It’s no secret that everybody wants to live a financially-stable lifestyle. It’s also no secret that achieving that takes time and work – even involving financial experts along the way.
Let’s make that easier for you with today’s article about the best financial advisors in our city. See which firms made our cut so you can achieve your financial goals and make smart money choices.
Table of Contents
How We Chose the Best Financial Advisors in Calgary
Here are the factors we used to evaluate the entries:
1. Cardinal Point Wealth Management
| Experience | 5/5 |
| Specialization | 5/5 |
| Communication skills | 4/5 |
| Professional fee | 5/5 |
Cardinal Point is a cross-border financial advisor, making them ideal for clients in either Canada or the United States, or both. Their expert team is mostly composed of certified financial planners and portfolio managers.
They specifically have expertise in the areas of capital preservation and tax planning, as well as in providing personalized investment advice. So, they’re pretty much a one-stop shop for major financial goals in life.
Clients can expect to work with a team of experienced professionals to develop a comprehensive plan tailored to their needs. They place a high value on their clients’ input, making certain to always communicate with them about all financial updates.
We find it commendable that they don’t sell proprietary investment products, and that they are all about providing solutions, plans, and advice. This also gave us confidence – when a company is not tied to certain financial instrument providers, it’s less likely to push those providers’ products onto clients.
On top of its top-notch services, Cardinal Point follows a sliding scale pricing structure, which allows clients with more assets to pay lower fees. This means that the higher the value of a client, the lower the fee.
With everything we’ve said, it’s easy to see why Cardinal Point is recognized by various portfolio and financial organizations. What concerns us is that the company hasn’t generated much buzz in the online world, which is a crucial factor nowadays.
Pros
- Focuses on providing personalized investment and financial solutions
- Specializes in tax planning and capital preservation
- Solid team of experienced and certified financial advisors
- Comprehensive wealth plans
- Doesn’t sell investment products
- Sliding scale pricing structure
Cons
- Can be difficult to reach online
2. Hemisphere Capital Management Inc.
| Experience | 4/5 |
| Specialization | 5/5 |
| Communication skills | 5/5 |
| Professional fee | 4/5 |
When it comes to financial advisory services, we’ve discovered a hidden gem in Hemisphere Capital Management Inc. With an impressive track record spanning 30 years, they bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.
They offer tailored investment services and specialize in portfolio management. They make sure our investments align with our risk tolerance and that we are best positioned for financial success.
As an independent firm, they provide unbiased financial advice. They back this up by investing alongside their clients, reflecting their commitment to establishing collaborative partnerships that drive mutual success.
Reputation matters, and Hemisphere Capital Management Inc. has it in spades. They’ve been navigating the financial landscape like seasoned pros, leaving a trail of satisfied clients in their wake.
Hemisphere knows we want the most bang for our buck. Their transparent fee structure ensures we know exactly what we’re paying for, without any hidden surprises. We like getting a financial advisor who respects our hard-earned cash as much as we do.
Whether you’re planning for retirement, enjoying retirement, or simply looking to optimize your financial portfolio, their expertise shines through.
However, they don’t offer promos at the present. We recommend checking in with them from time to time to find new deals.
Pros
- Over 30 years experience
- Independent firm
- Convenient online platform
- Stellar reputation
- Transparent fee structure
- Expert financial advice
Cons
- No promos or discounts yet
Best financial advisory
“Hemisphere Capital Management Inc. is hands down the best financial advisory firm I’ve ever worked with. Their online platform is incredibly user-friendly, allowing me to access my financial information whenever and wherever I need it. The team is knowledgeable, professional, and has a stellar reputation in the industry. Plus, their transparent fee structure gives me peace of mind knowing exactly what I’m paying for. I highly recommend Hemisphere Capital for anyone looking for expert financial advice!”
Excellent service
“I’ve been a client of Hemisphere Capital Management Inc. for several years now, and I couldn’t be happier with their services. Their team has an impressive reputation for delivering excellent financial advice. What sets them apart is their commitment to convenience – their online platform makes managing my investments a breeze. The transparent fee structure ensures that I’m always aware of the costs involved. Whether I need help with retirement planning or investment strategies, Hemisphere Capital is always there to guide me. They truly are the best in the business!”
