Quick Look: Best Financial Advisors in Little Rock, Arkansas Near You:
- Best for Comprehensive Financial Planning: Barry M. Corkern & Co., Inc.
- Best Robo-Advisor: M1 Finance
- Best for Client Communication: Smith Capital Management, Inc.
- Best for Risk-Based Investment Strategy: Mendel Capital Management, Inc.
- Best Portfolio Analysis: Personal Capital
- Best for Portfolio Management: Meridian Investment Advisors
- Best for Retirement Planning: Advanced Retirement Solutions, Inc.
Little Rock is the capital and most populous city in the state of Arkansas. Finding a financial advisor is no easy feat because options abound.
Benzinga’s done the work. Start with our list of Little Rock’s top advisors listed by area of expertise, account minimum, fee structure and more.
Best for Comprehensive Financial Planning: Barry M. Corkern & Co., Inc.
Barry M. Corkern and Co. provides fee-based wealth management to individuals, multiple generations of the same family, business owners, endowments and more.
The firm’s founder Barry M. Corkern is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst® (AIFA®). He’s been designated as 1 of the best financial planners in the United States by “Money” magazine and “Bloomberg Wealth Manager”.
The firm is Centre for Fiduciary Excellence (CEFEX) certified, so it adheres to the best fiduciary practice standards. It offers comprehensive financial planning services including:
- Asset management
- Disability and risk management
- Tax planning and management
- Debt management
- Estate planning
- Charitable planning
- Customizable Auto Investing
Best Robo-Advisor: M1 Finance
M1 Finance is a popular robo-advisory app that can automate and customize the way you manage your money.
There are 3 major functions of M1 Finance:
- M1 Spend lets you make direct deposits, transfer money or spend with a debit card.
- M1 Invest allows you to build a custom portfolio, own individual stocks and even automate your contributions with investing schedules.
- M1 Borrow gives you access to a portfolio line of credit and lets you borrow up to 35% of your portfolio’s value.
If you want additional perks such as 1% cash back, low base rate when borrowing and much more, upgrade to the M1 Plus account. Sign up for $125 with no minimum balance required.
Best for Client Communication: Smith Capital Management, Inc.
Smith Capital is an independent, fee-only investment management firm that has been around for more than 35 years. The firm’s 5 advisors have over 135 years of combined experience in providing financial and retirement planning to individuals, trusts, foundations, endowments and businesses.
Smith Capital has a team of 2 financial advisors and 1 dedicated portfolio administrator. The team will meet with you to discuss goals and objectives, time horizon, risk tolerance and more. You’ll also receive a monthly statement, quarterly performance report and its monthly newsletter.
- A percentage of assets under your management
- Hourly charges
- Fixed fees (other than subscription fees)
- Performance-based fees
- Financial planning services
- Pension consulting services
- Selection of other advisers (including private fund managers)
- Publication of periodicals or newsletters
Address
100 RIVER BLUFF DRIVE, SUITE 410 SUITE 410LITTLE ROCK AR, 72202
Phone number
501-228-0040
Best for Risk-Based Investment Strategy: Mendel Capital Management, Inc.
Mendel Capital Management is a professional investment management firm in Little Rock. The firm caters to the investment needs of individuals, retirement plans, endowments and foundations.
Mendel Capital Management creates an investment strategy based on risk tolerance. It offers several investment strategies including growth, balanced and conservative. Within each of these strategies, it tailors a unique mix of equity (stocks, mutual funds) and fixed income (bonds, cash) investments.
- High Net Worth Individuals
Best Portfolio Analysis: Personal Capital
Personal Capital lets you track and manage your money for free. You can see all your accounts in 1 place, including your investments. It gives you access to its planning and analytical tools to view your net worth, plan for retirement, budget, plan for education and much more.
If you’re looking for personalized advice from a real person, Personal Capital gives you access to registered financial advisors along with its free tools. To utilize managed services, you require at least $100,000 in investable assets.
Best for Portfolio Management: Meridian Investment Advisors
Meridian Investment Advisors is an independently-owned advisory firm that manages over $500 million for high-net-worth families, retirement plans, endowments, foundations and public funds. The firm has been around for more than 35 years and primarily offers investment management and retirement planning services.
Meridian’s portfolio management team is 1 of the most distinguished in Arkansas. Its portfolio managers are recognized for extensive investment management experience, professional credentials and advanced educational pursuits.
Best for Retirement Planning: Advanced Retirement Solutions, Inc.
Advanced Retirement Solutions (ARS) specializes in alternative ways to manage assets. The firm utilizes its own proprietary algorithms to manage portfolios.
ARS evaluates your corporate retirement plan such as your 401(k) and helps reduce your fiduciary liability through the use of proprietary technology. The firm also specializes in education on group life insurance, pensions and savings plans open to federal employees.
- A percentage of assets under your management
- Financial planning services
- Pension consulting services
- Selection of other advisers (including private fund managers)
Address
4 SHACKLEFORD PLAZA SUITE 203LITTLE ROCK AR, 72211
Phone number
501-831-0707
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I research the background of my financial advisor?
A: You can find all the information you need about your financial advisor through 2 official websites — the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) BrokerCheck.
Q: Can I talk to a financial advisor for free?
A: Yes. Your 1st consultation with a financial advisor is usually free of charge.
Q: Do I need a financial advisor for retirement?
A: Financial advisors can be of great value when planning your retirement. However, if you can manage your finances on your own, you can opt for a robo-advisor as a cheaper alternative.
Choose the Right Financial Advisor in Little Rock
A good financial advisor can help you achieve financial peace of mind. Ensure you meet with several prospects, understand the offerings and choose 1 that aligns with your goals.
The effort to find the right advisor is rewarding because the professional relationship will play an important role in your financial life.
Methodology
To determine the top financial advisors in Little Rock, Arkansas, we pored through all SEC-registered advisory firms who have an office in Little Rock. To winnow down the list we only included advisors who were registered fiduciaries, had no past disclosures and have minimal personal conflicts of interest. To further break down the list to the true top advisors in the area, we gave weight to advisors that offered both investment management and planning, had no conflicts of interest, have a wrap fee program and have over $50 million in assets under management.