_________________________________________________________________ Top 9 Best Financial Advisors in San Antonio and

New Braunfels, TX | 2018 Ranking

RANKING & REVIEWS BEST FINANCIAL ADVISORS IN SAN ANTONIO & NEW

BRAUNFELS

Finding the Top Financial Advisors in San Antonio and New Braunfels, Texas

To some, retirement seems like a far-off destination; to others, it’s the beginning of their golden years, sitting just months or even days away.

Whether you are just starting out on your retirement planning journey or you're almost at the finish line, having a knowledgeable financial advisor at your side can help you make the most of your assets.

The question is, out of all the financial advisors in San Antonio and New Braunfels, which one should you choose?

San Antonio is a major metropolitan hub, and New Braunfels sits close by. So, it is no wonder that these areas contain a large number of Texas financial advisors.

The sheer quantity of financial advisors in San Antonio and New Braunfels increases the challenges that consumers face when selecting one. By developing a clear awareness of the financial services you are looking for and conducting proper research, the answers to the following questions will soon become clear:

• Where can I find the best financial planning, wealth management, and asset management services in San Antonio?

• Where should I go if I am looking for additional services, like risk management, estate planning, and tax reduction?

• What types of fees do financial planners in San Antonio and New Braunfels charge, and which financial advisor is best for me?

While the final decision rests in your hands, we have assembled a list of the top financial advisors in San Antonio and New Braunfels, Texas to give you a leg up on your way to financial success.

Award Emblem: Top 9 Best Financial Advisors in San Antonio and New Braunfels, Texas

Top 9 Best Financial Advisors in San Antonio & New Braunfels, Texas | Brief Comparison & Ranking

Financial Advisors in San Antonio & New

Braunfels Highlighted Features Ratings

CIS Wealth Management Group

Faith-based financial planning 5

Exencial Wealth Advisors Comprehensive approach to financial planning

5

Financial Life Advisors Dynamic risk analysis software 5

Intercontinental Wealth Advisors

Behavioral finance approach 5

M Capital Advisors Integrated wealth management & financial planning

5

PAX Financial Group Comprehensive financial planning and investment management services

5

Strategic Financial Concepts (SFC)

Team-based planning approach 5

Cypress Wealth Advisors Talented, accredited team 3

MHD Financial Focus on helping clients address significant financial life events

3

Table: Top 9 Best Financial Advisors in San Antonio & New Braunfels | Above list is sorted by rating

Fee-Based vs Fee-Only Financial Advisors in San Antonio & New Braunfels When it comes to evaluating financial advisors in San Antonio, there are typically two types of firms to consider: fee-only and fee-based advisors.

How do you know which type of New Braunfels or San Antonio financial advisor is right for you?

Below, we’ll provide you with a brief overview of everything you need to know about the differences between fee-based and fee-only financial advisors in San Antonio and New Braunfels.

Fee-Only Pricing Structure

When an investment firm or a financial advisor in San Antonio says that they are "fee-only," this means that they do not accept commissions or third-party referral payments.

Because an advisor’s only source of income comes from the client, a fee-only pricing structure minimizes the inherent conflicts of interest that come along with recommending and selling investment products.

In short, a fee-only financial planner in San Antonio is in a better position to act solely in the interest of their clients.

Fee-Based Pricing Structure

Fee-based firms will receive some direct compensation from clients but are free to accept commissions from the companies who provide their financial products.

While a fee-based structure does create some potential conflict, many fee-based investment firms are also fiduciaries, which often counteracts the potential for conflict.

As a fiduciary, a financial advisor in San Antonio or New Braunfels is legally responsible to fully disclose any conflicts of interest and are required to put the interests of their clients ahead of their own, regardless of their pricing structure.

Best Financial Advisors in San Antonio & New Braunfels

AdvisoryHQ’s Selection Methodology

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Detailed Review – Best Wealth Management Firms in San Antonio & New Braunfels

Below, please find the detailed review of each firm on our list of the best wealth management firms in San Antonio and San Braunfels. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these financial advisors in Texas to score so high in our selection ranking.

Click on any of the names below to go directly to the review section for that firm.