3. Bilyk Financial
| Experience | 4/5 |
| Specialization | 5/5 |
| Communication skills | 4/5 |
| Professional fee | 4/5 |
We considered Bilyk Financial because of its process-oriented approach to providing financial advice and solutions. They’ve been doing it for over 50 years, and it appears to work, as they have a 99% client retention rate.
The best thing we liked is that they bring their clients along in every step for a comprehensive structural plan. They take the time to listen to their clients so the communication level is transparent and mutual on all levels.
They can assist clients with insurance, tax planning, and legacy planning, but they excel at investment management. In particular, they specialize in monitoring, reviewing, and adjusting your portfolio to make sure it doesn’t fall victim to industry problems.
Bilyk Financial’s investment team can also deliver investment alternatives and keep clients up to date on emerging trends. We appreciate that they use a hybrid approach for this rather than traditional investment management.
What they do is move beyond the traditional stocks-bonds paradigm and into modern strategies. For example, they’ll analyze their resources on a specific basis rather than directly allocating them to different assets and then see where this leads them.
To make going with Bilyk Financial even more compelling, you should know that they offer a free consultation, which you can arrange conveniently on their website. Just a reminder – they’re not available during the weekends.
Pros
- More than 50 years in the industry
- 99% client retention rate
- Process-oriented approach
- Specializes in investment management
- Free consultation available
Cons
- Closed on weekends
Always answer questions
These guys know the meaning of service. Always answer your questions, and get you the information you need. Appreciate all they do. – Mark Corkery
Positive approach, impressive customer service
We have dealt with Adam and Joe for several years and have always been impressed with their customer service, responsiveness, and positive approach to managing our investments. They definitely stand out amongst financial advisors in our view. – Raylene Palichuk
4. Finovo
| SERVICES | Financial Planning, Financial Snapshot, Cash Flow and Budgeting Analysis, Household Finance Processes, Goal Planning, Retirement Planning |
| WEBSITE | https://finovo.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 800 736 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB |
| CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] +1.587.333.328O |
| Experience | 5/5 |
| Specialization | 5/5 |
| Communication skills | 5/5 |
| Professional fee | 5/5 |
Many seeking to achieve financial goals with confidence have turned to Finovo, a premier destination for personalized financial planning services. As a fee-only and advice-only financial planning firm, you can count on Finovo providing unbiased recommendations focused solely on your financial well-being.
Transparency is at the core of Finovo’s approach. They offer clear and straightforward planning fees, with a range of packages and monthly subscription options. This ensures clients have full visibility into the cost of their financial planning services.
Finovo’s Certified Financial Planners take the time to understand each client’s unique goals and concerns. They provide personalized recommendations tailored to individual aspirations, guiding clients towards financial clarity, security, and independence.
Through a collaborative approach, Finovo empowers clients to make informed decisions and take control of their financial future and benefit from the convenience of a user-friendly app, bringing their personal financial advisor right to their pocket. This innovative tool allows clients to plan their financial future at their own pace, providing guidance and support whenever and wherever they need it.
Join the ranks of satisfied clients who have experienced the Finovo difference. Contact Finovo today and embark on the path to financial confidence with a trusted fee-only & advice-only partner by your side.
Book a complimentary introductory call with them today.
Pros
- Trusted and reliable financial planning services
- Rave reviews from satisfied customers
- Cost-effective plans
- Transparent fee structure
- User-friendly interface
- Ongoing support and regular check-ins
Cons
- No promos at the present
Personable and knowledgeable
“Russ was fantastic! Having a professional to lean on for financial advice that isn’t trying to sell us something was exactly what we were looking for. He’s personable, and knowledgeable and politely points out a lack of knowledge/understanding.” — Will Wearing
Amazing at helping us understand easy ways
“My wife and I have been to several financial advisers in the past but we both tend to glaze over as they ramble off a bunch of financial jargon and we leave more confused than when we went in. Russ has been amazing at helping us understand easy ways we can save money and pay down debt.” — Sean Young
5. Moraine Wealth Advisory
| Experience | 5/5 |
| Specialization | 5/5 |
| Communication skills | 5/5 |
| Professional fee | 4/5 |
Moraine Wealth Advisory, based in Calgary, provides comprehensive wealth management services designed to meet the unique needs of their clients. The firm’s approach is guided by core values of trust, integrity, and clear communication, ensuring that their clients’ interests always come first. Their team of experienced financial advisors and planners, including Associate Portfolio Manager Sean Wilson and Insurance and Portfolio Administrator Amanda Allan, is dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals through integrated planning and strategic investment.
