Top social Security optimization financial advisors in Montana
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 eligibility or planning your retirement income, you need an advisor who understands how to maximize your benefits without triggering penalties or reducing future payouts. A common mistake is claiming benefits too early or in the wrong sequence, which can permanently lower your lifetime income.
- Benefit timing strategies. Ask how they determine the optimal age to start benefits based on your full financial picture.
- Spousal and survivor benefits. Confirm they consider all available options to maximize household Social Security income.
- Integration with retirement income. Look for advisors who coordinate Social Security with other income sources to avoid unexpected tax consequences.
- Montana-specific tax insights. Since Montana has no general sales tax, ask how they factor this into your overall retirement tax planning.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Chad P
CFP®, Series 65
Lehi, UT
Decker Retirement Planning Inc.
Chad Poulson specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, offering tailored benefit timing and integration with other income sources. Based in Lehi, UT, he works with Decker Retirement Planning, a six-advisor firm using quantitative investment models and charging fees from 0.20% to 1.4% annually or $250 hourly, providing a data-driven approach distinct from local Montana advisors.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $465,403
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Shay S
Series 66
Kalispell, MT
Ameriprise
Shay Smithwick Hann specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, making her well-suited for clients approaching retirement in Montana. Working with Ameriprise, a large firm known for research-driven, tax-efficient planning, she offers a 0.15% AUM fee and serves clients with substantial investable assets, differentiating her through comprehensive modeling and community involvement.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $471,167
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Christian P
Series 63, Series 66
Helena, MT
Empower Advisory Group
Christian Paulus specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, making him well-suited to help Montana clients maximize benefits and coordinate income sources. Working at Empower Advisory Group, a large firm with flat-fee options, he brings four years of experience and access to integrated financial planning and managed account solutions, distinguishing him from advisors with less firm support or different fee structures.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $565,063
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David W
CFP®, CFA®, Series 63
Kalispell, MT
Glacier Investment Management
David Wigginton specializes in Social Security optimization and brings 18 years of experience, holding CFP® and CFA® designations, which equips him to navigate benefit timing and integration with retirement income effectively. Based in Kalispell, MT, he works with Glacier Investment Management, a firm emphasizing risk management and diversified portfolios, charging a 1.00% AUM fee, and serving a broad client base including trusts and charitable organizations.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $313,822
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Eivind G
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Missoula, MT
Edward Jones
Eivind Gjetmundsen specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, making him well-equipped to help Montana clients maximize their benefits while coordinating with other income sources. With over 33 years of experience at Edward Jones, a large full-service firm, he offers a comprehensive approach and charges up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller practices or different fee structures.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $246,728
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