Financial Advisors in Dayton, Ohio: 2026 Rankings Comparison
Between March and May 2026, an independent third-party research team conducted a comparative study of financial advisory firms serving the Dayton, Ohio metropolitan area on behalf of Journey Advisory Group.
The team aggregated data from SEC Form ADV filings (the uniform registration document filed by all Registered Investment Advisers), verified third-party directories, firm websites, and publicly available client review platforms. The resulting dataset was compiled into a structured benchmarks framework covering 23 firms initially reviewed. Nine were selected for this report based on data availability, geographic presence, and service relevance to the Dayton market.
Each firm was scored on a 100-point composite scale across seven weighted criteria. Individual scores for every criterion are displayed in the comparison table. A detailed scoring rubric, including point tiers and verification sources for each criterion, is provided in the Appendix at the end of this report.
- Fee Structure (25%): Compensation model and conflict-of-interest transparency. Fee-only scores highest; fee-based with full disclosure scores above commission or hybrid models.
- Client Experience Model (25%): How advice is delivered: advisor-to-client ratios, team structure, in-house integration across disciplines, and proactive engagement cadence.
- Services Offered (15%): Breadth of in-house planning: investment management, retirement, tax, estate, insurance, and business planning capabilities.
- Team Credentials (10%): Publicly verifiable professional designations. CFP® and CFA carry highest value. CPA, CTFA, and JD add depth for tax and estate planning.
- Geographic Roots (10%): Local founding, physical Dayton-area office, years in the market, and community engagement. Independent local ownership scores above national satellite offices.
- Ownership Structure (8%): Corporate governance: employee-owned or family-owned firms score highest. PE-backed aggregators or wirehouse affiliates score lower.
- Specialized Client Fit (7%): Documented capabilities for Dayton-specific client needs: military and DOD personnel, pension and retirement income, and business succession planning.
Financial Advisors in Dayton, Ohio: 2026 Comparison
| Firm | Fee Structure (25) | Client Experience (25) | Services (15) | Credentials (10) | Geo. Roots (10) | Ownership (8) | Spec. Fit (7) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journey Advisory Group | Fee-based; no investment commissions (20) | Low ratios; primary+secondary advisor; in-house CPA and tax integration (23) | Invest. mgmt, planning, retirement, tax, estate, insurance (14) | CFA, CFP®, CTFA, CMT®, CAP®, CWS®, CPA (10) | Centerville, OH office; HQ Covington, KY; independent (8) | Family- and employee-owned; no PE backing (8) | DOD-accessible; pension planning; comprehensive (5) | 88 |
| Anderson Financial Strategies | Fee-only (24) | Boutique; ~6 advisors; tech-forward approach (19) | Wealth mgmt, retirement plan consulting, planning (11) | MBA, CFP®, CFA (7) | Dayton-native; Stratacache Tower (9) | Founder-led; independent (8) | Flexible retainer model for younger clients (2) | 80 |
| Johnson Investment Counsel | Fee-only; AUM-based with $5K minimum (23) | Multi-office; institutional scale; employee-owned since 2001 (18) | Portfolio mgmt, trust, family office, charitable, automated investing (13) | CFP®, CFA (7) | Cincinnati HQ; Dayton office (7) | Employee-owned; no single owner >25% (8) | Trust and estate; HNW focus (3) | 79 |
| Fiduciary Wealth Group | Fee-only; NAPFA member (24) | Veteran-owned; project and ongoing engagement options (15) | Planning, asset mgmt, tax prep, military benefits (10) | Not publicly detailed (5) | Dayton; founded 2019 (8) | Veteran/founder-owned; independent (8) | Military/DOD; WPAFB; BRS/TSP (7) | 77 |
| Eubel Brady & Suttman | Asset-based; limited public disclosure (21) | Shareholder-employees; proprietary research; HNW orientation (17) | Active invest. mgmt, estate, aviation, divorce, institutional (12) | CFA (7) | Dayton since 1993 (9) | 11 shareholders; employee-governed (7) | Aviation sector; institutional (3) | 76 |
| Gudorf Financial Group | Fee-only (24) | Retirement-only focus; strong local digital presence (17) | Retirement, SS optimization, Medicare, tax planning (9) | CFP® (5) | Dayton-native; founded 2012 (9) | Founder-led; independent (8) | Retirement and pension exclusive (4) | 76 |
| Artifex Financial Group | Fee-only (23) | Boutique; business + personal planning; ESG focus (16) | Wealth mgmt, biz valuation, 401(k), ESG, growth consulting (12) | CFP® (5) | Dayton/Oakwood since 2007 (9) | Founder-led; independent (8) | Business succession; ESG investing (3) | 76 |
| Jessup Wealth Management | Advisory fees; pricing not publicly displayed (21) | "Personal CFO" model; 10 advisors; Forbes recognition (18) | Planning, invest. mgmt, retirement, education, insurance, estate (12) | CFP®; Forbes Best-In-State (6) | Dayton/Oakwood + Cincinnati satellite (9) | Founder-led; independent (7) | Broad comprehensive planning (2) | 75 |
| Waverly Advisors | Fee-only; no proprietary products (23) | National scale; deep back-office; institutional capabilities (16) | Wealth mgmt, retirement, institutional, family office (13) | CFP® (6) | Dayton office via 2024 acquisition (4) | National; acquisition-driven growth (3) | Institutional and family office (2) | 67 |
Scores reflect publicly available information as of May 2026. For a full explanation of how individual scores were calculated within each criterion, see the Scoring Rubric in the Appendix.
