Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. logo

Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc.

Updated today

Client AUM

$1,187,081,417

Clients

2,584

Advisors

18

across 4 offices

About

Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. is an SEC-registered, fee‑only investment adviser that provides personalized financial planning and portfolio management to individuals, families, pension and profit‑sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations and small businesses. As of December 31, 2025 the brochure reports the firm manages approximately $1.398 billion across discretionary and non‑discretionary accounts and also offers subadvisory services to other registered advisers and administration of fee‑based annuity contracts.

The firm implements globally diversified portfolios using individual securities, ETFs, mutual funds and third‑party managers across multiple platforms (including Black Diamond, Focus Partners/FPAS and AssetMark) and offers defined model families such as strategicALPHA, strategicCORE and strategicOPPORTUNITIES. For suitable clients Acorn may incorporate alternatives and real‑asset exposures and uses tactical tools — including options and, in some strategies, margin or borrowing within separately managed accounts — with quarterly rebalancing and periodic reviews.

Acorn’s brochure discloses several activities that are less common among peer teams: related entities include Acorn Tax Planning, Acorn Properties and Acorn Capital (providing tax preparation, real‑estate investing and private capital activities), and the firm describes recommending non‑traded or private placements and operating subadvisory/model strategies that can function like fund‑sponsor or syndication arrangements. The firm also documents the use of a marketing DBA, solicitation agreements and modest marketing reimbursements from third‑party managers, and it provides educational seminars and workshops for clients — practices it discloses as potential conflicts of interest.

Client services

Financial planning Portfolio management Pension consulting Selection of other advisers Educational seminars or workshops
Subadvisory portfolio management services other registered investment advisers

Expertise

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) General estate planning guidance Long-term care insurance Retirement income strategy

Occupation focus

Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive

Want help finding the right advisor?

Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.

Fee options

Fixed

Financial Planning and Analysis Contract is flat fee with minimum $3,750, up to $19,950,000

Percentage

$0 - $1,000,000: 1.70% annually (0.425% quarterly) $1,000,001 - $5,000,000: 1.00% annually (0.25% quarterly) $5,000,001 - $10,000,000: 0.90% annually (0.225% quarterly) $10,000,001 - $20,000,000: 0.80% annually (0.20% quarterly) $20,000,001 - $50,000,000: 0.70% annually (0.175% quarterly) $50,000,001+: 0.60% annually (0.15% quarterly)

Commissions

Investment Adviser Representatives who are Registered Representatives of broker dealers may receive commissions for certain transactions; however, AFAS itself does not charge commissions

Project-based

Hourly rate for consultations: $625 - $1,295; Staff hourly rate: $175; minimum two-hour charge

Subscriptions

Maintenance Contract with ongoing fee (lesser than planning fee) for ongoing consultations and reviews, charged in addition to portfolio management fees

Other

Account minimum: $1,000,000 Minimum fee: Financial Planning flat fee minimum of $3,750; maximum fee up to $19,950,000 Fee-only: Fee-only financial planning and investment management; no commissions charged by AFAS

Main office

See office

1900 Campus Commons Drive, Suite 600

Reston VA 20191

Advisors at this office

13

Most active in

Arizona · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Indiana · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Montana · Nebraska · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New York · North Carolina · Ohio · Oregon · Pennsylvania · South Carolina · Tennessee · Texas · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia

Also doing business as

Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. · Acorn Financial Services · Acorn Financial Services, Inc. · Allegiance Financial · Canto, Rausch, Deck & Co., P. C. · Cooke Capital · H.W. Reinhardt & Co. · Heritage Financial · K. O'shaughnessy Dba Acorn Financial Services · Kc&A Financial Services · Keith Culbertson & Associates, Inc. · Old Dominion Investment & Retirement Services · Peter J. E. Grose Dba Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. · Rausch Financial · Smith & Atkinson · The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc.

Disclosures

Exclamation point means they have disclosures of this type. Check mark means no disclosures of this type were found.

Business activities & affiliations

Advisors at this firm

user avatar

Jonathan B

Series 63, Series 65

Reston, VA

Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc.

Jonathan Browning is a financial advisor with Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc., holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 31 years of industry experience. He has been with Acorn since 2017 and has prior experience at VOYA Financial Advisors, Inc. and Great Point Capital, LLC. Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. is an SEC-registered, fee-only investment adviser managing approximately $1.4 billion in assets. The firm offers personalized financial planning and portfolio management to a diverse client base, utilizing globally diversified portfolios and a variety of investment strategies, including subadvisory services and tactical tools.

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) General estate planning guidance Long-term care insurance Retirement income strategy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive
user avatar

Shannon W

Series 66

Harrisonburg, VA

Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc.

