A major money event can create both opportunity and pressure. If you recently received an inheritance, sold a business, accepted a legal settlement, or started earning NIL income, the next decision is not just where to invest. It is who you can trust to help turn wealth into a clear plan.

This guide explains how to find a financial advisor near you, verify credentials, compare fees, and choose the right advisor for your finances, family, and future.

Start With Your Financial Goals and Situation

Before you search for a financial advisor near your city or ZIP code, clarify what you need help solving. A sudden inheritance in 2024, sale of a small business, NIL income for college athletes, or legal settlement received this year can affect taxes, investing, risk, estate decisions, and lifestyle choices.

Common financial goals include:

• Retirement planning: turning assets into reliable retirement income.

• Tax planning: reducing avoidable taxes after a windfall or sale.

• Investment management: diversifying beyond concentrated stock, cash, or mutual funds.

• Estate & legacy planning: deciding how money should serve heirs, charity, and values.

• Charitable giving: giving generously without weakening your own plan.

• Healthcare planning: preparing for Medicare, long-term care, and rising expenses.

• Sudden wealth planning: building a comprehensive financial plan instead of chasing one-off investment advice.

At Third Act Retirement Planning, we begin by understanding your “why”-purpose, family, and faith-before discussing products, portfolios, or investment advisory services.

Ask People You Already Trust

Many people who are satisfied with their financial advisor started their search by asking someone they trust, such as friends, family, or colleagues, rather than relying on online searches. Personal referrals are often the most effective way to find a financial advisor, as they provide insights that online profiles cannot, such as the advisor’s responsiveness and behavior during market fluctuations.

Ask people at a similar life stage or income level who have worked with an advisor for at least a year. Good sources include your CPA during 2025 tax filing, the estate attorney who drafted your will last year, or the banker who helped with your mortgage. When seeking personal referrals for a financial advisor, it’s important to ask not just for names, but also for details about why the relationship works and what problems the advisor has helped solve.

Ask your referrer:

• How did the advisor respond during market volatility in 2022–2023?

• How transparent are they about their fee structure?

• Do they act as a fiduciary at all times?

• What client profile do they serve best?

• Who is the custodian for funds and accounts?

• What problems has the advisor helped you solve?

Referrals are a starting point only. You still need diligence around fiduciary duty, credentials, disciplinary history, and fee transparency.

Use Online Tools to Find a Financial Advisor Near You

Most people start with trusted personal referrals, then combine those recommendations with online research to find advisors near their city or across the country. Search phrases like “fee-only financial advisor near Marietta, GA,” “Christian fiduciary advisor near me,” or “certified financial planner for inheritance planning” can produce useful search results.

Advisor matching services typically offer free matching by connecting clients with personal financial advisors based on their specific needs and location. When using a financial advisor matching service, clients usually fill out a short questionnaire that collects information about their financial situation and preferences to find suitable advisors. Many financial advisor matching services vet their advisors to ensure they meet certain qualifications, such as holding fiduciary status, which requires them to act in the best interest of their clients.

Practical search tips:

• Use a search tool with a location search by ZIP code, city, or state.

• Filter for fee-only, fiduciary, and Certified Financial Planner when available.

• Use a professional directory from a national association like NAPFA for fee-only planners or the CFP Board for Certified Financial Planners.

• Check minimum investable assets, especially if you recently received sudden wealth.

• Read the firm website for details on services, fees, compensation structure, and specialties.

• If you want to find an advisor near you but prefer remote access, Third Act Retirement Planning serves clients nationwide from Marietta, Georgia, with virtual and in-person meetings.

Verify Credentials, Experience, and Fiduciary Duty

A financial advisor is a broad term. Some professionals provide financial planning, some sell insurance, some provide brokerage services, and others operate as a registered investment adviser providing advice under a fiduciary standard.

