The 7 Best Twin Cities Financial Advisors to Consider in 2024

Morgan Ranstrom |
Categories
Financial Planning

Minneapolis Retirement Experts 

We are experts in tax, retirement, and legacy planning, and our typical client wants to build toward a secure and fulfilling retirement within the next ten years. Knowing what we're great at and where we can add the most value to our clients means we also understand when we don’t have the right expertise for certain client situations. The following post highlights other Minneapolis financial advisors we greatly respect. 

Best Minneapolis Financial Advisors for 2024

Below, we've shared a list of the best Minneapolis financial advisors for 2024. If you're searching for a financial planner in Minneapolis and need help figuring out where to start, this guide is for you. 

While we would love to help everyone in Minneapolis pay less in taxes, invest wisely, and create sustainable retirement income, we recognize we aren’t always the best fit. 

You may be fresh out of graduate school and need help with student loan planning. 

Or, you'd prefer to work with a financial advisor that relates better to your unique background or identity. 

At the end of the day, you won't see a cardiologist if you need knee surgery!  

How We Connected with the Top Financial Advisors in Minneapolis 

Our team has been working as financial planners in Minneapolis for years. 
Throughout our careers, we've had the incredible opportunity to connect with hundreds of financial advisors at various conferences, organizations, and study groups. We've had countless conversations with advisors over coffee or Zoom, sharing best practices to serve our clients better.  

Finding the right financial advisor can be a challenging search, but there is a growing amount of incredible and talented financial planners who do excellent work for their clients. Below, we share a handful of them and a short blurb from their website. 

Disclaimer: The list below is not exhaustive. It is just our opinion and not a testimonial or endorsement of these advisors. 

The 7 Best Twin Cities Financial Advisors to Consider in 2024

Kyle Moore, Quarry Hill Advisors - St. Paul, Minnesota 

"I started Quarry Hill Advisors with the goal of elevating the standard of financial planning. I entered the financial world wanting to make a difference in clients' lives, only to find out that the "financial advisor" positions at the big firms were more focused on sales than helping people. 
The purpose of Quarry Hill is to provide a better solution for people seeking expert, objective advice. We are now an industry-leading firm helping optimize the financial lives of busy professionals and retirees around the country. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ I am committed to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism in the industry."  

Steve Drost, Drost Financial -  Twin Cities & Northern Suburbs

“I’m a financial planner with a very simple goal: to help my clients align their financial resources (i.e. what they have or will have) with their goals, dreams, and values.  I am convinced that one will have a more fulfilled life when they can spend their time and money on the things, people, and causes that mean the most to them.”
Drost Financial serves corporate executives and retirees, with particular expertise in General Mills and Republic Services benefits and compensation plans. 

Tyler J. Engbrecht, GTS Financial - Bloomington, MN  

"After over 14 years on this journey, I’ve discovered one of my favorite aspects is hearing people’s stories. Everyone has their own unique background and I find it interesting to learn how those backgrounds shaped who they have become.
My relationships with my clients can be described in two words - collaborative and caring. I care about your success and have found success is best achieved when we work together toward your goals. I truly enjoy the feeling I get when I’ve helped you develop clarity around a decision you are struggling with."

Ben Wacek, Guide Financial Planning  - Arden Hills, MN 

"As a young professional, Ben Wacek found himself working for financial firms with high asset minimums where he wouldn’t have even been eligible to be a client himself. Because of the business structure of his employers, he wasn’t able to help those closest to him- his family and friends. He longed to work for a fee-only firm, free of conflicts of interest, where he could help anyone regardless of their net worth. He also wanted the freedom to bring the most important part of who he is into his work- his Christian faith.
Unable to find such a firm, he started one. Here at Guide Financial Planning, we see ourselves as your financial guide on this journey called life. Money is confusing, but we’re here to help you figure it out."

Bjorn Amundson, Quarry Hill Advisors - St. Paul, MN 

"I joined Quarry Hill Advisors after nearly 15 years as a financial advisor at some of the big named institutions. Over the years, my relationship with Kyle grew into an unofficial partnership as we constantly collaborated and refined our ideas on financial planning, portfolio construction, and practice management. Joining Quarry Hill was a natural fit and my clients and I couldn't be happier at a firm that allows us to practice the future of financial planning."

Charlie Bolognino, Side by Side Financial Planning - Plymouth, MN 

"Charlie Bolognino is a Plymouth, MN fee-only financial planner. Side-By-Side Financial Planning, LLC provides objective financial planning advice to help Gen X and Gen Y and Consumer Packaged Goods and Retail professionals organize, grow and protect their assets through life’s transitions. As a fee-only, fiduciary, and independent financial advisor, Charlie Bolognino is never paid a commission of any kind, and has a legal obligation to provide unbiased and trustworthy financial advice."

Matthew Pruitt, Exhale Wealth, Minneapolis, MN 

Exhale specializes in helping tech employees navigate the complexities of employer stock compensation. 

How Trailhead Planners is Different From Other Financial Planners in Minneapolis 

There are a series of things that separate Trailhead Planners from other firms you might be considering: 

  • We work exclusively with individuals planning to retire in the next 5-10 years.
  • We are tax experts, and our resident CPA leads tax planning efforts to help our clients reduce their retirement tax bill.
  • We intentionally limit the number of new clients we take on to deliver massive value and personalized service.

If there is a potential fit between our expertise and your situation, consider scheduling a Free Introductory Call. 

What Do The Best Financial Planners All Have In Common 

While the financial advisors above work with different types of clients, specialize in unique areas, and have different personalities and strengths, they have three core things in common that are crucial when choosing a financial advisor. 

  • They are fee-only and never sell products on commission. 
  • They adhere to the Fiduciary Standard 100% of the time. 
  • They are CFP® Professionals. 

The above is not an exhaustive list, and it's imperative that you diligently interview any potential advisor in Minneapolis to ensure they are a good fit for your financial needs. 

Additional Resources for Finding the Right Financial Planner

If you would like to work with a fee-only fiduciary with expertise for your specific needs, you may wish to continue your search at the following sites: 

We recommend interviewing at least three financial planners who appear to fit your financial situation well. 

Our Top Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor Before Hiring Them 

Here are our three favorite questions:

  • Who is your typical client, and what value do your services offer them?
  • Do you act as a fiduciary to your clients 100% of the time?
  • How are you compensated?

If the prospective financial advisor can’t answer your questions clearly and concisely, you might choose to end the meeting early.

Remember, when hiring a financial planner, you are making a huge life decision. Don’t take the process lightly.

Would we fit your unique retirement needs well? Schedule a free introductory call below to discuss your financial situation and goals with our team of professionals:

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