The Top Financial Advisors in West Virginia

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McKinley Carter Wealth Services claims the first spot on our list of the top financial advisory firms in West Virginia. Based in Wheeling, McKinley Carter is bigger than most other West Virginia firms. The firm works with a variety of both institutional and individual clients, though most clients are individuals without a high net worth. It also works with retirement plans, charities, businesses and high-net-worth individuals.

The firm has multiple employees who are certified financial planners (CFP) and accredited investment fiduciaries (AIFs), among other financial certifications. McKinley Carter does not have a set account minimum for advisory services. It is also a fee-only firm, so it doesn't receive commissions that could create a conflict of interest.

McKinley Carter Wealth Services Background

McKinley Carter Wealth Services was founded in 2005 and has been registered with the SEC as an investment advisor ever since. David McKinley and Will Carter are the firm's founders. McKinley is the firm's president and chief investment officer (CIO) and Carter serves as a senior advisor. Carter also has a law degree, whereas McKinley is a CFP.

The firm and its employees work with clients to provide investment and wealth management services as well as financial planning and consulting services. It does have a wrap fee program available to clients.

McKinley Carter Wealth Services Investment Strategy

When it comes to investment strategies and general philosophy, McKinley Carter Wealth Services works with clients to determine their investment objectives. From there, advisors can craft an investment plan or a broader financial plan around the wants and needs of each client on an individual basis. Strategies may be broad-based or specific, again depending on the needs of the client.

The firm and its advisors typically invest client assets in mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), debt and equity securities and options. Other investments may be used or considered if they fit the client's investment profile. When evaluating potential investments for client portfolios, McKinley Carter uses a combination of fundamental and technical analysis methods.

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Commonwealth Financial Services is a fee-based firm that works with individuals, brokers, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, corporations and other business entities. The firm offers a variety of services including cash management, insurance coverage, and planning for unforeseen events such as death and disability. Additionally, the firm provides specialized support for divorce and college planning. Investment portfolio reviews, estate and retirement planning, and income distribution strategies are also available to help clients secure their financial future. For businesses and organizations, the firm offers retirement plan consulting, financial planning seminars and workshops, and individual consulting and planning services for employees or members

As a fee-based firm there is the potential for a conflict of interest as the firm's advisor can earn commissions on the sale of certain securities. However, the firm and it's advisors are bound by a fiduciary duty to put the needs of each client first. 

Commonwealth Financial Services Background

Commonwealth Financial Services was founded in 2003. The firm is jointly owned by Michael Seese, Todd Kimpel, and Daniel Spurgeon, each holding an ownership stake. Today, the firm manages more than $640 million in assets under management (AUM).

Commonwealth Financial Services Investment Strategy

The firm adopts a strategic approach focused on long-term investment strategies. The firm tailors its investment decisions to align with each client's unique set of criteria, which includes their investment objectives and goals, time horizon, risk tolerance, any specific account restrictions, personal needs, circumstances, and overall financial situation. 

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NTV Asset Management provides advisory services to individuals, high-net-worth individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations, corporations and other business entities. The firm works with clients on services such as financial planning and portfolio management. The firm is a fee-only firm so there is no potential conflict of interest for the sale of securities. 

NTV Asset Management Background

NTV Asset Management is independently owned and operated by John Randy Valentine and James R. Thomas III. The firm was founded in 2000 and currently manages more than $800 million in assets under management (AUM). 

NTV Asset Management Investment Strategy

The firm utilizes a variety of investment methods of analysis to find the right investment strategy for each client. These include charting, fundamental analysis, technical analysis and more. The firm utilizes mutual funds and ETFs often to help meet the needs of clients, but the individual client's needs are utilized to tailor an investment approach that will help the advisors meet the long-term goals of its clients. 

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Hoxton Planning & Management is a fee-based firm that works with individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, state governments, municipal governments, corporations and other entities. The fees for investment management typically range from 0.50% to 1.00% of assets under management (AUM). While there isn't a set investment minimum amount, there are minimum fees to consider. 

