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Don’t sweat your search for a financial advisor in Houston — the city’s hot enough as it is. Instead, let MagnifyMoney help you sort through Houston’s deep pool of financial advisors and find one that fits your needs.
We’ve done the legwork and research for you, compiling a list of the best financial advisory firms in Houston. These firms offer an array of services for individual investors and business owners, including investment management, tax strategy, financial planning and more. You can even take a look at how we chose our picks.
| Firm name | Minimum assets required | Fee structure |
|---|---|---|
| Avalon Investment & Advisory | $5 million |
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| U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors, LLC | $50,000 |
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| Linscomb & Williams | $1 million |
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| Paul Comstock Partners | $5 million |
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| Avidian Wealth Solutions, LLC | $1 million |
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| Americana Partners, LLC | No account minimum |
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| Chilton Capital Management LLC | No account minimum |
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| Icon Wealth Partners, LLC | No account minimum |
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| Corda Investment Management, LLC | Not specified, but minimum annual fee of $5,000 |
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| Inscription Capital, LLC | No account minimum |
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1. Avalon Investment & Advisory |
About the firmAvalon Investment & Advisory leads off our list of top financial advisors in Houston. Founded in 2001, this fee-based firm primarily caters to high net worth individuals. It’s no surprise, considering Avalon requires a hefty $5 million minimum investment for prospective clients. However, the firm notes that it can waive the minimum at its discretion. Avalon charges a $50,000 minimum annual fee, which could burden clients who join with accounts below the firm’s stated minimum. However, clients with more than $5 million invested will find asset under management (AUM) fees ranging from 0.30% to 0.70% — with lower fees for those with the highest account balances. Depending on your investment strategy, you may also face product fees ranging from 0.05% to 0.50%, which apply to private funds. We suggest you ask the firm directly about its product fees for a clearer picture of if and how they’ll impact your account. Finally, Avalon is owned by a mix of employees, clients and entities associated with The Cynosure Group, LLC, a Salt Lake City-based firm that works with family offices. |
Services offered by Avalon Investment & Advisory
Avalon Investment & Advisory investing strategyAt Avalon, you won’t find strategies that use hedging, derivatives, leverage or options. But you will find access to private funds and a wide selection of equity strategies and fixed-income accounts — all built by Avalon and managed on a discretionary basis. What does that mean for you? You won’t have to sign off on individual transactions; the firm will execute them directly. If you’re a fixed-income investor, you’ll pick from 10 different strategies that invest in both taxable and tax-exempt securities of varying durations. Looking to invest in stocks? Avalon has over 20 proprietary equity strategies targeting U.S. and global stocks, all with varying risk profiles and capitalizations. For example, with an Avalon Global Equity Income Account, you’ll invest in domestic and international stocks that produce income and long-term capital appreciation. Meanwhile, the firm’s Large Cap Growth Account may be for you if you’re interested in a long-only investment strategy focused on growth-oriented companies. Potential conflicts of interestYour Avalon advisor might collect sales commissions when investing your assets in private funds. This creates a potential conflict of interest, as the additional compensation could lead your advisor to recommend specific investments where they earn fees over more appropriate alternatives where they might not. Ask your advisor about the compensation they might receive above and beyond your AUM management fees. Avalon Investment & Advisory disciplinary disclosuresNone reported in the past 10 years. For more information on the firm, visit the Avalon Investment & Advisory Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) page with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). |
2. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors, LLC |
About the firmFounded in 2010, U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors, LLC was previously known as Legacy One Financial Advisors, LLC, until it changed its name in 2021. While this fee-based firm has headquarters in Houston, it has additional offices in Austin, Dallas, New York and Georgetown, Texas. While investment minimums at other firms can reach the millions, U.S. Capital Wealth requires only $50,000 in investable assets to open an account. However, the firm can reduce this minimum at its discretion. U.S. Capital Wealth’s low investment minimum may get you in the door, but you’ll have to ask the firm directly about its fee structure. U.S Capital Wealth charges asset-based and fixed fees but doesn’t publish its rates. Instead, the firm states that its AUM fees won’t exceed 3%. Also, you’ll pay extra for financial planning services, which your AUM fee, unfortunately, won’t cover. |