• The Certified Financial Planner designation is one of the strongest signals of professionalism in the financial advisory industry, requiring advisors to meet education and experience requirements, pass a rigorous exam, and adhere to a fiduciary standard.

• A certified financial planner is often well-suited for holistic planning because retirement, taxes, estate, investment, and cash-flow decisions are connected.

• Credentials do not guarantee good advice, but they indicate a commitment to formal training, ethical rules, and continuing education among financial advisors.

• Many financial advisors are part of professional organizations that require adherence to specific standards and ethical guidelines, which can help clients identify qualified advisors.

• Other credentials can matter. Thomas Cloud, Jr. is a Qualified Kingdom Advisor, reflecting training in biblical stewardship, generosity, and legacy planning.

• To verify an advisor’s credentials, use the SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure tool and FINRA BrokerCheck.

• To find a qualified financial advisor, verify fiduciary status, check credentials, screen for disciplinary history, and interview multiple candidates.

• A fiduciary is legally obligated to act in your best interest; some brokers are legally required only to meet a suitability or best-interest-at-recommendation standard. For example, two investments may be suitable, but the fiduciary should recommend the lower-cost option when it better serves the client.

When reviewing websites, look for “fee-only,” “fiduciary,” “registered investment adviser,” CFP, years of experience, and specialties such as inheritance, business exits, tax optimization, or estate planning.

Understand the Fee Structure and Demand Fee Transparency

Fees directly reduce long-term returns, especially for investors managing seven-figure portfolios after a business sale, inheritance, or company liquidity event. Many advisors charge in different ways, so ask for the fee structure in writing.

• Fee only advisors often charge an assets-under-management fee. A common 2024 range is roughly 0.80%–1.25% on the first $1 million, though actual fees vary.

• Flat-fee planning may cost several thousand dollars per year depending on complexity.

• Hourly advice may work for limited questions, while comprehensive wealth management usually needs ongoing review.

• Commission-based advisors may be paid when they sell products, which can create conflicts.

• Third Act Retirement Planning uses a transparent, tiered, fee-only structure based on assets under management and does not receive commissions from products.

• Ask: How are you paid? Do you receive commissions? What mutual funds or underlying expenses will I pay? Can you show me in writing what I will pay in dollars each year?

Here is why transparency matters. On a $2,000,000 portfolio earning 7% before fees, a 1% annual fee leaves about 6% net, growing to roughly $6.4 million over 20 years. A 1.5% fee leaves about 5.5% net, or about $5.8 million. That half-percent difference can approach hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Evaluate Advisor Fit: Values, Faith, and Communication Style

Technical skill is not enough. The right financial advisor should understand your values, family dynamics, communication preferences, and what wealth is actually for.

• For people of faith, ask how biblical wisdom is integrated with financial goals, including stewardship, generosity, contentment, and legacy.

• Third Act Retirement Planning integrates biblical principles with modern planning tools to help clients use sudden wealth for retirement income, legacy, and charitable giving.

• Ask whether meetings are semiannual, quarterly, or annual.

• Decide whether you prefer in-person meetings near Marietta or virtual meetings.

• Ask how quickly the advisor responds to emails or calls.

• Bring thoughtful questions: Who will I actually work with? How often will we review my financial plan? What happens when markets are volatile? How do you coordinate with other professionals? How do you handle conflicts of interest?

Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Financial Advisor

Your first meeting should be a no-pressure conversation, not a sales pitch. The goal is to understand whether the advisor can assist with your money, goals, and family situation.

Prepare these items:

• Recent account statements: brokerage, IRA, 401(k), bank accounts, and other assets.

• Tax returns from 2023–2024.

• Estate documents, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.

• Insurance policies and healthcare coverage details.

• Agreements related to a business sale, legal settlement, NIL income, or other windfall.

• Your top 3–5 financial goals.

• Your biggest worries, such as “Will my inheritance last through retirement?” or “How can I give charitably without jeopardizing my lifestyle?”

