Large-firm financial advisors working with clients approaching retirement in Fort Walton Beach, 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.
You might be approaching retirement and wondering how to balance income needs with preserving your savings. Without careful planning, you could run out of money too soon or miss opportunities to reduce taxes on your withdrawals. Large-firm advisors often have access to a broad range of resources and specialists, which can benefit complex retirement situations.
- Income sequencing strategies. Ask how they plan your withdrawal order to manage tax impact and cash flow over time.
- Federal tax focus. Since Florida has no state income tax, confirm how they optimize your federal tax liabilities and consider property and sales taxes.
- Social Security timing. Inquire about their approach to deciding when to start Social Security benefits to maximize your lifetime income.
- Estate and legacy planning. Check if they integrate retirement income plans with your goals for passing wealth to heirs or charitable causes.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Richard M
Series 63
Fort Walton, FL
Cetera
Richard Martin's 28 years of experience and focus on clients approaching retirement in Fort Walton Beach make him well-suited to address income sequencing and tax optimization challenges. His flat-fee and hourly consulting options, combined with expertise in tax-loss harvesting and charitable giving, differentiate him within Cetera's large-firm environment, offering tailored strategies for high earners and business owners nearing retirement.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $306,089
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Roy G
Series 63, Series 65
Niceville, FL
Merrill
Roy Gray specializes in wealth management and general retirement planning, making him well-suited for clients approaching retirement in the Fort Walton Beach area. With 34 years of experience at Merrill, a large firm, he serves executives, business owners, and professionals, offering a comprehensive approach that includes business exit strategies and retirement plans for business owners, supported by a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies.
Experience: 35 years
Avg account: $860,085
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James R
Series 66
Destin, FL
Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services, LLC
James Renfroe, based in nearby Destin, FL, specializes in retirement planning for Baby Boomers and those approaching retirement, supported by 18 years of experience and a Series 66 designation. His firm, Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services, LLC, offers a strategic blend of passive and active investment management and provides flexible fee structures including flat fees and hourly consulting, which may suit clients seeking tailored retirement income and tax optimization strategies.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $1,378,035
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Michelle K
Series 63
Niceville, FL
UBS Financial Services
Michelle Kowal's 28 years of experience at UBS Financial Services equip her to assist clients approaching retirement with strategies like cash flow budgeting and equity compensation tax planning. Serving high-net-worth and executive clients, she leverages UBS's institutional trading and proprietary research to provide tailored portfolio management, distinguishing her from advisors with less access to large-firm resources.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $693,691
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Paul S
Series 63, Series 65
Destin, FL
Ameriprise
Paul Schmitz specializes in retirement income strategy and Social Security optimization, making him well-suited for clients approaching retirement in the Fort Walton Beach area. With 39 years of experience at Ameriprise, a large firm offering integrated advisory, brokerage, and insurance solutions, he provides tailored, tax-efficient retirement planning with a competitive 0.15% AUM fee.
Experience: 40 years
Avg account: $471,167
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