Benji CarterWhen I started earning money, I never thought about futureproofing, but then, the thought of working for two years without any savings hit me like a truck. This is when I started thinking that maybe hiring a financial advisor wasn’t that bad of an idea, so naturally, I went to my team!
With their help, I was able to choose from handpicked and reviewed advisors here in Charlotte, whom I knew I could trust. After all, I’m at the age where I need to have a house built and start a family!
So, if you don’t know what to do with your wealth and want to start preparing for your future, building your dream business, or just want to be better at saving, keep on reading!
What is the average cost of a financial advisor in Charlotte?
Financial advisors are paid by property sellers, and are paid in different structures, such as hourly rates of $100 to $400, yearly lump sums of $3,700 to $8,000 or flat fees that range from $1,000 to $9,000
1. Jonathan Kirk – Alloy Wealth Management
Services: Retirement planning, estate conversion, risk management, insurance
Location: 13925 Ballantyne Corporate Pl #190
Contact: +1 800-689-3935
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
One of the things that made Jonathan Kirk among our top prospects was his solid educational foundation, having attained a double major in financial services and economics. This was highlighted during our interviews, with many highlighting his knowledge in the local market.
Clients also shared his excellent communication skills, as he’s able to translate complex economics and financial terms into digestible information. Furthermore, he takes the time to listen as well before guiding his clients to his different financial planning steps.
It’s also worth noting that these steps are discussed within the early stages of an initial consultation. Plus, previous clients stated how easy it was to reach Jonathan and his team through the firm’s official website.
Investment management is also Kirk’s bread and butter, having earned the Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation, which is only given to those who have undergone specialised training in financial planning strategies.
We only wish that they could be more upfront with their costs, as their website is vague regarding their fee structures.
Smartest decision I have ever made!
“I have been working with Jon Kirk and Alloy Wealth Management for about two years now, having transferred from another Financial Service.
It was the smartest decision I have ever made! Jon’s calm demeanour, professionalism, knowledge and advice have given me the confidence and comfort to move into my retirement years with complete confidence.
He is also readily available to discuss any changes and updates as things evolve periodically. I would and have recommended Jon’s services as a Financial Advisor; you can’t go wrong! Thank you.”
– Bill Pleau, Google Review
They really know their stuff
“Had a great experience working with Alloy. They really know their stuff and made everything easy to understand. I feel fully confident recommending them to anyone looking into financial planners (which should be everyone)!”
– Romon, Google Review
2. Angela Ostendarp – Carnegie Private Wealth
Services: Investment planning, retirement planning, estate planning, cash flow management, risk management
Location: 6101 Carnegie Blvd #520
Contact: +1 704-733-6880
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Angela Ostendarp is among the most credible financial advisors in Charlotte, and her CFP designation is enough reason to know why, as it’s the gold standard credential in the field.
We were also surprised to learn that some of Angela’s clients grew up with her, as she’s been in the field for 35+ years. This is also a testament to her relationship-building, as our interviewees had nothing but praise to share throughout those years.
One of the main factors they raised was her listening skills, noting that she listens intently to understand their situation rather than just offering a cookie-cutter plan.
Speaking of, her financial planning is surprisingly in-depth, featuring six steps that include everything from establishing foundations to risk assessments.
What caught our attention most, however, was that it ended with a roadmap outlining Angela’s goals for her clients. Her clients reported that her roadmap helped them feel at ease about their retirement.
We only wish that she could add virtual meetings to her offered services.
Wonderful and approachable culture
“True financial professionals who have created the most wonderful and approachable culture. We love working with Angie, Jordan, and the rest of the team.
They truly take the time to understand your goals and create a strategic plan to help you get there. Thank you, thank you!!!”
– Sue Goodling, Google Review
Blown away by their attention to detail
“The Best! I cannot say enough good things about the team at Carnegie Wealth!
My wife and I have worked with Angie, Jordan, Mitch & Jeff for over 25 years and have been blown away by their attention to detail, approach to planning, thoughtfulness and exceptional service they provide.
So Happy they made the move and became independent!! Their team truly cares about their clients and always goes above and beyond to meet our expectations, not to mention they are exceptional listeners!!
I have worked with Investment Professionals in the Financial Services Industry for going on 30 years, and you will not find a more competent, caring, and professional group of people than the Team at Carnegie Wealth!”
– Dan Rush, Google Review
3. Christopher Knight – Cornerstone Wealth Planning
Services: Wealth management, tax services, financial planning
Location: 7810 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy #200
Contact: +1 704-849-0123
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Christopher Knight’s strong credentials were enough to earn him a spot on our review, as he holds both a CFP and an AIF, the latter of which ensures that he works in the best interests of his clients.
We were also impressed by his previous clients’ testimonials, highlighting the success rates of his wealth management services. A handful of our interviewees noted that they’re now living their dream retirement life, and entirely credited Knight’s services as the main key.