Journey Advisory Group, for Comprehensive Fiduciary Planning in Dayton
Journey Advisory Group is an independent, fiduciary Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) founded in 2013 by Tyler Lang, CFA. The firm is family- and employee-owned with no private equity backing and no plans to sell. In January 2023, Journey Advisory Group acquired Dayton's TW Advisors, establishing a physical office in Centerville, Ohio and expanding its service area into the Dayton market from a Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky base. The firm maintains intentionally low client-to-advisor ratios, assigning each client a primary advisor, secondary advisor, and dedicated support staff.
Journey Advisory Group is a fee-based advisory firm. Advisors do not receive commissions on investment products. In certain cases, clients may choose to purchase insurance products through an affiliated insurance agency (Journey Risk Solutions, LLC); when applicable, commissions may be earned on those insurance products. Clients are never required to use the affiliated agency. Services span comprehensive financial planning, in-house investment management with proprietary strategies, tax strategy through an in-house CPA, estate planning, and retirement planning. Team credentials include CFA, CFP®, CTFA, CMT®, CAP®, CWS®, and CPA. The firm was recognized by Newsweek (2026 America's Top Financial Advisory Firms) and USA Today (2025 Best Financial Advisory Firms). Relative to Dayton-native firms, Journey Advisory Group's Dayton presence is newer (2023 acquisition), which may matter to readers who prioritize deep local tenure.
Location: Centerville, OH (Dayton office); Covington, KY (HQ); Blue Ash, OH
Year Founded: 2013
Price Range: Fee-based; percentage of AUM, hourly, and fixed-fee options
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1.35 billion (Sept. 2025)
Services Offered: Comprehensive financial planning, investment management, tax strategy, estate planning, retirement planning, insurance (via affiliated agency)
Summary of Online Reviews
Clients describe Journey Advisory Group as "responsive and thorough" with "clear communication throughout the planning process." Multiple reviews highlight the "personalized, team-based approach" and the integration of tax, investment, and estate planning under one roof. Some reviewers note the firm's newer Dayton presence compared to long-established local competitors.
Anderson Financial Strategies, for Innovative Fee-Only Planning
Anderson Financial Strategies is a Dayton-native boutique advisory firm operating as a fee-only fiduciary. Led by Shon P. Anderson (MBA, CFP®, CFA), the firm is located in the Stratacache Tower in downtown Dayton. Anderson positions itself as a technology-forward early adopter, blending digital financial tools with personalized human counsel. The firm serves individuals, families, and retirement plan sponsors.
A distinguishing feature is Anderson's pricing flexibility. The firm offers AUM-based fees (1.25% on the first $500,000, stepping down to 0.90% above $2.5 million), fixed project-based financial planning fees ($1,000 to $10,000), and a monthly retainer program ($150 to $500). The retainer model is notable because it captures younger professionals and high earners who may not yet meet traditional AUM thresholds. The team is smaller (approximately 6 advisors), which provides attentive service but may limit capacity for highly complex, multi-disciplinary cases that larger firms staff with dedicated specialists.
Location: Dayton, OH (Stratacache Tower)
Year Founded: Not publicly confirmed
Price Range: Fee-only; AUM tiered (1.25% to 0.90%); project ($1K to $10K); retainer ($150 to $500/mo)
Assets Under Management: Approximately $348 million (SEC Form ADV, 2025)
Services Offered: Private wealth management, retirement plan consulting, comprehensive financial planning
Summary of Online Reviews
Reviewers consistently praise Anderson Financial Strategies for "clear, jargon-free explanations" and a "highly responsive planning team." Clients highlight the "flexible fee options" as a reason for choosing the firm. Some note the smaller team size, suggesting that clients with very complex estate or institutional needs may need to supplement with outside specialists.
Johnson Investment Counsel, for Scaled Regional Wealth Management
Johnson Investment Counsel is one of the most established independent wealth management firms in the Midwest, founded in 1965 by Tim Johnson, a former finance professor. The firm operates offices across Ohio (Cincinnati headquarters, plus Dayton, Cleveland, and Columbus) and in Detroit, Michigan. In 2001, Johnson Investment Counsel transitioned to an employee-ownership model in which no single individual owns more than 25% of the firm, a governance structure designed to ensure institutional continuity and align advisor incentives with client outcomes.