• CIS Wealth Management Group • Cypress Wealth Advisors • Exencial Wealth Advisors • Financial Life Advisors • Intercontinental Wealth Advisors • M Capital Advisors • MHD Financial • PAX Financial Group • Strategic Financial Concepts (SFC)

Click below for previous years’ rankings:

• 2016 Review: Top 9 Best Financial Advisors in San Antonio & New Braunfels

• 2017 Review: Top 8 Best Wealth Managers in San Antonio & New Braunfels

CIS Wealth Management Group Review

CIS Wealth Management Group, also known as Christian Investment Services Wealth Management Group, is a wealth management firm in New Braunfels, Texas.

CIS is a fee-based wealth management firm in New Braunfels. We have included them because of their wealth of services, commitment to transparency, and their unique status as a faith-based financial firm.

Key Factors That Enabled CIS Wealth Management to Rank as a Top Wealth Management Firm in San Antonio and New Braunfels

Biblically Responsible Investing

The firm’s philosophy is founded on a steadfast belief of abiding by Christian values in every aspect of life. It uses its advisory, financial planning, and investment management experience to help its clients engage in biblically responsible investing.

For CIS, biblically responsible investing comes from socially responsible investing. It means investing in a way that supports businesses which operate in line with one’s Christian values.

As a result, CIS can help its clients make informed decisions when it comes to their current and future investments. These financial advisors in New Braunfels will sit down with clients to determine where their convictions lie and how they can begin investing in a way that aligns with their Christian faith.

Financial Planning Modules

CIS Wealth Management offers a full range of services for its clients. This Texas wealth management firm can help with a variety of financial milestones, including wealth accumulation, distribution, risk management, inheritance, and legacy creation.

One subset of services includes financial planning modules, which allow clients to pick and choose various areas of focus, depending on what services are most important to them. Fully customizable, these modules include, but are not limited to:

• Long Term Retirement Planning • Income Tax Planning and Accounting • Asset Protection Assessment • Social Security Planning • Estate and Multi-Generational Inheritance Planning • Real Estate Assessment • Long Term Gifting and Charitable Planning • Bank CD and Savings Account Planning • Oil and Gas Royalty Income Planning • Mortgage Debt Payoff

CIS Wealth Management

Rating Summary

As a firm with a faith-based approach to financial planning, CIS Wealth Management stands out as a unique option among New Braunfels financial advisors.

Its services are mission-focused, meaning each financial advisor takes the time to ask their clients what drives them and what they want to accomplish.

With a collaborative mindset and a vast collection of financial services, CIS Wealth Management is a great firm for clients that value a faith-based approach to financial planning.

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Cypress Wealth Advisors Review

Cypress Wealth Advisors is a fee-only San Antonio wealth management firm that provides wealth management solutions for individuals, families, and institutions.

By focusing on the big picture, the Texas financial advisors at Cypress aim to provide clients with a reduced tax burden, better financial health, and conflict-free advice.

Key Factors That Enabled Cypress Wealth Advisors to Rank as a Top Financial Advisor in San Antonio

Wide Range of Services

As one of the best San Antonio financial advisors, Cypress provides clients with a wide range of financial planning and investment management services to choose from. Areas of focus include:

• 401k and IRAs • Cash flow and debt reduction • 529 tuition plans • Annuities • Mutual funds, ETFs, and individual equities • Fixed income, including treasuries and bonds • Group retirement and savings plans • Qualified retirement plans • Life, long-term care, and disability insurance • Social Security and Medicare • Insurance, estate planning, and taxes

Talented Team

While Cypress Wealth Advisors may have a smaller team than competing financial advisors in San Antonio, the advisors at Cypress boast a wealth of industry knowledge and experience.

These industry accreditations include:

• CFA • CFP® • CRPS® • AIF® • CLU® • ChFC® • CRPC℠

Many of these accreditations come with strict requirements for ethical behavior and ongoing yearly education, increasing the value that each certification brings.

Rating Summary

With a promise of objectivity and a commitment to understanding each client’s individual and family goals, risk tolerance, and investment aims, Cypress Wealth Advisors is one of the top San Antonio wealth management firms.

