How to Find the Right Financial Advisor in Overland Park, Kansas

So, you’ve decided you need help with your money and want to begin working with a financial advisor. But how can you find the right one? Searching online is one way, or you could ask for recommendations from friends and family. However, the right advisor for someone else isn’t necessarily the right person for you. Here’s what you should consider in your financial advisor search in Overland Park, Kansas.

Many investors need help with their finances, even if they don’t seek out a financial advisor. Still, research shows that working with a financial advisor can bring positive results. According to a Vanguard study, a $500,000 investment would grow to more than $3.4 million under the guidance of a financial advisor over 25 years, compared to $1.7 million from self-management over that same time.[1]

Does the Firm Specialize in Working with People Like You?

Different points in the financial journey require specialized advice. As you move through your career, things get more complex. There’s an inflection point where the cost of making a mistake increases dramatically – not just in money but in the loss of flexibility or opportunity in your life now and in the future.

Working with an advisor that understands your needs can help you feel confident and comfortable about creating a path forward. If you have complex compensation from stock options or executive compensation strategies, own your own business, or have reached a point where you feel you need a “second look” to ensure everything is tracking the way it should be, an advisor with specific experience can make a difference.

When you’re at the mid-point of your career, income is higher, but responsibilities have also increased. You’re saving for retirement, savings for kids’ educations, thinking through tax strategies, and trying to find a way forward that can provide you with the future you want, without sacrificing the present you enjoy. 


Some firms are generalists – they offer advice to everyone, but usually not at a very involved level. Specialist firms offer more targeted advice to people in a specific phase of their financial journey, or who have a defined set of problems. These firms focus their resources and can often bring more expertise to bear.

Do the Services They Offer Match Up with What You Need?

Even within specialties, not all financial advisors offer the same services. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to find:

  • Just investments – these advisors can help you choose and invest in stocks, bonds, and other assets but are unable to help with further planning needs like creating a financial plan, or assisting with estate or tax planning

  • Just financial planning – These advisors can help you decipher your options for retirement saving and other goals but are unable to advise on individual investment choices or estate or tax planning

  • Just insurance planning – Some individuals or firms can help you purchase life or other insurance and perhaps mutual funds but are unable to go deeper with your investment needs or financial planning needs

  • Comprehensive wealth management – These advisors can handle all your financial planning needs and more. Their comprehensive offering includes financial planning, investment management, tax planning and guidance, and a review of your insurance coverage. Many advisors who offer comprehensive wealth management become a trusted source of guidance for many issues – money and otherwise – your family may face.

How Will the Advisor Be Paid?

Advisors charge clients in different ways. Some charge clients a flat rate for their service, based on how much help they need. Others charge a percentage of your assets under management, usually 1% to 2% per year. For investors who may need help on a one-time basis or just occasionally, some advisors charge an hourly fee for their advice. Many of the advisors who charge a fee for advice – called “fee-only,” are also financial fiduciaries. This means that they have an obligation to always put the interest of the clients above their own interests.

Finally, some advisors charge on a commission basis, earning a fee for selling certain investments or insurance products to clients. These advisors are not fiduciaries, as there is an inherent conflict of interests in this model.

Communicating with the Advisor and Their Team

When considering an advisor or firm, find a person or team you feel comfortable working with. You will spend a lot of time with your advisor initially and over the years. Are you comfortable sharing your personal information with them? When they reach out to schedule meetings, will you be excited to catch up, or will you dread the appointment?

Another consideration includes how you will communicate with your advisor and how often? With the rise of virtual meetings, you may be able to chat with your advisor without leaving the house. However, a local advisor with offices may be a better choice if you prefer face-to-face meetings.

You may also be comfortable with a local advisor – whether you choose to meet virtually or in person – simply because they are part of your community. An advisor with ties to your local institutions, who has partnerships with other local professionals, can provide assistance across a broader spectrum.

The Bottom Line

Once you’re ready to seek help for your finances, you likely want to get to work with a financial advisor immediately. However, taking the time to find the right advisor for your situation, needs and preferences will help set you up for a productive relationship for years to come.

At Beyond Wealth, we are a fee-only fiduciary comprehensive wealth management firm. Our focus is on working with mid-career professionals who have complex financial situations or are business owners. This emphasis allows us to deliver an exceptionally high level of advice to our clients.

[1] Source: Vanguard research ISGQVAA.pdf (vanguard.com)

Brandy Branstetter, CFP®

Brandy Branstetter, CFP®