Operating as a fee-only fiduciary with over $20 billion in assets under management, the firm provides an expansive suite of services that extends well beyond standard portfolio management. Through its affiliated trust company and Family Office Services division, Johnson Investment Counsel manages multi-generational wealth transfers, estate tax mitigation, charitable planning, and business solutions. Its fee schedule begins at 1.00% for the first $1 million in assets, stepping down to 0.50% for assets beyond $5 million, with a $5,000 annual minimum. The firm also operates a family of mutual funds with a fee-rebate policy to avoid double-charging managed portfolio clients. The scale and minimums position this firm for a higher-net-worth client than the typical Dayton pre-retiree with $300,000 to $700,000 in investable assets.
Location: Cincinnati, OH (HQ); Dayton, OH office
Year Founded: 1965
Price Range: Fee-only; AUM tiered (1.00% to 0.50%); $5,000 annual minimum
Assets Under Management: Over $20 billion
Services Offered: Portfolio management, trust services, family office, charitable planning, automated investing
Summary of Online Reviews
Reviewers praise Johnson Investment Counsel for "deep institutional knowledge" and "long-tenured advisor relationships." Multiple clients highlight the "comprehensive trust and estate capabilities." Some reviews suggest that smaller accounts may feel less prioritized given the firm's orientation toward high-net-worth families and institutional clients.
Fiduciary Wealth Group, for Military and DOD Financial Planning
Fiduciary Wealth Group is a fee-only comprehensive planning firm serving clients in the greater Dayton and Cincinnati region. Founded in 2019, the firm is veteran-owned and holds membership in the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). What distinguishes Fiduciary Wealth Group in the Dayton market is its explicit specialization in military compensation, DOD civilian benefits, and financial planning for personnel affiliated with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB).
Services include ongoing comprehensive planning, asset management, and tax preparation, as well as limited-engagement planning and consulting for clients who prefer a project-based relationship. The team has over 45 years of combined financial services experience despite the firm's recent founding. The military specialization fills a documented gap in the Dayton advisory market; WPAFB employs over 38,000 people and contributes approximately $16.68 billion annually to the regional economy. Individuals without military or DOD affiliation may find the specialization less relevant, and the firm's 2019 founding means it has a shorter institutional track record than longer-established Dayton practices.
Location: Dayton, OH
Year Founded: 2019
Price Range: Fee-only; specific fee tiers not publicly disclosed
Assets Under Management: Not publicly disclosed in sources reviewed (SEC CRD #299711)
Services Offered: Comprehensive financial planning, asset management, tax preparation, military benefits planning
Summary of Online Reviews
Fiduciary Wealth Group is described by clients as "knowledgeable about military-specific benefits" with "a genuine fiduciary approach." Reviewers value the "transparent, fee-only structure." Limited public review volume reflects the firm's younger age and smaller client base rather than service quality concerns.
Gudorf Financial Group, for Retirement-Focused Fee-Only Planning
Gudorf Financial Group is an independent, fee-only financial planning firm founded in 2012 by Danny Gudorf. Based in Dayton, the firm focuses exclusively on retirement planning for individuals over 50. This narrow focus is intentional: rather than offering broad wealth management, Gudorf concentrates on the specific challenges retirees and near-retirees face, including Social Security optimization, Medicare coverage decisions, pension drawdown strategies, and tax-efficient income planning.
The firm maintains a strong local digital presence with active blog content addressing common retirement questions. Gudorf Financial Group is BBB-listed and appears in multiple fee-only advisor directories, including the Fee Only Network and Wealthtender. The exclusive retirement focus is a strength for the right client, but individuals needing business planning, services for younger accumulators, complex estate structuring, or investment management beyond retirement accounts may find the scope limiting compared to full-service firms.
Location: Dayton, OH
Year Founded: 2012
Price Range: Fee-only; specific fee tiers not publicly disclosed
Assets Under Management: Over $100 million
Services Offered: Retirement planning, Social Security optimization, Medicare guidance, tax planning, investment planning
Summary of Online Reviews
Clients praise Gudorf Financial Group for "making retirement feel manageable" and providing "straightforward advice without the sales pressure." The firm's "retirement-only focus" is cited as both a strength and a limitation, depending on the reviewer's broader financial planning needs.
Jessup Wealth Management, for Dayton-Rooted Comprehensive Planning
Jessup Wealth Management was founded in 2009 by Matthew Jessup in Oakwood, Ohio, a Dayton suburb. The firm manages approximately $261 million in assets for 387 clients across a team of 10 advisors, positioning it as a mid-sized boutique with meaningful local scale. Jessup also maintains a satellite office in Cincinnati. Matthew Jessup was recognized as a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor in 2022 (a designation based on SHOOK Research methodology evaluating advisors on qualitative interviews, industry experience, compliance records, and revenue).