However, it is worth noting that, in comparison to other top-rated San Antonio financial advisors, Cypress could significantly benefit from refreshing and updating their website to improve how the firm’s capabilities are communicated to new clients.

While a firm’s value is certainly not determined by their website alone, first-time clients will often first evaluate a firm’s online presence when choosing an advisor. Without an updated website, potential clients may find it difficult to fully evaluate the scope of Cypress Wealth Advisor’s capabilities.

By updating their website to a more user-friendly and visually appealing format, Cypress Wealth Advisors could easily improve both their value proposition to new clients and their rating as one of the best financial advisors in San Antonio.

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Exencial Wealth Advisors Review

Exencial Wealth Advisors is an independent, fee-only financial advisor in San Antonio with a goal to empower clients to make intelligent, informed decisions about their finances.

Key Factors That Enabled Exencial Wealth Advisors to Rank as a Top San Antonio Financial Advisor

Personal & Executive Wealth Management

Through both personal and executive wealth management services, a financial planner in San Antonio will sit down with a client to understand their goals, including their short-term and long-term plans.

No matter who you are, a vital component of any financial plan is a smart investment strategy. As such, your financial advisor at Exencial will consider:

• Growth opportunities and risks posed by the securities market • Methods to minimize risk • Your current investment allocation and costs

• Your specific goals • Ways to reduce investment costs

Comprehensive Process

The process used by Exencial Wealth Advisors prioritizes giving clients the information and documentation they need to be aware of what is happening with their money.

During the analysis of a client's current financial positions, these San Antonio financial advisors provide a personal financial statement that includes:

• Net worth • Cash flow • Insurance coverage for death, disability, and long-term care needs • Estate valuation • Income tax projections • Withholding analysis • Investment allocation • Stock option analysis

This financial advisor in San Antonio then designs a financial plan that incorporates:

• Cash flow and retirement planning • Insurance needs • Estate planning • Tax planning and preparation • Recommended investment allocation • Charitable giving • Gifting to family • Company-provided benefits

Exencial Wealth Advisors

Rating Summary

As an independent, fee-only financial advisor in San Antonio, Exencial Wealth Advisors represents the ideal partnership with a financial advisory firm.

This means that clients can trust that all advice is unbiased, made truly in their best interest, and without hidden fees or commissions.

With a comprehensive process that combines both investment management and financial planning, Exencial Wealth Advisors is one of the best financial planners in San Antonio to consider partnering with this year.

Related: Top Financial Advisors and Best Wealth Managers in the US & UK | Top Ranking Lists

Financial Life Advisors Review

Founded in 2003, Financial Life Advisors is a fee-only financial planner in San Antonio providing comprehensive financial planning services to its clients.

After a recent merger with Cross Financial Services, the firm boasts a large, talented team of advisors and over $100 million in assets under management.

Key Factors That Enabled Financial Life Advisors to Rank as One of the Best Wealth Management Firms in San Antonio and New Braunfels

Diverse Financial Services

For many clients, finding the best financial advisor in San Antonio means finding a firm that can grow and adapt to their short-term and long-term financial needs.

To meet the ever-changing goals and needs of their clients, Financial Life Advisors provides the following key financial services:

• Retirement Planning • Tax Strategies • Investment Analysis • Estate Planning • Insurance Consulting • 401k Fiduciary Consulting • Business and Exit Planning

Risk Analysis

Financial Life Advisors believes that timing is often everything with retirement.

This San Antonio wealth management firm’s software modeling not only mimics stock portfolio outcomes but also tracks 10,000 simulations with each client’s specific goals.

In this way, clients can understand the resultant average returns, the strongest returns, and, most importantly, catastrophic market returns and how each outcome influences their financial future.

Financial Life Advisors

Rating Summary

As a top financial advisor in San Antonio, Financial Life Advisors boasts a wide range of experience, industry accreditations, and financial services.

Whether you are a transitioning retiree or a busy professional, this San Antonio wealth management firm is well-positioned to help clients achieve their short-term and long-term financial objectives, solidifying Financial Life Advisors as a top San Antonio financial advisor.

