Financial Advisor in Pittsburgh, PA. You work hard for your money, and you want to be assured about how it's growing and how it's being used. Numerous Pittsburgh residents do not have the financial literacy to feel sure they're making the optimal decisions with their money, while others simply don't have the time or interest to stay up to date on market trends along with new laws, regulations, and global events. That's when you need a dependable, seasoned, and knowledgeable financial advisor. A Correct Capital financial advisor in Pittsburgh, PA will make your money work for you. We use in-depth analytics along with our extensive expertise to create personalized financial solutions for individuals, families, and businesses in Pittsburgh, PA and beyond. Call us today at 877-930-4015 or contact us online to see if Correct Capital is a good fit for you.
Wondering if you're ready to hire a financial advisor in Pittsburgh, PA? Take a look at our process page to see how easy we make it to determine if we would make a good team.
A 2018 study by FINRA found that 53 percent of American adults are worried about their finances. The cause of that concern is commonly just not being sure they're making the right decisions with their money. Once our Pittsburgh, PA financial advisor team gets to know you, your finances and your financial goals, we'll implement a road map to help you reach them. As a fiduciary and an independent firm, every Correct Capital financial advisor is obligated to act in your best interest and we are not limited in the options we can endorse. Our financial advisors in Pittsburgh, PA have certifications that can only be obtained through rigorous testing and by meeting strict education requirements.
What Is a Financial Advisor?
A financial advisor is a specialist who provides advice on managing personal finances and investments. This comprehensive definition includes a wide range of services, from investment management and retirement planning to tax planning and generational wealth transfers. The primary goal of a financial advisor is to help individuals and organizations reach their financial objectives by creating strategies that align with their risk tolerance, financial situation, and long-term goals. While technically anyone can be called a financial advisor or financial planner, reliable and professional advisors will have qualifications from organizations such as FINRA and the CFP Board that can only be obtained through rigorous education and exams.
Types of Financial Advisors in Pittsburgh, PA
Financial advisors can work and market themselves under different titles:
- Investment Advisors or Portfolio Managers: These advisors provide advice on securities and oversee investment portfolios. They're commonly associated with RIAs and are required to serve as fiduciaries, meaning they always have the client's best interest at heart. Portfolio managers are registered with either the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state regulators, depending on the assets under management.
- Broker-Dealers and Brokers: Broker-dealers buy and sell securities like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds on behalf of their clients or for their own accounts. They must be registered by the SEC and are typically members of FINRA. The financial products they can sell are determined by their specific licenses, such as Series 6 or Series 7. For instance, a broker who has a Series 7 license represents general securities, such as mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professionals (CFPs): Advisors with the CFP designation have completed rigorous education and adhere to high ethical standards, particularly a fiduciary duty to their customers. CFPs offer a wide array of financial planning services, such as managing debt to planning for retirement, and estate planning. Their approach is all-encompassing, intended to meet every facet of a client's financial life.
- Financial Consultants: This term can apply broadly, but chartered financial consultants (ChFCs) have undergone education comparable with CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professionals and also adhere to a fiduciary duty. They focus on providing comprehensive financial advice, covering areas such as investment management to tax advice, guaranteeing that clients' financial goals are achieved through the highest ethical standards.
- Financial Coaches: Are dedicated to boosting clients' financial literacy, helping with basics such as saving money and budgeting. They are perfect for clients who might not have the financial resources to hire a financial advisor yet. Their services offers a good starting point for handling personal finances effectively, especially for those in the early stages of financial planning.
- Wealth Managers: Serve high-net-worth individuals, offering comprehensive services that include estate planning, tax help, and investment management. They work closely with their clients to navigate complex financial situations and formulate wealth preservation strategies. Their expertise is tailored for optimizing the financial health and legacy of those with substantial assets, guaranteeing that every financial decision is aligned with customized advice and approaches.
Each type of financial advisor offers unique expertise and services to the table. At Correct Capital, our team of advisors features CFPs and other qualified professionals who embody the highest standards of fiduciary responsibility and personalized service, guaranteeing that we act exclusively in the best interest of our clients across all our engagements.
What Does a Financial Advisor Do?
A financial advisor will analyze your present finances, determine means to enhance it, and help you achieve your long-term financial goals. Many Pittsburgh, PA residents frequently immediately think of investing when they think of wealth management services and financial advisors. While that is a crucial aspect of any financial plan, a professional financial advisor will be able to give you extensive financial advice that takes into consideration the entirety of your finances. Below are some of the services your Correct Capital financial advisor in Pittsburgh, PA will implement in order to help you meet your goals.