• Essential questions to ask advisors include their fiduciary status, payment structure, client profile, and custodian for funds.

Interview at least three different financial advisors to assess their fit, bringing a specific list of technical questions. Financial advisors offer varying specialties, including comprehensive wealth management, estate planning, tax optimization, or retirement planning. At Third Act Retirement Planning, we typically begin with a short discovery call, then a deeper planning meeting where a customized retirement and legacy plan is outlined.

Red Flags and When to Walk Away

Knowing how to find an advisor also means knowing when not to hire one.

• They will not commit to act as a fiduciary at all times.

• They avoid clear answers about fees, expenses, or compensation structure.

• They pressure you to sign quickly.

• They emphasize proprietary products or annuities without explaining risks.

• They refuse to put recommendations in writing.

• They focus only on investment returns while ignoring taxes, estate planning, healthcare, and charitable strategies.

• They are dismissive of your faith, family priorities, or values.

• They cannot explain where your assets will be held or how you will access account information.

How Third Act Retirement Planning Can Help

Third Act Retirement Planning is a Marietta, Georgia–based, fee-only fiduciary firm focused on individuals and families experiencing sudden wealth through inheritance, business sale, settlement, NIL income, or other major transitions.

We help clients with:

• Retirement planning and income strategy.

• Investment management and diversification.

• Tax planning and coordination with your CPA.

• Estate & legacy planning.

• Healthcare planning.

• Charitable giving strategies.

• A four-step process: discovery call, detailed analysis, presentation of a customized financial plan, and ongoing guidance with regular check-ins.

We use a transparent, tiered AUM fee structure, with no commissions, and align advice with biblical wisdom as a Qualified Kingdom Advisor practice.

If you are trying to find a financial advisor near you, we invite you to contact Third Act Retirement Planning to schedule a discovery call or first meeting-in person near Marietta or virtually-to explore whether we are the trusted financial advisor for your next act.

How to Find a Financial Advisor Near You (and Choose the Right One)

A major money event can create both opportunity and pressure. If you recently received an inheritance, sold a business, accepted a legal settlement, or started earning NIL income, the next decision is not just where to invest. It is who you can trust to help turn wealth into a clear plan.

This guide explains how to find a financial advisor near you, verify credentials, compare fees, and choose the right advisor for your finances, family, and future.

Start With Your Financial Goals and Situation

Before you search for a financial advisor near your city or ZIP code, clarify what you need help solving. A sudden inheritance in 2024, sale of a small business, NIL income for college athletes, or legal settlement received this year can affect taxes, investing, risk, estate decisions, and lifestyle choices.

Common financial goals include:

• Retirement planning: turning assets into reliable retirement income.

• Tax planning: reducing avoidable taxes after a windfall or sale.

• Investment management: diversifying beyond concentrated stock, cash, or mutual funds.

• Estate & legacy planning: deciding how money should serve heirs, charity, and values.

• Charitable giving: giving generously without weakening your own plan.

• Healthcare planning: preparing for Medicare, long-term care, and rising expenses.

• Sudden wealth planning: building a comprehensive financial plan instead of chasing one-off investment advice.

At Third Act Retirement Planning, we begin by understanding your “why”-purpose, family, and faith-before discussing products, portfolios, or investment advisory services.

Ask People You Already Trust

Many people who are satisfied with their financial advisor started their search by asking someone they trust, such as friends, family, or colleagues, rather than relying on online searches. Personal referrals are often the most effective way to find a financial advisor, as they provide insights that online profiles cannot, such as the advisor’s responsiveness and behavior during market fluctuations.

Ask people at a similar life stage or income level who have worked with an advisor for at least a year. Good sources include your CPA during 2025 tax filing, the estate attorney who drafted your will last year, or the banker who helped with your mortgage. When seeking personal referrals for a financial advisor, it’s important to ask not just for names, but also for details about why the relationship works and what problems the advisor has helped solve.