Knight’s exceptional communication skills were also highlighted. Aside from being able to explain complex financial terms clearly, he also does a great job of providing regular updates regarding clients’ investments through his monthly webinar.
We also wanted to highlight Knight’s top-notch leadership skills, as clients shared how he takes firm control over every financial plan without losing care. Furthermore, he has founded his own firm where he currently acts as the principal.
The only downside is that he and his firm mostly cater to clients with moderate to high-level assets.
Has returned great results
“My wife and I joined Cornerstone Wealth Planning almost 10 years ago. With Chris Knight and his team’s guidance, we are living our dream retirement in Hilton Head Island, SC, with financial stability.
The team has restructured our investment over the years to meet our risk comfort level, which has returned great results year in and year out.
Chris’s monthly Market Webinars keep you up to date on news that affects your investments and the action the team is taking to protect your nest egg!
Special Market updates are provided when markets take a drastic turn to educate and reassure you. Cornerstone is in your corner with a plan to help you sleep at night!
I highly recommend you consult Chris and his team at Cornerstone Wealth Planning with your investment needs!”
– Gregory Mathison, Google Review
The only one who didn’t pressure us
“We went to several financial planning advisors when we retired. Chris Knight was the only one who didn’t pressure us, helped us come up with a feasible plan, and gave us peace of mind. I would highly recommend Cornerstone!”
– Susan Howard, Google Review
4. Corey Sunstrom – Hobart Wealth – Financial Planning Services
Services: Financial planning, wealth management, life insurance, tax planning, income planning
Location: 7733 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy #101
Contact: +1 888-553-0122
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Corey Sunstrom and his firm impressed us with their vast array of financial planning and wealth management services. For instance, they offer business financial planning, asset protection and risk management, tax planning, etc, for the former.
We were also impressed by his relationship-building skills, as he has retained clients for more than a decade. That said, his strategies are geared toward long-term planning, so if you’re looking for quick returns, he may not be your best option.
Sunstrom also struck us as a reliable advisor given his role as the firm’s director and senior advisor. We also spoke with his long-term clients, who shared Sunstrom’s unmatched knowledge of local markets, gained through his tenure in Charlotte.
Clients also noted Sunstrom’s calm demeanour throughout, with most stating they never felt pressured to decide on anything that required careful consideration. Plus, he’s been highlighted as being attentive, as he always uses financial planning strategies based on customers’ needs.
Consistently been excellent
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Hobart for over 10 years, and their communication, responsiveness, and overall professionalism have consistently been excellent.
What I truly appreciate most, however, is how Corey and Doris, along with their team, took the time to deeply understand my personal circumstances, current needs, and long-term goals.
They’ve built a genuine relationship with me, and that’s invaluable when it comes to ensuring your financial well-being.”
Corey and I set several goals together 10 years ago, one of which was for me to retire from my corporate role and launch my own business. Thanks to their guidance and support, I was able to achieve that in just 9 years.
A heartfelt thank you to Chris, Corey, Doris, and the entire team. I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me. Rich”
– Rich Hubbard, Google Review
Helped us create great results
“Team Corey, Michaela, and Doris are doing a great job helping us reach our financial goals. With Corey and his team’s expertise in the current market conditions and attention to detail, they have helped us create great results, confidence and clarity.”
– Mike Herran, Google Review
5. Salvador Perez – Totem Wealth Management
Services: Financial planning, investment management, legacy planning, tax strategies
Location: Charlotte
Contact: +1 803-681-5152
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:15 AM to 4:15 AM
Salvador Perez’s foundation of Totem Wealth Management is nothing short of impressive. He was able to grow this firm and fit his style, approach, and strategies.
One of the things that our interviewees love about Perez is his client-centred approach. They shared how he always works for the best interests of his customers, adding that he doesn’t feel like he’s working for just another paycheck.
Additionally, Perez’s relationship-building skills were also highlighted, with some of our interviewees noting that they’ve been working with Perez for over ten years.
This is also a testament to the effectiveness of his strategies, as our respondents were also happy with how their plans turned out. They added that Perez’s attentiveness and hands-on approach helped them form a relationship built on trust.
We also appreciate how his services were holistic, covering multiple aspects of a client’s wealth simultaneously. He can even personalise his strategies to coincide with his clients’ needs and current budget allocation.
The only downside is Salvador’s limited availability due to his high volume of clients.
Absolute pleasure to work with
“Salvador and Totem Wealth Management were an absolute pleasure to work with. From a timely response to an answer to every question I had, I can not speak more highly of Salvador and the work he does.
I hope this review and the multiple other Five-Star reviews give him and his company the business he deserves.”
– Matheo Carmona, Google Review
Couldn’t be more satisfied
“I have had the pleasure of working with Sal, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the experience. He took the time to understand my financial situation, goals, and concerns and provided tailored advice that was both practical and easy to understand. Sal is the BEST!”
– Caroline Teal, Google Review