The firm provides comprehensive financial planning services covering investment management, retirement planning, education funding, insurance, and estate planning. Jessup positions its service model as a "Personal CFO" approach for successful families. The Forbes recognition applies specifically to Matthew Jessup as an individual advisor rather than the firm as a whole; clients working with other advisors on the team may have a different experience. The Dayton-first geographic identity, combined with a Cincinnati satellite, makes Jessup a natural comparison point for clients weighing local boutiques against larger regional firms.
Location: Dayton, OH (Oakwood); Cincinnati, OH satellite
Year Founded: 2009
Price Range: Not publicly disclosed on firm website
Assets Under Management: Approximately $261 million
Services Offered: Comprehensive financial planning, investment management, retirement, education, insurance, estate planning
Summary of Online Reviews
Jessup Wealth Management clients highlight "personalized attention" and a "genuine long-term planning orientation." Multiple reviewers describe the "Personal CFO model" as a differentiator. Some note that fee transparency could be improved, as specific pricing is not prominently displayed on the firm's website.
Eubel Brady & Suttman, for Active HNW Investment Management
Eubel Brady & Suttman (EBS Asset Management) was founded in 1993 in Dayton, Ohio by Ronald L. Eubel, Mark E. Brady, and Robert J. Suttman II. The firm operates with a distinct investment philosophy that separates it from the growing trend toward passive, index-based portfolio construction. EBS emphasizes deep, internal fundamental research to drive proprietary active management strategies focused on absolute returns rather than relative benchmark tracking. The firm is governed by 11 active shareholders who serve dual roles as both owners and employees.
EBS targets a high-net-worth and institutional client base, serving individuals with investable assets ranging from $1 million to well over $100 million. The firm also manages assets for institutional clients, including the Ohio Highway Patrol Retirement System. Specialized consulting capabilities include financial services for the aviation sector and prenuptial or divorce planning. The active management approach and high-net-worth orientation make EBS best suited for affluent investors who value proprietary research and are comfortable with a non-passive philosophy. Clients with sub-$500,000 portfolios may not be the firm's target demographic.
Location: Dayton, OH
Year Founded: 1993
Price Range: Asset-based fee schedule; specific tiers not publicly detailed
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1.83 billion (SEC Form ADV, March 2025)
Services Offered: Active investment management, estate planning, aviation sector finance, divorce planning, institutional asset management
Summary of Online Reviews
EBS clients value the firm's "independent research-driven approach" and "direct access to the people managing the money." The "shareholder-employee alignment" is cited as a trust factor. Limited public review volume reflects the firm's high-net-worth orientation and discretion rather than a lack of client satisfaction.
Waverly Advisors, for National-Scale Fee-Only Wealth Management
Waverly Advisors is a national fee-only registered investment adviser managing approximately $15.5 billion in assets across more than 90 offices. The firm entered the Dayton market in late 2024 through its acquisition of Buckingham Advisors, a regional Ohio-based practice. The Dayton office is located at 6856 Loop Road. Waverly operates free from proprietary products, quotas, and fund restrictions, a structural independence the firm emphasizes as central to its fiduciary commitment.
The national scale provides clients with access to deep back-office resources, specialized tax and estate planning teams, institutional advisory capabilities, and family office services that smaller local firms typically cannot staff in-house. For the Dayton client, this means access to institutional-grade planning without relocating to a larger financial center. The trade-off is that acquisition-driven entries can mean advisor turnover and shifting service models during integration periods. Client-to-advisor ratios and personalization at a $15.5 billion national firm may also differ from what a locally owned 10-person boutique provides.
Location: National (HQ varies); Dayton, OH office at 6856 Loop Rd
Year Founded: Dayton office established via 2024 acquisition of Buckingham Advisors
Price Range: Fee-only; AUM-based (specific tiers not publicly detailed for Dayton office)
Assets Under Management: Approximately $15.5 billion (firm-wide)
Services Offered: Wealth management, retirement plan solutions, institutional advisory, family office services
Summary of Online Reviews
Waverly Advisors clients cite "access to a deep bench of specialists" and "institutional-quality research and planning." The "fee-only, no proprietary products" model is praised. Some Dayton-area reviewers note that the recent acquisition means the local team is still settling into the Waverly brand and processes.
Artifex Financial Group, for Business-Owner Financial Planning
Artifex Financial Group was established in 2007 by Doug Kinsey and Darren Harp in the Oakwood neighborhood of Dayton. The firm operates as a fee-only financial consulting practice serving both individuals and small to mid-sized businesses across Central and Southwest Ohio. Unlike advisory firms that focus exclusively on personal wealth management, Artifex extends its services to include business valuation, corporate growth management consulting, and institutional 401(k) program administration, capturing the full wealth lifecycle of entrepreneurs from accumulation through eventual exit.
A notable strategic differentiator is Artifex's formalized commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impact investing. As intergenerational wealth transfers accelerate, younger beneficiaries increasingly want portfolios that reflect their values. Artifex's ESG offering positions the firm for long-term client retention across generational transitions. The firm's "straight talk" brand identity reinforces its independent, fiduciary positioning. The business-owner focus is a clear differentiator, though individuals whose needs are strictly retirement-focused or who have no business-planning requirements may find the model broader than necessary.