Services offered by U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors, LLC
U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors, LLC investing strategyU.S. Capital Wealth doesn’t provide much detail on its investment strategy beyond the industry standard approach of considering your risk tolerance, investment goals and liquidity constraints. Based on our review of publicly available information, we can tell you that your portfolio may include mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), individual securities positions and bonds. Depending on your risk appetite, the firm may use riskier strategies like selling covered calls, buying put options, alternative investments or private placements. However, before making recommendations, your advisor will consider your tax situation, which isn’t something we see offered by all advisory firms. As for account management, the firm manages most accounts on a discretionary basis, meaning you don’t have to sign off on individual transactions. Potential conflicts of interestSome U.S. Capital Wealth advisors earn compensation when recommending securities or insurance products. This creates a potential conflict of interest, as your advisor could be motivated to recommend products that generate commissions. We encourage you to ask your advisor about the commissions they receive and their possible impact on you. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors, LLC disciplinary disclosuresNone reported in the past 10 years. For more details on the firm, visit U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors, LLC’s IADP page with the SEC. |
3. Linscomb & Williams |
About the firmIn business since 1971, Linscomb & Williams is a fee-only advisory firm that provides investment management and wealth planning services. In addition to its Houston headquarters, Linscomb & Williams has several offices across Texas, Alabama and Georgia. The firm is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cadence Bank, whose parent company is BancorpSouth, a regional banking organization in Mississippi. You won’t need a specified amount to become a client since the firm doesn’t impose a minimum account size requirement. However, you’ll need to be mindful of the firm’s minimum advisory fee, which starts at $3,000 per quarter ($12,000 per year). In general, however, you can expect AUM fees on a tiered structure:
Linscomb & Williams can also offer you a la carte wealth planning services for a fixed fee or an hourly charge. |
Services offered by Linscomb & Williams
Linscomb & Williams investing strategyLinscomb & Williams currently manages all client accounts on a discretionary basis, so you’ll be giving the firm full authority to make transactions within your portfolio. The firm has a six-member investment committee that analyzes the current economic and market environment, which helps inform how your advisor will manage your portfolio. Unlike some financial advisors, Linscomb & Williams doesn’t shy away from selecting individual securities. Your advisor might use a mixture of stocks, mutual funds, ETFs and separately managed common stock accounts. Depending on your goals, your advisor might recommend various fixed-income assets, cash and cash equivalents. However, when it comes to strategy, Linscomb & Williams doesn’t provide much detail on the tactics and approaches it uses to invest your assets. The firm states in its Part 2 brochure that it employs industry standard tactics, like long-term purchases (securities held for at least a year), short-term purchases (securities held for less than a year) and trades (securities sold within 30 days). We suggest you inquire further about the firm’s investment philosophy if you opt to become a client. Potential conflicts of interestNone to report. Linscomb & Williams disciplinary disclosuresOne reported disclosure in the past 10 years. About the disclosure: In 2016, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) alleged that a Linscomb & Williams employee had broken a newly created rule barring representatives of FINRA members from engaging in private securities transactions. The alleged infraction took place before the employee joined Linscomb & Williams. As a result, the employee accepted a three-month suspension and agreed to pay a $5,000 fine upon re-registering with a FINRA member firm. For more information about the firm and the above disclosure, visit the Linscomb & Williams IAPD page with the SEC. |
4. Avidian Wealth Solutions, LCC |
About the firmAvidian Wealth Solutions, LLC is a fee-based, employee-owned firm with a 20-year history in financial advisory, including under its previous name Streettalk Advisors, LLC. Despite a $1 million account minimum, Avidian works with clients across the wealth spectrum and can reduce its minimum at its discretion. What we find unclear, however, is how Avidian charges its management fees. The firm states in its brochure that the maximum you’ll pay for a managed account is 1.5% of AUM but doesn’t provide a tiered fee schedule. Therefore, you’ll have to engage with the firm for a more accurate idea of fees. The firm also has a wrap fee program that bundles your advisor, transaction, investment and product fees and other expenses into a single annual fee. But if you’re just looking for stand-alone financial planning — not asset management — Avidian can provide it for a fixed fee ($2,000 to $100,000) or an hourly rate ($150 to $500). |
