How do I choose a financial planner for retirement?

Finding the right person or a financial advisory firm to help with your retirement planning might take some effort, but the effort is worth it. Financial advisors might have different specializations, look for one who has had past experience in retirement planning. Also, this could translate to a long - term relationship, so it's important to find someone whom you like, trust and respect

How do I know if my financial advisor is a fiduciary?

A fiduciary is any person or firm who acts on behalf of another individual or firm to manage their assets. Fiduciary financial advisors provide their client the highest quality of care while maintaining 'good faith', meaning they wouldn't act in favor of anyone else's interests, including their own. The best way to be certain that a financial advisor is a fiduciary is to simply ask.

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Find Top Financial Advisors in Ames, Iowa

Q: What does a financial advisor do?

Financial advisors help their client by providing financial advice and strategy to build wealth and eliminate risk. They assess the client's risk appetite, their unique needs and requirements, their short-term and long-term goals and guide them towards adopting the right financial plan, retirement plan, estate plan or education plan etc. as necessary. Learn more about the roles & benefits of a financial advisor.

Q: Is it worth paying for a financial advisor?

Financial advisors strategize financial planning and help you make the right decision about your investments. They weigh the pros and cons, and are breast with the latest industry updates regarding tax issues and investment vehicles. These valuable insights guide you to make investments that meet your financial requirements and goals such as buying a house, education, having a baby or securing your retirement.

Q: What is the difference between a financial planner and a financial advisor?

A financial advisor is any person who helps their client manage their money by giving valuable investment insights to help financial decision making. A financial planner is also a financial advisor but specializes in creating comprehensive plans for their clients to match their specific goals

Q: When should I hire a financial advisor?

A financial advisor can help you manage your finances especially when you don't have the time to do it yourself or when there are major changes in your life, such as getting married or having a baby. Even if you've managed your investment on your own, the best financial planners can vet your plan and assess it from a different perspective, to add surety to your decisions.

Q: How do I choose the right financial advisor?

While choosing a financial planner to help you with your investment decisions, it's important to do some spadework. Meet different consultants and compare and contrast their advice. Pick up clues that demonstrate their experience and integrity. It is also important to verify the credentials of an independent financial planner before making a decision.

Looking for a financial advisor? Look no further than WiserAdvisor. It is an excellent place to start your search to compare pre-screened and trustworthy financial advisors and firms to find the one that meets your needs. It is important for those who want to make informed decisions about their finances to consider working with a financial advisor, as seeking assistance from a skilled professional can provide you with insights that can greatly impact your financial journey. On our directory for Ames, Iowa, you can find a vetted financial professional proficient in services including financial planning, investment management, and more. We also recommend using our free advisor match tool to compare up to 3 financial advisors matched to your specific needs.

How To Find Trusted Financial Advisors in Ames, Iowa

Ames has 1 WiserAdvisor vetted Financial Planners and Advisors on the online list below for you to choose from. These financial advisors in Ames, Iowa have an average of 11 years of experience.

NOTE: The list of vetted financial advisors in Ames, Iowa mentioned below does not include all the advisors in our network due to their compliance listing restrictions. More vetted advisors may be available when you use our free match service to compare financial advisors near you in Ames, Iowa.

Qualified Financial Advisors in Ames, Iowa

VETTED

Financial Advisor	Experience	AUM	Minimum Assets	Fee Structure
Jonathan SherrodCFP^®Sherrod Wealth Management, LLC6165 NW 86th StJohnston, IA 50131	11 Years	Not Specified	$500,000	Fee-Only

Financial Advisor

Jonathan SherrodCFP^®Sherrod Wealth Management, LLC6165 NW 86th StJohnston, IA 50131

Experience11 Years

AUMNot Specified

Minimum Assets$500,000

Fee StructureFee-Only

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Information on Qualified Financial Advisors in Ames, Iowa

VETTED

Jonathan SherrodCFP^®

Sherrod Wealth Management, LLC

About Jonathan Sherrod

Jonathan Sherrod is the founder of Sherrod Wealth Management, an independent financial advisory firm based in the Des Moines, Iowa, area, serving individuals and families throughout Iowa and Alabama.

