Certainty During Uncertain Times
Retirement Planning and Wealth Management
How it Works
What Our Clients Are Saying About AIW
FAQs
What Do Financial Advisors Do?
A financial advisor can be a valuable resource for any investor, depending on their unique situation. Financial advisors can help by creating long-term holistic wealth plans based on your individual goals. The basis of the wealth plan is a long-term view of decisions made today and what they can mean in the future—a wealth plan can be a valuable resource when considering any significant life change.
In addition to an overall wealth plan, financial advisors can help clients create a suitable asset allocation strategy. Financial advisors can then implement the unique portfolio cost-effectively, rebalancing periodically and considering tax implications throughout, known as asset location. Lastly, a financial advisor can be an invaluable resource offering behavioral coaching during tough economic times and planning a sustainable spending strategy once clients reach retirement or other goals.
Is a Financial Advisor Worth It?
According to a study from Vanguard, the worth of any financial advisor is very subjective, and the value is virtually impossible to quantify. However, they did determine that working with a financial advisor to create a suitable asset allocation, cost-effective portfolio implementation, ongoing rebalancing, behavioral coaching, asset location considerations, and a sustainable spending strategy can all add up to or even exceed adding 3% in net returns.
Which is Better CPA or CFA?
Choosing the right financial advisor is a serious decision with significant ramifications.
You have a dizzying array of options, fee structures, and qualifications from which to make your selection.
Financial advisors help knit together all strands of your financial life. The CFA designation is a rigorous 3-part examination often requiring over 300 hours of study o pass each level.
An accountant, on the other hand, is more accounting related. Most think of a tax preparer. However, an accountant can provide valuable insight into your investments, estate, retirement, and education issues. A CPA must satisfy rigorous education, experience, and testing requirements to earn their license.
Who Needs a Financial Advisor?
Choosing to hire a financial advisor is a big decision. Considering your needs and the skillset of the financial advisor is important. There are many considerations to go over.
In general, much like having a professional medical doctor to consult, you can do it yourself or rely on a professional with your future retirement. At AIW, we offer an initial conversation with anyone at no charge to learn more about our services and how we can help.
How to Choose a Financial Advisor and Questions You Should Ask
Do I Need a Financial Advisor for Retirement?
The answer ultimately comes down to you and your financial situation and level of comfort investing. Choosing suitable investments can be complex, and putting multiple investments into an appropriate portfolio can be a significant challenge. On top of that, trying to create a sustainable retirement spending plan and all the tax implications surrounding each withdrawal makes things even more complicated. However, you may be comfortable doing both.
Considering the type of financial advisor and their skill sets that best provide you and your family value is important. Some advisors take on a more full-service role, while others may offer to help on an hourly or as-needed basis.
What Credentials Should a Financial Advisor Have?
Advisors can have a plethora of financial designations and licenses depending on their area of focus. There is no mandatory requirement to pursue various designations over and above the licenses mandated by law. However, pursuing an advanced designation shows commitment to the career path and demonstrates proven expertise.
Keep in mind that there are wide varieties, but some of the more widely recognized designations to look for or consider are:
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Choose the advisor that best matches your needs and goals.
What is a Fiduciary?
Like a doctor-patient; lawyer-client relationship, your advisor at AIW will place your best interests first.
Where is My Money Held?
We utilize LPL Financial, one of the largest global custodians. LPL holds your assets in trust on your behalf, always held in your name.
What Does Independent Mean?
Being truly independent means we are not tied to any company. Organized to utilize only the best for our clients. If a mutual fund is not performing as promised, we have no sales or other incentives to stay with them. That means we are always on our toes looking for innovative solutions, products, and technology to best help our clientele.
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Certainty During Uncertain Times: Your Qualified Wealth Management Partner
At Allied Integrated Wealth, we believe that financial security is more than just numbers—it’s about providing clarity, stability, and a forward-looking strategy that supports your long-term aspirations. Acting as your personal CFO, we help guide you through every financial decision, ensuring that your wealth is managed with precision and foresight.
Whether you’re planning for retirement, optimizing your tax strategies, or creating a legacy for future generations, we offer independent, fiduciary-driven financial advisor services tailored to your needs. Our approach integrates CFA & CPA services, allowing us to construct comprehensive, data-backed strategies that align with your financial goals.
Estate Planning & Wealth Transfer
Your legacy should be more than an afterthought. Estate planning is about making sure that your wealth is transferred seamlessly and efficiently to the people and causes that matter most to you. Whether you want to plan confidently for your family’s future or contribute to charity, our CPA & financial advisor services help design a plan that minimizes tax burdens while maximizing impact.
We specialize in:
- Trust and Will Strategies – Ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
- Charitable Giving Plans – Align your legacy with philanthropic goals.
- Family Wealth Education – Help your heirs manage and grow their inheritance responsibly.
- Tax-Efficient Transfers – Leverage legal structures to minimize estate taxes.