One of the significant advantages of working with Moraine Wealth Advisory is their commitment to personalized, client-centered service. They offer tailored financial plans that take into account each client’s unique situation, goals, and risk tolerance. Their holistic approach considers all aspects of a client’s financial life, from investment portfolio construction to tax, estate planning, and legacy planning, ensuring a comprehensive strategy for financial well-being.
Additionally, Moraine Wealth Advisory’s dedication to true diversification and risk management sets them apart. They utilize over ten different asset classes in their portfolio designs, emphasizing capital protection and growth beyond the rate of inflation. Their alignment with clients through investing in the same strategies they recommend further demonstrates their commitment to shared success. Transparency in reporting and a high standard of fiduciary duty add to their credibility and trustworthiness.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider when working with Moraine Wealth Advisory. The comprehensive nature of their services and the fee-only structure can result in higher costs, which may not be accessible for all potential clients. Additionally, the complexity and thoroughness of their integrated planning approach might be overwhelming for those who prefer simpler financial solutions or are new to financial planning.
In conclusion, Moraine Wealth Advisory offers a robust and client-focused wealth management service that goes beyond just investment advice. Their personalized, holistic approach, commitment to diversification, and high ethical standards make them a reliable choice for those seeking comprehensive financial planning.
Pros
- Personalized, client-centered service
- Holistic approach to financial planning
- Alignment with clients through shared investment strategies
- High transparency and fiduciary duty
Cons
- Closed on Weekends
6. Cox Financial Group
| Experience | 5/5 |
| Specialization | 5/5 |
| Communication skills | 5/5 |
| Professional fee | 5/5 |
With nearly 70 years of experience in the financial services industry, Cox Financial Group has established itself as a powerhouse in wealth management across Canada. The firm’s sizable team of over 10 seasoned professionals delivers an array of financial advisory services, tailored to the unique needs of individuals, families, and businesses. Their multi-generational approach and commitment to client success have set a high standard in the industry.
One of the key strengths of Cox Financial Group is their diverse and highly qualified team. They bring together wealth advisors, insurance specialists, and benefits consultants under one roof, offering clients a holistic and integrated approach to financial planning. This all-in-one service model ensures that clients receive seamless, well-rounded advice.
The portfolio managers on Cox Private Wealth’s team are fiduciaries – meaning they are legally bound to act in the best interests of their clients.
Cox Financial Group emphasizes personalized financial planning. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, they take the time to understand each client’s unique circumstances, goals, and risk tolerance. From retirement planning to investment strategies, they tailor their services to align with your financial aspirations.
The firm offers institutional-style investment management, leveraging sophisticated strategies typically reserved for large institutional investors. By applying this high-level approach, Cox Financial Group aims to provide clients with greater portfolio diversification and risk management, potentially enhancing long-term returns.
Prospective clients can take advantage of a free, no-obligation consultation, which allows them to assess the firm’s capabilities without any upfront commitment. This approach highlights Cox Financial Group’s dedication to transparency and client comfort, as it provides an opportunity to meet the team and discuss your financial needs before deciding to move forward.
Cox Financial Group’s commitment to relationship-building sets them apart from many other wealth management firms. They limit the number of clients they take on, allowing them to offer a high-touch service experience. By focusing on long-term partnerships, they create tailored plans that align closely with each client’s life goals and financial needs.
The firm’s broad range of services includes wealth management, insurance advisory, and employee benefits consulting. This comprehensive approach means clients can receive all their financial guidance in one place, avoiding the complexity of coordinating multiple advisors and strategies.