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER" professional (CFP®), Jonathan brings 11 years of experience working with large, established financial services firms. Throughout his career, he has developed extensive knowledge of investment management, retirement planning, and the financial challenges facing affluent individuals and families.

Jonathan founded Sherrod Wealth Management with a simple belief: successful individuals and families deserve personalized, transparent financial advice from someone who genuinely cares about their financial well-being.

Areas of Expertise

Jonathan's core competencies include:

Investment Management: Developing diversified investment portfolios aligned with clients' goals, risk tolerance, and financial circumstances.

Retirement Planning: Helping individuals prepare for retirement and develop strategies for sustainable retirement income.

Tax-Efficient Investing: Incorporating tax-loss harvesting, capital gains management, and tax-aware withdrawal strategies.

Retirement Income Planning: Coordinating portfolio distributions, Social Security decisions, and retirement account withdrawals.

Concentrated Stock Strategies: Helping investors evaluate concentrated positions, manage risk, and develop diversification strategies.

Estate & Legacy Planning: Coordinating with attorneys and tax professionals to align financial strategies with estate planning objectives.

Comprehensive Financial Planning: Integrating investments, retirement, taxes, insurance, and estate considerations into a coordinated financial strategy.

A Personalized Approach

Jonathan primarily works with affluent individuals and families, including retirees, corporate executives, physicians, business owners, and professionals. He particularly enjoys serving individuals with $1 million to $5 million in investable assets who are approaching retirement, transitioning into retirement, or seeking experienced investment guidance.

As the owner of a boutique, independent firm, Jonathan works directly with his clients, emphasizing accessibility, straightforward communication, and lasting relationships.

He believes effective financial planning requires more than investment knowledge. It requires understanding what matters most to people and helping them make confident, informed decisions.

Beyond the Office

Jonathan lives in the Des Moines area with his wife, MJ, and their two children, James and Ruth.

A graduate of Harding University, Jonathan enjoys meeting new people, traveling, strength training, spending time outdoors, and following Alabama Crimson Tide football.

His passion for adventure has taken him around the world, including studying abroad in South America, visiting Easter Island, exploring Europe, and working as a hiking guide in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Known for his outgoing personality and genuine interest in others, Jonathan believes strong relationships are built through authenticity, honest conversations, and mutual trust.

His philosophy is simple: A financial plan should serve the life someone wants to live, not the other way around.

About Sherrod Wealth Management, LLC

Sherrod Wealth Management is an independent, boutique financial advisory firm based in the Des Moines, Iowa, area, serving individuals and families throughout Iowa and Alabama. Founded by Jonathan Sherrod, CFP®, the firm specializes in investment management, retirement planning, and comprehensive financial planning, with a particular focus on affluent individuals, families, and retirees.

With an emphasis on personalized service, transparency, and long-term relationships, Sherrod Wealth Management provides thoughtful, objective financial guidance tailored to each client's unique goals and circumstances. Clients work directly with the firm's founder, receiving the personal attention and accessibility that distinguish a boutique advisory practice.

Our philosophy is simple: Your financial plan should serve your life, not the other way around.

Advisory Services Provided

Financial Planning, Portfolio Management, Retirement Planning, 401K Rollovers, Wealth Management, Money Management, Risk Management, Education Funding and Planning, Financial Advice & Consulting, Financial Planning for Individuals, Financial Planning for Businesses, Investment Advice & Management, Estate Planning & Trusts

Qualifications

CRD# 6457387 Firm CRD# 343674Series 66

Compensation/Fee

Fee-Only, Hourly, Flat Fee, Based on Assets

Office Location

6165 NW 86th St,1st and 2nd Floor,Johnston,IA 50131

Phone Number

256-483-6063

WiserAdvisor Reviews

Note: The client testimonials appearing above may not necessarily be representative of all client experiences with WiserAdvisor. You may click on the number of total reviews hyperlinked above to review the entirety of the reviews WiserAdvisor has received. WiserAdvisor did not pay any compensation in consideration of such reviews.

