Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Financial Advisors in Bellingham

Our Recommended Top 16

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Bellingham Financial Advisors on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

34

Reviewed

26

Curated

16

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider
SmartAdvisor by SmartAsset logo
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SmartAdvisor by SmartAsset

Bellingham, WA
  • Estate Planning
  • Financial Planning
  • Investment Management
  • Retirement Planning

Why choose this provider?

SmartAsset's free, five-minute tool makes it easy to find qualified financial advisors in your area. The exclusive tool uses a quick survey to help SmartAsset's exclusive algorithm match you with up to three advisors based on your specific financial needs. Each advisor is a fiduciary, legally bound to work in your best interest, and rigorously vetted by SmartAsset. You can speak with each for free, sometimes within a matter of minutes, and choose whom you want to work with. Hundreds of thousands of smart investors and retirees have already used SmartAsset's simple, no-cost service to find the right financial advisors for them.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Price: Free Consultation

Bellingham, WA

Why choose this provider?

Need help contacting a Financial Advisor in Bellingham? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Price: Free booking service | Call 848.Book.Pro!

Website
119 Grand Avenue Suite A, Bellingham, WA 98225
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Financial Planning

Why choose this provider?

Steele Financial Services provides customized financial and investment advisory and management services to young individuals, retirees, small businesses, corporations, trusts, and charitable foundations in Bellingham. It helps clients execute sound asset programs through insurance strategy, retirement planning, debt management, estate planning, and family risk management services. The company uses a comprehensive life plan to create sustainable and ethical investment plans aligning with UN development goals. It also utilizes Avantax Wealth Management to make informed tax-related decisions.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Website
2115 Barkley Blvd #101, Bellingham, WA 98226
  • Finance Planning

Why choose this provider?

Financial Plan, Inc. is an advisory firm serving Bellingham. It offers a four-step financial planning process to assess the clients’ financial pictures and use the data to develop plans that help them achieve their goals. These include preparing for retirement, meeting education expenses, maximizing wealth, or reducing debts and tax liabilities. It also assists them in recommending investment options, determining asset allocation, and constructing and managing their portfolios. The firm covers estate planning and risk management.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
#201 2420 McCallum Rd., Abbotsford, BC V2S 6R9
  • Finance Planning

Why choose this provider?

Rivershore Wealth Planning offers financial advisory services to clients in Bellingham. The firm helps clients plan their taxes, investments, insurances, and retirement options. It also assists with goal planning and tracking important dates, charitable giving, and debt and mortgage reduction. The firm analyzes the goals and needs of each client and provides a customized plan with recommendations. An action plan is utilized to implement the recommendations, and the firm monitors, reviews, and updates the plan annually.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (61)

Website
214 N Commercial St., Bellingham, WA 98225
  • Estate Planning
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Retirement Planning
  • Financial Planning

Why choose this provider?

Trail Financial Planning, LLC, serves clients in Bellingham and the surrounding areas. The company assists individuals in creating financial plans that align with their retirement, educational, investment, insurance, and tax needs and goals. Its advisors also review clients' income and expenses to guide them in managing their debts and cash flow and help them save emergency funds. One of the company's founders, John Chesbrough, has been offering investment management and financial advisory services for more than a decade.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1300 N State St., Bellingham, WA 98225
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Financial Planning

Why choose this provider?

For more than three decades, Saturna Capital has been assisting Bellingham-based individuals and institutions in accumulating wealth, earning income, preserving capital, and achieving financial objectives. The firm's financial advisors examine opportunities through in-depth research into geopolitical changes, industry themes, technology trends, competitive settings, and company leadership. They offer different account types to meet the investing needs of clients, including taxable, tax-deferred, and individual retirement plans. They also have halal investment opportunities that are in accordance with Islamic principles.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Google
4.2 / 5 (10)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (9)

Website
5765 Willow Springs Way, Ferndale, WA 98248
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Simmer Financial Planning, LLC, is an investment advisory firm serving the residents of the Bellingham metro. The firm offers customized financial planning services. It helps clients with retirement and tax planning, cash flow projections, and investment analysis and reviews. Ronald G. Simmer, the owner and principal of the company, provides guidance on loan and mortgage options. He is a Certified Financial Planner and a Registered Financial Advisor with the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
114 W Magnolia St, Bellingham, WA 98225
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Creative Money LLC is a financial advisory firm serving clients in Bellingham and nearby areas. It helps individuals and families achieve financial security and stability through financial planning. Founder Mindy Crary is a Certified Financial Planner who has 22 years of financial industry experience. She is the author of the book "Personal Finance That Doesn't Suck." Her team of financial planners includes Samantha Kirby, Katie Noble, and Dawn Torres-Gale. They have more than 30 years of combined industry experience.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (7)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Website
1768 Iowa Street, Bellingham, WA 98229
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Finance Planning

Why choose this provider?

Gene Bell & Associates helps its clients in Bellingham create goal-based financial plans tailored to their specific cash flow needs, tax situation, and risk tolerance. It also assists them in wealth and retirement planning, estate and tax strategy planning, insurance review and risk assessment, and business owners and multi-generational family wealth and legacy planning. The company's president and CEO, Gene Bell, is a CFP, an accredited tax preparer, and an enrolled agent who can represent taxpayers before the IRS.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)

Website
5060 Pacific Hwy, Ste 101, Ferndale, WA 98248

Why choose this provider?