Ask your referrer:

• How did the advisor respond during market volatility in 2022–2023?

• How transparent are they about their fee structure?

• Do they act as a fiduciary at all times?

• What client profile do they serve best?

• Who is the custodian for funds and accounts?

• What problems has the advisor helped you solve?

Referrals are a starting point only. You still need diligence around fiduciary duty, credentials, disciplinary history, and fee transparency.

Use Online Tools to Find a Financial Advisor Near You

Start by asking trusted contacts for referrals, because most people get better leads that way, then combine those referrals with online research to find advisors near your city or across the country. Search phrases like “fee-only financial advisor near Marietta, GA,” “Christian fiduciary advisor near me,” or “certified financial planner for inheritance planning” can produce useful search results.

Advisor matching services typically offer free matching by connecting clients with personal financial advisors based on their specific needs and location. When using a financial advisor matching service, clients usually fill out a short questionnaire that collects information about their financial situation and preferences to find suitable advisors. Many financial advisor matching services vet their advisors to ensure they meet certain qualifications, and some are tied to a national association that adds another layer of credibility and search support.

Practical search tips:

• Use a search tool with a location search by ZIP code, city, or state.

• Filter for fee-only, fiduciary, and Certified Financial Planner when available.

• Use professional directories like NAPFA for fee-only planners or the CFP Board for Certified Financial Planners.

• Check minimum investable assets, especially if you recently received sudden wealth.

• Read the firm website for details on services, fees, compensation structure, and specialties.

• If you want to find an advisor near you but prefer remote access, Third Act Retirement Planning serves clients nationwide from Marietta, Georgia, with virtual and in-person meetings.

Verify Credentials, Experience, and Fiduciary Duty

A financial advisor is a broad term. Some professionals provide financial planning, some sell insurance, some provide brokerage services, and others operate as a registered investment adviser providing advice under a fiduciary standard.

• The Certified Financial Planner designation is one of the strongest signals of professionalism in the financial advisory industry, requiring advisors to meet education and experience requirements, pass a rigorous exam, and adhere to a fiduciary standard.

• A certified financial planner is often well-suited for holistic planning because retirement, taxes, estate, investment, and cash-flow decisions are connected.

• Credentials do not guarantee good advice, but they indicate a commitment to formal training, ethical rules, and continuing education among financial advisors.

• Many financial advisors are part of professional organizations that require adherence to specific standards and ethical guidelines, which can help clients identify qualified advisors.

• Other credentials can matter. Thomas Cloud, Jr. is a Qualified Kingdom Advisor, reflecting training in biblical stewardship, generosity, and legacy planning.

• To verify an advisor’s credentials, use the SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure tool and FINRA BrokerCheck.

• To find a qualified financial advisor, verify fiduciary status, check credentials, screen for disciplinary history, and interview multiple candidates.

• A fiduciary is legally obligated to act in your best interest; some brokers are legally required only to meet a suitability or best-interest-at-recommendation standard. For example, two investments may be suitable, but the fiduciary should recommend the lower-cost option when it better serves the client.

When reviewing websites, look for “fee-only,” “fiduciary,” “registered investment adviser,” CFP, years of experience, and specialties such as inheritance, business exits, tax optimization, or estate planning.

Understand the Fee Structure and Demand Fee Transparency

Fees directly reduce long-term returns, especially for investors managing seven-figure portfolios after a business sale, inheritance, or company liquidity event. Many advisors charge in different ways, so ask for the fee structure in writing.

• Fee only advisors often charge an assets-under-management fee. A common 2024 range is roughly 0.80%–1.25% on the first $1 million, though actual fees vary.

• Flat-fee planning may cost several thousand dollars per year depending on complexity.

• Hourly advice may work for limited questions, while comprehensive wealth management usually needs ongoing review.

• Commission-based advisors may be paid when they sell products, which can create conflicts.

