Seasoned, private / alternative investments financial advisors in Rochester, NY
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.
- Experience with niche assets. Ask how they evaluate and select private investments like real estate, hedge funds, or private equity to fit your goals.
- Risk and liquidity management. Confirm how they balance potential returns with the challenges of less liquid, harder-to-value assets.
- Tax implications. Private investments often have unique tax treatments; check how they plan around estate tax cliffs and other state-specific rules.
- Long-term strategy alignment. Ensure they integrate alternative assets into your broader financial plan, not just as isolated opportunities.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Scott M
CFP®, Series 66
Rochester, NY
Creative Planning
Scott Mckay brings 23 years of experience in private and alternative investments, supported by his CFP® and Series 66 credentials, making him well-equipped to navigate complex asset classes in Rochester, NY. His affiliation with Creative Planning, a large firm managing $217 billion in assets, offers clients a financial planning-led approach emphasizing low-cost indexing and buy-and-hold strategies, with flexible flat-fee arrangements suited for high-net-worth individuals.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $2,113,277
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Robert L
Series 66
Rochester, NY
Ashton Thomas Securities, LLC
Robert Lee's 26 years of experience and expertise in private and alternative investments make him well-equipped to manage complex asset classes in Rochester, NY. His firm, Ashton Thomas Securities, LLC, serves a diverse client base with discretionary portfolio management and offers flat-fee and hourly financial planning options, distinguishing him from others by combining seasoned insight with flexible fee structures and comprehensive account oversight.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $814,843
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Craig H
Series 63, Series 65, Series 66
Rochester, NY
Modern Wealth Management, LLC
Craig Houck offers seasoned expertise in private and alternative investments, backed by 26 years in the industry and Series 63, 65, and 66 licenses. Operating in Rochester, NY with Modern Wealth Management, he provides flat-fee estate planning and comprehensive services including tax and retirement strategies, supported by a centralized portfolio management model and an Investment Committee, distinguishing him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $832,068
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Stephen F
Series 63, Series 65
Rochester, NY
RBC Capital Markets
Stephen Fornarola brings 40 years of experience managing private and alternative investments in Rochester, NY, with expertise in tax-loss harvesting and ESG investing. Operating within RBC Capital Markets, a large firm offering flat-fee options, he serves diverse clients including executives and business owners, providing tailored strategies that balance risk and liquidity for complex assets.
Experience: 41 years
Avg account: $1,017,425
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Brian K
CFP®, Series 63
Rochester, NY
Vicus Capital, Inc.
Brian Kelly's 33 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to manage private and alternative investments in Rochester, NY, with attention to risk and tax implications. His firm, Vicus Capital, serves diverse clients including trusts and charitable organizations, offering flat-fee financial planning and a range of investment strategies, which may appeal to those seeking seasoned, independent advice with a faith-focused perspective.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $468,636
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