, Sterling Financial Advisors commits to rigorous education and ethical standards, ensuring your financial plan is both robust and adaptable, ready to support your journey towards financial independence.

Guidance at Sterling Financial Advisors is not just about managing assets; it’s about fostering long-term financial well-being, with continuous oversight and dynamic strategies that adapt to life’s changes. They collaborate with other experts to ensure comprehensive management across all aspects of your finances, from estate planning to retirement strategies. 

Sterling Financial Advisors
3838 Davenport Street
Omaha, NE 68131
Phone: (402) 970-9300
sterlingfinancialworld.com

9. Keystone Financial Services

Keystone Financial Services is redefining private wealth management by offering sophisticated services tailored to founders, entrepreneurs, businesses, and families. With a history of serving clients since 1983, the firm established a reputation for excellence in the financial planning realm.

It may be based in Omaha, Nebraska, but it’s also considered one of the best financial planning firms in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

That said, the wide array of services at Keystone Financial Services offers everything from legacy estate planning and family office work to tax-efficient investing and life insurance strategies. The firm also specializes in merger, acquisition, and exit planning, enhancing lifestyle and wellness, and supporting non-profit endeavors.

Adhering to fiduciary responsibility, Keystone Financial Services‘ team of seasoned professionals places your interests at the forefront. The only prerequisites are a positive mindset and a readiness to embrace expert advice.

What sets Keystone Financial Services apart in the industry is its commitment to being objective, honest, and pragmatic.

Keystone Financial Services
9802 Nicholas Street, Suite 315
Omaha, NE 68114
Phone: (402) 392-1212
keystonefinancialservice.com

10. Homan Wealth Advisors

Homan Wealth Advisors is one of the best independent wealth management firms in Council Bluffs despite being located in Omaha. It’s dedicated to serving a discerning national clientele. Its commitment? A straightforward promise to always prioritize what’s best for you.

Founded in 2003, Homan Wealth Advisors has built its reputation on the pillars of personal integrity and exceptional, personalized client service. Their mission is clear: to develop customized, comprehensive wealth solutions that align with each client’s individual goals and life circumstances.

As an independent entity, Homan Wealth Advisors embraces its fiduciary duty, binding the firm legally and ethically to act in the best interests of its clients. This deep-rooted commitment is at the heart of everything the firm does.

Homan Wealth Advisors is not just a standalone firm; it’s a founding member of Buckingham Strategic Partners, a prominent collective of independent advisors across the U.S.

Catering to individuals, families, foundations, and plan sponsors, Homan Wealth Advisors is a beacon of prudent investment strategy and unwavering dedication to client well-being in Omaha and Iowa’s financial landscape.

Homan Wealth Advisors
12829 W Dodge Road #202
Omaha, NE 68154
Phone: (402) 763-6401
homanwealthadvisors.com

Note:

Our team has compiled a list of the top 10 financial advisors in Council Bluffs, Iowa, with the belief that informed individuals make wiser decisions. Our goal is to enhance your knowledge, aiding you in finding a financial advisor suited to your specific requirements.

We strive to keep you informed with the latest data so you can choose wisely when selecting a financial advisor in Council Bluffs. We trust you found value in the information shared and have a better understanding of the available financial advisory services in the region.

This material is not meant to serve as professional advice. We’re not liable for any outcomes resulting directly or indirectly from actions taken based on the information provided. Conducting personal research and considering your unique situation is crucial before any financial commitments.

Please seek advice from your advisors in investment, finance, tax, and law. By using this information, readers agree to absolve the content providers of any responsibility for liabilities, losses, claims, disputes, damages, or costs that may arise.

Are You on the Lookout for a Reliable Business Broker in Council Bluffs, Iowa?

Peterson Acquisitions is known for its esteemed position in the Council Bluffs business brokers sector, with a history of achievements and a notable industry reputation. They are the country’s top business broker, establishing a strong base of trustworthiness and dependability.

Led by Chad Peterson, the proficient team at Peterson Acquisition is always available to respond to questions and consider potential partnerships. Thanks to its extensive expertise and insight, Peterson Acquisition is adept at handling the intricacies of the business world, supporting your path to success.

Should you be interested in discovering how they can help you, you may get in touch with Chad Peterson.