Financial Advisor Houston: The Right Choice – PillarWM Finder

Are you seeking the services of a financial advisor? Houston offers a wide range of options for investors looking to manage their wealth and plan for their financial future. For individuals with between $5 million and $500 million in liquid investment assets, working with an experienced financial advisor can be a valuable step toward achieving long-term financial goals.

Choosing a financial advisor with deep knowledge of investment strategies, financial planning, and risk management can make a significant difference in building and preserving your wealth. For those interested in more advanced strategies, there are specialized resources and guides available that provide insights tailored to the needs of ultra-high-net-worth investors.

Top Financial Advisors in Houston

SmartAsset compiled this list of Houston financial advisors, selecting firms based on higher assets under management (AUM), more individual clients, fewer clients per advisor, and longer operational history.

1. Avalon Investment & Advisory

Founded in 2001, Avalon Advisors is based in Houston and operates Avalon Wealth Management as a subsidiary. While the firm’s advisors act as fiduciaries, Avalon follows a fee-based compensation model.

Avalon Advisors manages over $8.3 billion in assets. It offers services including asset allocation, traditional and alternative investments, risk management, and portfolio construction. The firm requires a minimum investment to establish an advisory relationship, although this minimum may be waived based on client needs and account complexity. Accounts below the minimum are subject to a minimum annual fee.

2. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors

Established in 2010, U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors manages more than $6 billion in assets. It operates with a fee-based structure and is registered with the SEC as USCA Securities.

Clients pay transaction-based fees (commissions) for investment trades, along with custodian and account maintenance fees. Investors are responsible for making final investment decisions, although brokers may offer recommendations. No minimum investment amount is required.

U.S. Capital Advisors emphasizes US energy infrastructure in its institutional client business and has a public finance team with over 100 years of collective advisory experience for government entities across Texas.

3. Avidian Wealth Solutions

Avidian Wealth Solutions, founded in 2002, operates out of Houston and manages over $3 billion in assets.

The firm requires a minimum account size of $500,000 for discretionary managed account services, although exceptions may be made at the firm’s discretion. Non-discretionary services are limited. Households below the minimum are typically referred to as Avidian’s START Robo Platform. The Hedged Tactical Equity Strategy requires a $1 million minimum.

Fees range from 1.5% for accounts between $500,000 and $749,999 to 1.25% for accounts over $1 million. Clients on the START platform pay an annual fee based on their account size.

4. Paul Comstock Partners

Founded in 1983, Paul Comstock Partners operates as a fee-only investment advisory firm with over $3 billion in assets under management.

The firm offers investment advisory services, including cash flow planning, risk assessment, and asset allocation strategies, with quarterly performance reporting. Strategic wealth transfer planning is also available for heirs or charitable giving. Portfolio changes are made with client approval.

Paul Comstock Partners typically serves individuals with $10 million or more in investable assets, families with $20 million or more, and institutions and family offices with $100 million or more. Minimum requirements may be waived at the firm’s discretion.

5. Intrua Financial

Intrua Financial, founded in 2007, is a fee-based advisory firm headquartered in Houston, managing over $1 billion in assets.

The firm provides discretionary and non-discretionary asset management services depending on client agreements. Financial planning and consulting services include retirement planning, tax strategies, college funding, and broader wealth management. Intrua also advises on investments such as stocks, bonds, IRAs, treasury securities, and variable annuities.

The minimum account size is $15,000. Insurance services, including disability income, life insurance, and long-term care planning, are also available to clients.

6. Chilton Capital Management

Founded in 1996, Chilton Capital Management is a fee-only firm with over $2 billion in assets under management.

As a fiduciary, Chilton Capital Management offers investment advisory services primarily to retail investors. The firm provides portfolio management and financial planning services, including daily client account monitoring and quarterly meetings, or meetings as needed, based on changes in the client’s financial situation.

Chilton offers both discretionary and non-discretionary advisory services, seeking clients who take a long-term investment approach. There are no formal minimum account requirements. Client portfolios may include U.S. and international stocks, domestic and international ETFs, fixed-income securities, Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs), and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

7. Americana Partners

Americana Partners operates offices in Houston, Austin, Dallas, and the Permian Basin. Its team of portfolio managers and advisors has more than 100 years of combined wealth management experience.

The firm provides services to individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and business entities. Americana Partners does not charge performance-based fees (fees based on capital gains or asset appreciation).

Investment strategies at Americana Partners incorporate a blend of fundamental, technical, and charting methods of analysis to manage client portfolios.

8. CORDA Investment Management

Founded in 1999, CORDA Investment Management aims to empower families to achieve financial security. The firm serves over 1,200 families from offices in Texas, Louisiana, and Colorado.

CORDA offers advisory services to individuals, organizations, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, and estates. It charges a minimum annual fee of $5,000 to open and maintain an advisory account, although this may be waived at the firm’s discretion.

CORDA managers follow a value investing philosophy, focusing on companies priced at a discount and temporarily out of favor. The firm uses both quantitative and qualitative analysis, favoring dividend-paying equities with a low risk of permanent capital loss.

