CFP®-certified, social Security optimization financial advisors in Flint, MI
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 Social Security age and want to maximize your benefits, these advisors can help you navigate the complex claiming rules. A common mistake is claiming too early or in the wrong sequence, which can reduce your lifetime benefits.
- Pension integration expertise. Many Flint families have pensions from the auto industry; ask how advisors coordinate Social Security with pension income.
- Claiming strategy clarity. Confirm they explain the trade-offs between early, full, and delayed claiming in plain terms.
- Spousal and survivor benefits. Check how they optimize benefits for couples, including survivor options.
- Tax impact awareness. Social Security benefits can affect your taxes; see if they consider this in their planning.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Kenneth D
CFP®, CFA®, Series 63
Grand Blanc, MI
Savant Wealth Management
Kenneth Duetsch's expertise in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, combined with his CFP® and CFA® credentials, equips him to help Flint-area clients maximize Social Security benefits effectively. His experience at a large firm offering flat-fee options and an evidence-based investment approach distinguishes him from others by providing tailored, transparent planning with a focus on client objectives and regular portfolio reviews.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $2,108,203
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Thomas T
CFP®, Series 63
Grand Blanc, MI
Ameriprise
Thomas Townsend specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategies, making him well-suited to help Flint-area clients approaching retirement maximize their benefits. With 41 years of experience at large firms like Ameriprise and UBS, he serves clients with at least $1 million in investable assets, offering algorithm-assisted, tax-aware income planning and a 0.15% AUM fee structure.
Experience: 41 years
Avg account: $471,167
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John M
CFP®, Series 66
Grand Blanc, MI
Merrill
John Macdonald's 25 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to guide Flint-area clients through Social Security optimization, including pension integration and spousal benefits. Based in nearby Grand Blanc and affiliated with Merrill, a large firm, he offers a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies and serves mid-career professionals and high earners, distinguishing him with a broad wealth management and philanthropic planning background.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Catheryn M
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Grand Blanc, MI
Mainstay Capital Management, LLC
Catheryn Makela specializes in Social Security optimization and general retirement planning, making her well-suited to help Flint-area clients maximize benefits and navigate claiming strategies. Her firm, Mainstay Capital Management, is an independent, fee-only adviser managing $4.52 billion with a tactical asset allocation approach, serving high-net-worth and retired clients, and offering flat-fee financial planning that may appeal to those seeking transparent costs.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $1,428,212
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