Pros
- Experienced, Multi-Disciplinary Team
- Fiduciary Investment Management
- Customized Financial Strategies
- Institutional-Style Portfolio Management
- No-Obligation Initial Consultation
- Personalized Client Relationships
- Comprehensive Wealth and Insurance Planning
Cons
- Busy During Peak Seasons
7. Kindle Financial Ltd
| Experience | 5/5 |
| Specialization | 4.5/5 |
| Communication skills | 5/5 |
| Professional fee | 5/5 |
Kindle Financial Ltd., led by Chris Alves, a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®), offers financial advisory services built on a foundation of independent advice and personalized financial planning. Since its establishment in 2005, Kindle Financial has aimed to help clients “Kindle their Worth” by tailoring solutions to their unique financial goals. Below, we outline the key strengths and potential drawbacks of their services.
One of the standout features of Kindle Financial is its commitment to providing independent financial advice. Unlike advisors tied to specific banks or institutions, Kindle Financial draws from a wide range of investment and insurance products. This ensures that clients receive recommendations best suited to their individual needs rather than those dictated by corporate affiliations.
Chris Alves brings over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry and holds certifications such as the CFP® designation. His background includes a Bachelor of Management and membership in esteemed organizations like the Financial Planning Standards Council and the Canadian Institute of Financial Planning. This deep expertise inspires confidence in the quality of advice provided.
Kindle Financial emphasizes tailoring plans to each client’s unique circumstances, whether they are individuals, couples, families, retirees, or business owners. This personal touch ensures that clients’ specific goals, such as retirement planning, wealth management, or insurance needs, are addressed comprehensively.
Their pricing is also commission- or fee-based, giving clients the flexibility to choose a payment structure that suits their preferences.
Kindle Financial prides itself on maintaining high standards of integrity and professionalism. This commitment fosters trust and reliability, which are crucial for long-term financial relationships.
Pros
- Coverage Across Multiple Provinces
- Independent and Unbiased Advice
- Extensive Experience and Credentials
- Holistic and Personalized Approach
- Broad Range of Insurance Partners
- Focus on Integrity and Professionalism
Cons
- Busy During Peak Seasons
Kindle financial had given me excellent options considering all my financial commitments and needs
“I was planning for my Term Insurance coverage and was trying to explore options. Chris Alves the President of Kindle financial had given me excellent options considering all my financial commitments and needs. Chris is very knowledgeable on Financial aspects and gave me the right choices for me to take decision on my Insurance needs. I strongly recommend people to reach out to Chris for any Financial services. Thank you Chris for your timely suggestions and support towards my insurance.”
8. Edward Jones
| Experience | 5/5 |
| Specialization | 4/5 |
| Communication skills | 5/5 |
| Professional fee | 3/5 |
It’s easy to connect with Edward Jones, wherever you are in Calgary. It’s because this Canadian financial firm has a large number of financial advisors scattered throughout the town.
Many of their current clients actually praised their commitment to working one-on-one with them, supported by a branch office administrator who helped every step of the way. Their team includes economists and market experts, as well as portfolio managers.
Looking at their profile, it’s safe to say that their strongest suit is helping clients invest with the insurance they require, which helps in their personal goals in life. They can even advise on complex insurance solutions with the support of their senior insurance specialists.
However, in order to qualify as a client for portfolio management, you must have a minimum of $25,000 on your account. So, it goes without saying that they typically cater to clients and businesses with strong finances.
Well, it just makes sense, as the company is clearly intended to hook large clients onto them. For instance, the investment products they sell are based on a commission-fee basis, which means that the more clients who try to invest with them, the more they’re likely to pay.
Fortunately, Edward Jones provides a cost-free initial consultation, allowing clients to determine whether the firm is a good fit for them. You can secure a meet-up or set up a virtual meeting with the financial advisor of your choice through their website.