Shannon Ware is a financial advisor at Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. with 23 years of industry experience. She holds the Series 66 designation and has worked at firms including Great Point Capital, LLC, The Strategic Financial Alliance, Triad Advisors, and Thrivent Investment Management. In addition to her advisory role, she is involved in fixed insurance sales for life, health, and disability policies. Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. is an SEC-registered, fee-only investment adviser serving individuals, families, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and small businesses. The firm manages approximately $1.4 billion and employs globally diversified portfolios with individual securities, ETFs, mutual funds, and third-party managers, alongside specialized model families and tactical strategies.

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) General estate planning guidance Long-term care insurance Retirement income strategy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive
user avatar

Jonathan C

Series 65

Reston, VA

Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc.

Jonathan Cox is a financial advisor at Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. with four years of industry experience. He holds a Series 65 designation and is also an attorney, owning NOVA Estate Planning, PLLC, an estate planning and administration law firm where he provides legal services on a flat-fee and hourly basis. Cox serves clients in northern Virginia and has plans to expand similar legal services to the Richmond area. Acorn Financial Advisory Services provides personalized financial planning and investment management to individuals, families, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and small businesses. The firm manages approximately $1.23 billion for around 2,300 to 2,400 clients through 11 advisors, offering both custom and model-based portfolios with discretionary and non-discretionary management across multiple platforms.

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) General estate planning guidance Long-term care insurance Retirement income strategy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive
user avatar

James G

CFP®, Series 66

Reston, VA

Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc.

James Gambaccini is a CFP® and holds a Series 66 license with 23 years of industry experience. He is currently with Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc., where he has worked since 2003 in various capacities. Outside of advisory work, he is involved in fixed insurance sales and leads Acorn Tax Planning, a tax preparation and filing service. Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. is a fee-only SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, families, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and small businesses. The firm manages approximately $1.4 billion in assets and employs diversified portfolios using individual securities, ETFs, mutual funds, and third-party managers, incorporating tactical tools and alternatives for suitable clients.

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) General estate planning guidance Long-term care insurance Retirement income strategy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive
user avatar

Michael W

Series 65

Reston, VA

Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc.

Michael Wakeham is a financial advisor at Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. He holds a Series 65 designation and has worked in the financial industry since 2015, including positions at Bloomsbury Wealth and Caroline Banks & Associates Ltd. He is currently based in Reston, VA. Acorn Financial Advisory Services provides personalized financial planning and investment management to individuals, families, trusts, charitable organizations, and small businesses. The firm manages approximately $1.23 billion across about 2,300 to 2,400 clients, offering both custom and model-based portfolios with discretionary and non-discretionary management.

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) General estate planning guidance Long-term care insurance Retirement income strategy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive
user avatar

Margaret S

Series 63, Series 65

Reston, VA

Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc.

Margaret Swinney is a financial advisor at Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. with 27 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at Voya Financial Advisors, Inc. and The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. outside of her current firm. Swinney also owns and manages a financial services LLC and is involved in the sale of fixed life insurance. Acorn Financial Advisory Services provides personalized financial planning and investment management to individuals, families, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and small businesses. The firm manages approximately $1.23 billion for around 2,300–2,400 clients across 11 advisors, offering both custom and model-based portfolios with discretionary and non-discretionary management.

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) General estate planning guidance Long-term care insurance Retirement income strategy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive
user avatar

Sean T

Series 63, Series 65

Reston, VA

Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc.

Sean Tyll is a financial advisor with Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc., holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 11 years of industry experience. He has worked at Acorn since 2019 and has held roles with Mutual of Omaha and Guardian Life Insurance. Outside of his advisory work, Sean is also active as a licensed insurance agent and mortgage loan originator. Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. is a fee-only investment adviser managing approximately $1.4 billion in assets for individuals, families, and various organizations. The firm offers globally diversified portfolios using individual securities, ETFs, mutual funds, and third-party managers, along with defined model families and tactical tools, and provides educational seminars and subadvisory services.

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) General estate planning guidance Long-term care insurance Retirement income strategy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive
user avatar

Vincent B

CFP®, Series 65

Bethesda, MD

Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc.

Vincent Barrett is a CFP® with 10 years of industry experience, currently serving as an advisor at Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. since 2017. He also has a longstanding role at Thomas F Barrett Inc beginning in 2013. Outside of his advisory work, Barrett is Vice President of an independent TPA/Record Keeper and manages an individual life/health business along with group employee benefit plans. Acorn Financial Advisory Services provides financial planning and investment management to individuals, families, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and small businesses. The firm manages approximately $1.23 billion across about 2,300 to 2,400 clients with 11 advisors, offering both custom and model-based portfolios through discretionary and non-discretionary management across multiple platforms.

