Independent financial advisors in West Des Moines, IA
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.
You might seek an independent financial advisor in West Des Moines, IA, when you want advice free from firm product pressures. A common mistake is assuming independence means lower costs or simpler advice — it often means more personalized attention but requires you to verify their approach.
- Firm affiliation clarity. Confirm the advisor truly operates independently, not just in name, to avoid hidden product incentives.
- Experience with local tax changes. Since Iowa recently phased out taxes on many retirement incomes, ask how they incorporate this into your retirement planning.
- Fee structure transparency. Independent advisors may charge fees differently; understand how they bill to ensure it aligns with your financial goals.
- Client fit and communication. Independent advisors often tailor their service style; check if their approach matches your preferences and needs.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Joseph H
CFP®, Series 65
West Des Moines, IA
Hart Wealth Management
Joseph Hart offers independent financial advice in West Des Moines, specializing in tax-loss harvesting and retirement withdrawal strategies, which is valuable given recent local tax changes. His firm uses multi-asset allocation with tax-sensitive practices and charges a 0.90% AUM fee, focusing on high-net-worth clients, distinguishing him from others by combining technical analysis with personalized wealth management.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $2,580,926
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Stephen M
CFA®, Series 66, Series 63
West Des Moines, IA
Legacy Bridge Private Family Offices
Stephen Musser offers independent financial advice in West Des Moines, IA, with 16 years of experience and CFA® credentials, focusing on wealth management and cash flow budgeting for high-net-worth clients. His firm, Legacy Bridge Private Family Offices, provides comprehensive private family office services and employs a flat-fee structure with set-up fees that may be waived, distinguishing him from advisors with different billing models or client focuses.
Experience: 16 years
Avg account: $6,397,807
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David M
Series 65
West Des Moines, IA
Boyle Capital
David Merritt offers independent financial advice in West Des Moines, leveraging 26 years of experience and a Series 65 designation. His firm, Boyle Capital, manages $298 million in assets and provides tailored strategies including options and derivatives, with fees of 1.5% AUM or negotiable hourly rates, distinguishing him through a blend of wealth management and specialized investment approaches.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $782,272
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Linda C
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
West Des Moines, IA
Gilbert & Cook, Inc.
Linda Cook offers independent financial advice in West Des Moines, specializing in retirement income strategy and business exit planning, which suits clients seeking tailored retirement and succession solutions. With 35 years of experience and a CFP® designation, she provides flat-fee and hourly financial planning services through Gilbert & Cook, a firm serving high-net-worth individuals and integrating both active and passive investment strategies.
Experience: 35 years
Avg account: $1,813,233
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Donald O
Series 65
West Des Moines, IA
Creativeone Wealth, LLC
Donald Orban II offers independent financial advice in West Des Moines, IA, with eight years of experience and a Series 65 license. His firm, CreativeOne Wealth, LLC, provides flat-fee and negotiable asset-based fees, employing diverse strategies like ETF models and options, which may suit clients seeking tailored portfolio management and planning beyond typical local advisors.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $264,766
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