By working with a remote CPA and financial advisor, you can access professional-level insight from anywhere, ensuring that your estate planning remains current and aligned with your overall wealth management strategy.
Retirement Plan Services (RPS) for Business Owners
For business owners and entrepreneurs, retirement planning is both a personal and a business concern. Choosing the right retirement plan for yourself and your employees requires careful consideration of tax advantages, contribution limits, and long-term sustainability.
Our remote CFA & CPA services provide qualified guidance in:
- 401(k) and Pension Plans – Tailored solutions to maximize benefits and tax efficiencies.
- SEP & SIMPLE IRAs – Ideal for small business owners looking for streamlined retirement options.
- Defined Benefit Plans – A structured approach for high-income earners seeking maximum retirement savings.
- Business Exit & Succession Planning – Ensuring financial security as you transition ownership.
With our expertise, you can implement financial advisor services that empower both your business and personal financial future.
Risk Management & Asset Protection
Long-term wealth accumulation requires short-term protection. Risk management is an integral part of any financial strategy, ensuring that your assets, income, and family are shielded from unexpected events.
Our remote financial advisor services conduct an independent review of your existing insurance policies and recommend strategies to:
- Protect Income & Assets – Ensure you and your loved ones are covered in case of disability or unforeseen life events.
- Optimize Insurance Coverage – From life and health insurance to property and liability protection, we integrate coverage with your financial goals.
- Align with Long-Term Planning – Insurance isn’t just about today; it’s a key part of estate and tax planning.
With CFA & CPA financial advisor services, we ensure that your risk management aligns seamlessly with your investment and wealth strategies.
Evidence-Based Investing
We don’t chase fads—we build portfolios based on proven financial science. Our investment philosophy is backed by Nobel Prize-winning research from thought leaders like Harry Markowitz and Eugene Fama, focusing on diversification, risk-adjusted returns, and long-term growth strategies.
What Sets Our Approach Apart?
- Asset Allocation Based on Research – Portfolios designed using decades of empirical data.
- Low-Cost, Tax-Efficient Strategies – Minimizing fees and taxes to maximize returns.
- Customized Portfolios – Investment solutions tailored to your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
- Ongoing Adjustments – Portfolios monitored and rebalanced to align with changing market conditions.
By leveraging CFA services, we offer an evidence-based, transparent investment approach that prioritizes long-term wealth preservation and growth.
Tax Planning & Integration
A well-structured financial plan isn’t complete without an effective tax strategy. With remote CPA financial advisor services, we provide proactive tax planning that optimizes your financial situation across all aspects of your wealth.
- Asset Location Strategies – Placing investments in tax-efficient accounts to reduce liabilities.
- Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) – Structuring withdrawals from retirement accounts to minimize taxes.
- Tax-Loss Harvesting – Offsetting capital gains to reduce taxable income.
- Cash Flow & Business Tax Planning – Ensuring tax strategies align with personal and corporate financial goals.
As a remote CFA & CPA firm, we integrate investment management with strategic tax planning, ensuring you retain more of your wealth over time.
Your Personalized Financial Roadmap
No two individuals are the same, and neither are their financial plans. At Allied Integrated Wealth, we create customized, long-term financial roadmaps that evolve with you.
- Holistic Wealth Planning – A fully integrated approach considering all aspects of your financial life.
- Financial Coordination – Bringing together investments, taxes, estate planning, and risk management.
- Remote Financial Advisor Access – Virtual services that allow you to receive top-tier advice from anywhere.
- Personalized Guidance – Every client receives individualized attention from a dedicated CFA & CPA financial advisor.
Meet Zack Armstrong, CFA, CPA
Zack Armstrong’s passion for financial markets began early. From his high school days as a stock trader to earning prestigious CFA and CPA credentials, he has built a career on evidence-based investing and holistic financial planning.
Why Work With Zack?
- Fiduciary Responsibility – Acting solely in your best interest, free from conflicts of interest.
- Independent, Research-Driven Advice – Grounded in peer-reviewed financial science.
- Comprehensive Financial Oversight – Acting as your personal CFO, ensuring all aspects of your wealth are aligned.
- Virtual Accessibility – A remote financial advisor and CPA available anywhere, anytime.
With CFA & CPA services, Zack combines investment expertise with advanced tax strategies to craft truly comprehensive financial plans.
Take Control of Your Financial Future
Having a fiduciary financial advisor by your side provides clarity, stability, and confidence. Whether you're planning for retirement, optimizing your investments, or structuring a legacy, Allied Integrated Wealth offers professional CFA & CPA services tailored to your needs.
- Remote Financial Advisor & CPA – Access professional guidance from anywhere.
- Evidence-Based Investment Management – Proven strategies for long-term success.
- Integrated Tax & Wealth Planning – Smart tax strategies to optimize your financial future.
- Estate & Risk Management – Comprehensive strategies to protect your legacy.
Ready to Secure Your Financial Future? Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Allied Integrated Wealth, your collaborative partner for financial success.