Flat-fee, private / alternative investments 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.
If you're considering private or alternative investments, you likely want to diversify beyond traditional stocks and bonds. A common mistake is underestimating the unique risks and liquidity constraints these investments carry.
- Fee structure clarity. Flat-fee advisors charge a consistent rate regardless of assets, so confirm how this impacts your overall costs compared to percentage-based fees.
- Investment access. Ask how they source private deals or alternative funds, and whether they have direct relationships or rely on intermediaries.
- Risk management approach. Private investments often lack daily pricing; ensure the advisor explains how they monitor and manage these risks over time.
- Portfolio fit. Confirm how they integrate alternatives with your broader financial goals and cash flow needs, not just as standalone opportunities.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Kara D
Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
Mercer Global Advisors Inc.
Kara Dorothy's expertise in private and alternative investments, combined with her eight years of experience and Series 66 designation, equips her to address the complexities of these asset classes in Des Moines. Working at Mercer Global Advisors, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, she employs a Modern Portfolio Theory approach with diversified, risk-managed portfolios, differentiating her through strategic, tax-aware investment methods and a flat-fee structure with additional service fees.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $2,214,259
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Chad T
CFP®, Series 63
Des Moines, IA
Mariner Independent
Chad Tramp's 23 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to handle private and alternative investments with a nuanced approach to risk and portfolio integration. Operating through Mariner Independent, he offers flat-fee financial planning and consulting, serving a diverse clientele including trusts and charitable organizations, which may provide broader perspectives compared to advisors focused solely on individual investors.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $1,654,938
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Matthew M
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Des Moines, IA
Sanctuary Advisors, LLC
Matthew Meline Sr. offers expertise in private and alternative investments with a flat-fee structure tailored for clients in Des Moines, IA. With 26 years of experience and a CFP® certification, he operates within Sanctuary Advisors, a large firm providing diverse investment philosophies and services to individuals and institutions, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller practices or different fee models.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $1,618,113
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Matthew F
CFP®, CFA®
Des Moines, IA
BlackOak Advisors LLC
Matthew Ford offers expertise in private and alternative investments with a flat-fee structure ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 based on complexity, suitable for clients seeking transparent costs in Des Moines, IA. His firm, BlackOak Advisors LLC, emphasizes strategic asset allocation and diversified portfolios, integrating alternatives alongside ETFs and bonds, and serves a broad client base including individuals, families, and businesses.
Experience: 4 years
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Christopher B
Series 63, Series 66, Series 65
Des Moines, IA
Savvy
Christopher Benda in Des Moines offers expertise in private and alternative investments with a flat-fee structure for financial planning and consulting, making costs predictable. His firm, Savvy, integrates index-based core strategies with tailored approaches like tax-loss harvesting and ESG models, serving a diverse client base including high earners and business owners, which may provide a broader perspective compared to advisors focusing solely on traditional portfolios.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $1,062,133
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