Large-firm, 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.
When you're planning how to draw income from your retirement savings, you need an advisor who understands the full picture of your cash flow and tax situation. Without this, you might run out of money too soon or pay more taxes than necessary. Large-firm advisors often have access to extensive resources and teams that can support complex retirement income needs.
- Federal tax focus. Since Florida has no state income tax, ask how they optimize your federal tax bill alongside property and sales taxes.
- Withdrawal sequencing. Confirm how they plan the order of taking money from different accounts to stretch your savings.
- Longevity planning. Check if they model your income needs over a long retirement to avoid running short.
- Coordination with estate plans. See how they integrate income strategies with your wills and trusts to protect your legacy.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Kim L
Series 66
Destin, FL
Merrill
Kim Lepley specializes in retirement income strategy at Merrill, a large firm in Destin, FL, offering a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million. With 18 years of experience and designations including CFP and CRPC, she integrates retirement planning with wealth management and legacy considerations. Her background includes executive and founder clients, and she also serves diverse demographics such as women professionals and LGBTQIA individuals.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Melissa H
Series 63, Series 65
Destin, FL
Cambridge Investment Research Advisors
Melissa Hines specializes in retirement income strategy and annuities, supported by 22 years of experience and a large-firm platform at Cambridge Investment Research Advisors in Destin, FL. Her flat-fee and AUM-based fee options, combined with expertise in retirement plans for business owners, distinguish her from others by offering flexible pricing and a broad service scope tailored to complex retirement needs.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $378,281
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Stephanie D
CFP®, Series 66
Destin, FL
Edward Jones
Stephanie Duffield specializes in retirement income strategy and related areas like business exit and estate planning, making her well-suited for managing complex retirement cash flow in Destin, FL. With 16 years of experience at Edward Jones, a large firm serving over four million clients, she offers a program fee up to 1.35% annually and holds CFP® and Series 66 designations, distinguishing her through both expertise and firm resources.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $246,728
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James K
Series 63, Series 65
Destin, FL
Eagle Strategies (NY Life)
James Kersanac offers retirement income strategy expertise within a large firm setting in Destin, FL, leveraging 23 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 licenses. His firm, Eagle Strategies (NY Life), manages over $25 billion in assets and provides client-directed solutions through third-party managers, with flexible fee structures including AUM and hourly options, distinguishing him from other advisors by combining seasoned experience with extensive firm resources.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $235,446
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Paul S
Series 63, Series 65
Destin, FL
Ameriprise
Paul Schmitz specializes in retirement income strategy and Social Security optimization, serving clients approaching retirement in Destin, FL. With 39 years of experience at Ameriprise, a large firm offering integrated advisory, brokerage, and insurance solutions, he provides tax-efficient, research-driven retirement planning with a 0.15% AUM fee, distinguishing him from advisors with less extensive firm resources or experience.
Experience: 40 years
Avg account: $471,167
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