Best Financial Advisors In Northern Virginia

But how do you know who to trust? In our list of best financial advisors in Northern Virginia, we’ll rank the top advisory firms based on a number of factors including their:

ratings and client reviews
advisory fees
local reputation
awards and recognition
number of years in business
philanthropic work

We’ve sifted through your options and curated a list of six best financial advisors Northern Virginia has to offer. Let’s get started!

#1. Cassaday and Company

Cassaday and Company is a familiar name in the DMV area. You’ll find they’re often ranking on these Northern VA and Washington DC best advisor lists, and for good reason. Founded in 1993, the firm maintains a 99% retention rate, 5-star ratings on verified google reviews, and competitive quarterly fees for managing client assets.

Barron’s has consistently ranked Cassaday and Company as the #1 financial advisor for the state of Virginia each year from 2016 - 2023.

When compared to competitors nationwide, Cassaday and Company consistently ranks in Barron’s top 100 Independent Financial Advisors in the U.S. each year from 2016 - 2023.

Cassaday & Company has also made the Forbes list of “Best-In-State” Wealth Advisors from 2018 - 2023, and is featured in Northern Virginia Magazine’s list of “Top Financial Professionals” from 2011 - 2023.

These are just examples of recent accolades as Cassaday and Company has been featured across prestigious media outlets from Washingtonian, Virginia Living, Loudoun Times, Financial Times, Financial Advisor Magazine, IncomeInsider, and more.

Cassaday & Company Advisory Fees

Cassaday & Company, Inc. bills its investment advisory fees quarterly, after services are rendered, based on client assets under management (AUM). These fees vary between 0.50% and 1.20%, and are determined using the Average Daily Balance (ADB) of a client’s portfolio from the preceding quarter.

Any portfolio changes might come with transaction costs, but these are not commission-based for Cassaday & Company. Typically, these charges stay below $100 annually for each account, but there can be exceptions.

Cassaday & Company Account Minimum

It’s important to note that working with Cassaday and Company requires a $1 million account minimum in investable assets.

The majority of their clients are older Americans transitioning from full-time careers and into retirement.

What’s Unique About Cassaday & Company?

It’s becoming a bit of a buzzword for financial advisory firms to feature their “holistic” approach to financial services. Cassaday and Company really does offer a variety of added services not always found with typical advisors.

Wills, Trusts, & Life “Transitions” Coach

For example, Cassaday has recently hired an in-house estate attorney. Need a will or estate planning? This can all be done under one roof and coordinated with your other financial goals.

Another unique add-on, Cassaday and Company offers life-transition services. Going through a major life change like:

starting a new job,
moving to a new city, or
relationship change?

These are questions in which your financial advisor may not be the go-to expert. Your advisor can set up a meeting with Cassaday’s in-house life transitions coach to help you tackle the next non-finance related challenge that life’s thrown in your path.

interviewing advisors for your holistic financial planning needs, make sure to ask about all services provided. All financial planning firms are not the same, and services may vary from one firm to the next. You’ll find other northern Virginia firms will charge fees that are comparable to Cassaday, but without some of their added perks.

Client Advisory Board

To maintain the highest quality of service, the wealth management firm has established an advisory firm consisting of current clients to provide feedback and direction for service improvements. There’s a reason the firm maintains a 99% retention rate and consistently earns the highest ratings in their customer reviews.

Cassaday & Company, Inc. Charitable Fund

The Cassaday and Company, Inc. Charitable Fund was established in 2008. The fund supports several local and national charities including Boulder Crest Foundation, Central Union Mission, So Others Might Eat (SOME), and United Help Ukraine. The firm has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal for their philanthropic work and CEO Stephan Cassaday matches each employee's donations by 200%.

With over three decades in business and more than $4 billion in assets under management, Cassaday and Company is a top-rated northern Virginia financial advisor worth your consideration.

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#2 VLP Financial Advisors

VLP Financial Advisors

Headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, VLP Financial Advisors is another full-service financial advisory firm that often makes the top of local “best financial advisors in northern Virginia” lists.

In business since 1990, the firm has been featured in DC Magazine, Washingtonian, Northern Virginia Magazine, Tysons Today, Arlington Magazine, and other trusted local media.

