Top retirement income strategy financial advisors in Destin, 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.
Planning your retirement income in Destin, FL means preparing for a steady cash flow without relying on state income tax deductions, since Florida has none. A common mistake is underestimating how federal taxes, property taxes, and sales taxes will impact your retirement budget.
- Federal tax focus. Confirm how the advisor plans for federal income tax on your withdrawals, since state income tax won’t reduce your tax bill here.
- Property tax impact. Ask how they factor in Florida’s property taxes and homestead exemptions when estimating your retirement expenses.
- Withdrawal sequencing. Look for guidance on the order to draw from accounts to manage tax brackets and preserve income.
- Longevity planning. Ensure they consider how to sustain income through retirement, accounting for market ups and downs and inflation.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Kim L
Series 66
Destin, FL
Merrill
Kim Lepley specializes in retirement income strategy in Destin, FL, with 18 years of experience and credentials including CFP and CRPC, making her well-equipped to address federal tax planning and withdrawal sequencing for retirees. Affiliated with Merrill, a large firm, she offers a 1.10% AUM fee and serves diverse clients including executives and women professionals, distinguishing her through broad expertise and a community-focused approach.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $860,085
-
Melissa H
Series 63, Series 65
Destin, FL
Cambridge Investment Research Advisors
Melissa Hines specializes in retirement income strategy in Destin, FL, with 22 years of experience and credentials including Series 63 and 65 licenses. She works with Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, a large firm offering flat-fee and AUM-based pricing, serving diverse clients including business owners and executives, which may provide a broad perspective on managing retirement income and tax considerations in Florida.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $378,281
-
Stephanie D
CFP®, Series 66
Destin, FL
Edward Jones
Stephanie Duffield specializes in retirement income strategy in Destin, FL, with 16 years of experience and CFP® and Series 66 certifications. She works at Edward Jones, a large full-service firm serving over four million clients, offering diverse advisory programs with a fee of up to 1.35% annually, which may suit those seeking comprehensive support from an established network.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $246,728
-
James K
Series 63, Series 65
Destin, FL
Eagle Strategies (NY Life)
James Kersanac offers retirement income strategy expertise in Destin, FL, with 23 years of experience and credentials including Series 63 and 65 licenses. Affiliated with Eagle Strategies, a large firm managing over $25 billion in assets, he provides flexible fee options such as hourly rates and subscription agreements, and serves a diverse client base including business owners and executives, distinguishing him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $235,446
-
Paul S
Series 63, Series 65
Destin, FL
Ameriprise
Paul Schmitz specializes in retirement income strategy in Destin, FL, with 39 years of experience and expertise in Social Security optimization and withdrawal strategies. Working at Ameriprise, a large firm known for tax-efficient retirement planning, he serves clients approaching retirement with significant assets, charging a 0.15% AUM fee, which may suit those seeking comprehensive, research-driven advice.
Experience: 40 years
Avg account: $471,167
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Destin, FL
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 introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)