Top 10 Financial Planning Consultants, Advisors, Services, Companies, & Consulting Firms

Top Financial Planning Consultants, Advisors, Services, Companies, & Consulting Firms

Financial planning is essential for ensuring long-term financial stability and success. Whether you're managing your wealth, saving for retirement, or planning for major life changes, the right financial planning consultant or service can help you create a strategic roadmap for your future. 

Working with experts provides the necessary tools and advice to navigate complex financial decisions.

The Value of Financial Planning Consultants and Services

Financial planning consultants offer personalized advice tailored to an individual’s unique financial situation. They help with everything from budgeting and saving strategies to retirement planning and tax optimization. 

Their expertise ensures that you’re making informed decisions based on your financial goals and risk tolerance, helping you stay on track for both short- and long-term success.

Financial planning services also bring a broader range of resources to the table. Many firms provide access to specialized tools, investment opportunities, and in-depth market analysis. 

These companies not only guide you in creating a financial plan but also offer ongoing support to adapt as your financial needs evolve. By partnering with a reputable firm, you gain the confidence that your financial future is in good hands.

How to Choose the Right Financial Planning Consultant or Service

When selecting a financial planning consultant, look for professionals with recognized certifications, such as Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) or Chartered Financial Consultants (ChFCs). 

These credentials ensure that the consultant adheres to high ethical standards and possesses the necessary skills to manage complex financial situations. 

It's also crucial to check their track record and client testimonials to gauge their effectiveness and reliability.

Additionally, consider the cost structure of the consultant or service. Some planners charge hourly fees, while others may have flat rates or work on a retainer. 

It's important to understand how these costs align with the services provided and ensure transparency regarding any potential conflicts of interest. This will help you select a consultant or firm that offers both value and trustworthiness.

TL;DR Top Financial Planning Consultants, Advisors, Services, Companies, & Consulting Firms

  • McKinsey & Company: Offers specialized consulting for financial institutions, focusing on risk management, regulatory compliance, and strategic growth to navigate market challenges.

  • Creative Planning: Provides comprehensive wealth management services for high-net-worth individuals, integrating tax-efficient financial planning with investment and estate strategies for long-term wealth preservation.

  • Deloitte: Delivers financial advisory services, including M&A, risk management, and portfolio optimization, helping organizations drive strategic growth and manage financial risks.

  • Baker Tilly: Offers wealth management services, blending tax planning, investment strategies, and estate management to help individuals build, protect, and transfer wealth.

  • Elite Consulting Partners: Specializes in practice management, M&A advisory, and succession planning for financial advisors, providing strategies to grow and transition their businesses efficiently.

 
McKinsey & Company

McKinsey & Company works with financial institutions across the globe, helping them tackle a wide range of challenges from strategy development to risk management. 

They provide specialized consulting in areas like wealth management, insurance, and banking, emphasizing the importance of risk-informed strategies to drive competitive advantage. 

McKinsey integrates deep industry expertise with data-driven insights to help clients navigate market volatility and emerging regulations.

Key Services:

  • Risk management and resilience

  • Corporate and investment banking strategy

  • Wealth and asset management consulting

  • Regulatory and compliance advisory

Why work with McKinsey?

McKinsey combines its extensive global expertise with cutting-edge analytics to help financial institutions manage risks while seizing new opportunities for growth. 

Their comprehensive approach to risk management ensures that clients can navigate complex regulatory environments while improving operational performance. A

McKinsey’s focus on long-term strategic transformation makes them a valuable partner for institutions looking to achieve sustained growth.

Creative Planning

Creative Planning offers a wide array of wealth management services designed to support high-net-worth individuals and families. They focus on integrating comprehensive financial planning with investment management to help clients achieve their long-term financial goals. 

Creative Planning also provides specialized services in tax optimization and estate planning, ensuring a holistic approach to wealth management.

Key Services:

  • Wealth management

  • Financial and retirement planning

  • Tax optimization

  • Estate planning

Why work with Creative Planning?

