Top financial advisors working with LGBTQIA clients in Towson, MD

James Simmons is a CFP® and holds a Series 66 license with 28 years of experience in the financial services industry. He has worked at Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments and The Simmons Partnership, Inc. since 2011. In addition to his advisory role, he is involved in the sales and service of fixed life insurance and annuity contracts as an insurance agent. The Simmons Partnership, Inc. advises individuals, trusts, foundations, pension plans, and corporations, serving both high-net-worth and non-HNW clients with financial planning, retirement-plan consulting, and portfolio management. The firm constructs portfolios based on client-specific asset allocation guidelines using a variety of investment vehicles and provides services on discretionary and non-discretionary bases.

Michele Beernink is a financial advisor with Kestra Advisory in Towson, MD, holding a Series 65 credential and bringing 16 years of industry experience. Her career includes roles at Verdence Capital Advisors, Private Advisor Group, and LPL Financial. She also serves as Director of Private Wealth Services at Capital Financial Partners, LLC. Kestra Advisory Services provides investment advisory and retirement-plan consulting to institutional and individual clients, including plan sponsors. The firm offers fiduciary consulting, plan design, and investment advice supported by due diligence, serving a diverse client base that includes large institutional investors and sovereign wealth funds.

Austin Smith is a financial advisor with Cambridge Investment Research Advisors in Towson, MD, holding a Series 66 designation and eight years of industry experience. He has worked at Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. and The Legacy Group, Inc. since 2017 and previously held positions at the United States Postal Service and Trazzi and Grasso. Outside of his advisory role, he is an independent insurance agent with The Legacy Group, Inc. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors is a large SEC-registered adviser serving individuals, pension plans, charitable organizations, trusts, and retirement-plan sponsors. The firm offers financial planning, investment management, and retirement advisory services through a network of independent professionals, utilizing proprietary and third-party model strategies with both discretionary and non-discretionary investment options.

Joseph Valletta is the principal of HR Investment Consultants, Inc. in Baltimore, MD, holding a Series 65 credential with 35 years of industry experience. He has been with HR Investment Consultants since 1994. Outside of advisory services, he co-owns Pension Data Source, Inc., a firm that publishes fee benchmarking data for retirement plans. HR Investment Consultants, Inc. provides specialized retirement-plan consulting to corporations, institutions, and associations with participant-directed plans, focusing on 401(k) and 403(b) sponsors. The firm operates as a solo practice serving a limited client base, offering non-discretionary fiduciary and non-fiduciary consulting services without managing client assets.

Thaddeus Pedzich is a financial advisor with Cetera who holds the ChFC® designation and has 36 years of industry experience. He has worked at Cetera and its affiliates since 2021 and previously spent seven years with VOYA Financial Advisors. He serves as president and owner of Green Gate Technology, Inc., where he manages business, financial, accounting, and personnel activities, and is a member of the finance committee at Life Bible Fellowship Church. Cetera Investment Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered adviser operating a large nationwide network of independent advisors, serving individuals, retirement plans, corporate, charitable, and institutional clients. The firm offers a multi-manager platform with various portfolio management and financial planning services, supporting a wide range of program structures and custodial relationships.

John Baggett is a financial advisor at Edward Jones with 10 years of industry experience. He has worked at Edward Jones since 2018 and previously held roles at JPMorgan Chase Bank and JPMorgan Securities LLC. Outside of his advisory work, he rents a room in his secondary residence to a friend. Edward Jones is a full-service wealth management firm serving more than four million individual and institutional clients. The firm offers a range of advisory programs and investment solutions, supported by a large nationwide network of advisors and branch offices.

Raymond Conboy is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has been serving clients since 1998, beginning his career at Prudential Securities before joining Banc of America Investments in 2003, where he continues to provide financial advisory services. Raymond works with wealthy families, business owners, businesses, and non-profit organizations, assisting them in recognizing, understanding, and realizing their priorities and goals. His expertise encompasses areas such as divorce transition planning, services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits, investment consulting for defined contribution and benefit plans, LGBT wealth planning, liquidity management, philanthropic planning, socially responsible and ESG investing, and tax minimization. Raymond aims to preserve and grow his clients' assets leveraging the broad financial capabilities of Merrill alongside the banking services of Bank of America. Raymond earned an Associate's Degree from Galway Mayo Institute of Technology and holds professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). Originally from Ireland, he moved to the United States in his early twenties. Outside of work, Raymond engages in hiking, triathlons, open water swimming, music, refereeing soccer, and spending time with his family. He also volunteers with organizations in his community, reflecting his commitment to community involvement.