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FINRA/SEC Registered Advisors

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FINRA/SEC Registered Advisors

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Top Financial Advisory Firms in Ames, Iowa

Ames, Iowa is home to several reputable financial advisory firms specializing in multiple advisory services such as investment management, retirement planning, estate planning, tax strategies, and risk management.

Most firms in Ames, Iowa are registered with the SEC and follow a fiduciary standard. This means that they are legally obligated to act in the best interest of their clients. Being part of one of the largest and most diverse financial advisory markets in the country, the firms are well-versed in serving individuals and businesses with complex financial needs.

Methodology

To identify the top financial advisors and advisory firms in Ames, Iowa, all SEC-registered firms based in the city were first identified. Each firm was subsequently assessed based on the number of clients and affiliated advisors, AUM, fee structure, and the range of advisory services they provide. The associated advisors and firms were then ranked according to the following criteria:

AUM:Firms are ranked based on the size of their AUM, with those having larger AUMs being ranked higher.

Number of Clients:Firms catering primarily to individual clients were ranked higher.

Fee Structure:Firms employing a fee-only compensation structure are ranked higher.

Age of Firm:Established firms with proven longevity are ranked higher.

Clients per Advisor:Firms having a lower client-to-advisor ratio are ranked higher.

Advisory Services Offered:Firms offering a broad range of advisory services are ranked higher.

Please note: All information is sourced from publicly available records and updated once a year, ensuring any changes in credentials, services, or regulatory status are reflected and up to date. Firms are selected and ranked independently, according to the criteria described above.

WiserAdvisor features the firms listed above in the 'Top Advisory Firms' section based on objective criteria, without any influence from existing affiliations. No firm receives preferential treatment due to any relationship with WiserAdvisor.


PRINCIPAL ASSET MANAGEMENTDes Moines, IA	1955	6824	$377,222,976,882	A percentage of AUM, Fixed fees, Performance Based, Other (CHARGE ON A COST ALLOCATION BASIS TO PRINCIPAL LIFE)
PRINCIPAL REAL ESTATEDes Moines, IA	645	643	$93,913,367,327	A percentage of AUM, Fixed fees, Performance Based
AEGON ASSET MANAGEMENT USCedar Rapids, IA	258	213	$88,549,358,554	A percentage of AUM, Fixed fees, Performance Based
TRANSAMERICA RETIREMENT ADVISORS, LLCCedar Rapids, IA	383	212836	$16,157,423,229	A percentage of AUM, Fixed fees
SAMMONS FINANCIAL GROUP ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLCWest Des Moines, IA	15	8	$11,358,738,764	A percentage of AUM
AVANTAX PLANNING PARTNERS, INC.Dubuque, IA	248	12286	$6,377,152,299	A percentage of AUM, Hourly charges, Fixed fees
BTC CAPITAL MANAGEMENTDes Moines, IA	18	2543	$3,836,918,843	A percentage of AUM, Fixed fees
NATIONS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.Cedar Rapids, IA	83	9857	$3,398,671,718	A percentage of AUM, Fixed fees
FOSTER GROUP, INC.West Des Moines, IA	81	4626	$3,238,513,168	A percentage of AUM, Hourly charges, Fixed fees
STEELE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.Dubuque, IA	14	4060	$2,692,631,181	A percentage of AUM
INVESTMENT CONSULTING GROUP INCDavenport, IA	2	491	$2,378,969,762	A percentage of AUM, Hourly charges, Fixed fees
AEGON REAL ASSETS USCedar Rapids, IA	170	33	$1,898,014,176	A percentage of AUM, Fixed fees, Performance Based, Other (REFER TO SCHEDULE D MISC)
BFC PLANNING, INC.Cedar Rapids, IA	200	8749	$1,839,208,077	A percentage of AUM, Hourly charges, Fixed fees, Other (SOLICITOR FEE)
GILBERT & COOK, INC.West Des Moines, IA	32	3219	$1,197,704,959	A percentage of AUM, Hourly charges, Fixed fees
ACCEL WEALTH MANAGEMENTWaverly, IA	20	2570	$973,955,257	A percentage of AUM, Hourly charges, Fixed fees

