Top general retirement planning financial advisors 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.
Planning for retirement in Fort Walton Beach often starts when you want to balance your savings with expected expenses, especially considering Florida's unique tax environment. A common mistake is underestimating how property and sales taxes impact your retirement budget, since Florida has no state income tax but relies heavily on these other taxes.
- Federal tax focus. Confirm how the advisor plans around federal income tax, since state income tax isn't a factor here.
- Property tax impact. Ask how they incorporate Florida's property taxes into your long-term cash flow.
- Homestead protections. Check if they understand Florida's strong homestead laws that can protect your primary residence.
- Withdrawal sequencing. Discuss how they recommend drawing from different accounts to manage tax and income needs effectively.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Lesley T
Series 66
Shalimar, FL
Edward Jones
Lesley Telatovich specializes in general retirement planning and wealth management, with 11 years of experience and a Series 66 designation, making her well-equipped to address retirement needs in the Fort Walton Beach area. As part of Edward Jones, a large full-service firm with over four million clients, she offers a comprehensive program fee up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing her through access to extensive resources and a broad network.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Kathy C
Series 63, Series 66
Fort Walton Beach, FL
Raymond James & Associates
Kathy Cunningham specializes in general retirement planning in Fort Walton Beach, leveraging 28 years of experience and credentials including Series 63 and 66. Affiliated with Raymond James & Associates, a large firm offering flat-fee and hourly fee structures, she serves diverse clients and integrates wealth management with insights from her property management background, distinguishing her from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $788,879
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Teresa M
Series 66
Fort Walton Beach, FL
Merrill
Teresa Mclaughlin Bass specializes in general retirement planning and income strategy, with 16 years of experience at Merrill, a large firm, making her well-equipped to address Fort Walton Beach's unique tax and retirement challenges. Her expertise also includes estate and tax planning, and she serves executive and founder/business owner clients, offering a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million, which may suit clients seeking comprehensive wealth management.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Charles W
ChFC®, Series 63
Fort Walton Beach, FL
Raymond James Financial
Charles West brings 35 years of experience in general retirement planning, with expertise in cash flow and business succession planning, making him well-equipped to address retirement needs in Fort Walton Beach's unique tax environment. Affiliated with Raymond James Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee and hourly fee structures, he serves a diverse clientele including high-net-worth individuals and pension plans, providing tailored plans supported by firm research.
Experience: 35 years
Avg account: $700,796
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Jeffrey C
Series 65
Fort Walton Beach, FL
Slagle Financial, LLC
Jeffrey Cherry offers expertise in general retirement and income planning, supported by 13 years of experience and a Series 65 designation, making him well-suited for retirement planning in Fort Walton Beach. His firm, Slagle Financial, LLC, provides discretionary portfolio management with globally diversified portfolios and offers flexible fee options including a negotiable flat fee, distinguishing him from advisors with more rigid fee structures.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $269,985
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