Services offered by Avidian Wealth Solutions, LLC
Avidian Wealth Solutions, LLC investing strategyAvidian primarily manages investment accounts on a discretionary basis and taps a wide range of asset classes to build your portfolio. You’ll find the usual suspects here: mutual funds, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs), money market funds, government securities, debt securities, derivatives and alternative investments. Like most Avidian clients, you’ll likely see your assets invested in one of the firm’s model portfolios, which utilize active and passive strategies. If you’re among their high net worth investors, you might also have access to private funds that Avidian manages or unaffiliated hedge funds. Remember that hedge funds and other private investment vehicles can produce high returns, but they typically carry more risk. Potential conflicts of interestAvidian advisors may also work as insurance agents. As a result, your advisor may earn commissions from an affiliated insurance agency when recommending specific products to you. While this creates a potential conflict of interest, your advisor has a fiduciary duty to serve your best interests. Avidian Wealth Solutions, LLC disciplinary disclosuresNone reported in the past 10 years. If you want to read more about the firm and its services, visit Avidian Wealth Solutions, LLC’s IAPD page with the SEC. |
5. Paul Comstock Partners |
About the firmFounded in 1983, Paul Comstock Partners is a small, fee-only advisory firm that exclusively works with highly affluent individual investors and families. Beyond investment management, the firm specializes in strategic wealth planning for families, including succession planning, cash flow analysis, lifestyle management and wealth transfer. If you’re looking for comprehensive planning services and have millions to invest, Paul Comstock Partners may be a firm to consider. The firm charges either a flat fee for investment management and planning services or an asset-based fee linked to your AUM. For the latter, expect to pay between 0.20% and 0.70%. However, this fee starts at a minimum of $25,000 per year. It’s also worth noting that the firm charges between $25,000 and $150,000 for an initial review of your portfolio, financial plan and estate plan. This review, known as a Present Position Analysis, can be conducted as a stand-alone service or as part of an ongoing relationship. Chief executive officer Alison Comstock Moss principally owns the firm, while founder Paul Comstock retains a minority interest in the business. |
Services offered by Paul Comstock Partners
Paul Comstock Partners investing strategyUnlike most advisory firms that manage a majority of accounts on a discretionary basis, Paul Comstock Partners only provides non-discretionary advice. Your advisor won’t directly execute transactions within your portfolio — you will. The firm’s role is to advise you on your asset allocation and help you select third-party investment managers. You’ll likely see your assets allocated to a portfolio of diversified stocks, but your advisor might also recommend alternative strategies like hedge funds, private equity and real estate funds. However, the firm points out that you’ll have the final say on whether or not to invest in alternative strategies. Many clients simply opt to stick to a traditional stock and bond portfolio. In some cases, your advisor may also recommend investments in precious metals and other commodities, interests in limited or general partnerships and insurance and annuity contracts. Our general conclusion is that you’ll have a host of investment options and the final say on what lands in your portfolio. Potential conflicts of interest None to report. Paul Comstock Partners disciplinary disclosuresNone reported in the past 10 years. For more information on the firm, its services and its processes, visit the Paul Comstock Partners IAPD page with the SEC. |
6. Americana Partners |
About the firmThe next firm on our list of the best financial advisors in Houston is Americana Partners. Founded in 2019, Americana is suitable for myriad investors with varying asset levels with no minimum investment requirement. In fact, the firm currently works with slightly more non-high net worth individuals than those qualifying as high net worth. Investment management and financial planning are the bread-and-butter services at Americana. The firm can help you with various financial planning needs, including retirement, insurance, trusts and estate planning. You can receive these core services in conjunction with portfolio management or on a stand-alone basis. As a client, you can expect to pay an asset-based fee ranging from 0.35% to 1% AUM for investment management. For standalone financial planning and consulting, you’ll either pay a flat fee ($2,500 to $250,000) or an asset-based fee between 0.05% to 0.50%. Employees own most of the business, with CEO Jason Fertitta holding the most significant ownership stake. |
Services offered by Americana Partners
Americana Partners investing strategyAmericana Partners doesn’t provide much detail on their investment strategy other than the standard use of fundamental, technical and charting analysis. However, the firm does offer a glimpse of the types of assets your portfolio may hold:
Depending on your financial situation and asset level, the firm may also recommend private placements, including hedge funds and other alternative investments. While some firms may not consider the tax implications of the investment advice they provide, Americana says it takes your tax situation into account. Potential conflicts of interestIn addition to investment advice and financial planning, your advisor may recommend particular financial products or insurance in their separate roles as a broker-dealer rep or insurance agent. Be sure to ask your advisor about third-party compensation and how they mitigate potential conflicts of interest in their role as fiduciary advisors. Americana Partners disciplinary disclosuresNone reported in the past 10 years. Visit Americana Partners’ IAPD page with the SEC to learn more about the firm and its services. |
7. Chilton Capital Management LLC |
About the firmFounded in 1996, Chilton Capital Management shares ownership between Knapp Brothers, a Texas-based limited liability company (60%) and Chilton employees (40%). Whether you’re a new investor or looking for a new advisory relationship, the firm has no minimum investment requirements for new clients. In a world where it seems that many advisors are only interested in clients with a significant net worth, the “no minimum” is a bit of a balm for our list of Houston’s best financial advisors. We found the firm’s AUM fees to be quite reasonable (0.50% and 1%), especially among other firms with no stated investment minimum. While the above AUM fees fall within the average range of the industry, you may end up paying slightly higher fees for some Chilton investment strategies, including the Swan Defined Risk Strategy. However, rest assured that Chilton advisors don’t receive third-party compensation for recommending securities or insurance products. |
Services offered by Chilton Capital Management LLC
Chilton Capital Management LLC’s investing strategyChilton advisors typically invest with an emphasis on long-term growth of capital and income. While your advisor may make short-term moves, you should expect to hold securities for at least three years. The firm has four primary investment strategies that vary in approach and underlying assets:
Lastly, Chilton offers both discretionary and non-discretionary account management. Potential conflicts of interestNone to report. Chilton Capital Management LLC disciplinary disclosuresNone reported in the past 10 years. Want to read more about the firm and its services? For more details, visit the Chilton Capital Management LLC IAPD page with the SEC. |
8. Icon Wealth Partners, LLC |
About the firmFounded in 2016, Icon Wealth Partners, LLC is a fee-based financial advisory firm and a subsidiary of Focus Financial Partners Inc., a publicly-traded company that owns dozens of registered investment advisors (RIAs), broker-dealers and financial firms throughout the country. Regarding firm capabilities, you can expect the standard fare here — investment advisory and financial planning services. However, we do note that Icon’s fees seem to trend higher than many firms we’ve seen, topping out at 1.75%. When the firm invests your money with an independent manager, your fee can reach up to 2% of AUM. Unfortunately, the firm doesn’t provide a tiered fee structure, so the only way to learn more about fees would be to engage directly with Icon. |
Services offered by Icon Wealth Partners, LLC
Icon Wealth Partners investing strategyWhile Icon primarily uses a long-term approach, the firm may use short-term strategies to meet your needs. You can expect Icon to invest your money in one or more model portfolios, which typically comprise low-cost ETFs. However, your portfolio may include mutual funds, private investments, individual stocks and bonds. Aside from model portfolios, the firm may call on an independent investment manager to manage a portion of your portfolio for an additional fee. Unfortunately, Icon doesn’t offer much detail about its model portfolios or investing strategies. We recommend you ask the firm about the different approaches used within model portfolios and what you can expect should you choose to become a client. Potential conflicts of interestSome Icon advisors are also representatives of a broker-dealer who can earn commissions on certain transactions within your account. This creates a conflict of interest because your advisor has a financial incentive to recommend specific products and transactions over more appropriate alternatives. However, Icon is a fiduciary advisor, so they must always place your needs above their profit. Icon Wealth Partners disciplinary disclosuresNone reported in the past 10 years. To verify the firm’s disclosure status or any information we’ve included, please stop by Icon Wealth Partners’ IAPD page with the SEC. |
9. Inscription Capital, LLC |
About the firmFounded in 2018, Inscription Capital is a fee-based firm that markets its services to affluent investors and their families. Employees own most of the business, so if you’re interested in working with a firm whose owners are directly involved with daily operations and crafting investment strategy, Inscription may be one to consider. Inscription typically charges between 0.25% to 1.25% of AUM, depending on the size and scope of your relationship with the firm. However, it’s unclear whether Inscription charges a flat rate or uses a tiered fee schedule, so it’s best to engage with the firm directly for further details. Remember that AUM fees typically don’t cover the fees and expenses associated with the operations of your account, including transaction fees and mutual fund expense ratios. |