- Financial Planning
Our finances are involved in almost anything we do, from making sure we're set up in retirement, to paying for college, real estate transactions, deciding on insurance policies, and making sure we have enough to eat every night. The best financial advisors in Pittsburgh, PA offer all-encompassing services and personalized consulting by evaluating your entire financial situation.
- Tax Planning
Tax considerations play a role in almost every financial transaction and transfer. According to the IRS's own data, more than 7 out of 10 of Americans pay more than necessary in taxes every year. The United States tax code is incredibly complicated, yet it allows for perfectly legal ways to reduce your tax liability. A reliable and expert Pittsburgh, PA financial advisor will help you navigate your tax implications to ensure keeping more money in your own account.
- Portfolio Management and Asset Management
Your financial portfolio is the collection of your financial assets. They can include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), cash equivalents, or other investments such as real estate. A financial advisor in Pittsburgh, PA will help in allocating and diversify your assets in order to mitigate risk and strategically position your money for growth.
- Retirement Planning
Depending on where you currently are in life and your aspired lifestyle when you retire, your Pittsburgh, PA financial advisor will help with tax implications, considering the best age to retire, when to withdraw money and how much to take out. A financial advisor will aid in creating a budget and strategy for where your income will come from in retirement so you can spend your golden years exactly the way you want to.
- 401(k) Services
We offer 401(k) services to individuals and families as well as Pittsburgh, PA businesses and business owners. Implementing a 401(k) plan is a great way to keep your best employees and keep them productive and happy. Our retirement consultants oversee over $218 million in plan assets and thousands of plan participants nationwide. Our Pittsburgh, PA financial advisor team offers extensive 401(k) planning for companies as well as personalized benefits for their employees.
- 401(k) Rollover
When transitioning to a new job, it can be challenging to know the best way to handle the money you've already saved in a previous Pittsburgh, PA employer's 401(k) plan. You have several options, including leaving the money in the account it is in now, moving it to a new 401(k), or investing the money in one of a variety of IRA accounts. A financial advisor will have the knowledge how to best navigate managing your 401(k) funds.
- Generational Wealth Transfers
You work hard for your money, and it's normal to wish to leave a legacy and leave some wealth to the people you care about the dearly. Wealth transfers are separate from merely leaving gifts behind in estate planning. A financial advisor in Pittsburgh, PA can best position your money for both your children but for future generations to come, even ones you haven't met yet.
- Fiduciary Advising
Anyone can call themselves a "financial advisor," so it's necessary to choose one who has received accreditations and certifications from regulatory boards such as the CFP Board, Fi360, InFRE, and FINRA. As fiduciary advisors and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™™ professionals, your Pittsburgh, PA financial advisor at Correct Capital is bound by a "Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct" to:
- Act with honesty, integrity, competence, and diligence.
- Act in the client's best interest.
- Exercise due care.
- Avoid conflicts of interest, disclose them when they arise, and manage them in the client's best interest.
- Maintain confidentiality and protect the privacy of client information.
- Act in a manner that reflects positively on the financial planning profession and CFP® certification.
- Debt Management
Financial advisors offer personalized debt management plans that focus on managing debt, achieving lower interest rates if feasible, and structuring repayments. The goal is to create a manageable path forward that aligns with your financial situation and goals, ultimately leading to financial freedom.
- Budgeting
Creating and sticking to a budget is fundamental to having the financial health and life you want. Financial advisors in Pittsburgh, PA can assist clients comprehend how much money's coming in, find areas for savings, and set realistic spending limits that encourage growing your wealth. By providing resources and strategies for effective budgeting, advisors make sure that clients can fulfill their current financial obligations while also saving for future goals.
When you hire a Pittsburgh, PA financial advisor at Correct Capital, we start by getting to know you and your aims. We will assess your current income, assets, investments, debts, and expenses. After we've done that, we'll work in concert with you to establish your preferred risk tolerance and how we can best help you achieve your goals. As an independent advisory firm, our only responsibility is to act in your best interest. There is no limit to the services, products, and investment opportunities our financial advisor team can offer you, and we will never try to sell you on something we do not believe in ourselves.
When Should I Consider Hiring a Financial Advisor in Pittsburgh, PA?
Seeking the guidance of a financial advisor can be a key step towards getting the life and financial health you want. While the ideal moment can vary widely from person to person, certain life events and circumstances often suggest the need for professional financial advice.