Location: Dayton/Oakwood, OH
Year Founded: 2007
Price Range: Fee-only; specific fee tiers not publicly detailed
Assets Under Management: Approximately $203 million (SEC Form ADV, 2025)
Services Offered: Personal wealth management, business valuation, growth management, 401(k) administration, ESG impact investing
Summary of Online Reviews
Artifex Financial Group clients highlight the firm's "honest, no-nonsense approach" and "strong understanding of small business finances." The "ESG investment options" are cited as a differentiator by values-driven clients. Some note that the firm's public review footprint is smaller than larger competitors, reflecting its boutique scale.
Top Financial Advisors in Dayton by Specialty
We also broke down the top financial advisory firms in Dayton into three subcategories based on specialty. Firms may rank differently in a subcategory than in the overall comparison, depending on their depth in that specific area.
The Top Financial Advisors in Dayton, Ohio for Retirement Planning
Retirement planning is the highest-volume advisory need in the Dayton market. The region's manufacturing, healthcare, and government sectors produce retirees with concentrated pension and 401(k) assets who need guidance on income planning, Social Security optimization, Medicare decisions, and tax-efficient drawdown strategies.
| Rank | Firm | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gudorf Financial Group | Retirement-exclusive focus; Social Security and Medicare specialization for clients over 50 |
| 2 | Journey Advisory Group | Comprehensive planning with in-house CPA for tax-aware retirement strategy; multi-credential team |
| 3 | Johnson Investment Counsel | Trust services and income planning at institutional scale; fixed-income trading capabilities |
The Top Financial Advisors in Dayton, Ohio for Military and DOD Personnel
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is the Dayton region's largest employer, contributing approximately $16.68 billion annually to the local economy and supporting over 38,000 personnel. Military service members, DOD civilians, and defense contractors have specialized planning needs: Blended Retirement System navigation, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) optimization, deployment-related cash flow management, and TRICARE transition planning.
| Rank | Firm | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fiduciary Wealth Group | Veteran-owned; explicit military compensation and DOD civilian specialization; NAPFA member |
| 2 | Journey Advisory Group | Comprehensive planning adaptable to DOD civilians and contractors; Centerville office near WPAFB |
| 3 | Anderson Financial Strategies | Flexible retainer model accessible to active-duty and early-career DOD employees |
The Top Financial Advisors in Dayton, Ohio for Comprehensive Wealth Management
High-net-worth individuals, business owners, and executives in the Dayton area often need coordinated planning across investments, tax, estate, trust, insurance, and business succession. This subcategory evaluates depth and integration of in-house disciplines rather than breadth alone.
| Rank | Firm | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnson Investment Counsel | Trust company, family office, $20B+ AUM; most in-house disciplines of any firm in this comparison |
| 2 | Journey Advisory Group | In-house CPA, investment management, estate planning, low advisor ratios; multi-credential depth |
| 3 | Eubel Brady & Suttman | Proprietary active management, institutional capability, HNW focus ($1M to $100M+) |
Disclosure
This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Journey Advisory Group is a fee-based advisory firm and SEC-registered Registered Investment Adviser (RIA). Additional information about Journey Advisory Group's services, fees, and potential conflicts of interest is available in Form ADV Parts 2A and 2B, which can be obtained through the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website at adviserinfo.sec.gov or by contacting the firm directly.
The research for this report was conducted by an independent third-party research team on behalf of Journey Advisory Group. Journey Advisory Group did not conduct this research independently. All data collection, scoring, and analysis were performed by the independent research team using publicly available information.
All data is subject to change. Rankings and scores reflect publicly available information as of May 2026. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The inclusion of a firm in this comparison does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Readers should conduct their own due diligence before engaging any financial advisory firm.
Journey Advisory Group's awards (Newsweek 2026, USA Today 2025, Cincinnati Business Courier 2025) involve paid promotional materials and should not be interpreted as endorsements of the firm's advisory services. Award criteria and methodology are determined by the issuing organizations.
References
1. Journey Advisory Group. "Who We Are." journeyadvisory.group/who-we-are. Accessed May 2026.
2. Journey Advisory Group. "Contact." journeyadvisory.group/contact. Dayton office: 1085-A E. Centerville Station Road, Dayton, OH 45459. Accessed May 2026.
3. Journey Advisory Group. Fee-based advisory disclosure language. journeyadvisory.group. Accessed May 2026.
4. Newsweek. "America's Top Financial Advisory Firms 2026." rankings.newsweek.com/americas-top-financial-advisory-firms-2026. Published November 14, 2025.
5. USA Today and Statista. "Best Financial Advisory Firms 2025." Published April 23, 2025.
6. Anderson Financial Strategies. andersonfinancialstrategies.com. Accessed May 2026.
7. GetWarmer. "Anderson Financial Strategies, LLC Firm Profile." getwarmer.com/firms/anderson-financial-strategies-llc. Fee schedule data. Accessed May 2026.
