CFP®-certified, general estate planning guidance financial advisors in Des Moines, 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.
You might need a general estate planning advisor if you're organizing your will, setting up trusts, or planning for how your assets will be managed after your passing. Without clear guidance, you risk creating gaps that could lead to probate delays or unintended tax consequences.
CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, including estate matters, which can help you navigate complex decisions.
- Comprehensive asset review. Confirm they consider all your assets, including non-traditional ones, to avoid surprises later.
- Trust and will coordination. Ask how they ensure your estate documents align with your financial plan to prevent conflicts.
- Tax implications awareness. Even with recent retirement income tax changes, understanding local tax effects on your estate is crucial.
- Beneficiary updates. Check how often they recommend reviewing and updating beneficiary designations to reflect your current wishes.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Ben G
CFP®
Johnston, IA
Simplified Planning and Investments
Ben Geiger offers CFP®-certified guidance in general estate planning with six years of experience, serving clients from Johnston, IA. His firm emphasizes a holistic, relationship-driven approach and charges flat fees for ongoing financial planning, which may appeal to millennials and executives seeking clarity and simplicity in their estate and financial plans.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $1,405,375
-
William M
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 63, Series 65
West Des Moines, IA
Mass Mutual Investors Services
William Mulcahy III offers general estate planning guidance with 13 years of experience and holds CFP® and ChFC® designations, ensuring knowledgeable support in organizing wills and trusts. Based in West Des Moines, IA, he works with Mass Mutual Investors Services, a large firm providing comprehensive financial planning and asset management, which may offer broader resources compared to smaller practices.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $249,379
-
Emilee D
CFP®
Des Moines, IA
West Financial Advisors, L.L.C.
Emilee Derifield offers CFP®-certified guidance in general estate planning, retirement income strategy, and tax planning, serving high-net-worth clients in Des Moines, IA. At West Financial Advisors, she supports portfolios typically over $1 million with a focus on long-term investment strategies and broad diversification, charging 0.85% AUM or a flat fee of $8,500, which may suit clients seeking comprehensive wealth management.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $2,121,924
-
Patrick F
CFP®, Series 63
Des Moines, IA
Edward Jones
Patrick Franke offers general estate planning guidance in Des Moines, leveraging 38 years of experience and CFP® certification to assist with wills, trusts, and asset management. Affiliated with Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, he provides access to discretionary wrap fee programs with fees up to 1.35% annually, serving both individual and institutional clients.
Experience: 38 years
Avg account: $246,728
-
David C
CFP®, Series 63
Des Moines, IA
LW Advisors, L.L.C.
David Cunningham offers CFP®-certified general estate planning guidance in Des Moines, leveraging 27 years of experience and a Series 63 license. His firm, LW Advisors, L.L.C., manages $35.9 million for about 76 clients, providing tailored investment programs with both fundamental and technical analysis, and offers flat-fee financial planning options, distinguishing him from advisors with different fee structures or less personalized approaches.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $472,253
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Des Moines, IA
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")