Question 1

Where can I find a list of registered financial advisors in West Virginia?

Accepted Answer

To find a list of registered financial advisors in West Virginia, you can utilize our West Virginia advisor directory as the majority of advisors listed there provide a range of services, such as retirement planning, investment management, estate planning, tax planning, insurance planning, and wealth management. The specific services that an advisor offers may depend on their area of expertise, so it's important to find an advisor whose services align with your needs and financial goals. Additionally, you may use the WiserAdvisor free match tool to connect with 2-3 registered and vetted financial advisors matched to your specific financial needs and objectives.

Question 2

How can I check if a financial advisor in West Virginia has any disciplinary actions or complaints filed against them?

Accepted Answer

To check if a financial advisor in West Virginia has any disciplinary actions or complaints filed against them, you can use the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's (FINRA) BrokerCheck tool. This tool enables individuals to complete a thorough background check on financial professionals like brokers, brokerage firms, financial advisors, investment advisors, advising firms, etc. The detailed information provided through BrokerCheck includes their employment history, certifications, licenses, and active or past violations within the last ten years so that you can make an informed decision while hiring an advisor. We recommend using this guide to learn  how to use BrokerCheck to evaluate a financial advisor's credentials.

Question 3

What questions should I ask a potential financial advisor in West Virginia during the initial consultation?

Accepted Answer

During the initial consultation with a potential financial advisor in West Virginia, it's recommended to ask them about their experience, areas of expertise, investment philosophy, fee and compensation methods, and their approach to financial planning. You should also ask about their fiduciary duty, which means they are legally and ethically bound to act in your best interests. It's important to choose an advisor who communicates clearly and transparently and whose values align with your own. To further understand if a financial advisor is best suited to your financial needs, consider using the following 10 Key Questions You Should Ask Your Financial Advisor.

Question 4

How much does it cost to hire a financial advisor in West Virginia?

Accepted Answer

The cost of hiring a financial advisor in West Virginia varies depending on the advisor's experience, services, and fee structure. Some advisors charge a percentage of assets under management, ranging from approx. 1.02% or a fixed rate of approx. $7,500 and above. Meanwhile, other advisors charge an hourly rate, fee-based, or solely earn a commission from financial product sales. It's important to understand the advisor's fee structure and any potential conflicts of interest before engaging in their services. To get a better understanding of how financial advisors charge and the factors influencing their fees, read more on what are  the costs of hiring a financial advisor.

Question 5

What kind of certifications should I look for when choosing a financial advisor in West Virginia?

Accepted Answer

When choosing a financial advisor in West Virginia, look for some common credentials like Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), etc. These designations indicate that the advisor has undergone certified training in the field as a financial advisor and is committed to keeping your best interests a priority. To ensure you are making an informed decision while picking an advisor, explore the  6 common financial advisor certifications  you need to know. To further explore the various credentials an advisor can hold, read more about  advisor designations.

Question 6

How can wealth management services in West Virginia help me achieve my financial goals?

Accepted Answer

By working with an advisor who specializes in providing wealth management services, you can receive assistance in achieving your financial goals through personalized and comprehensive financial planning. The advisor can work closely with you to set clear objectives and devise a tailored financial plan encompassing investment management, tax planning, and risk management strategies. They also will regularly review and adjust the plan to accommodate changing circumstances and market conditions. To further explore how financial advisors listed on our directory for the state of West Virginia can support you, learn more about  the different types of financial advisors and their areas of expertise.

Question 7

Are there any specific retirement planning strategies or options available to West Virginia residents?

Accepted Answer

Yes, West Virginia residents have access to a range of retirement planning strategies and/or options. They can participate in employer-sponsored plans like 401(k)s or 403(b)s, Roth IRAs, and state pension plans. Additionally, residents can benefit from Social Security benefits, annuities, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and diverse investment accounts to further enrich retirement plans. If you are seeking to learn more about how a financial advisor can help in tailoring retirement strategies that align with your personal circumstances and state-specific regulations to secure your financial future in retirement, learn more about  why you should hire a retirement advisor.

Question 8

How can I determine the ideal retirement age and timeline for my financial situation in West Virginia?