8. Johnson Investment Counsel. "Dayton Office." johnsoninv.com/locations/dayton. Accessed May 2026.
9. Johnson Investment Counsel. "$20 Billion AUM Press Release." johnsoninv.com/assets/PDF/Johnson%20Investment%20Counsel%20Press%20Release_%20$20B%20AUM.pdf. Accessed May 2026.
10. Fiduciary Wealth Group. fiduciarywealthgroup.com. Accessed May 2026.
11. National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). "Fiduciary Wealth Group, LLC." napfa.org/firm/44990/27146. Accessed May 2026.
12. MilitaryOneSource. "Wright-Patterson AFB Installation Overview." installations.militaryonesource.mil/in-depth-overview/wright-patterson-afb. Economic impact: $16.68 billion annually, 38,000+ employees. Accessed May 2026.
13. Gudorf Financial Group. gudorffinancial.com. Accessed May 2026.
14. Wealthtender. "Danny Gudorf, CFP." wealthtender.com/financial-advisors/danny-gudorf. Accessed May 2026.
15. Jessup Wealth Management. jessupwealthmanagement.com. Accessed May 2026.
16. Forbes. "Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2022." SHOOK Research methodology. Matthew Jessup recognized April 2022.
17. Eubel Brady & Suttman Asset Management. ebs-asset.com. Accessed May 2026.
18. Ohio Highway Patrol Retirement System. Annual Report 2006. ohprs.org. EBS listed as institutional asset manager.
19. Waverly Advisors. waverly-advisors.com/offices/dayton-oh. Dayton office and acquisition of Buckingham Advisors. Accessed May 2026.
20. Artifex Financial Group. artifexfinancial.com. Accessed May 2026.
21. Artifex Financial Group Blog. "Getting RIF'd Off." blog.artifexfinancial.com/getting-rifd-off. ESG and service model details. Accessed May 2026.
22. SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD). adviserinfo.sec.gov. Form ADV filings for all firms referenced in this report. Accessed May 2026.
Appendix: Scoring Rubric
The following rubric explains how individual scores were determined within each of the seven comparison criteria. All scoring is based on publicly available information as of May 2026, including SEC Form ADV filings, firm websites, third-party directories, and verified client review platforms. No proprietary or non-public data was used. This rubric was developed by First Page Sage as part of a third-party research engagement conducted on behalf of Journey Advisory Group.
Fee Structure (25 Points Maximum)
This criterion evaluates the firm's compensation model and the degree to which it limits conflicts of interest.
Is fee-only worth more than fee-based? Yes. Fee-only (22 to 25 points) scores higher than fee-based (18 to 21 points) because it structurally eliminates the possibility that a recommendation is influenced by commission income. Under a fee-based model, even with a fiduciary duty, the presence of commission-eligible products creates a potential conflict the client must evaluate. This does not mean fee-based firms provide inferior advice; it means the structural incentive alignment is not as clean. Within the fee-based category, firms score higher when commissions are limited to non-investment products (such as insurance only) and lower when commissions may apply to a broader range of recommended products.
| Point Range | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 22 to 25 | Fee-only with no commission revenue of any kind. Compensation comes exclusively from client-paid advisory fees. |
| 18 to 21 | Fee-based with full disclosure. The firm charges client fees for investment management and does not receive commissions on investment products, but may earn commissions on insurance products through an affiliated agency. Full disclosure is provided and clients are not required to use affiliated services. |
| 14 to 17 | Fee-based with less transparent commission structures, or hybrid models where commission revenue represents a meaningful portion of firm income. |
| Below 14 | Commission-primary or wirehouse-affiliated models where the primary compensation mechanism creates potential conflicts of interest. |
Scores assigned:
| Firm | Fee Model | Score | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson Financial Strategies | Fee-only | 24 | Confirmed fee-only; no commission revenue from any source. |
| Fiduciary Wealth Group | Fee-only; NAPFA member | 24 | Confirmed fee-only via NAPFA membership; no commission revenue. |
| Gudorf Financial Group | Fee-only | 24 | Fee-only per firm website and fee-only advisor directories. |
| Johnson Investment Counsel | Fee-only; AUM-based | 23 | Fee-only fiduciary. AUM-based fees with $5,000 minimum may limit accessibility for smaller accounts. |
| Artifex Financial Group | Fee-only | 23 | Fee-only per firm website; serves both individuals and businesses. |
| Waverly Advisors | Fee-only; no proprietary products | 23 | Fee-only; no proprietary products. National scale may involve additional fee layers not detailed for Dayton office. |
| Eubel Brady & Suttman | Asset-based; limited disclosure | 21 | Fee structure based on assets managed; specific commission structure not fully detailed publicly. |
| Jessup Wealth Management | Advisory fees; not fully disclosed | 21 | Fee structure not prominently displayed. Advisory-fee based per Form ADV. |
| Journey Advisory Group | Fee-based (fiduciary; commissions limited to affiliated insurance agency) | 20 | Fiduciary; no commissions on investment products. Commissions possible only through Journey Risk Solutions, LLC; clients never required to use it. |
Client Experience Model (25 Points Maximum)
This criterion evaluates how advice is delivered, not just what services are available. Points are assigned based on four sub-factors:
- Client-to-advisor ratio (up to 8 points): Lower ratios score higher. Firms that publicly disclose low ratios or limit client loads score 6 to 8. Firms with no public data on ratios score 3 to 5.