Pros
- Has a large number of financial advisors
- Works one-on-one with the clients
- Specializes in insurance investments
- Complimentary initial meeting
- Investment products and plans available
Cons
- Not available on weekends
- Large minimum required for portfolio management
Quick to recommend changes, very professional
Eric has been managing my portfolio for over two years and is always quick to recommend changes that will improve returns. He is very professional and willing to spend extra time to answer all of my questions. I’m very happy with his management of my accounts and I would not hesitate to recommend his services. – Jocelyn Klyne
9. Up Financial Inc.
| Experience | 4/5 |
| Specialization | 4/5 |
| Communication skills | 4/5 |
| Professional fee | 5/5 |
Up Financial specializes in providing investment advice and comprehensive financial planning. They’re the kind of wealth management firm that doesn’t offer products and plans but rather focus on advice-based planning.
They provide clients with access to various investment opportunities without burdening them with expensive professional fees. For that, they implement fee-based practices, where they charge a set rate.
Now that we’re talking about money, we appreciate that Up Financial does not have asset minimums as a requirement to accommodate clients. This allows those who are just starting to build their portfolio to benefit from the company’s investment decision-making expertise.
Talking about customer service, this company won us over with their excellent communication with each of their clients. They always make it a point to provide monthly updates and meet with their regular clients on a weekly basis.
Up Financial has only two financial advisors on their team, which is quite a downfall when compared to other firms on our list. Although, based on their portfolio, this has no bearing on their ability to provide high-quality financial advice.
In fact, they’re well-liked by the majority of their customers, as evidenced by a solid five-star rating on the most reputable review sites. It’s simply disappointing to learn that they’re not available to operate on a daily basis.
Pros
- Expert in various investment opportunities
- No asset minimum for portfolio management
- Charges at a set rate
- Good communication skills
- Online scheduling of appointments available
Cons
- Closed on weekends
- Limited financial services
Great advice, wonderful to work with
Up Financial is simply outstanding. Great customer service, advice and a wonderful team to work with. We feel extremely confident placing our trust in Up Financial and have been very pleased with the services received to date from their team. – Morgan H
Committed, outstanding service
The advisors are knowledgeable, independent and are committed to meeting their clients’ investment needs. The service is outstanding. We have confidently referred family and friends to Up Financial. – Catherine BEAL
10. Langford Financial Inc.
| Experience | 3/5 |
| Specialization | 3/5 |
| Communication skills | 4/5 |
| Professional fee | 4/5 |
Langford Financial specializes in working with Calgary residents approaching retirement age. They provide solutions for issues such as retirement income, investment, and tax planning.
They have curated a planning process that will tell their clients exactly how much income they will have in retirement. This includes the kind of investment structure they should have as they are entering the decumulation phase.
For a flat fee, they can create an ideal retirement roadmap specifically designed for each client’s needs and situation. As if this isn’t enough, they can even construct a plan that will transition their clients into the ideal, financially stable lifestyle.
However, you should be aware that when it comes to client accommodations, Langford Financial can be quite disappointing, at least in our opinion. It had only two financial advisors on its team, and it only served customers on weekdays, even closing earlier on Fridays.
If you ever choose them, you can schedule a meeting by simply filling out their online forms. It’s a free initial consultation, so there is no need to be concerned about the cost – simply be prepared for the price structure they’ll provide you.
Just a quick reminder that Langford Financial charges a 1% fee on all invested assets for its services. All that said, we find them great for retirement-oriented financial plans.
Pros
- Specializes in retirement planning strategy
- Provides ideal retirement roadmap
- Complimentary initial meeting
- Convenient online forms
- Charges a flat-rate fee
Cons
- Only works with 55+ clients
- Doesn’t accommodate on weekends
- Focused solely on retirement planning
Always up to date, readily available
We met through an in person seminar. Willis and Nancy are extremely knowledgeable and keep up todate on the ever changing markets. They are always readily available for all our questions and concerns. We highly recommend Langford for your financial needs! – Cindy Doerksen
Listens and recommends accordingly
I was unsure of how I wanted proceed with my retirement from a financial perspective. I had contacted a number of folks/organizations but was not happy with their suggestions or condescending manner of approach. Then I met with Willis. Wow. It was great. He listened to me, reviewed my current financial situation and my future plans. He came back with several courses of action, outlining advantages and disadvantages to each. I am confident I am now financially ready for the next 25 years. – Deirdre Peet