- Major Life Changes: Life is a series of transitions, and many of them have significant financial implications. Whether you're buying a home or facing retirement, these milestones can profoundly affect your financial landscape. A financial advisor can help you navigate these changes, ensuring that your financial plan adapts to meet your evolving circumstances and goals.
- Lack of Experience, Time, Knowledge, or Desire to Manage Your Finances By Yourself: Managing personal finances can be complicated, demanding, and, frankly, overwhelming for many. If you don't have the knowledge to effectively handle your investments, or simply prefer to spend your time on other pursuits, a financial advisor can be essential. They bring expertise and wisdom to your financial decisions, assisting to enhance your portfolio, avoid costly mistakes, and set up your investments for long-term growth.
- Getting Close to Retirement: Retirement planning is one of the primary reasons individuals seek out financial advice. An advisor can help you evaluate your current financial situation, determine your retirement needs, and craft a plan to ensure you can experience your retirement years comfortably. This includes strategies for Social Security benefits, pension management, and withdrawal plans from retirement accounts.
- Complex Financial Products: The financial market offers a wide array of investment options, many of which come with their own complexities. If you're considering investments in complex financial products—such as derivatives, alternative investments, or tax-optimized strategies—an advisor's expertise can be crucial. They can guide you understand the risks and benefits, ensuring that any investment matches your overall financial strategy and goals.
Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor Before Hiring Them
Trust is essential whenever you hire someone to do something, but especially so when it involves your finances. Beyond just finding a trustworthy advisor, you need one who best meets your needs. It's important to ask the right questions during your initial meetings. Here are key questions to consider:
- What is your experience in the financial advisory field?
Understanding an advisor's background, including their time spent in the industry, the kinds of clients they've worked with, and their expert areas, can give you a sense of their proficiency and whether they're prepared to manage your specific financial circumstances.
- What are your qualifications and certifications?
Inquire about any certifications (e.g., CFP®, CFA, ChFC) the advisor has earned. These credentials often require adhering to demanding education, experience, and ethical standards, demonstrating a high level of professionalism and expertise.
- What is your investment philosophy?
An advisor's investment philosophy should align with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Whether they favor a cautious approach with a focus on long-term growth or a more dynamic strategy, their philosophy should reflect your expectations and expectations.
- How do you prefer to communicate with clients?
Communication method and regularity are essential to a fruitful client-advisor relationship. Inquire about how often you'll be able to meet with your advisor, whether they'll be in person or virtual, and how the advisor intends to keep you informed about your investments and financial plan.
- What's your fee structure?
Advisors can be fee-only, commission-based, or a combination thereof. Understanding how an advisor is compensated will assist you in identifying potential biases and make certain that their advice is made with your best interests in mind.
- Are you a fiduciary financial advisor?
Confirming that an advisor acts as a fiduciary is vital. This means they are legally obligated to put your interests before their own, giving advice that best serves your financial goals and needs.
- What services do you offer beyond investment management?
Many advisors provide extensive financial planning services, including retirement planning, tax strategies, estate planning, and more. Additionally, some financial advisory firms offer more in the way of educational resources and portfolio reviews. Understanding the full scope of services offered can assist you in determining whether the advisor can meet all your financial needs.
- How do you handle conflicts of interest?
An honest advisor will openly discuss potential conflicts of interest and how they manage them to ensure they don't negatively impact their clients' financial plans. Fiduciary advisors must make known conflicts of interest, and are required to manage them in their client's best interest.
Asking these questions will not only provide you with essential information about the financial advisor's qualifications and approach but also enable you to assess whether there is a good personal fit. Remember, a strong relationship with your financial advisor is built on transparency, trust, and mutual understanding.
You can find many of these questions answered on our FAQ page.
How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost in Pittsburgh, PA?
In general, there are three common ways for financial advisors to be compensated:
- Commission-Based: Commission-based advisors earn their income through commissions on the financial products they offer, such as mutual funds. This fee structure can lead to a potential conflict of interest, as the advisor might be incentivized to recommend options that generate higher commissions rather than those that best meet your needs. Commission-based advisors are typically held to the suitability standard as opposed to the fiduciary standard, which means they have to recommend products that can aid in achieving your goals, but not necessarily the ones best suited to your needs.
- Fee-Only: Advisors on a fee-only basis are compensated straightforwardly by clients for the guidance and assistance they provide and do not receive any commissions from product sales. This compensation can take several forms, including fixed fees assets under management (AUM). This model is frequently regarded as more clear and aligned with the client's best interests, as it reduces conflicts of interest related to product sales.
