Large-firm, private / alternative investments financial advisors in Portsmouth, VA
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 considering private or alternative investments, you likely want to diversify beyond traditional stocks and bonds. A common mistake is underestimating the complexity and risks involved, which can lead to unexpected losses or liquidity issues. Large-firm advisors often have access to a wider range of investment options and resources, but that doesn't guarantee the right fit for your goals.
- Due diligence depth. Ask how thoroughly they vet private deals and alternative assets, including legal and financial risks.
- Liquidity planning. Confirm how they help you manage investments that may be hard to sell quickly.
- Fee structure clarity. Private investments often have layered fees; ensure they explain all costs clearly.
- Portfolio integration. See how they balance alternatives with your overall investment strategy to avoid overconcentration.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Cay P
ChFC®
Norfolk, VA
Focus Partners Wealth, LLC
Cay Prescott, based near Portsmouth in Norfolk, VA, specializes in private and alternative investments within a large firm setting, offering a blend of active and passive strategies tailored for high-net-worth clients. With a flat-fee structure and expertise in business exit strategies and retirement plans for business owners, Prescott provides focused services that balance portfolio integration and fee clarity, distinguishing him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $2,557,933
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Katherine W
CFA®, Series 63, Series 65
Norfolk, VA
Cerity partners LLC
Katherine Willis specializes in private and alternative investments within a large firm setting, bringing 23 years of experience and CFA® credentials to clients in the Portsmouth area. Her firm, Cerity Partners LLC, offers flat-fee and hourly fee structures and emphasizes asset-allocation driven model portfolios and ERISA fiduciary services, distinguishing her approach with a strong focus on retirement plan consulting and comprehensive investment policy oversight.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $4,574,620
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Michael J
Series 66
Richmond, VA
Merrill
Michael Johnson Clyburn specializes in private and alternative investments within a large firm setting, offering portfolio advisory services and personal wealth planning through Merrill Lynch. With a focus on mid-career professionals and HENRY clients, he combines expertise in retirement income strategy and business sale tax planning, supported by a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million, distinguishing him from other advisors in the Portsmouth area.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Ellen A
Series 65
Norfolk, VA
Clearstead; Clearstead Advisory Solutions
Ellen Anderson specializes in private and alternative investments, supported by 11 years of experience and a Series 65 designation, making her well-equipped to handle complex investment needs in the Portsmouth area. Working with Clearstead, a large firm managing $33.9 billion and serving high-net-worth clients, she offers flat-fee financial planning and integrates institutional investment strategies, including proprietary Direct Indexing, distinguishing her from other advisors nearby.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $4,937,055
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Zachary C
Series 63, Series 66
Norfolk, VA
Charles Schwab
Zachary Coleman at Charles Schwab in Norfolk, VA, specializes in private and alternative investments, supported by a large firm's resources and a 0.80% annual AUM fee. With expertise in real estate investing and multi-state taxation, he serves high-net-worth clients through both discretionary and non-discretionary managed accounts, offering multi-asset model portfolios that integrate alternatives within broader strategies.
Experience: 3 years
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