Large-firm financial advisors in Ames, IA
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
When you're managing complex financial goals in Ames, IA, working with a large-firm advisor can help you navigate resources and services that smaller firms might not offer. A common pitfall is assuming that bigger firms always mean more personalized attention — the right advisor balances firm capabilities with your individual needs.
- Firm resources access. Large firms often provide a wider range of investment options and support teams; ask how this benefits your specific financial plan.
- Coordination across specialties. Confirm how the advisor collaborates with in-house experts like tax or estate planners to address your comprehensive financial picture.
- Client service model. Understand whether you'll work primarily with your advisor or a team, and how communication is managed to keep you informed.
- Local market knowledge. Even within a large firm, ensure the advisor understands Ames-area economic factors that could impact your financial decisions.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Darren G
Series 63, Series 65
Ames, IA
Ameritas Advisory Services, LLC
Darren Gauck's 31 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 credentials equip him to manage complex financial goals within Ameritas Advisory Services, a large firm offering diverse investment options and retirement-plan advisory services. His flat-fee and hourly fee structures, combined with expertise in annuities and retirement income strategy, provide flexible planning suited to business owners and retirees in Ames, IA.
Experience: 32 years
Avg account: $448,118
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John T
Series 63, Series 66
Ames, IA
Edward Jones
John Tillo offers expertise in college savings, retirement income strategy, and estate planning, supported by 28 years of experience at Edward Jones, a large firm with over $1 trillion in assets. His Series 63 and 66 designations and focus on retired clients and business owners distinguish him among large-firm advisors in Ames, combining deep local knowledge with extensive firm resources.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Karla S
Series 66
Ames, IA
STIFEL
Karla Sexton, a Series 66-licensed advisor with 24 years of experience, offers expertise in general retirement and income planning within STIFEL's large-firm environment in Ames, IA. Her long tenure at STIFEL since 2009 and prior experience at U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray provide deep industry insight, while the firm's proprietary investment methodology supports comprehensive asset allocation and planning analyses.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $773,556
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Jay B
Series 63, Series 66
Ames, IA
Eagle Strategies (NY Life)
Jay Black offers expertise in retirement income strategy and business owner retirement plans, supported by 14 years of industry experience and credentials including Series 63 and 66. Operating within Eagle Strategies, a large firm managing $25.4 billion in assets, he provides access to diverse investment options and coordinated planning, with flexible fee structures including AUM and hourly rates, distinguishing him from other advisors in Ames, IA.
Experience: 14 years
Avg account: $235,446
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Brent J
Series 66
Ames, IA
LPL Financial
Brent Johnson at LPL Financial in Ames, IA, offers expertise in wealth management, retirement plans for business owners, and college savings, supported by a large firm's extensive investment options and research team. His flat-fee structure and background in education and business provide a distinctive approach compared to other advisors with longer experience or different fee models in the area.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $399,489
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