9. Mosaic Advisors

Mosaic Advisors specializes in offering comprehensive financial planning services to business owners and their families, structured around a fixed-fee model.

Client relationships begin with a due diligence phase, followed by the design and implementation of a personalized financial plan, including stress testing and fine-tuning based on the client’s goals. Mosaic’s Family Office service provides an ongoing, comprehensive arrangement that encompasses all of its available services.

The firm’s fee structure ranges from 1.00% for accounts up to $2.5 million to 0.20% for accounts exceeding $50 million. Investment analysis methods include fundamental, technical, charting, and cyclical analysis.

10. Icon Wealth Partners

Founded in 2016, ICON Wealth Partners provides investment advisory services to retail investors, focusing on aligning investment strategies with client objectives, risk tolerance, and financial circumstances.

ICON constructs portfolios using mutual funds, ETFs, stocks, bonds, independent managers, and private investments. Portfolio managers monitor accounts regularly and meet with clients at least annually. Services are primarily discretionary but can also be provided on a non-discretionary basis if preferred.

There are no minimum account or relationship size requirements to open or maintain an account with ICON Wealth Partners.

Why You Should Hire a Financial Advisor Houston

High-net-worth or ultra-high-net-worth investors who haven’t previously used the services of a financial advisor in Houston may wonder why hiring one is beneficial. Financial advisors offer a range of services that can support your financial goals, protect your assets, and optimize your investment strategies.

Some of the key services a financial advisor can provide include:

Assessing Your Portfolio

As a wealthy investor, your portfolio likely contains numerous high-value assets accumulated over time. However, holding multiple investments exposes you to various risks. A financial advisor can analyze your portfolio, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend adjustments to mitigate these risks. Addressing potential weaknesses before expanding your portfolio is crucial. Strategic portfolio growth ideas can also be explored through specialized resources.

Creating Financial Plans

Achieving financial goals requires a structured plan. Whether you aim to retire early or significantly grow your wealth over the next decade, success depends on having a clear, actionable strategy. Financial advisors specialize in designing comprehensive financial plans tailored to your objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Personalized planning can also help maximize portfolio performance through disciplined management and risk optimization.

Helping You Protect Your Wealth

Protecting your accumulated wealth is essential, especially as unexpected events, such as market downturns or business failures, can threaten your financial security. A skilled financial advisor can recommend strategies such as diversification, insurance solutions, and risk management techniques to safeguard your assets. Wealth protection is an important component of long-term financial success and should be incorporated into any comprehensive financial plan.

How Many Financial Advisors Do I Need?

During your search for a financial advisor, you may ask yourself, “Should I use multiple financial advisors?” It is certainly possible to use more than one advisor, especially if you believe each offers specialized expertise in different areas. However, in most cases, it is preferable to work with a single advisor.

Relying on one financial advisor allows you to build a stronger, more personalized relationship. A single advisor can thoroughly study your portfolio, understand your unique financial goals, and offer tailored strategies to help you achieve them. Working with one professional also reduces the risk of conflicting advice and ensures a more cohesive, streamlined financial plan.

Before committing to an advisor, consider asking the important questions outlined in our guide to choosing a financial advisor to ensure they align with your needs.

Can I Change Financial Advisors?

If you are dissatisfied with the services of your current financial advisor, you may be wondering, “Can I change financial advisors?” The answer is yes—you can switch to a new advisor who may be better aligned with your financial goals and needs.

Changing advisors typically involves signing an agreement with the new advisor and formally notifying your previous advisor. It is important to review any terms in your existing advisory agreement, as you may be responsible for termination fees or other administrative costs associated with the transition.

Before making a change, it can be helpful to evaluate your reasons for switching and ensure the new advisor offers the level of service, expertise, and alignment you are seeking.

Should I Hire a Financial Planner Instead of a Financial Advisor?

During your search for a financial advisor, you may come across many financial planners. This can lead you to wonder, “Should I hire a financial planner instead of a financial advisor?”

A financial planner focuses on creating detailed plans to help you meet specific financial goals, similar to some of the services a financial advisor offers. However, a financial advisor typically provides a broader range of services, including investment management, wealth preservation, estate planning, and more.

Generally, a financial planner designs strategies while you implement them, whereas a financial advisor often manages your assets directly and helps guide major financial decisions. Choosing between the two depends on the scope of services you need and the level of ongoing involvement you prefer.

If you are seeking professional assistance with investments or portfolio management, a financial advisor may be the more appropriate choice. Additional insights into advanced investment strategies can also be found through specialized resources for high-net-worth investors.

Why Choose PillarWM Finder

Houston investors seeking expert insights into financial advisory services can benefit from using PillarWM Finder, an independent, research-based directory. With access to extensive financial industry knowledge and resources tailored to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, PillarWM Finder helps you explore financial advisors who align with your goals and needs. If you are ready to make more informed financial decisions, start by browsing trusted options through our comprehensive directory.

Frequently Asked Questions about Financial Advisor Houston

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