CFP®-certified, private / alternative investments 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.
If you're considering private or alternative investments, you likely want to diversify beyond traditional stocks and bonds. A common mistake is underestimating the unique risks and liquidity constraints these investments carry.
- Risk assessment expertise. Confirm how the advisor evaluates the specific risks tied to private equity, hedge funds, or real assets.
- Liquidity planning. These investments often have limited access to cash; ask how they integrate this into your overall financial plan.
- Tax implications. Private investments can have complex tax treatments; check how the advisor navigates these nuances, especially with recent state retirement income tax changes.
- Experience with alternatives. Inquire about their track record managing portfolios that include private or alternative assets, not just public markets.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Paul E
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
West Des Moines, IA
Arete Wealth Advisors, LLC
Paul Espey specializes in private and alternative investments with over two decades of experience, offering expertise in active portfolio management and options strategies. Based in West Des Moines, he provides flat-fee financial planning and serves high-net-worth clients, distinguishing himself through his independent status and involvement in tax preparation services, which supports comprehensive wealth management beyond typical advisory roles.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $484,172
-
Robert A
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
Mariner
Robert Anderson's 18 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to manage private and alternative investments effectively in West Des Moines, IA. Working at Mariner Wealth, a large firm with $98.6 billion in assets, he offers flat-fee and hourly financial planning services, serving high-net-worth clients with expertise in options, derivatives, and values-based investing.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $2,116,909
-
Alexander T
CFP®, Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
Charles Schwab
Alexander Trainer's nine years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to manage private and alternative investments effectively, especially within the West Des Moines area. Working at Charles Schwab, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients with a 0.80% annual AUM fee, he offers access to discretionary managed accounts and multi-asset model portfolios, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms or with less comprehensive alternative investment resources.
Experience: 9 years
-
Rebecca A
CFP®, Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
CWM, LLC
Rebecca Albers is well-equipped to guide clients in West Des Moines through private and alternative investments, leveraging her 15 years of experience and CFP® certification. She operates within CWM, LLC, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning and discretionary portfolio management, serving a diverse clientele including high-net-worth families and institutions, which may provide broader resources compared to smaller practices.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $875,860
-
Megan U
CFP®, Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
Creative Planning
Megan Uphold is a CFP® professional in West Des Moines with nine years of experience, specializing in private and alternative investments alongside tax-loss harvesting and retirement income strategies. She works at Creative Planning, a large firm managing $217 billion in assets, offering flat-fee financial planning and serving high-net-worth clients, which distinguishes her from advisors with smaller practices or different fee structures.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $2,113,277
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in West Des Moines, IA
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor's Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and referrals are provided by FinanceHQ LLC ("FHQ"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment adviser. We may be compensated by participating advisors. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral. We do not supervise advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to the Warmer Terms of Service and FHQ Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge Warmer's Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ's ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. ("Warmer")