Creative Financial Planning Advisors, Inc.
Data sourced from SEC public records (and other sources when available). Refreshed weekly • Updated today.
Client AUMClient assets under management
$30,074,976
Clients
76
Advisors
2
across 2 offices
About
Creative Financial Planning Advisors, Inc. primarily serves individual and high-net-worth clients, along with corporations, various IRA accounts and not-for-profit organizations. The firm provides discretionary portfolio management as its core service and also offers financial planning, retirement planning, tax planning and return preparation, estate planning consultation, and non-discretionary consulting engagements.
CFPA relies on fundamental analysis and third‑party research sources (for example, Morningstar, S&P, Schwab and The Wall Street Journal) to construct individualized portfolios rather than using a single model for all clients, and typically uses mutual funds and ETFs to gain small‑cap and international exposure. Accounts are generally managed on a discretionary basis with client restrictions permitted, while the firm also offers fixed‑fee or hourly consulting and, for investors with longer time horizons, may allocate to private capital, long/short or hedge‑fund strategies.
Noteworthy aspects include its long operating history (incorporated in 1982) and small, owner‑managed structure—roughly two advisors managing about $30 million for approximately 76 clients—which the firm cites as supporting tailored portfolio construction. The firm accepts certain custody arrangements (trusteeship, check‑writing or standing letters of authorization) that are subject to annual surprise audits, does not routinely aggregate client orders into block trades, and relies on Schwab‑provided research and technology—operational choices that can affect trade execution and the handling of client accounts.
Client services
Expertise
Occupation focus
Demographic focus
Fee options
Fixed fee basis for non-discretionary management and other financial planning/consulting services, fees negotiable
$10,000 - $29,999: 2.00% Annually $30,000 - $74,999: 1.75% Annually $75,000 - $149,999: 1.50% Annually $150,000 - $499,999: 1.00% Annually $500,000 - $999,999: 0.75% Annually $1,000,000 - $1,999,999: 0.60% Annually $2,000,000+: 0.50% Annually
$300.00 per hour for consulting services
Annual or monthly retainer fee arrangements available, negotiated with client
Account minimum: $10,000 Fee-only: $300.00 per hour for consulting without portfolio management; fixed fee basis for non-discretionary management and other financial planning services, fees negotiable
Main office
See office5652 Yellow Wood Drive
South Bend IN 46614-5565
Advisors at this office
1
Offices (2)
Most active in
Indiana
Disclosures
Exclamation point means they have disclosures of this type. Check mark means no disclosures of this type were found.
Business activities & affiliations
Is not active or affiliated with:
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Insurance agent
They sell insurance products and may earn commissions on those sales.
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Broker-dealer / trader
They provide brokerage services and may earn transaction-based compensation in addition to advisory fees.
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Bank
They're affiliated with a bank that may offer its own financial products and services.
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Trust company
They provide trust and estate administration services, typically for separate fees.
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Fund sponsor
They manage or sponsor investment funds and may earn management or performance-based fees if clients invest in them.
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Accountant / CPA / tax prep
They offer tax and accounting services, typically for separate fees.
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Lawyer
They provide legal services, typically billed separately.
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Real estate agent
They facilitate real estate transactions and may earn commissions.
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Other specialized services
They may provide services such as pension consulting or municipal advisory work, typically for separate fees.
Forms ADV
Advisors at this firm
Ronald S
CFP®, Series 63
South Bend, IN
Creative Financial Planning Advisors, Inc.
Ronald Silverman is a CFP® with over 50 years of experience in financial advising. He is the president and sole advisor at Creative Financial Planning Advisors, Inc., an independent firm based in South Bend, Indiana. His prior experience includes roles at 2W Technologies and Capital Financial Services, and he also provides income tax consulting through his CPA practice. In addition to his advisory work, he serves as CFO and part-owner of a software company specializing in job cost accounting for manufacturing businesses. Creative Financial Planning Advisors, Inc. provides discretionary portfolio management primarily to medium- to high-net-worth individuals, family groups, trusts, IRAs, corporations, business entities, and not-for-profit organizations. The firm offers a range of financial planning services and utilizes fundamental analysis and third-party research to create individualized portfolios, incorporating mutual funds, ETFs, and alternative strategies as appropriate.
Marlin S
CFP®, Series 63
South Bend, IN
Creative Financial Planning Advisors, Inc.
Marlin Schmidt is a CFP® professional with 50 years of industry experience. He is the sole advisor at Creative Financial Planning Advisors, Inc., where he has worked since 2018. Prior to that, he spent over 17 years at Questar Capital Corporation and 13 years at Questar Asset Management. Outside of his advisory role, Schmidt teaches jogging and fitness classes at Indiana University South Bend, donating his salary to the university foundation. Creative Financial Planning Advisors, Inc. provides discretionary portfolio management primarily to medium- to high-net-worth individuals and family groups, as well as trusts, IRAs, corporations, and not-for-profit organizations. The firm uses fundamental analysis and third-party research to build individualized portfolios and offers a range of financial planning services including retirement, tax, and estate planning.
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