- Fee-Based: Fee-based advisors use a combination of client-paid fees and commissions from selling financial products. While this model offers a blend of the fee-only and commission-based structures, fee-based advisors generally also have a fiduciary duty, which means that although they get commission from certain products, they must reveal this to the client and cannot recommend those products unless they sincerely believe they are in the client's best interests.
Correct Capital's Financial Advisory Services in Pittsburgh, PA
Correct Capital stands out in the Pittsburgh, PA financial advisory landscape for its bespoke approach to wealth management and financial planning. Understanding that not all clients have the same starting point or identical goals, we offer a variety of service models to our clients in Pittsburgh, PA:
One-Time Financial Plan (best for validators)
This service model is best for those who are seeking the insights and advice a financial advisor can offer without the continuous oversight. This service is excellent for individuals who largely feel good about managing their finances but are looking for professional insight to ensure they're setting their money up for success in the best way. Our team performs a thorough review of your financial landscape, providing you with a detailed plan that tackles your specific goals, concerns, and growth opportunities.
Subscription (best for collaborators)
Our subscription service is designed for individuals who value ongoing guidance and advice as their financial situation changes, or when they have specific questions about taxes, investments, or other aspects of their finances. This model offers monthly updates from our financial advisors, regular check-ins every quarter, and open availability if the need ever arises. While we will not be managing your portfolio, we'll strive to look for opportunities to help you grow and save your wealth.
Wealth Management (best for delegators)
Our wealth management service model is for clients who prefer to hand over the management of their investments and financial planning to professionals. This includes active investment management, comprehensive financial strategizing, and forward-looking guidance on a wide range of financial matters — from tax planning and preparing for retirement to estate planning and beyond. Our wealth management clients enjoy a sense of security, knowing that every aspect of their financial well-being is being carefully managed by a dedicated team of professionals dedicated to maximizing their wealth and realizing their long-term goals.
Why Choose Correct Capital as Your Pittsburgh, PA Financial Advisor?
Correct Capital is a premier choice for individuals and families in Pittsburgh, PA seeking reliable, expert financial guidance. Here's why choosing Correct Capital can make a significant difference in your financial journey:
- We're Fiduciary Advisors: As fiduciaries, we are legally obligated to act in your best interests. This commitment guarantees that each piece of advice, each investment recommendation, and each strategic move we make on your behalf is carried out with your best interests at heart.
- Our I.O.U. Promise: Every piece of guidance we offer is independent, objective, and unbiased. Our independence means we are not tied to any financial institution or product, allowing us the freedom to choose the best investments and strategies for you.
- Our Qualifications: We are a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), which allows us access to a wide variety of investment solutions and research. Our advisor team includes two CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals, an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®), an Enrolled Agent, and a CPA. Additionally, our retirement consultants and financial portfolio managers boast over 100 years of combined experience.
- Proactivity is Our Approach: We hold the belief that the most valuable way to create long-term financial security is to stay ahead of trends and lead, rather than follow. Leveraging in-depth research and analytics, we prepare the most appropriate strategy for your needs.
- Continuous Learning Opportunities: We offer at Correct Capital quarterly webinars and workshops to keep you informed and engaged with your financial health. Our dedication to client education guarantees that you are fully prepared to make informed decisions alongside your advisor.
Choosing Correct Capital as your financial advisor in Pittsburgh, PA means partnering with a team committed to your financial success. Our experience, fiduciary commitment, and custom-tailored approach to financial planning and investment management make us the perfect choice for individuals and families looking to achieve their financial goals and secure their future.
Other services we offer in Pittsburgh, PA include:
- 401(k) Audit
- High-Net-Worth Wealth Management
- Retirement Planner
- Financial Planning
- Retirement Plan Consultants
- Fiduciary Financial Advisor
Call Correct Capital's Pittsburgh, PA Financial Advisor Team Today
The decisions you make about your finances and the choices you make with it are inherently personal. At Correct Capital, we strongly believe that the relationship between a person, household, or business owner in Pittsburgh, PA and their financial advisor is founded on trust. Dedicating our lives to guiding our clients achieve their personal and financial goals, be it funding higher education for your children or making the dream purchase of that dream car in retirement. Contact our Pittsburgh, PA financial advisor team today at 877-930-4015 or get in touch with us online to take the first step towards building your wealth in the manner you desire.