Creative Planning stands out for its client-centered approach, combining personalized financial planning with tax-efficient investment strategies. 

Their comprehensive services address all aspects of wealth management, ensuring that clients receive a tailored financial roadmap. 

By aligning investments with broader financial goals, Creative Planning helps clients build and preserve wealth across generations.

Deloitte

Deloitte provides financial advisory services that span mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, and risk management. 

Their portfolio management services focus on helping clients optimize capital allocation, manage financial risks, and maximize returns on investments. Deloitte’s global network and expertise in various financial sectors make them a trusted partner for businesses navigating complex financial landscapes​.

Key Services:

  • Mergers and acquisitions advisory

  • Risk management

  • Restructuring and performance improvement

  • Portfolio management optimization

Why work with Deloitte?

Deloitte’s financial advisory services are bolstered by their deep industry knowledge and global reach. They offer a data-driven approach to portfolio management, ensuring that clients can make informed decisions in dynamic market conditions. 

With a focus on both strategic growth and risk mitigation, Deloitte helps organizations drive long-term value creation.

Baker Tilly

Baker Tilly offers wealth management services tailored to the needs of individuals and business owners. Their services are designed to integrate tax planning, investment strategies, and estate management to help clients build, protect, and transfer wealth. 

Baker Tilly’s personalized approach allows clients to focus on their financial goals while benefiting from the firm’s deep expertise in tax and financial planning.

Key Services:

  • Wealth management

  • Tax planning and optimization

  • Investment strategy consulting

  • Estate and succession planning

Why work with Baker Tilly?

Baker Tilly is a great partner for clients seeking a holistic approach to wealth management. Their ability to integrate tax strategies with financial planning ensures that clients can optimize their wealth while minimizing tax burdens.

Their focus on long-term estate and succession planning makes them a valuable resource for individuals looking to secure their financial legacy.

Elite Consulting Partners

Elite Consulting Partners focuses on supporting financial advisors with practice management and transition strategies. 

Their services include M&A advisory, succession planning, and practice growth consulting. They provide personalized guidance to financial advisors looking to grow or transition their businesses while maintaining operational efficiency and client relationships.

Key Services:

  • Mergers and acquisitions advisory

  • Practice management consulting

  • Succession planning

  • Business growth strategies

Why work with Elite Consulting Partners?

Elite Consulting Partners specializes in helping financial advisors navigate key business decisions, including mergers, acquisitions, and succession planning. 

Their approach provides financial advisors with the tools and strategies needed to grow their practices effectively. 

Elite’s focus on maintaining client relationships during transitions ensures that advisors can continue to serve their clients while achieving their business goals.

6. Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab offers personalized wealth management and investment solutions through their Schwab Wealth Advisory™ service. 

Their approach focuses on delivering tailored financial strategies designed to meet individual client needs across multiple areas such as tax planning, investment management, and retirement. 

With access to dedicated advisors and a team of specialists, Schwab helps clients make informed decisions about their financial future. Their services range from automated investing solutions to direct engagement with a financial consultant​.

Key Services:

  • Wealth management and financial planning

  • Automated portfolio management solutions

  • Retirement and estate planning

  • Personalized tax-efficient investing strategies

Why work with Charles Schwab?

Schwab's wealth advisory service offers clients a comprehensive strategy that adapts to life changes and personal financial goals. Their experienced advisors collaborate with specialists to address complex financial needs, ensuring a thorough understanding of each client's circumstances. 

This personalized attention, combined with access to a broad array of financial services, makes Schwab an ideal partner for those seeking clarity and control over their wealth management.

7. Mariner Wealth Advisors

Mariner

Mariner Wealth Advisors is committed to providing a holistic approach to wealth management, focusing on helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals. 

They offer a wide range of services, from investment management to tax planning and estate strategies. 

Mariner emphasizes building long-term relationships with clients to provide advice that integrates all aspects of their financial life.

Key Services:

  • Comprehensive financial planning

  • Investment management

  • Tax planning and preparation

  • Estate and succession planning

Why work with Mariner Wealth Advisors?