Accepted Answer

To determine the ideal retirement age and timeline for your financial situation in West Virginia, several factors should be considered. Begin by assessing your current financial health, including savings, investments, and any employer-sponsored retirement plans. You also want to consider your anticipated Social Security benefits, desired lifestyle in retirement and expenses, and factors regarding your health and family longevity. To learn more about how to ensure your retirement is aligned with your financial capabilities and aspirations, learn more about the  6 important factors to assess your retirement readiness.

Question 9

How can a financial advisor in West Virginia assist with tax planning and optimization?

Accepted Answer

Many financial advisors in West Virginia are also tax professionals or work closely with tax professionals to help clients with tax planning and optimization. These professionals can help you identify tax-saving strategies and recommend tax-efficient investment options by analyzing your current tax situation. However, the WiserAdvisor directory for the state of West Virginia may not include advisors that specialize in providing tax-related services. In the "Advisory Services Provided" section, you will be able to confirm if tax planning and optimization are among the services an advisor offers.

Question 10

Are there financial advisors in West Virginia who specialize in helping individuals who are retiring without a retirement plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are financial advisors in West Virginia who specialize in helping individuals who are retiring without a retirement plan. These advisors understand the unique challenges faced by individuals in this situation and can provide guidance on creating a financial roadmap for retirement. They may assist in developing strategies to maximize savings, establish a sustainable retirement income, and explore investment options suited for late-stage retirement planning. To gain a deeper understanding of late-life retirement planning read on about  how to plan for retirement if starting late in life.

Question 11

What should I expect from working with a financial advisor in West Virginia?

Accepted Answer

When working with a financial advisor in West Virginia, you can expect personalized guidance in managing your finances, setting goals, and creating a comprehensive financial plan. They will provide objective advice and help you navigate complex financial matters. Additionally, they will assist you in making informed investment decisions to optimize your financial well-being and strive to help you achieve your financial objectives. If you are considering working with a financial advisor, read more to explore  what a financial advisor can do for you.

Question 12

How can a retirement planning advisor in West Virginia help me optimize my Social Security benefits?

Accepted Answer

A retirement planning advisor in West Virginia can provide valuable guidance on optimizing your Social Security benefits by analyzing your unique financial situation. They can help you determine the most advantageous age to start claiming benefits based on factors such as your expected lifespan, other sources of income, and individual goals. They'll consider how working during retirement and potential tax implications might impact your benefits. Through careful analysis and personalized strategies, they can assist you in making informed decisions that maximize your Social Security benefits over the long term. To learn more about how you can further benefit from the help of a retirement planner, explore  why you should hire a retirement advisor.

Question 13

How often should I meet with my financial advisor in West Virginia?

Accepted Answer

How often you should meet with your financial advisor may depend on your specific financial situation and goals. For complex finances, you may need to meet with your financial advisor weekly or monthly, while for those with regular income and simpler investments, quarterly or annual meetings may be enough. Your advisor can assist in determining the suitable meeting frequency based on your circumstances. Read on to learn more about  how often you should meet with your advisor.


MCKINLEY CARTER WEALTH SERVICES, INC.Wheeling, WV	48	5211	$2,260,993,682	A percentage of AUM, Hourly charges, Fixed fees
SECURITY CAPITAL MANAGEMENTWheeling, WV	21	2291	$1,018,623,006	A percentage of AUM
WESBANCO INVESTMENT DEPARTMENTWheeling, WV	15	6	$839,421,117	A percentage of AUM
NTV ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLCCharleston, WV	5	824	$822,275,700	A percentage of AUM, Fixed fees
COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL SERVICESVienna, WV	26	4851	$774,786,979	A percentage of AUM, Hourly charges, Fixed fees
LOC INVESTMENT ADVISERSHurricane, WV	12	2200	$708,247,570	A percentage of AUM
HOXTON PLANNING & MANAGEMENT, LLCShepherdstown, WV	7	1236	$491,558,229	A percentage of AUM, Hourly charges, Fixed fees
UNITED BROKERAGE SERVICES INCParkersburg, WV	101	790	$249,745,693	A percentage of AUM
FORT HENRY CAPITAL, LLCWheeling, WV	2	453	$240,303,428	A percentage of AUM, Hourly charges, Fixed fees
IRONWOOD WEALTH MANAGEMENT, INC.Hurricane, WV	4	696	$212,837,072	A percentage of AUM, Hourly charges, Fixed fees
STEELOAKS INVESTMENT ADVISERS, INC.Weirton, WV	2	277	$151,000,000	A percentage of AUM, Fixed fees

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