As a fee-based firm there is the potential for a conflict of interest for the sale of certain securities through its advisors. However, the firm's fiduciary duty protects clients as their needs will be prioritized. 

Hoxton Planning & Management Background

Hoxton Planning & Management was founded in 2022. Rob Hoxton, Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), serves as the firm's Chief Compliance Officer. The firm's three financial advisors currently manage more than $340 million in assets under management (AUM). 

Hoxton Planning & Management Investment Strategy

The firm practices strategic asset allocation in keeping with the tenets of Modern Portfolio Theory. This is particularly the case for investment in more efficient asset classes such as large-cap US stock. In less efficient asset classes such as emerging markets international stock or small-cap US stock, the Firm may recommend an active management arrangement. Portfolios are built using individual securities such as stocks and bonds, exchange traded funds (ETF), and mutual funds. They are constructed as models that are rebalanced from time to time as cash flows and market conditions warrant. 

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Fort Henry Capital is a small, Wheeling-based financial advisory firm that is second on our list of the top financial advisory firms in the state of West Virginia. This firm is on the smaller side and doesn't employ many advisors. Fort Henry works mainly with individual clients, those both with and without a high net worth. It also works with a few retirement plans, charities and other businesses on the institutional side.

Fort Henry Capital is a fee-only firm. This means it doesn't receive commissions from selling financial products. There isn't currently a set account minimum for opening an account with the firm.

Fort Henry Capital Background

Fort Henry Capital is the youngest of the firm's on our West Virginia list. It was founded in 2013 and is currently principally owned by Jeremy Lowe and Russell Dunkin, who are also the firm's only financial advisors on staff. Dunkin is a certified financial planner (CFP) and Lowe is a chartered retirement plans specialist (CRPS), a CFP and an accredited investment fiduciary (AIF).

Fort Henry provides comprehensive financial advisory services to its clients. These services include investment management, financial planning, financial consulting and other miscellaneous services. Clients may request a combination of services as well.

Fort Henry Capital Investment Strategy

As is the case with many financial advisory firms, Fort Henry Capital works with clients to determine their financial situation and investment objectives before creating an investment strategy that works for them. Typically, engagements include both investment management and financial planning services, though it ultimately depends upon the client. The firm most commonly uses stocks, mutual funds, corporate debt, exchange traded funds (ETF), government securities, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and certificates of deposit (CDs) in client portfolios.

Fort Henry's advisors primarily use fundamental analysis to evaluate potential investments for client portfolios. Advisors may make both short- and long-term investments.

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Ironwood Wealth Management is a small financial advisory firm that claims the final spot on our list. The firm employs a small team of financial advisors and works almost entirely with individuals clients, those both with and without a high net worth. It also works with a handful of institutional clients, including retirement plans and charitable organizations.

The firm is fee-only, so it doesn't receive commissions that could present a potential conflict of interest. There is a $100,000 minimum for investment advisory services, though this minimum may be waived at the discretion of the firm.

Ironwood Wealth Management Background

Ironwood Wealth Management was founded in 2002 by John D. Williams, who is also the firm's principal owner. The firm officially registered as an invesment advisor with the SEC in 2004. Williams is also the firm's president and carries the certified investment management analyst (CIMA), accredited asset management specialist (AAMS), chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC) designations.

Ironwood works with clients to provide investment management services, as well as financial planning and financial consulting services, as is requested by the client.

Ironwood Wealth Management Investment Strategy

Ironwood Wealth Management works with clients to devise invesment strategies based on an investment philosophy that accounts for their investment objectives and financial needs. The firm manages client accounts on a discretionary basis, and investment management engagements are ongoing and continuous. They may be updated or amended if the investment needs of the client adapt over time.

When working to determine how to properly invest your portfolio, Ironwood uses a variety of methods of analysis, including fundamental analysis, technical analysis, quantitative analysis and investment manager review and analysis. Advisors may use a combination of long and short-term purchases to help drive growth in client portfolios.