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Intercontinental Wealth Advisors Review

Originally founded in 1981 to provide services to Latin American customers, Intercontinental Wealth Advisors is a San Antonio wealth management firm that draws on a unique in-house global culture and diversity.

Intercontinental Wealth Advisors does not clearly state whether they are a fee-based or fee-only firm; however, because they also sell insurance, they are likely fee-based.

As always, we recommend verifying fee structure before partnering with any San Antonio financial advisor.

Key Factors That Enabled Intercontinental Wealth Advisors to Rank as One of the Best Financial Advisors in San Antonio

Financial Planning & Investment Management

While Intercontinental Wealth Advisors may be considered a boutique firm, these San Antonio financial advisors offer a full suite of services, rivaling even the largest wealth management firms. These services include:

• Wealth Management—Asset management, investment philosophy, investment advice, family governance, and more

• Financial Planning & Estate Planning—Uses behavioral finance principles to help clients understand money-related emotions and actions

• Insurance Services—Personal and business-related insurance

• Alternative Investments—Private equity, art advisory, managed futures, and master limited partnerships

• Concierge Services—Can include assistance scheduling doctor’s appointments, buying an art collection, or even selling the corporate jet

• Lending Solutions—Investment credit line and mortgage solutions through a partnership with BNY Mellon

Behavioral Finance Approach

Part of what makes Intercontinental Wealth Advisors one of the best financial advisors in San Antonio is their behavior-based approach to financial planning. Why is this approach so useful?

Discussing money is often an anxiety-ridden or emotional experience, which can lead to decisions based on panic or fear. Additionally, components like behavioral patterns and upbringing often have a significant impact on how each client handles their finances.

As such, using an approach based on behavioral finance can effectively address emotions and fears revolving around money, improving financial health from a fundamental level.

For many clients, this can make all the difference when addressing and creating positive, long-lasting financial habits.

Rating Summary

As a globally minded San Antonio financial advisor, Intercontinental Wealth Advisors brings a unique perspective to investment management and asset selection, an element which clients can truly benefit from.

The firm also works closely with international tax specialists to ensure that non-US taxpayers are fully compliant with tax codes and laws, making Intercontinental Wealth Advisors one of the best San Antonio wealth management firms for globally diverse clients to consider partnering with this year.

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M Capital Advisors Review

With headquarters in Tennessee, M Capital Advisors is an independent, fee-only financial advisor in San Antonio.

The firm focuses on providing expert and comprehensive services within two primary categories: personal wealth management and institutional asset management.

Key Factors That Enabled M Capital Advisors to Rank as One of the Best Financial Advisors in San Antonio

Unbiased, Objective Viewpoint

As an independent, fee-only firm, M Capital Advisors provides clients with a few key benefits.

First, rather than earn commissions from financial products, a fee-only pricing schedule ensures that the firm’s interests are aligned directly with that of their clients.

Second, with a completely independent structure, clients can trust that all advice is truly unbiased and objective, as the Texas financial advisors at M Capital Advisors are free from the pressure to “sell” certain financial products.

Not only does this encourage trust within the client-advisor relationship, but it also supports positive, long-term relationships, a key element in any successful wealth management endeavor.

Integrated Wealth Management & Financial Planning

M Capital Advisors believes that, to be truly successful, clients should have access to a mix of financial planning and wealth management strategies. To that end, the San Antonio financial advisors at M Capital Advisors provide the following financial planning services:

• Investment Management—Personalized and comprehensive investment strategy

• Retirement Planning—Ensures that clients are well-prepared for retirement

• Risk Management—Reviews assets and liabilities, developing strategies to minimize exposure and risk

• College Planning—Maximize savings to fund education goals

• Trust & Estate Planning—Leave a lasting impact through a comprehensive estate plan

• Cash Flow Management—Manage personal wealth both in the short-term and the long-term

Rating Summary

Part of what makes M Capital Advisors one of the best financial advisors in San Antonio is their dedication to putting the client first in everything they do.

Their fee-only structure, commitment to independence, and holistic services all support and strengthen this client-centric approach, earning M Capital Advisors a 5-star rating as one of the top San Antonio financial planners to consider partnering with this year.