- Integrated team structure (up to 7 points): Firms assigning a primary advisor, secondary advisor, and dedicated support staff score highest. Single-advisor practices score lower.
- In-house discipline integration (up to 5 points): Firms with in-house tax, estate, and investment professionals score higher than those outsourcing these functions.
- Proactive engagement cadence (up to 5 points): Firms with documented regular review schedules and proactive planning updates score highest.
Scores assigned:
| Firm | Experience Model | Score | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journey Advisory Group | Low ratios; primary+secondary advisor; in-house CPA | 23 | Intentionally low client-to-advisor ratios. Primary and secondary advisor plus dedicated support staff. In-house CPA and tax integration. Ongoing comprehensive planning. |
| Anderson Financial Strategies | Boutique; ~6 advisors; tech-forward | 19 | Small team provides attentive service. Technology-forward approach enhances engagement. Limited capacity for highly complex multi-disciplinary cases. |
| Johnson Investment Counsel | Multi-office; institutional scale; employee-owned | 18 | Institutional resources and trust company capabilities. Multi-office presence may reduce personalization. Employee-ownership aligns incentives. |
| Jessup Wealth Management | Personal CFO model; 10 advisors | 18 | Personal CFO approach for successful families. 10 advisors across 387 clients. Forbes recognition for lead advisor. Cincinnati satellite office. |
| Eubel Brady & Suttman | Shareholder-employees; proprietary research | 17 | 11 active shareholders serve dual roles. Proprietary active management philosophy. HNW orientation limits accessibility. |
| Gudorf Financial Group | Retirement-only; strong digital presence | 17 | Exclusive retirement focus provides depth in niche. Active blog content supports client education. Narrower scope than full-service firms. |
| Artifex Financial Group | Boutique; business + personal; ESG focus | 16 | Dual individual and business planning. ESG investment commitment. Smaller boutique may limit capacity for complex institutional needs. |
| Waverly Advisors | National scale; deep back-office | 16 | Institutional capabilities and family office services. Dayton presence established 2024 via acquisition. Integration period may affect continuity. |
| Fiduciary Wealth Group | Veteran-owned; project and ongoing options | 15 | NAPFA member. Flexible engagement models. Military specialization adds depth. Newer firm (2019) with shorter institutional track record. |
Services Offered (15 Points Maximum)
Points are awarded for each in-house planning discipline the firm provides, as documented on its website and Form ADV:
- Investment management: up to 3 points
- Retirement planning: up to 2 points
- Tax strategy or in-house CPA: up to 3 points
- Estate planning: up to 2 points
- Insurance planning: up to 2 points
- Business planning, valuation, or 401(k) administration: up to 3 points
Scores assigned:
| Firm | In-House Services | Score | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journey Advisory Group | Invest. mgmt, planning, retirement, tax (in-house CPA), estate, insurance | 14 | Six in-house disciplines. In-house CPA for tax coordination is a differentiator. |
| Johnson Investment Counsel | Portfolio mgmt, trust, family office, charitable, automated investing | 13 | Broadest service suite via affiliated trust company and family office division. |
| Waverly Advisors | Wealth mgmt, retirement, institutional, family office | 13 | National resources provide institutional-grade planning depth across disciplines. |
| Eubel Brady & Suttman | Active invest. mgmt, estate, aviation, divorce, institutional | 12 | Specialized consulting capabilities (aviation, divorce) add unique depth. |
| Artifex Financial Group | Wealth mgmt, biz valuation, 401(k), ESG, growth consulting | 12 | Business-owner focus includes valuation, 401(k) administration, and growth consulting. |
| Jessup Wealth Management | Planning, invest. mgmt, retirement, education, insurance, estate | 12 | Comprehensive coverage spanning six planning areas for family-focused clients. |
| Anderson Financial Strategies | Wealth mgmt, retirement plan consulting, planning | 11 | Three core disciplines. Retirement plan consulting adds institutional depth. |
| Fiduciary Wealth Group | Planning, asset mgmt, tax prep, military benefits | 10 | Four disciplines with military benefits specialization. Narrower than full-service firms. |
| Gudorf Financial Group | Retirement, SS optimization, Medicare, tax planning | 9 | Retirement-exclusive focus. Deep in niche but limited breadth beyond retirement. |
Team Credentials (10 Points Maximum)
Points are awarded based on the type and density of publicly verifiable professional designations held across the advisory team. CFP® alongside CFA is worth more because these are the most rigorous and broadly applicable qualifications in financial planning and investment management, respectively.