At Empowering Finance we know that you are bold, ambitious, and a total badass. That's why you need a financial plan that allows you to pursue your passions and live your most authentic and powerful life. The problem is a buttoned-up approach to financial planning isn't going to meet your needs. You're worried that your dreams and aspirations will get lost in a cookie-cutter system. We believe you deserve a financial planner who listens to your unique dreams and helps you build a plan to get there. We understand that you want someone who will treat your money as we do our own. Which is why we combine our experience, authenticity, financial knowledge to connect with you and enable you to pursue your passions. Here's how we do it 1) We are a fiduciary: We are legally bound to put your interests ahead of our own 2) Diversity and authenticity matter to us: We are a woman-owned business, LGBTQIA+ friendly, and welcoming to anyone and everyone who needs an ally and friend with financial savvy. 3) Our services are fee-only: We keep things simple: no surprises charges or hidden fees So, Let's Chat. So you can stop worrying you won't reach your dreams and instead work with a passion-driven firm focused on achieving your life's dreams. Read Empowering Finances's blog here: https://empoweringfinance.com/blog/

At Silicon Beach Financial, we believe in the transformative power of your wealth. We’re more than just a financial guide—we’re your dedicated partner in realizing ambitious dreams and shaping the future. Our mission is to support visionary entrepreneurs and innovators who are driven to make a significant impact on the world. Our approach is deeply rooted in collaboration and partnership. We start by understanding your unique vision and then craft a comprehensive financial plan that aligns with your goals. Whether it’s managing investments to secure both short-term needs and long-term opportunities, or navigating the complexities of tax planning to maximize your wealth, we’re here to ensure you’re always ahead of the curve. We’re passionate about empowering individuals who are not only driven by financial success but also by a desire to create meaningful change. Our values—organization, accountability, objectivity, proactivity, education, and partnership—define how we work with you. We bring order to your financial life, help you make informed decisions, and anticipate life’s transitions with proactive strategies. Founded by Christopher Stroup, a recognized LGBTQ+ leader in financial planning, Silicon Beach Financial was created specifically for those who dare to dream big and make a difference. If you’re ready to transform your financial future and leave a lasting impact, let’s partner to turn your vision into reality. With us, your wealth isn’t just about accumulation; it’s about making a difference in the world.

Discover The Freedom Of Financial Clarity with Orchard Financial Group! At Orchard Financial, we empower you financially in a judgment-free zone, providing practical guidance in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Ideal for individuals and families who appreciate clear, straightforward advice in a relaxed setting where you're safe and valued. Are We the Right Fit for You? We're experts in supporting queer individuals and families with specialized knowledge in LGBTQ+ financial areas such as estate planning, family planning, and gender-affirming care costs. We also serve non-queer families looking for a personalized and non-judgmental approach to financial planning. Facing unique challenges or seeking direct financial guidance? Contact us to see how we can assist you. How Can We Work Together? The Total Package: Designed for those with substantial assets, this service offers thorough financial planning and investment management. Benefit from clear, actionable advice and a dynamic, evolving roadmap. Regular check-ins help us focus on growing your wealth with steadfast support. Makin' Money Moves: Ideal for clients needing a one-time, comprehensive financial plan. We begin with a detailed strategy session and support you in implementing it. Over three months, we'll develop a customized financial strategy with a clear action plan and success roadmap. Project Work: With our tailored project-based services, you can target specific financial goals. Whether you're making a significant purchase or optimizing savings, we provide personal, actionable strategies tailored to meet your needs. Orchard Financial Group is a proud woman-owned, queer-owned, and Certified LGBTBE® business. As a fee-only fiduciary and independent advisor, we commit to unbiased, trustworthy advice without any commission. Together, let's balance your finances with your dreams.