Top financial advisors working with clients approaching retirement in Wilmington, NC
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 be approaching retirement if you're planning to shift from saving to spending your savings, or if you're unsure how to balance income and investments for the years ahead. A common mistake is underestimating how long your money needs to last, which can lead to running out of funds too soon.
- Income planning focus. Look for advisors who help you create a steady income stream that fits your lifestyle and covers essential expenses.
- Withdrawal strategy. Ask how they plan the order and timing of taking money from different accounts to minimize taxes and penalties.
- Risk adjustment. Confirm they adjust your investment risk as you near retirement to protect your savings from market downturns.
- Local tax knowledge. Wilmington's flat income tax and growing population affect retirement planning; check how advisors incorporate these factors into your plan.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Nicholas C
Series 63, Series 66
Leland, NC
Ameriprise
Nicholas Cook specializes in retirement income strategy and Social Security optimization, making him well-suited for clients approaching retirement in the Wilmington area. Working with Ameriprise, a large firm, he offers tax-smart withdrawal strategies and written recommendation reports, charging a 0.15% AUM fee, which may appeal to those seeking structured income planning with a focus on assets managed within the firm.
Experience: 4 years
Avg account: $471,167
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Christopher L
Series 66
Wilmington, NC
Equitable Advisors
Christopher Leseur specializes in retirement income strategy and Social Security optimization, making him well-suited for clients approaching retirement in Wilmington, NC. With six years of experience at Equitable Advisors, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers flexible fee structures including AUM and hourly fees, and supports clients with both advisory and brokerage services.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $570,841
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John K
Series 66
Wilmington, NC
UBS Financial Services
John Kilian specializes in retirement planning and cash flow management, making him well-suited for clients approaching retirement in Wilmington, NC. With 18 years of experience at UBS Financial Services, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he offers access to institutional trading and comprehensive wealth management resources, differentiating him from advisors at smaller firms.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $693,691
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Bret S
Series 63, Series 65
Wilmington, NC
RBC Capital Markets
Bret Schardt specializes in assisting clients approaching retirement in Wilmington, NC, leveraging 32 years of experience and expertise in tax-loss harvesting and wealth management. Affiliated with RBC Capital Markets, a large firm offering flat-fee options and diverse investment strategies, he serves a broad client base including executives and business owners, providing seasoned guidance tailored to complex financial needs.
Experience: 32 years
Avg account: $1,017,425
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Travis B
Series 65, Series 63
Wilmington, NC
Cetera
Travis Burgher specializes in assisting clients approaching retirement in Wilmington, NC, with expertise in wealth management and retirement plans for business owners. Operating within Cetera, a large firm offering flat-fee financial planning and discretionary portfolio management, he serves a diverse clientele including high earners and retirees, providing tailored income and tax strategies suited to local tax conditions.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $306,089
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