Top social Security optimization 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 approaching retirement or already retired, you might be wondering how to maximize your Social Security benefits without leaving money on the table. A common mistake is claiming benefits too early or without considering how your overall income affects your payments.
- Claiming age strategy. Ask how they determine the best age for you to start benefits, balancing immediate needs against long-term gains.
- Income impact awareness. Confirm they consider how your other income sources might reduce your Social Security payments.
- Spousal and survivor benefits. Check if they evaluate options for maximizing benefits based on your spouse's work history.
- Tax implications. Since Iowa recently phased out taxes on retirement income, see how they factor this into your Social Security planning.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Michael G
Series 63, Series 65
Des Moines, IA
Cetera Planning Partners
Michael Gasperi specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, serving pre-retirees and retirees in Des Moines with 29 years of experience. His firm, Cetera Planning Partners, offers a diversified investment approach and additional services like tax planning and estate planning, with fees up to 1.65% AUM, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms or with narrower service scopes.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $848,315
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Brian H
Series 63, Series 65
Urbandale, IA
Financial & Tax Architects, LLC
Brian Hoodjer specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, serving clients near or in retirement with a focus on individual and high-net-worth clients. His firm offers discretionary portfolio management with proprietary investment strategies reviewed monthly, and he charges a flat one-time fee for Wealth.com services, distinguishing him from advisors with asset-based fees in the Des Moines area.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $239,584
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Kristy B
Series 63
Des Moines, IA
Ameriprise
Kristy Barzen specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategies, making her well-suited for clients in Des Moines aiming to maximize benefits while considering income impact and tax implications. With 35 years of experience at Ameriprise, a large firm offering Premier Retirement Income services, she combines seasoned expertise with a 0.15% AUM fee, distinguishing her through comprehensive retirement withdrawal planning and local community involvement.
Experience: 35 years
Avg account: $471,167
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Michael B
Series 65, Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
Wealth Advisors of Iowa, LLC
Michael Brinker specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, leveraging 14 years of experience and a fiduciary investment process at Wealth Advisors of Iowa. His flat-fee structure and independence, combined with expertise in options and derivatives strategies, distinguish him from others, while his CPA partnership adds valuable tax insight relevant to Iowa's retirement income tax changes.
Experience: 14 years
Avg account: $978,652
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Matthew G
Series 63, Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
Empower Advisory Group
Matthew Gasser specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, making him well-suited for maximizing benefits in Des Moines, IA. With 10 years of experience at Empower Advisory Group, a large firm offering flat-fee and subscription pricing, he supports employer-sponsored retirement plans and retail clients, emphasizing long-term portfolio returns and annual rebalancing.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $565,063
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