Firm Name

PRINCIPAL ASSET MANAGEMENTDes Moines, IA

No. of Advisors1955

AUM$377,222,976,882

No. of Clients6824

Fee StructureA percentage of AUM, Fixed fees, Performance Based, Other (CHARGE ON A COST ALLOCATION BASIS TO PRINCIPAL LIFE)

Firm Name

PRINCIPAL REAL ESTATEDes Moines, IA

No. of Advisors645

AUM$93,913,367,327

No. of Clients643

Fee StructureA percentage of AUM, Fixed fees, Performance Based

Firm Name

AEGON ASSET MANAGEMENT USCedar Rapids, IA

No. of Advisors258

AUM$88,549,358,554

No. of Clients213

Fee StructureA percentage of AUM, Fixed fees, Performance Based

Firm Name

TRANSAMERICA RETIREMENT ADVISORS, LLCCedar Rapids, IA

No. of Advisors383

AUM$16,157,423,229

No. of Clients212836

Fee StructureA percentage of AUM, Fixed fees

Firm Name

SAMMONS FINANCIAL GROUP ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLCWest Des Moines, IA

No. of Advisors15

AUM$11,358,738,764

No. of Clients8

Fee StructureA percentage of AUM

Firm Name

AVANTAX PLANNING PARTNERS, INC.Dubuque, IA

No. of Advisors248

AUM$6,377,152,299

No. of Clients12286

Fee StructureA percentage of AUM, Hourly charges, Fixed fees

Firm Name

BTC CAPITAL MANAGEMENTDes Moines, IA

No. of Advisors18

AUM$3,836,918,843

No. of Clients2543

Fee StructureA percentage of AUM, Fixed fees

Firm Name

NATIONS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.Cedar Rapids, IA

No. of Advisors83

AUM$3,398,671,718

No. of Clients9857

Fee StructureA percentage of AUM, Fixed fees

Firm Name

FOSTER GROUP, INC.West Des Moines, IA

No. of Advisors81

AUM$3,238,513,168

No. of Clients4626

Fee StructureA percentage of AUM, Hourly charges, Fixed fees

Firm Name

STEELE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.Dubuque, IA

No. of Advisors14

AUM$2,692,631,181

No. of Clients4060

Fee StructureA percentage of AUM

Firm Name

INVESTMENT CONSULTING GROUP INCDavenport, IA

No. of Advisors2

AUM$2,378,969,762

No. of Clients491

Fee StructureA percentage of AUM, Hourly charges, Fixed fees

Firm Name

AEGON REAL ASSETS USCedar Rapids, IA

No. of Advisors170

AUM$1,898,014,176

No. of Clients33

Fee StructureA percentage of AUM, Fixed fees, Performance Based, Other (REFER TO SCHEDULE D MISC)

Firm Name

BFC PLANNING, INC.Cedar Rapids, IA

No. of Advisors200

AUM$1,839,208,077

No. of Clients8749

Fee StructureA percentage of AUM, Hourly charges, Fixed fees, Other (SOLICITOR FEE)

Firm Name

GILBERT & COOK, INC.West Des Moines, IA

No. of Advisors32

AUM$1,197,704,959

No. of Clients3219

Fee StructureA percentage of AUM, Hourly charges, Fixed fees

Firm Name

ACCEL WEALTH MANAGEMENTWaverly, IA

No. of Advisors20

AUM$973,955,257

No. of Clients2570

Fee StructureA percentage of AUM, Hourly charges, Fixed fees

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a financial advisor do?

Is it worth paying for a financial advisor?

What is the difference between a financial planner and a financial advisor?

When should I hire a financial advisor?

How do I choose the right financial advisor?