Top brass at the firm such as Bruce Vaughn or Rose Price have been quoted in national media outlets such as CNBC, Barron’s, Investment News, and more. If you’re sifting through potential Northern Virginia financial planners, you’ve likely stumbled upon VLP Financial Advisors as a viable option.

VLP Financial Advisor Fees

What can you expect to pay for your financial services with VLP Financial Advisors? The firm offers two unique options for your personal financial planning needs. The most typical option is to develop an advisory relationship and handle all aspects of your financial planning long-term.

Like many of their competitors, the firm charges a fee that ranges from .50% to 1.25% of total assets under management (AUM). Compare a few highly rated companies and you’ll find VLP Financial Advisors to be very competitive with other local firms.

The second option for working with VLP Financial Advisors is via hourly financial planning. At the time of this writing, they charge $350 per hour. Typical engagements range from four to ten hours. A full quote is provided before work begins.

This hourly approach offers a lower barrier to entry, making VLP Financial advisors an accessible option for families that don’t meet the $1 million or higher account minimums you’ll find with some competing firms.

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#3 Edelman Financial Engines

Edelman Financial Engines

In 1986, Ric and Jean Edelman founded Edelman Financial Services in Fairfax, Virginia. Ric had a knack for simplifying complex financial topics, and over his career, established a vast media presence.

This included publishing several best-selling books, one of which was a children's book, "The Squirrel Manifesto," co-authored with his wife, Jean. Additionally, Ric is renowned for his PBS television show, "The Truth About Money with Ric Edelman."

In 2018, Edelman Financial Services merged with Financial Engines to create the current entity known as Edelman Financial Engines. Although the company now has branches across all 50 states, its roots and significant presence remain in northern Virginia, where it originally started.

It’s important to note that Edelman Financial Engines has a low account minimum of $5,000, making their advisors accessible to clients from all walks of life. Their fees (like others on this list) are a percentage of all assets under management (AUM). Advisory fees start at 1.75% of assets under management, and decrease as low as .50% as the total assets under management increases.

#4 Monument Wealth Management

Monument Wealth Management

Established in 2008 by seasoned financial experts David Armstrong and Dean Catino, Monument Wealth Management boasts over half a century of combined expertise catering to affluent families, individuals, and entrepreneurs. Their mission revolves around offering tailored investment management and forward-thinking planning solutions, streamlining the financial journey for their clientele.

Prioritizing wealth preservation and growth, Monument crafts bespoke financial portfolios and strategies that align with each client's distinct goals. They employ sophisticated modeling techniques to maximize tax benefits and ensure resonance with individual values and aspirations.

With its main office in Alexandria, VA, Monument Wealth Management has an account minimum of $3 million. This is higher than some of the other firms on our list, but worth your consideration if you’re able to meet their requirements.

Similar to Edelman Financial Engines above, their advisory fees start at 1.75% and lower as total assets under management increase. This is again, a bit higher than some others on our list. Always compare two or three firms and make sure to compare all services you’re receiving in exchange for your quarterly fees.

Monument Wealth Advisors have positioned themselves as a leading and reliable firm in the DC metropolitan region. Reach out to them directly to learn more and see if they’re a good fit.

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#5 Glassman Wealth Services

Glassman Wealth Services

Situated in the heart of Vienna, Glassman Wealth has carved a niche for itself with its unwavering commitment to serving its clients. Founded by Barry Glassman in 2009, the firm offers a range of financial planning services you’d expect from a top Northern Virginia advisor.
Services include:

Retirement planning
Investment management
Estate and tax planning
And more…

Barry Glassman and other advisors at his wealth management firm have been featured in local media and have had their insights quoted in prestigious publications such as Forbes, Barron’s, and others.

Similar to Cassaday and Company listed above, Barry Glassman is involved in charity work and giving back to the community he serves. Glassman has supported several charity organizations including the Capital Breast Cancer Care Center in Washington, DC.

Glassman Wealth Fees

Glassman Wealth charges negotiable fees that range from .25% to 1.25% of assets under management. This is competitive with others on our list, but it’s important to note that Glassman Wealth Services has a $2 million minimum for new accounts. If you meet their account minimum, Glassman Wealth is worth your consideration.

With more than 1.75 billion in assets under management, Glassman stands out as a boutique yet proficient Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) in the bustling Washington DC region.