Services offered by Inscription Capital
Inscription Capital’s investing strategyWhile researching the firm, we found that Inscription’s investing approach begins with industry-standard practices like identifying your goals and risk profile. From there, the firm sets out to build you a diversified portfolio designed for the long term while delivering tax-efficient, inflation-adjusted returns. The firm has an investment committee that selects assets for inclusion in advisors’ model portfolios and approved lists of investments. These assets include global and domestic equities, taxable and non-taxable fixed-income securities, mutual funds, ETFs, structured products, options and alternative investments. Inscription’s committee also reviews and selects external managers if you need one. For those not using an automated investment platform with their portfolio, you can choose between discretionary and non-discretionary management — a plus for investors who want more control over their portfolios. For investors interested in the firm’s automated investment partner, Betterment Institutional, you’ll only have the option of discretionary investment management. This robo-advisor platform allocates your assets among 10 to 12 ETFs and automatically manages your portfolio. Potential conflicts of interestYour Inscription Capital advisor may double as a licensed insurance agent or representative of a broker-dealer. In these additional roles, your advisor may receive commissions on transactions made within your account. We suggest asking your advisor how they’re compensated and how they address conflicts of interest. Inscription Capital’s disciplinary disclosuresNone reported in the past 10 years. To confirm its disclosure history and learn more about the firm, check out Inscription Capital’s IAPD page. |
10. Corda Investment Management, Inc. |
About the firmFounded in 1999, Corda Investment Management is a fee-only financial advisor with multiple locations in Texas, New Orleans and Denver. The firm has three distinct service packages — Navigate, Journey and Voyage — tailored for clients with varying levels of wealth:
Your advisory fee, based on a percentage of AUM, is calculated using a tiered fee schedule:
However, the firm charges a minimum advisory fee of $5,000. If you have a smaller portfolio, you’ll want to do the math to see if the minimum fee makes sense for your finances. |
Services offered by Corda Investment Management
Corda Investment Management’s investing strategyWe applaud Corda for the simple yet effective way it describes its approach to investing in its marketing materials. The firm clearly states on its website that it uses a value investing company that targets companies trading at a discount. Corda takes a somewhat atypical approach to asset allocation, primarily investing your assets in individual stocks rather than mutual funds and ETFs. Your portfolio will likely comprise between 25 and 30 individual stocks and perhaps individual bonds. Corda doesn’t completely rule out using ETFs, though. Your advisor may invest in ETF shares if you have a smaller account size or need more diversification. Lastly, suppose you’re interested in environmental, social and governance (ESG). In that case, you’ll be happy to learn that Corda conducts ESG analysis to identify companies that “have a positive impact on the world while reducing risk in your portfolio.” Potential conflicts of interestNone to report. Corda Investment Management’s disciplinary disclosuresNone reported in the past 10 years. You can learn more about the firm and confirm its current disclosure history by visiting the Corda Investment Management IAPD page with the SEC. |
Our staff of experts and former financial advisors understand how important it is to find the best financial advisor for your unique needs and goals. That’s why we’ve put together a few possible next steps to take to keep the momentum going:
We will use this information to find the right advisor near you
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You deserve a financial partner you can trust on your wealth-building journey. That’s why we focused on specific criteria that mean the most to investors like you. Not only did we review each firm’s website and most recent Form ADV on file with the SEC, but we only considered firms for this list that:
Of the firms that made the cut, we ranked those firms based on AUM. AUM can be a significant trust factor, as it shows the amount of money others have entrusted the firm to manage.
And we know that you will ultimately be the best judge of which financial advisor is best for you. If you want to verify any of our information first-hand, visit the SEC’s IAPD website. You can search for any firm’s Form ADV — filed annually by March 31 — and explore the firm’s most recent updates. All information on our list of the best financial advisors in Houston is accurate as of September 2, 2022.
The “Find a Financial Advisor” links contained in this article will direct you to webpages devoted to MagnifyMoney Advisor (“MMA”). After completing a brief questionnaire, you will be matched with certain financial advisers who participate in MMA’s referral program, which may or may not include the investment advisers discussed.
Patrick VillanovaPatrick Villanova is a former senior writer and investing expert at MagnifyMoney. He previously worked at SmartAsset, covering retirement, financial planning and investing.
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