• Third Act Retirement Planning uses a transparent, tiered, fee-only structure based on assets under management and does not receive commissions from products.

• Ask: How are you paid? Do you receive commissions? What mutual funds or underlying expenses will I pay? Can you show me in writing what I will pay in dollars each year?

Here is why transparency matters. On a $2,000,000 portfolio earning 7% before fees, a 1% annual fee leaves about 6% net, growing to roughly $6.4 million over 20 years. A 1.5% fee leaves about 5.5% net, or about $5.8 million. That half-percent difference can approach hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Evaluate Advisor Fit: Values, Faith, and Communication Style

Technical skill is not enough. The right financial advisor should understand your values, family dynamics, communication preferences, and what wealth is actually for.

• For people of faith, ask how biblical wisdom is integrated with financial goals, including stewardship, generosity, contentment, and legacy.

• Third Act Retirement Planning integrates biblical principles with modern planning tools to help clients use sudden wealth for retirement income, legacy, and charitable giving.

• Ask whether meetings are semiannual, quarterly, or annual.

• Decide whether you prefer in-person meetings near Marietta or virtual meetings.

• Ask how quickly the advisor responds to emails or calls.

• Bring thoughtful questions: Who will I actually work with? How often will we review my financial plan? What happens when markets are volatile? How do you coordinate with other professionals? How do you handle conflicts of interest?

Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Financial Advisor

Your first meeting should be a no-pressure conversation, not a sales pitch. The goal is to understand whether the advisor can assist with your money, goals, and family situation.

Prepare these items:

• Recent account statements: brokerage, IRA, 401(k), bank accounts, and other assets.

• Tax returns from 2023–2024.

• Estate documents, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.

• Insurance policies and healthcare coverage details.

• Agreements related to a business sale, legal settlement, NIL income, or other windfall.

• Your top 3–5 financial goals.

• Your biggest worries, such as “Will my inheritance last through retirement?” or “How can I give charitably without jeopardizing my lifestyle?”

• Essential questions to ask advisors include their fiduciary status, payment structure, client profile, and custodian for funds.

Interview at least three different financial advisors to assess their fit, bringing a specific list of technical questions. Financial advisors offer varying specialties, including comprehensive wealth management, estate planning, tax optimization, or retirement planning. At Third Act Retirement Planning, we typically begin with a short discovery call, then a deeper planning meeting where a customized retirement and legacy plan is outlined.

Red Flags and When to Walk Away

Knowing how to find an advisor also means knowing when not to hire one.

• They will not commit to act as a fiduciary at all times.

• They avoid clear answers about fees, expenses, or compensation structure.

• They pressure you to sign quickly.

• They emphasize proprietary products or annuities without explaining risks.

• They refuse to put recommendations in writing.

• They focus only on investment returns while ignoring taxes, estate planning, healthcare, and charitable strategies.

• They are dismissive of your faith, family priorities, or values.

• They cannot explain where your assets will be held or how you will access account information.

How Third Act Retirement Planning Can Help

Third Act Retirement Planning is a Marietta, Georgia–based, fee-only fiduciary firm focused on individuals and families experiencing sudden wealth through inheritance, business sale, settlement, NIL income, or other major transitions.

We help clients with:

• Retirement planning and income strategy.

• Investment management and diversification.

• Tax planning and coordination with your CPA.

• Estate & legacy planning.

• Healthcare planning.

• Charitable giving strategies.

• A four-step process: discovery call, detailed analysis, presentation of a customized financial plan, and ongoing guidance with regular check-ins.

We use a transparent, tiered AUM fee structure, with no commissions, and align advice with biblical wisdom as a Qualified Kingdom Advisor practice.

If you are trying to find a financial advisor near you, we invite you to contact Third Act Retirement Planning to schedule a discovery call or first meeting-in person near Marietta or virtually-to explore whether we are the trusted financial advisor for your next act.