Asset Advisors LLC helps reach the financial goals of individuals and businesses in Bellingham. It comprises financial advisors who create a plan that assesses clients' present condition by looking at assets, income, and expenses. They also examine and modify the financial plan on a regular basis to keep it current and active. In addition, the team provides retirement planning, investment management, and estate planning solutions. Founder and wealth advisor Dick Donahue is a member of Financial Institution Services and a charter member of the Ed Slott IRA Advisory Group. He's also a Certified Financial Planner and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary. Camille Koppenberg is a co-advisor of the firm and holds the AAMS designation.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2122 Barkley Blvd, Bellingham, WA 98226
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Salish Wealth Management offers a wide range of financial services to the people of Bellingham. Specializing in serving individuals and families in retirement, its experienced financial advisors combine disciplined investment strategies and a customized approach to help clients pursue their goals. The services they provide include investment management, retirement strategies, alternative investments, college saving plans, and tax strategies. The founder of Salish Wealth Management, Scott A. Hume, has more than two decades' worth of experience as a financial planner.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Google
4.0 / 5 (6)

Website
1405 N. Forest St., Bellingham, WA 98225
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Private Wealth Advisor
  • Retirement Planning

Why choose this provider?

Spinnaker Financial Group is an independent and locally owned company that assists clients in Bellingham. Its team of advisors objectively present different investment options and helps clients in making educated financial decisions. It offers various financial services, including asset management, asset allocation, brokerage relationship, socially responsible investing, and ongoing portfolio management and rebalancing. The company handles non-retirement, IRAs, ROTH, and 401(k). One of its founding partners, Joseph Carpenter, is a Certified Investment Management Analyst.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2210 Rimland Drive, Suite 101, Bellingham, WA 98226
  • Tax Planning
  • Tax Preparation
  • Financial Planning
  • Wealth Management

Why choose this provider?

Established in 1976, Multop Financial is a private wealth management firm serving the Bellingham area. It consists of CPAs, financial advisors, and tax specialists, helping clients achieve a sound financial future. They offer wealth and portfolio management, retirement planning, and refinery retirement solutions. The firm's wealth management services include business succession and charitable gift planning, asset allocation, and portfolio analysis. Its advisors help clients review various aspects of their financial situation and educate them on their options.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (14)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Bellingham, WA
  • Retirement Planning
  • Tax Planning

Why choose this provider?

Clearbrook Investment Management helps clients in the Bellingham metro with handling their finances. The firm helps clients with retirement planning, taking their future goals into account, and employing the use of a retirement process roadmap. Its advisors review each client's current financial situation to create a customized plan. These plans are then reviewed by the client before implementation. The company extends its services to clients who require assistance with tax planning. It was formed in 2014 by Ben Scellick.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (14)

Website
1855 Main Street, Suite 103, Ferndale, WA 98248
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Ludeman Capital Management is an investment advising firm that caters to individuals living in Bellingham. Its concentration includes wealth management and asset management solutions. The firm uses software solutions to determine a clients' acceptable levels of investment risk. Its president Heidi Ludeman has a business administration background and has worked for similar financial firms in the past. Her spouse Jonathan P. Ludeman is a Certified Financial Planner and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary. He serves as one of the office's advisers.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    There are many titles for financial professionals, so it's challenging to track what each one means. A financial advisor is probably the term you've heard most often. Financial advisor is a broad term for a professional who helps individuals or companies manage their finances, including investment choices. There are over 100 certifications that financial advisors can obtain.

    • Financial planners, wealth managers, and investment advisors are all financial advisors with different focus areas.
    • A financial planner helps an individual or a company make a plan to achieve long-term financial goals.
    • A wealth manager helps individuals maintain their wealth through various disciplines and services, such as taxes, estate planning, and investment advice.
    • An investment advisor offers investment advice and recommendations to individuals or organizations.
    There’s a misconception that you have to be extremely wealthy to use a financial advisor. In reality, they can be beneficial for people from any income level. Keep reading to find answers to the most commonly asked questions about financial advisors, so you know which type can fit your specific needs.

  • What are the responsibilities of a fiduciary in Bellingham?

    Being a fiduciary in Bellingham entails an obligation to fulfill responsibilities towards a client. Although roles may vary depending on specific circumstances, they can include financial management, property consultant, executor, or personal representative. It is expected that a fiduciary will always think about what's best for the client and avoid any conflicts of interest.

  • Can you have multiple IRA accounts in Bellingham?

    Yes, you can have multiple IRA accounts in Bellingham and across the state of Washington. You are considered a dual member if you are a member of more than one retirement system. There are no limits on how many retirement accounts you have, however, there is a cap on how much you can deposit in a year which is a total of $6,500.

  • Will you have tax exemptions in Bellingham when you are already retired?

    Yes, the city of Bellingham and the state of Washington offer senior retirees property tax exemptions. When you are drafting your retirement plan, it is important to consider any tax exemption programs to maximize your income. People with disabilities and disabled military veterans are also included in the property tax exemption program.

  • What are the advantage and disadvantages of common stocks in Bellingham?

    Common stocks work the same way in Bellingham like in any other location in the United States. There are specific advantages and disadvantages to investing in common stocks. The advantages of common stocks are the voting power you have as a shareholder and the fact that there is no limit as to how much your stocks can grow. Taxes are also deferred until your stocks get sold. One of the disadvantages of common stocks is their price volatility and unpredictability of what you can receive in dividends.

  • Is common stock better that preferred stock in Bellingham?

    Determining if common stock is better than preferred stock in Bellingham will depend on several things, such as investor preference, risk assessment, and financial objectives. Common stock will give you voting power and potential unlimited earnings. On the other hand, a preferred stock gives you fixed dividends and priority in dividend payouts.

  • Are financial advisors worth it?

    Whether or not a financial advisor is worth it depends on your personal situation. If your finances are fairly straightforward, then you may be better off handling it on your own. But if you have substantial assets or a complex investment portfolio, then hiring someone to handle it for you can be well worth the cost.