CFP®-certified, private / alternative investments financial advisors in Schenectady, 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 investing in private or alternative assets, you likely face complex valuation and liquidity challenges that can affect your overall portfolio. Without a specialist, you might overlook how these investments impact your tax situation and estate planning, especially in states like New York where estate tax cliffs can trigger large bills.
CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, which helps them integrate private investments into your broader financial picture.
- Valuation expertise. Ask how they assess the worth of illiquid assets, since market prices aren't always available.
- Liquidity planning. Confirm they help you plan for cash needs without forcing premature sales of alternative investments.
- Estate tax awareness. Discuss how they navigate state-specific estate tax thresholds to minimize unexpected liabilities.
- Portfolio integration. Look for advisors who consider how private investments fit with your public holdings and risk tolerance.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Christopher V
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Pittsford, NY
RFG Advisory, LLC
Christopher Van Buren's 13 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to manage private and alternative investments effectively, addressing valuation and liquidity challenges. At LVW Advisors, he serves high-net-worth clients with a customized approach blending active and passive management, including non-traditional strategies like hedge funds and private equity, differentiating him through a comprehensive, tailored investment strategy and flexible flat-fee options.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $295,694
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Bernard M
CFP®
Albany, NY
Arista Advisory Group, LLC
Bernard Murphy, a CFP® professional with 12 years of experience near Schenectady, NY, offers expertise in options, derivatives, annuities, and real estate investing, which can support complex private and alternative investment needs. His firm, Arista Advisory Group, LLC, manages $181 million using fundamental analysis and quantitative methods, providing flat-fee and AUM-based pricing, distinguishing him from advisors with different fee structures or investment approaches.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $465,568
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Michael R
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Latham, NY
Marathon Mission, Inc.
Michael Ryan's 33 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to handle complex private and alternative investments, especially in the Schenectady area. His firm, Marathon Mission, Inc., offers discretionary portfolio management and pension consulting with a blend of fundamental, technical, and modern portfolio theory, charging a 1.75% AUM fee and flat fees for estate planning services, distinguishing him from advisors with different fee structures or investment approaches.
Experience: 34 years
Avg account: $792,560
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Crystal L
CFP®, Series 63
Latham, NY
AlphaStar Capital Management
Crystal Langdon's 13 years of experience and CFP® certification equip her to handle complex private and alternative investments, integrating them with tax-loss harvesting and active portfolio management strategies. Based in nearby Latham, NY, she offers flat-fee and negotiable AUM fees through AlphaStar Capital Management, which manages $1.84 billion and serves diverse clients including trusts and small businesses, providing both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $263,916
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Stacy G
CFP®, Series 66
Clifton Park, NY
Charles Schwab
Stacy Gregory's CFP® certification and seven years of experience equip her to handle private and alternative investments, addressing valuation and liquidity challenges in the Schenectady area. Working with Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, she offers a 0.80% AUM fee and integrates alternative investments through a formal onboarding process, distinguishing her from advisors at smaller firms or with less structured approaches.
Experience: 7 years
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