Independent, 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. Without an advisor experienced in these less common assets, you risk misjudging liquidity needs or regulatory nuances.
- Independent perspective. These advisors operate without firm constraints, which can mean more flexibility in recommending niche investment options.
- Risk assessment expertise. Private investments often carry unique risks; ask how they evaluate and communicate these to fit your comfort level.
- Due diligence process. Confirm how they research and vet alternative opportunities to avoid pitfalls common in less regulated markets.
- Portfolio integration. Effective advisors explain how private assets fit with your overall financial goals and cash flow needs, not just potential returns.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Gregory C
CFA®
West Des Moines, IA
Ballast Capital Advisors, LLC
Gregory Carstensen specializes in private and alternative investments with 13 years of experience, operating independently in West Des Moines, IA. His firm, Ballast Capital Advisors, serves high-net-worth clients using a liability-driven, bond-focused investment approach and charges a fixed $4,500 fee, distinguishing him from others by combining discretionary management with comprehensive financial planning.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $7,827,086
-
Danielle V
Series 63, Series 66
West Des Moines, IA
Arete Wealth Advisors, LLC
Danielle Vandehaar offers expertise in private and alternative investments with 18 years of experience and holds Series 63 and 66 licenses, operating independently in West Des Moines, IA. Her firm, Arete Wealth Advisors, LLC, uses a due-diligence process and discretionary management with proprietary models, serving high-net-worth clients with flat-fee and hourly financial planning options, distinguishing her from others by combining active portfolio management and tailored fee structures.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $484,172
-
Alec J
Series 65
West Des Moines, IA
Valiant Wealth, LLC
Alec Jackson specializes in private and alternative investments in West Des Moines, offering an independent perspective with a flat-fee structure typically ranging from $1,000 to $15,000. His firm, Valiant Wealth, manages $382 million using a buy-and-hold, model-portfolio approach and provides due diligence consulting for private pooled vehicles, catering to high-net-worth clients and pension plans.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $1,583,561
-
Donald O
Series 65
West Des Moines, IA
Creativeone Wealth, LLC
Donald Orban II offers expertise in private and alternative investments with eight years of experience and a Series 65 license, operating independently in West Des Moines. His firm, CreativeOne Wealth, LLC, provides flexible fee structures including flat fees and negotiable AUM rates, and employs diverse strategies such as proprietary ETFs and option-based approaches, catering to individuals and organizations seeking tailored portfolio management.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $264,766
-
Raymond H
Series 63, Series 65
West Des Moines, IA
Bison Wealth, LLC
Raymond Hansen's 21 years of experience and independent status in West Des Moines, IA, equip him to guide clients through private and alternative investments with a nuanced understanding of risk and portfolio integration. His firm, Bison Wealth, LLC, serves high-net-worth clients using a multi-manager approach and offers flexible fee structures including flat fees, distinguishing him from advisors with more rigid models.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $296,894
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")