Top financial advisors working with retirees in Clearwater, FL
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’ve retired and are managing income from savings, Social Security, or pensions, you need an advisor who understands how to stretch your resources over your lifetime. A common mistake is focusing only on investment returns without planning for taxes, spending, and legacy goals together.
- Federal tax focus. Since Florida has no state income tax, ask how they optimize your federal tax bill, including Social Security and required withdrawals.
- Spending and cash flow. Confirm they model your spending needs realistically, not just your portfolio growth.
- Property and sales tax awareness. Florida funds services through property and sales taxes; see how they factor these into your overall plan.
- Legacy and estate planning. Retirees often want to leave assets to heirs; ask how they integrate this with your income strategy.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Christopher B
Series 63, Series 65
Clearwater, FL
Cetera
Christopher Bartkus brings 52 years of experience and specializes in retirement plans for business owners, charitable giving, and wealth management, making him well-suited for retirees in Clearwater, FL. Operating within Cetera, a large firm offering both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management, he provides flexible flat-fee and hourly consulting options, distinguishing him from advisors with more rigid fee structures.
Experience: 53 years
Avg account: $306,089
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Dean R
Series 63, Series 65
Clearwater, FL
Equitable Advisors
Dean Rosko specializes in retirement income strategy and Social Security optimization, making him well-suited for retirees managing income in Clearwater, FL. With 46 years of experience at Equitable Advisors, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers a range of fee structures and combines advisory and brokerage services, providing a comprehensive approach compared to other advisors in the area.
Experience: 46 years
Avg account: $570,841
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Anne W
Series 63, Series 65
Tarpon Springs, FL
Wells Fargo Clearing
Anne Whelan's 40 years of experience and focus on retirees in Clearwater, FL, equip her to address retirement income management, including tax and legacy planning. Affiliated with Wells Fargo Clearing, a large firm offering retirement plan consulting and diverse financial products, she provides flat-fee and AUM-based options, catering to high-net-worth clients with a seasoned, modern portfolio theory approach.
Experience: 41 years
Avg account: $475,575
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James A
Series 63, Series 65
Clearwater, FL
Independent Financial partners
James Appelt Jr. specializes in retirement income strategy and tax-loss harvesting, making him well-suited for retirees managing income in Clearwater, FL. With 28 years of experience and a background as a CPA firm president, he offers flat-fee financial planning through Independent Financial Partners, a large firm known for retirement-plan advisory and pension consulting services.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $225,569
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Stephen D
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Clearwater, FL
LPL Financial
Stephen Devlin specializes in retirement planning and wealth management, making him well-suited to help retirees in Clearwater, FL manage income from savings and Social Security. With 29 years of experience, CFP® certification, and affiliation with LPL Financial, he offers flat-fee financial planning and access to extensive investment resources, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller firm support or different fee structures.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $399,489
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