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MHD Financial Review

As one of the top financial advisors in San Antonio, MHD Financial knows that monetary decisions have a huge impact on people’s lives. That is why this Texas financial advisor creates unique strategies that fit into the lives of its clients, rather than following trends set by large financial companies.

MHD is a fee-based wealth management firm in San Antonio and they have earned a spot on this list for the range and quality of services that they provide.

Key Factors That Enabled MHD Financial to Rank as One of the Best Financial Advisors in San Antonio

Wide Range of Experience

MHD Financial has a wide range of experience in advising clients in life events and financial challenges like:

• Retirement planning • Benefitting from an early retirement package • Strategizing and funding charitable contributions • Handling an inheritance • Financial impact of divorce • Management of a large stock position • Coping financially with an elderly parent • Stock option exercise • Birth of a child or grandchild • Surviving financially after the death of a spouse or life partner • Risk management

Clear Process

The steps that MHD Financial utilizes in building a solid financial blueprint for its clients are as follows:

• Define and establish the client-advisor relationship. • Gather data & form expectations and objectives. • Analyze and evaluate the client’s financial status. • Develop & present the plan. • Implement the advisor’s recommendations. • Monitor the plan and make changes where needed.

MHD Financial

Rating Summary

Part of what makes MHD Financial one of the best financial advisors in San Antonio is the firm’s commitment to maintaining open and honest communication with every client, laying a strong foundation for positive, long-term relationships.

However, our review found that the firm does have some improvements to make when it comes to how their services are communicated. Compared to competing San Antonio financial advisors, MHD Financial’s website is slightly outdated, making it difficult to navigate.

Additionally, we could not find any evidence of a fiduciary commitment, a crucial component for any fee-based financial advisor to eliminate conflicts of interest.

While a firm’s value is certainly not determined by their website alone, first-time clients will often first evaluate a firm’s online presence when choosing an advisor. Without an updated website, potential clients may find it difficult to fully evaluate the scope of MHD Financial’s capabilities.

By updating their website to a more user-friendly format and adopting a fiduciary commitment, MHD Financial could easily improve both their value proposition to clients and their rating as a top San Antonio financial advisor.

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PAX Financial Group Review

Founded in 2007, PAX Financial Group is a San Antonio financial advisor that offers holistic financial planning, investment management, and insurance.

Although PAX Financial Group does not explicitly say whether they are a fee-only or fee-based San Antonio financial advisor, they are likely fee-based, as the firm also operates as an insurance agency.

As always, we recommend confirming fee structure before partnering with any financial advisor in San Antonio.

Key Factors That Enabled PAX Financial Group to Rank as One of the Top Wealth Management Firms in San Antonio

Comprehensive Services

PAX Financial Group strives to maintain an informative environment and to create truly customized, efficient financial solutions.

Once a plan is executed, this San Antonio wealth management firm works together with clients to achieve ongoing maintenance and regularly consults with clients to ensure that the plan remains consistent with the client’s objectives.

For individual clients, these solutions include:

• Financial Planning • PIVOT™ Retirement Planning • Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs and Roth IRAs) • Non-Qualified Retirement Programs • Life & Disability Income Insurance Needs • Retirement Needs Analysis • Health Insurance • Long Term Care Insurance • Tuition Funding Programs • College Costs Analysis • Charitable Giving • Estate Planning

Strong Value Proposition

As a top San Antonio financial advisor, PAX Financial Group provides new and existing clients with a strong value proposition, which includes:

• Experience—The team of San Antonio financial planners at PAX boast over 130 years of combined experience

• Fiduciary—With a fiduciary commitment, clients can trust that their best interests will always come first

• Independent—As an independent firm, the Texas financial advisors at PAX are not obligated to push specific financial products, ensuring an unbiased viewpoint

• Compensation—Advisors are paid via salary, avoiding conflicts of interest that come with a commission-based model

• Credentials—The team of Texas financial advisors at PAX includes multiple CFP® and AIF® professionals

• Minimums—There are no account minimums to work with PAX, as the firm believes that expert financial management should be open to all

Pax Financial Group

Rating Summary

As a top financial planner in San Antonio, PAX Financial Group provides a wide range of valuable services for clients, ensuring that the firm can continue to provide value as goals and financial circumstances fluctuate.

