CFP®-certified, social Security optimization financial advisors in North Bethesda, MD
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, you need an advisor who understands the complex rules and timing options that can affect your monthly income. A common mistake is claiming benefits too early or in the wrong sequence, which can permanently reduce your lifetime payments. CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, including Social Security strategies.
- Claiming strategy expertise. Ask how they tailor your claiming age and spousal benefits to your unique work and family history.
- Tax impact awareness. Social Security benefits can be taxable; confirm they consider how benefits interact with your other income.
- Coordination with retirement income. Effective advisors integrate Social Security timing with your broader retirement cash flow plan.
- Estate and inheritance tax knowledge. Since Maryland has both taxes, check how they plan for your Social Security benefits within your overall estate strategy.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Max M
CFP®, Series 66
Potomac, MD
WealthSpire Advisors
Max Meltzer specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, making him well-equipped to help clients in North Bethesda, MD maximize their benefits. With 18 years of experience at Wealthspire Advisors, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers flat-fee financial planning and employs a customized, institutional-style investment approach, distinguishing him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $3,410,246
-
Basil H
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Rockville, MD
Equitable Advisors
Basil Herzstein specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, making him well-suited for clients in North Bethesda, MD approaching retirement. With 33 years of experience and CFP® certification, he works at Equitable Advisors, a large firm offering diverse advisory programs and fiduciary services, and also leads a tax preparation business, providing a comprehensive approach to Social Security and tax planning.
Experience: 34 years
Avg account: $570,841
-
David A
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 63, Series 65
Gaithersburg, MD
UNITED PLANNERS' FINANCIAL SERVICES of AMERICA a Limited Partner
David Arnold's 19 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to navigate Social Security optimization effectively, especially for clients near North Bethesda, MD. His firm, United Planners Financial Services of America, offers a large-firm environment with flat-fee and negotiated advisory fees, serving established professionals and integrating retirement income strategies with comprehensive wealth management.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $410,135
-
Edward T
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Bethesda, MD
Ameriprise
Edward Tilghman specializes in Social Security optimization and retirement income strategy, making him well-suited for clients approaching retirement in North Bethesda, MD. With 34 years of experience at Ameriprise, a large firm known for tax-efficient retirement planning and a 0.15% AUM fee, he offers personalized, research-driven advice for individuals with significant investable assets.
Experience: 35 years
Avg account: $471,167
-
Richard C
CFP®, Series 66
Gaithersburg, MD
PlanVest Financial, Inc.
Richard Clonch's expertise in Social Security optimization and general retirement planning suits those aiming to maximize benefits in North Bethesda, MD. His independent firm, PlanVest Financial, manages $126 million and offers flat-fee and tiered AUM options, catering to individual and high-net-worth clients, with 21 years of experience and a focus on government employees.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $572,190
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in North Bethesda, MD
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor's Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and referrals are provided by FinanceHQ LLC ("FHQ"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment adviser. We may be compensated by participating advisors. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral. We do not supervise advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to the Warmer Terms of Service and FHQ Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge Warmer's Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ's ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. ("Warmer")