6 Wealth Managers Putting Your Money To Work

Choosing a qualified advisor to help grow and manage finances can be daunting. Decisions such as whether to invest in real estate or best ways to plan for retirement are just a few of the factors that must be taken into consideration. Here, in no particular order, are experts dedicated to guiding clients toward financial security.

Starting off the list at #1 is Laird Norton Wealth Management, a Seattle-based firm founded in 1967 by clients for the benefit of clients. The company's services include financial and tax planning, investment advice, and trust administration, with a team comprised of certified financial planners, attorneys, and accountants. The firm also offers advice on such topics as balanced portfolios, real estate strategies, and tips for taking an early retirement.

LNWM works with a wide variety of nonprofits in the Puget Sound, sponsoring such initiatives as Pianos in the Parks, which brings art and music to local parks and open spaces. It is also part of 100 Percent Talent, a regional program focused on closing the gender wage gap by working directly with employers. Seattle Business Magazine honored the firm with a 2019 Community Impact Award in recognition of its pro bono services.

At #2 is Brown Advisory, a private, independent investment and strategic advisory firm. A signature program of the company is its Morning Meeting, which gathers the entire firm together in person, with all offices connecting via video conference in order to discuss a topic or idea relevant to the team's investment thinking. The organization has offices in cities around the globe, including Baltimore, Boston, London, New York, Singapore, and Washington, DC.

Brown Advisory's investment strategies, which follow a philosophy of low-turnover, concentrated portfolios, include such components as equity income, large-cap growth, and emerging markets select. It serves a wide variety of clients, such as endowments, foundations, and other nonprofits, as well as philanthropists and entrepreneurs. Among the media outlets to feature the firm are Barron's, Financial Advisor Magazine, and Bloomberg.

Coming in at #3 is Ellevest. This financial services company specializes in personal finance, investment advice, and portfolio management for women. Its impact portfolios focus on issues of concern to women, including gender inequality, racial injustice, and climate change. The company also offers personalized coaching services that include tips on budgeting and advice on raises and promotions.

Co-founder of Ellevest, Sallie Krawcheck, was named by Fortune magazine as the "last honest analyst," and previously led Merrill Lynch and Citi Private as CEO. She is the author of the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post Bestseller "Own It: The Power of Women at Work." The book draws on her experiences at the highest levels of business, and provides women with insights for professional success.

Joining the list at #4 is Innovative Advisory Group, an independent wealth management firm. It advises clients on traditional investments, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. In addition, it offers guidance on implementing self-directed retirement accounts, which consist of both traditional and alternative investments at the discretion of the account owner.

The principals of Innovative Advisory Group, Kirk Chisholm and Rajeev Kotyan, are considered experts in the wealth management industry. They have both been featured in such major media publications as Reuters, The New York Times, and The Boston Globe, as well as a number of well-known finance blogs, radio stations, and podcasts.

Entering the list at #5 is Carver Financial Services, which offers wealth management support that is tailored to meet individual and institutional needs. It focuses on investment management, financial planning, and corporate retirement plans. The firm's proprietary Personal Vision Planning process encompasses the steps of defining the client's vision, building the blueprint, laying the foundation, and monitoring and updating the plan.

Through its relationship with the global firm Raymond James, Carver Financial provides clients with access to features like enhanced security, research, and reporting. As part of its community outreach, the company partners with local universities and high schools to help mentor future financial advisors. Founder Randy Carver has been recognized as a top independent advisor by Barron's, while Case Western Reserve University named the firm to its 2019 Weatherhead 100 List.

Wrapping up the list at #6 is Glassman Wealth Services. It provides investment management as well as guidance on financial, tax, and retirement planning. The firm offers clients tips on mistakes to avoid when buying a vacation home, advice on charitable giving, cybersecurity best practices, and investor strategies.

Founder and president Barry Glassman is a regular contributor to Forbes and CNBC, and has been featured in InvestmentNews and Kiplinger. A graduate of The George Washington University, he has earned the Certified Funds Specialist designation, is an Investment Advisor Representative, and has retained the 65 securities registration. The Washington Business Journal recognized the firm as one of its 2019 Best Places to Work.