Independent financial advisors in Columbia, SC
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.
You might seek an independent financial advisor in Columbia, SC when you want advice free from firm product pressures. The key risk is working with someone who isn't truly independent and may steer you toward their firm's offerings instead of your best options.
- Firm affiliation clarity. Confirm the advisor's independence by asking how they avoid conflicts tied to product sales.
- Local tax and retirement insight. Columbia's favorable retirement deductions and warm climate affect planning; see how they incorporate these factors.
- Fee structure transparency. Independent advisors often have varied fees; understand how they charge to ensure alignment with your interests.
- Experience with diverse clients. Since these advisors serve a range of ages and wealth levels, ask how they tailor advice to your specific life stage and goals.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Jennifer W
Series 66
Columbia, SC
First Citizens Asset Management, Inc
Jennifer Weed offers independent financial advice in Columbia, SC, with 19 years of experience and a Series 66 designation, specializing in income planning and both passive and active portfolio management. Her firm manages $167 million using a global, multi-asset approach, charging a 2% AUM fee, which may suit clients seeking dynamic asset allocation and personalized strategies compared to other local advisors.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $307,502
-
Jonathan D
Series 66
Columbia, SC
Davinci Financial Designs
Jonathan Dootson offers independent financial advice in Columbia, SC, specializing in retirement planning, charitable giving, and business succession for mid-career professionals and business owners. His firm, DaVinci Financial Designs, employs a tailored, alpha-based investment approach with tax-aware strategies and serves around 680 clients, providing flat-fee and hourly options that may suit diverse financial needs compared to other local advisors.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $627,289
-
Scot B
Series 63
Columbia, SC
HMS Financial Services, LLC
Scot Bytnar offers independent financial advice in Columbia, SC, with 19 years of experience and expertise in retirement planning, college savings, and tax planning. His firm, HMS Financial Services, uses a strategic asset allocation approach with diversified portfolios and serves a broad client base including trusts and small businesses, charging a 1.00% AUM fee, which may suit clients seeking personalized, transparent investment management.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $316,916
-
Christopher W
CFA®, Series 65
Columbia, SC
William B. Walkup & Associates, Inc.
Christopher Walkup offers independent financial advice in Columbia, SC, with 17 years of experience and credentials including CFA® and Series 65. His firm manages $159 million for about 50 clients, blending fundamental and technical analysis with asset allocation, and provides comprehensive services including tax preparation and estate administration, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower focuses or less integrated offerings.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $1,575,702
-
Thomas K
Series 63, Series 65
Columbia, SC
Capitol Securities Management, Inc.
Thomas Kepley Jr. offers independent financial advice in Columbia, SC, backed by 36 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 credentials. His firm, Capitol Securities Management, provides diverse services including pension consulting and portfolio analysis with flat-fee and hourly options, catering especially to high-net-worth clients and those seeking tailored investment strategies through discretionary or non-discretionary management.
Experience: 36 years
Avg account: $437,788
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Columbia, SC
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor's Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and referrals are provided by FinanceHQ LLC ("FHQ"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment adviser. We may be compensated by participating advisors. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral. We do not supervise advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to the Warmer Terms of Service and FHQ Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge Warmer's Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ's ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. ("Warmer")