Top private / alternative investments financial advisors in State College, PA
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 to potentially enhance returns or reduce risk. A common mistake is underestimating the complexity and illiquidity (difficulty selling quickly) of these investments, which can affect your cash flow and financial goals.
- Illiquidity management. Ask how they plan for your need to access cash, since private investments often can't be sold quickly.
- Due diligence process. Confirm how they evaluate the quality and risks of alternative investment opportunities.
- Fee transparency. Private investments can have layered fees; check how clearly they explain all costs involved.
- Tax implications. Since retirement income is generally exempt from state income tax here, ask how they integrate tax strategies with your alternative investment choices.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Donald C
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
State College, PA
Mercer Global Advisors Inc.
Donald Calcagni specializes in private and alternative investments with 21 years of experience, offering guidance through Mercer Global Advisors' globally diversified, risk-appropriate approach. His firm serves high-net-worth clients with flat-fee and AUM-based pricing, and he brings additional expertise in options strategies and retirement plans for business owners, distinguishing him from other advisors in State College, PA.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $2,214,259
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Carl K
Series 65
State College, PA
Black Knight Wealth Management, LLC
Carl Kielbasa specializes in private and alternative investments in State College, PA, offering expertise in concentrated stock management and options strategies. His firm employs a blend of fundamental, quantitative, and technical analysis with modern portfolio theory, providing tailored portfolio management. Carl's flat-fee and negotiable hourly financial planning options, combined with his independent status and five years of experience, distinguish him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $1,214,458
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Will B
CFP®, Series 65
State College, PA
Focus Partners Wealth, LLC
Will Benner specializes in private and alternative investments, offering expertise in options, derivatives, and active portfolio management, which suits clients seeking diversified strategies in State College, PA. His firm, Focus Partners Wealth, LLC, serves high-net-worth individuals with a flat-fee structure and a tax- and fee-sensitive long-term investment approach, differentiating him from advisors with purely traditional investment focuses.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $2,557,933
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James K
CFP®, PFS™
State College, PA
Mariner
James Karchner brings 32 years of experience and CFP® and PFS™ credentials, specializing in private and alternative investments as well as options and derivatives strategies. Operating within Mariner Wealth, a large firm managing nearly $99 billion, he offers flat-fee and hourly financial planning services, catering primarily to high-net-worth clients in State College, PA, with a focus on values-based and socially responsible investing.
Experience: 32 years
Avg account: $2,116,909
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Kimberli C
Series 66
State College, PA
Vicus Capital, Inc.
Kimberli Casner's 21 years of experience and Series 66 designation equip her to manage private and alternative investments in State College, PA, with a focus on ESG and tax-loss harvesting strategies. At Vicus Capital, she offers flat-fee and AUM-based pricing, serving diverse clients including trusts and charitable organizations, and employs both fundamental and technical analysis, distinguishing her from advisors with narrower investment approaches.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $468,636
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