CFP®-certified financial advisors working with educators, teachers, and academics in Michigan
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 work in education or academia, your financial planning needs often include managing irregular income cycles, such as summer breaks or sabbaticals. Without an advisor familiar with these patterns, you might face cash flow gaps or missed opportunities for retirement contributions. CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in comprehensive financial planning, which can help you navigate your unique career timeline.
- Income timing awareness. Confirm how they plan for your seasonal paychecks and potential gaps in income.
- Retirement plan navigation. Ask how they handle contributions and withdrawals around academic calendars and sabbaticals.
- Education-specific benefits. Check if they understand pension options, loan forgiveness programs, and other educator-focused perks.
- Long-term career shifts. Discuss how they accommodate changes like moving from teaching to administration or research roles.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Craig T
CFP®, Series 66
Grand Rapids, MI
Edward Jones
Craig Taetsch is a CFP®-certified advisor in Grand Rapids, Michigan, specializing in educators, teachers, and academics, with 11 years of industry experience. He offers expertise in retirement planning and business succession, supported by Edward Jones's large-firm resources. His fee structure includes an AUM-based program fee up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing him with comprehensive services and a broad client network compared to smaller firms.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Micheal H
CFP®, Series 66
Ludington, MI
RFG Advisory, LLC
Micheal Heckman is well-equipped to support educators and academics in Michigan with his CFP® certification and 16 years of industry experience, including expertise in annuities and tax-loss harvesting that can address irregular income cycles common in education careers. His firm, RFG Advisory, LLC, offers both active and passive investment strategies and negotiates flat fees for financial planning, providing flexible and tailored solutions compared to advisors with standard AUM fees.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $295,694
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Timothy C
CFP®, Series 66
East Syracuse, NY
Pinnacle Investments, LLC
Timothy Carr's CFP® certification and 12 years of experience equip him to address the financial planning needs of educators and academics, including managing irregular income cycles and retirement planning around academic calendars. Based in East Syracuse, NY, he operates within Pinnacle Investments, a firm managing over $1 billion in assets and serving diverse clients, offering both fundamental and technical investment strategies, which may provide a broader approach compared to other advisors focused solely on education-specific benefits.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $406,232
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Scott B
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 66
Algonac, MI
Fairway Investment Group, LLC
Scott Barnhart's eight years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to address the financial planning needs of educators in Michigan, including managing irregular income cycles common in academia. His background with Algonac Schools and work at Fairway Investment Group, which serves Michigan Education Association members, highlights his focus on educator clients. Compared to others, he offers a tailored investment approach using fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis, with negotiable fees up to 1.5% annually and an independent advisory perspective.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $126,224
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Scott G
CFP®
Jenison, MI
Socrates Financial Planning
Scott Grissom is well-suited for educators and academics in Michigan, leveraging his CFP® certification and three years of experience to address unique financial challenges like irregular income and retirement planning. His background as a former college professor and focus on cash flow, college savings, and tax planning differentiate him, along with his flat-fee, independent advisory model that emphasizes objective, conflict-free guidance tailored to academic professionals.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $0
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