What Most “Top Financial Advisors in Iowa” Lists Won’t Tell You

You’ve seen the rankings. The glossy “Top 10 Financial Advisors in Iowa” lists. The websites claiming to reveal the “best wealth managers” in the state. But what if we told you those lists might be missing the mark and costing Iowans more than they realize?

In a state where trust still matters and relationships last generations, more families and business owners are beginning to ask a smarter question: Who’s actually working in my best interest?

At Legacy Financial Planners, a locally owned independent firm based right here in Iowa, we’re urging consumers to look beyond the headlines and dig into what really counts when choosing a financial advisor.

1. Big Brands Don’t Equal Better Advice

Here’s the dirty little secret: Many “top firms” are just the loudest marketers. They win awards because they pay for visibility, not because they know your name or understand your business.

Boutique firms like ours? We don’t have a call center. We have real people, real relationships, and real experience with Iowans like you.

Working with Legacy means:

• You’re not passed off to junior reps
  
  

• You don’t get a pre-packaged plan
  
  

• You get the same team, year after year

2. Your Money Deserves More Than Investment Picks

Managing investments is table stakes. A real wealth planner goes deeper, coordinating taxes, retirement income, estate strategy, business transitions, and even charitable giving.

Legacy helps Iowa families make decisions that ripple across decades:

• Will your retirement plan hold up in volatile markets?
  
  

• Are you overpaying on taxes without knowing it?
  
  

• What happens to your business or your wealth if something happens to you?
  
  

Most firms won’t ask these questions. We build entire strategies around them.

3. If You Feel Like You’re Being Sold to… You Probably Are

Here’s a quick test: Did your advisor spend your first meeting talking… or listening?

We don’t do sales pitches. We ask:

• What does financial confidence feel like to you?
  
  

• What’s changed in your life this year?
  
  

• What decisions are you putting off right now?
  

Only then do we talk strategy. Because a plan that doesn’t start with your life story probably isn’t built to last.

The Bottom Line: Iowa Is Waking Up

From Des Moines to Cedar Rapids, we’re seeing a shift. More clients are walking away from big brands and toward independent firms who listen, plan, and stick around.

At Legacy Financial Planners, we’re proud to be part of that movement.

We don’t promise to be the flashiest name on the list. We promise to be the last advisor you’ll ever need.

Want a second opinion on your current plan?
Or just ready for a real conversation, no pressure, no sales pitch?

Schedule a confidential call with a fiduciary advisor at Legacy.
Because what you don’t know about your “top advisor” could be costing you.

Planning doesn’t have to be about control.

It can be about freedom.

We work with people who want more intention- not more to-do lists.

Important Disclosures:

This blog contains general information that may not be suitable for everyone. The information contained herein should not be construed as personalized investment advice. There is no guarantee that the views and opinions expressed in this blog will come to pass. Investing in the stock market involves gains and losses and may not be suitable for all investors. Information presented herein is subject to change without notice and should not be considered as a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Legacy Financial Group does not offer legal or tax advice. Please consult the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

A REIT is a security that sells like a stock on the major exchanges and invests in real estate directly, either through properties or mortgages. REITs receive special tax considerations and typically offer investors high yields, as well as a highly liquid method of investing in real estate. There are risks associated with these types of investments and include but are not limited to the following: Typically no secondary market exists for the security listed above. Potential difficulty discerning between routine interest payments and principal repayment. Redemption price of a REIT may be worth more or less than the original price paid. Value of the shares in the trust will fluctuate with the portfolio of underlying real estate. Involves risks such as refinancing in the real estate industry, interest rates, availability of mortgage funds, operating expenses, cost of insurance, lease terminations, potential economic and regulatory changes. This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation or an offer to buy the securities described herein. The offering is made only by the Prospectus. 

There are material risks associated with investing in DST properties and real estate securities including liquidity, tenant vacancies, general market conditions and competition, lack of operating history, interest rate risks, the risk of new supply coming to market and softening rental rates, general risks of owning/operating commercial and multifamily properties, short term leases associated with multi-family properties, financing risks, potential adverse tax consequences, general economic risks, development risks, long hold periods, and potential loss of the entire investment principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Potential cash flow, returns and appreciation are not guaranteed. IRC Section 1031 is a complex tax concept; consult your legal or tax professional regarding the specifics of your particular situation. This is not a solicitation or an offer to sell any securities. DST 1031 properties are only available to accredited investors (typically have a $1 million net worth excluding primary residence or $200,000 income individually/$300,000 jointly of the last three years) and accredited entities only. If you are unsure if you are an accredited investor and/or an accredited entity please verify with your CPA and Attorney.

Asset Allocation does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market.  It is a method used to help manage investment risk.