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#6 Houlihan Financial Resource Group

Nestled in the city of Ashburn, Virginia, the Houlihan Financial Resource Group stands as a beacon of trust, expertise, and unparalleled wealth management services. Under the astute leadership of Patricia and Ryan Houlihan, this esteemed firm has charted a path of consistent excellence in the financial landscape of Northern Virginia.

Here’s what sets Houlihan Financial Resource Group apart on our list:

Dynamic Leadership: Patricia and Ryan Houlihan are not just figureheads but hands-on leaders with a wealth of experience and knowledge. Their collaborative approach and keen financial acumen form the backbone of the firm's success.

Fee-Only Model: Their commitment to transparency and client welfare is evident in their fee-only fiduciary model. This ensures clients receive unbiased, objective advice tailored purely to their needs and not influenced by commissions or external incentives.

Media Recognition: The firm's expertise hasn’t gone unnoticed. With features in prominent media outlets like the Washingtonian, AARP, and Investment Advisor, their industry standing and thought leadership are well-acknowledged.

Client-Centric Approach: At Houlihan Financial, every strategy, every piece of advice, and every financial plan is crafted keeping the client at the center. Their bespoke solutions are tailored to align with individual goals, aspirations, and financial landscapes.

With a legacy of client satisfaction and a reputation for holistic wealth management, Houlihan Financial Resource Group emerges as an ideal partner for those seeking seasoned guidance, personalized strategies, and unwavering commitment in the Northern Virginia financial space.

Houlihan Financial Resource Advisory Fees

Houlihan (like others on our list) charge clients based on assets under management. This firm lists their fees as negotiable. If you decide to interview Patricia Houlihan or someone on her team, make sure to review other advisors on our list for comparison as to understand what fees are reasonable and expected for financial planning services.

Our Methodology: How to choose the Best Northern Virginia Financial Advisors

Selecting the top financial advisors in Northern Virginia is no small feat. Our mission is to provide readers with a list grounded in thorough research, objectivity, and clear benchmarks. We understand the gravity of financial decisions and the significance of choosing the right advisor. Below, we outline our rigorous methodology that led to this curated list.

Industry Credentials: We began by examining the professional credentials of the advisors. Certifications such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) were among the credentials we considered as they demonstrate a commitment to expertise and industry standards.

Reputation & Client Feedback: Client testimonials, online reviews, and feedback played a crucial role. We sought firms with consistent positive feedback and a history of client satisfaction.

Media and Industry Recognition: Any mentions or features in reputable media outlets and industry publications were considered a positive indicator of the firm’s expertise and standing.

Fee Structure: We gave preference to fee-only and fee-based structures, as they often align the advisor’s interests with those of the client, promoting transparency and reducing potential conflicts of interest. The goal is to find top-notch advisory services at competitive pricing.

Assets Under Management (AUM): While not the sole determinant, AUM can reflect the trust clients place in the firm and its ability to manage significant portfolios.

Services Offered: We looked for firms that provide a comprehensive suite of services, from investment management to financial planning, diversification, tax strategies, and more.

Client-Advisor Ratio: To ensure advisors offer personalized attention, we considered firms with a reasonable client-to-advisor ratio.

Ethical Considerations: Any history of disciplinary actions or unethical practices was a disqualifying factor. We sought firms with a clean track record.

Local Presence & Community Engagement: Firms rooted in Northern Virginia and actively involved in community initiatives and local charities were given additional consideration.

Continuous Learning & Adaptability: In the rapidly evolving world of finance, we valued firms that demonstrated a commitment to ongoing education and adapting to industry changes.

Getting Started

Each firm on our list has undergone rigorous evaluation. We've diligently curated this list of top financial planners in Northern Virginia using publicly available information.

Although we've strived to verify key details like fees, it's essential to understand that the firms mentioned were not consulted prior to publication. We encourage you to directly contact any advisor to ask questions and confirm specifics, such as account minimums or advisory fees, before making a decision.

Finding the best Northern Virginia financial advisors can be overwhelming. This is especially so when there are thousands of fiduciary advisors in your area.

WiserAdvisor makes it easy by matching you with local advisors in the DC area that meet your specific needs. Financial planners in their database are all vetted and registered with both SEC and FINRA.

Your individual requirements and preferences are paramount in finding a financial advisor, but with our methodical approach along with a trusted advisor matching service, you can be confident that you're considering some of the finest options Northern Virginia presents.

Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.