Top Financial Planners in Rhode Island
If you are looking to partner with a financial advisor in Rhode Island, you have come to the right place. In order to prepare for this post, we evaluated all advisory firms in Rhode Island. And let me say I am glad we live in the smallest state because the research was exhausting!
While all firms showcased in this article can meet your general planning needs, each firm is uniquely positioned to help a specific niche. If you fit neatly into one of these niches, I would recommend meeting with the specialist first. If not, I am confident that any of the firms below would be a great fit.
About Us: At our firm, Eliot Rose, we focus on helping clients who are transitioning into or living in “retirement.” Retirement is intentionally in quotes because it means so many different things to different people. This is our niche and where we have deep experience and expertise.
However, there are many other niches that require their own respective skillset. As Past Chairman and President of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) of Rhode Island, I have come to know many advisors who I deeply respect. This post aims to showcase those advisors that do a great job in their area of focus.
Who are the best Financial Advisors in Rhode Island in 2023?
Before I get started, it is important to note that not all financial advisors are created equal. According to Securities and Exchange Commission, there are 298 financial advisory firms in Rhode Island (yes, we looked at all of them). If you want to look at the entire list, just search for Rhode Island here. This post narrows down that list to just five (including us) by eliminating advisors based on the following criteria.
- Act as fiduciaries in every regard (fiduciaries are obligated to put your interest first)
- Are fee-only – this means they accept no commissions at all
- Earned an advanced certification in addition to the CFP®
- Lead with financial planning as opposed to investment management
- Have a specialty in addition to generalist knowledge
- Adhere to a long-term, evidence-based investment philosophy
- Financial advising and planning is their primary business
*Please note that this is not a testimonial, endorsement, or ranking, but just my opinion.*
A. Experience Your Wealth
- Best for Young Families with Student Loans and/or Equity Compensation
Student loans are complicated (as is equity compensation!) – if you have either, you will definitely want some expert advice. Not only does Jake Northrup (founder) hold the CFP®, he has also earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation (CFA) – which is considered the gold standard in investments, and the CSLP®, short for Certified Student Loan Professional.
B. Ahead Full Wealth Management
- Best for Public Servants
Having served the country during his days in the Navy, Greg Young (founder) understands what it means to give back. He is passionate about working with public servants or as he says, “those that do good.” In addition to the CFP® designation, Greg is an Enrolled Agent (EA), Chartered Financial Counselor, earned his Master's in Advanced Financial Planning, and now pursuing his Ph.D.
C. Lighthouse Financial Management
- Best for Business Owners
Steve Poplaski (founder) began his career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the 1980s. Steve found himself most interested in working with business owners on improving their profitability and streamlining their operations. This led him to eventually migrate over to the financial planning side of the business. Steve is a CFP®, CPA, and holds a Ph.D in human ecology.
D. SK Wealth Management
- Best for Couples Going through Divorce & Non-Traditional Families
Non-traditional couples/families can face unique financial planning challenges. Jason Archambault (founder), a CFP® and CPA, has the experience to advise on and guide clients forward in this niche area.
Going through a divorce is exceptionally stressful - never mind all the financial complications on top of personal tensions. Cheryl Dugas is a CFP®, CPA and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA™) who can make the process a little smoother.
And where do we fit in? Glad you asked!
E. Eliot Rose Wealth Management
- Best for Individuals and Couples Transitioning or Living in Retirement
- We focus specifically on clients transitioning into or living in “retirement”
- We are fiduciary and fee-only advisors
- Our professionals are CFP®s, CFAs, RMA®s and former CPAs
- We limit the number of clients we work with to deliver a high quality of service
OUR TAKE: While we scoured through the regulatory filings of all advisors in Rhode Island, there is a much easier way to do your own research. There are two sites where you can search for fee-only advisors in your area FeeOnlyNetwork and National Association of Personal Financial Advisors.
Alternatively, if you do not have the resources to hire a financial planner, consider pro bono financial planning. I used to be the Pro Bono Chair for FPA-RI, and they do a great job helping the community and improving their financial lives.
