How this list was created

Selecting the best Advisors from among the many standouts who counsel America's wealthy is no easy task. 

We start by accepting nominations from readers, industry associations, investment firms, and the advisers we know. Candidates are asked to complete an extensive survey detailing their backgrounds, professional designations, client-retention rates, and average portfolio returns. We also ask candidates for their best ideas about wealth management and study them carefully. Advisers in the running must submit a sample financial plan and two letters of recommendation, Registered investment advisers must also Supply their Form ADVs, which describe their services, fee structures, and disciplinary histories (this is a document that any prospective client should review). We verify credentials with industry associations end cheek backgrounds using the Lexis legal database to search court records.

Most advisers on our list carry the certified financial planner, or CFP.® designation, but it's by no means a requirement. A certified public accountant, or CPA, who is also a personal financial specialist, or PFS, should also be equipped to provide broad-based advice on investments, taxes, and other wealth management issues. Prospective clients, depending on their needs, may want to shop for more specialized credentials. The designations of chartered financial analyst. or CFA. and certified investment management analyst, or CIMA, both suggest expertise in investing and portfolio management.

All the advisers on our list are taking new clients. Before you sign up. study the fee structures. About 80 percent are fee-only advisers who earn a fixed fee or a percentage of assets under management, The rest accept fees and commissions, If the fit isn't just right, the advisers on our list can provide referrals to other specialists.
We're proud of our list. but we know that many great advisers haven't yet come to our attention, Do you know of one we missed? We welcome your input.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(TM), which it awards to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requrements.

For further information, go to www.planforwealth.com, email Ginita, or call her at (858) 792-0524.