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) General estate planning guidance Long-term care insurance Retirement income strategy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive
user avatar

Donald U

Series 63, Series 65

Reston, VA

Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc.

Donald Unger is a financial advisor with Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has 45 years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Voya Financial Advisors and Old Dominion Investment & Retirement Advisors. Unger serves as an unpaid at-large board member of the Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue Squad, a nonprofit organization. Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. is a fee-only, SEC-registered advisor managing approximately $1.4 billion for individuals, families, institutions, and nonprofit entities. The firm implements globally diversified portfolios using various securities and third-party managers, and it offers defined model strategies alongside tax planning, private capital activities, and educational seminars.

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) General estate planning guidance Long-term care insurance Retirement income strategy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive
user avatar

Nathan G

Series 66

Reston, VA

Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc.

Nathan Gertler is a financial advisor with Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc., holding a Series 66 designation and six years of industry experience. He has worked at several firms including Quincy Wells Capital, Great Point Capital, and Equitable Advisors. Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. is an SEC-registered, fee-only investment adviser managing approximately $1.4 billion across various accounts. The firm serves individuals, families, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and small businesses, implementing globally diversified portfolios through a range of investment vehicles and strategies.

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) General estate planning guidance Long-term care insurance Retirement income strategy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive
user avatar

Kerby B

Series 65

Reston, VA

Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc.

Kerby Baden is a financial advisor at Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. with eight years of industry experience. He holds a Series 65 designation and also works as a lawyer and a full-time senior tax accountant at Canto, Rausch, Deck & Co, PA, occasionally providing clients advice related to these roles. Acorn Financial Advisory Services offers personalized financial planning and investment management to individuals, families, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and small businesses. The firm manages approximately $1.23 billion across a broad client base, providing both custom and model-based portfolios with discretionary and non-discretionary management options.

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) General estate planning guidance Long-term care insurance Retirement income strategy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive
user avatar

Justin S

Series 65

Reston, VA

Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc.

Justin Souder is a financial advisor with Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. in Reston, VA. He holds a Series 65 designation and has five years of industry experience. Prior to joining Acorn in 2020, he worked at Falls Road Golf Course for four years. Acorn Financial Advisory Services provides personalized financial planning and investment management to individuals, families, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and small businesses. The firm manages approximately $1.23 billion for around 2,300 to 2,400 clients through 11 advisors, offering both custom and model-based portfolios with discretionary and non-discretionary management.

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) General estate planning guidance Long-term care insurance Retirement income strategy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive
user avatar

Ronald W

Series 63, Series 65, Series 66

Alexandria, VA

Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc.

Ronald Whitley is a financial advisor at Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. in Alexandria, VA, with eight years of industry experience. He holds the Series 63, Series 65, and Series 66 designations and has worked with Acorn since 2017. Outside of advising, he operates as an independent software consultant. Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. is a fee-only SEC-registered investment adviser managing approximately $1.4 billion for individuals, families, and various institutional clients. The firm employs globally diversified portfolios using individual securities, ETFs, mutual funds, and third-party managers, and offers defined model families alongside tactical investment strategies.

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) General estate planning guidance Long-term care insurance Retirement income strategy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive
user avatar

Alex D

Series 65

Reston, VA

Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc.

Alex D'attilio is a financial advisor at Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. with a Series 65 credential and one year of industry experience. Prior to his current role, he worked at the University of Connecticut Recreational Center and Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy. Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. is a fee-only investment adviser managing approximately $1.4 billion across various client types, including individuals, families, and institutions. The firm uses globally diversified portfolios with an array of investment vehicles and implements model strategies that may include alternatives and tactical tools, offering subadvisory and educational services.

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) General estate planning guidance Long-term care insurance Retirement income strategy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive
user avatar

Steven B

Series 63, Series 65

Alexandria, VA

Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc.

Steven Brandt is a financial advisor at Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. with 32 years of industry experience. He holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and has worked at Acorn since 2017, following a year at LPL Financial. He is a partner in a personal closed investment partnership, Path to AUM LLC, involving three licensed representatives. Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. is a fee-only investment adviser managing approximately $1.4 billion in assets for individuals, families, trusts, charitable organizations, and small businesses. The firm offers globally diversified portfolios using individual securities, ETFs, mutual funds, and third-party managers, and provides subadvisory services and annuity contract administration.

Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) General estate planning guidance Long-term care insurance Retirement income strategy Founder/Business Owner Retired Executive
View complete list of advisors at this firm
Warmer team member

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.

Find your advisor

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 introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.

By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev

© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)