Mariner stands out for its commitment to delivering personalized and integrated financial services. Their team of advisors works collaboratively with clients to address not only their investment needs but also broader financial issues such as estate planning and tax optimization. 

This client-focused approach, combined with extensive resources, ensures that clients receive high-quality advice across all facets of their financial life.

8. Financial Consultants Group

Financial Consultants Group

Financial Consultants Group provides financial services designed to help clients navigate their retirement and investment strategies with confidence. 

Their services focus on retirement income planning, wealth preservation, and estate planning, making them a strong partner for individuals approaching retirement. 

Financial Consultants Group aims to simplify complex financial decisions, allowing clients to focus on enjoying their retirement.

Key Services:

  • Retirement income planning

  • Wealth preservation strategies

  • Estate planning

  • Investment management

Why work with Financial Consultants Group?

Financial Consultants Group takes a client-centered approach, working to address the specific needs of individuals nearing retirement. Their advisors specialize in creating retirement income strategies and preserving wealth for future generations. 

With a focus on simplifying financial decisions, they provide peace of mind and clarity for clients entering the next phase of their lives.

9. Mercer Advisors

Mercer Advisors

Mercer Advisors offers a full spectrum of wealth management services with a focus on comprehensive financial planning. Their approach integrates financial strategies across areas like estate planning, tax management, and investment advice. 

Mercer is particularly known for its ability to bring together legal and financial expertise, providing clients with a cohesive and well-rounded approach to managing their wealth.

Key Services:

  • Integrated wealth management

  • Estate planning and trust services

  • Tax strategy and preparation

  • Investment and retirement planning

Why work with Mercer Advisors?

Mercer's holistic approach to financial planning sets them apart in the wealth management industry. Their unique combination of legal and financial services allows them to provide clients with cohesive strategies that address complex financial needs. 

With a commitment to helping clients achieve financial freedom, Mercer offers tailored solutions that adapt as clients' goals evolve over time.

10. CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)

CLA

CLA offers comprehensive wealth advisory services that focus on helping individuals, families, and business owners achieve their long-term financial goals. 

With a client-first approach, CLA combines financial planning, investment advisory, and tax strategy to create personalized plans that address clients' unique financial needs. 

Their services are designed to not only grow wealth but also provide solutions for succession planning, risk management, and estate planning​.

Key Services:

  • Wealth and investment management

  • Business succession and retirement planning

  • Tax planning and risk management

  • Estate and trust services

Why work with CLA?

CLA's integrated approach offers clients access to a multidisciplinary team, including CPAs, CFPs, and tax advisors. Their commitment to building lasting relationships is evident in their ability to guide clients through both personal and business financial challenges. 

By offering coordinated services that encompass tax, investment, and legacy planning, CLA provides a holistic financial strategy that adapts as clients’ needs evolve​.

Key factors to consider when choosing a financial planning consultant

  • Credentials and qualifications: Ensure that the consultant holds relevant certifications such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

  • Comprehensive planning services: Look for firms that offer a full range of services including retirement planning, tax strategies, estate planning, and investment advice.

  • Fee transparency: Understand their fee structure—whether it's fee-only, fee-based, or commission-based—and how it fits into your financial planning budget.

  • Fiduciary duty: Prefer consultants who are bound by a fiduciary responsibility, meaning they are obligated to act in your best financial interest.

  • Client focus and personalization: Choose a consultant who takes the time to understand your unique financial goals, risk tolerance, and life circumstances.

  • Technology integration: Evaluate whether they provide digital tools, apps, or online dashboards to track your financial plan and investments.

  • Long-term support: Look for a firm that offers ongoing advice and support as your financial situation and goals evolve over time.

What financial planning consultant will you choose?

Choosing the right financial planning consultant is essential for creating a strategy that aligns with your long-term financial goals. By carefully evaluating their credentials, services, and fee structures, you can find the advisor or firm that best suits your financial needs and future aspirations.