The firm also maintains a welcoming, friendly demeanor and a commitment to keeping clients in the loop and educated, forming a strong foundation for positive long-term relationships.

With a solid value proposition and multiple financial planning and wealth management services to choose from, PAX Financial Group is one of the best wealth management firms in San Antonio to consider partnering with this year.

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Strategic Financial Concepts (SFC) Review

Strategic Financial Concepts (SFC) is a San Antonio wealth management firm providing comprehensive financial planning, investment management, and insurance strategies for families, individuals, and businesses.

Although Strategic Financial Concepts does not state whether they are a fee-based or fee-only firm, they are likely a fee-based firm, as they receive some compensation from clients that participate in programs sponsored by LPL Financial.

As always, we recommend verifying fee structure before partnering with any San Antonio financial advisor.

Key Factors That Enabled Strategic Financial Concepts to Rank as a Top Texas Financial Advisor in San Antonio

Team-Based Planning

Strategic Financial Concepts relies heavily on a team-based approach. Comprehensive financial plans are created by multiple advisors that provide second and third opinions as to what is best for each client’s situation. As a result, clients receive a much more solid plan than if the process were less collaborative.

The Strategic Financial Concepts team looks at the total financial picture of each individual, combining personal and business factors and integrating its specialists into the process as a necessary part of truly comprehensive financial planning.

This San Antonio wealth management firm believes that an all-inclusive financial plan leads to solutions that are comprehensive and, therefore, more effective.

Suite of Financial Services

Strategic Financial Concepts gives clients access to a full range of services and products aimed to help them prosper. Available services from this San Antonio financial planner include:

• Business Planning—Entity planning, Business continuity/transition, CFO Program for Businesses, tax planning, and more

• Wealth Management—Goal planning, estate planning, financial planning, insurance management, and more

• Individual Planning—Goal planning, investment management, insurance management, and budgeting

• Asset Protection—Investment management and legal coordination

The firm then works with financial services and insurance companies to ensure that clients have access to everything they need to achieve their goals.

Strategic Financial Concepts

Rating Summary

For clients that want their San Antonio financial advisor to take a comprehensive approach to their financial health, Strategic Financial Concepts is a great fit.

Not only does the firm offer a wide range of financial services, but they also utilize a team-based approach to ensure that each client benefits from the collective knowledge and experience of the entire team.

With a focus on collaboration and comprehensive capabilities, Strategic Financial Concepts is one of the best financial advisors in San Antonio to consider partnering with this year.

Conclusion - Best Financial Advisors in San Antonio & New Braunfels, Texas Financial planning has grown increasingly essential to financial success due to the uncertain global economy that we live in today. With innumerable options for investing and saving, it is easy to become overwhelmed.

Creating a solid financial plan with an experienced financial advisor in San Antonio can make it easier for you to secure your future financial well-being in a world that is anything but certain.

In reality, the answer to which financial advisor or wealth manager in San Antonio and New Braunfels, Texas is the best depends on your individual goals, needs, and desires.

Now that you have read this list of the top financial advisors in the area, you should be better prepared to answer these questions:

• Where can I find the best financial planning, wealth management, and asset management services in San Antonio?

• Where should I go if I am looking for additional services, like risk management, estate planning, and tax reduction?

• What types of fees do financial planners in San Antonio and New Braunfels charge, and which financial advisor is best for me?

The next step to take is to choose a few firms from the list that seem to best suit your needs and set up appointments to meet the advisors. After that, you will have all the information you need to make an informed decision and take yet another step towards a better financial future.

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Image sources:

• https://pixabay.com/en/san-antonio-texas-town-buildings-347425/ • https://www.ciswealth.com/who-we-are/about-us/ • http://exencialwealth.com/our-team • http://fladvisors.com/about/ • http://www.mhdfinancial.com/bios/ • https://paxfinancialgroup.com/about-pax/ • https://www.sfcria.com/synergy-circle