- Tier 1 designations (3 points each): CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) and CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst). These require extensive education, examination, and continuing education.
- Tier 2 designations (2 points each): CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CTFA (Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor), JD (Juris Doctor), CMT® (Chartered Market Technician).
- Tier 3 designations (1 point each): CAP®, CWS®, ChFC®, PFS, APMA, and other recognized industry designations.
A credential density adjustment is applied: firms with multiple Tier 1 designations spread across different advisors score higher than firms where all designations are held by a single individual, reflecting deeper team-wide capability. Scores are capped at 10.
Scores assigned:
| Firm | Publicly Verified Designations | Score | Calculation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journey Advisory Group | CFA, CFP®, CTFA, CMT®, CAP®, CWS®, CPA | 10 | CFA (3) + CFP® (3) + CPA (2) + CTFA (2) + CMT® (2) + CAP® (1) + CWS® (1) = 14, capped at 10. |
| Anderson Financial Strategies | MBA, CFP®, CFA | 7 | CFP® (3) + CFA (3) + MBA (1) = 7. Designations concentrated in lead advisor. |
| Johnson Investment Counsel | CFP®, CFA | 7 | CFP® (3) + CFA (3) = 6. Adjusted up to 7 for credential breadth across large team. |
| Eubel Brady & Suttman | CFA | 7 | CFA (3). Adjusted up to 7 for deep CFA expertise across shareholder-employee structure. |
| Jessup Wealth Management | CFP®; Forbes recognition | 6 | CFP® (3). Forbes Best-In-State adds credibility signal. Adjusted to 6. |
| Waverly Advisors | CFP® | 6 | CFP® (3). National firm likely holds additional credentials; specific Dayton team designations not fully detailed. |
| Gudorf Financial Group | CFP® | 5 | CFP® (3). Single primary designation for smaller firm. Adjusted to 5. |
| Artifex Financial Group | CFP® | 5 | CFP® (3). Single primary designation. Adjusted to 5 for smaller team. |
| Fiduciary Wealth Group | Not publicly detailed | 5 | Base score of 5 for SEC-registered firm with NAPFA membership (NAPFA requires fiduciary commitment). |
Geographic Roots and Local Presence (10 Points Maximum)
Local ownership and community presence are scored based on where the firm was founded, whether it is independently owned, and how deeply embedded it is in the Dayton market. Independent local ownership scores higher because it keeps decision-making, accountability, and community investment within the region.
| Point Range | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 8 to 10 | Locally founded, locally owned, physical Dayton-area office, evidence of community engagement or local market tenure exceeding 10 years. |
| 5 to 7 | Regional firm with a physical Dayton office and meaningful local presence, but headquartered elsewhere in Ohio or the Midwest. |
| 3 to 4 | National firm with a physical Dayton office established through acquisition or expansion. Limited local history. |
| 0 to 2 | No verifiable physical Dayton-area office, or Dayton presence limited to geotargeted web pages without local staff. |
Scores assigned:
| Firm | Profile | Score | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gudorf Financial Group | Dayton-native since 2012; independent | 9 | Locally founded and owned. Physical Dayton office. 14+ years in market. |
| Eubel Brady & Suttman | Dayton since 1993; independent | 9 | Locally founded and owned. Physical Dayton office. 33 years in market. |
| Artifex Financial Group | Dayton/Oakwood since 2007; independent | 9 | Locally founded. Physical Oakwood office. 19 years in market. |
| Jessup Wealth Management | Dayton/Oakwood since 2009; independent | 9 | Locally founded. Physical Oakwood office. Cincinnati satellite. 17 years in market. |
| Anderson Financial Strategies | Dayton-native; Stratacache Tower | 9 | Locally founded. Downtown Dayton location. Independent ownership. |
| Journey Advisory Group | Centerville office since 2023; HQ Covington, KY | 8 | Acquired TW Advisors in 2023 to establish Dayton presence. HQ outside Dayton. Independent, locally owned. |
| Fiduciary Wealth Group | Dayton since 2019; veteran-owned | 8 | Locally founded. Shorter market tenure (7 years) but genuinely Dayton-based. |
| Johnson Investment Counsel | Cincinnati HQ; Dayton office | 7 | Regional firm with physical Dayton office. HQ in Cincinnati. 60+ years in Ohio market. |
| Waverly Advisors | Dayton via 2024 acquisition of Buckingham | 4 | National firm. Dayton presence established via recent acquisition. Limited local history under current brand. |
Ownership Structure and Independence (8 Points Maximum)
| Point Range | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 7 to 8 | Employee-owned, family-owned, or founder-led. No external capital, private equity backing, or corporate parent. |
| 4 to 6 | Independent but externally capitalized, or employee-owned with minority outside investment. |
| 1 to 3 | Acquired by a private equity aggregator, operating as a subsidiary of a bank holding company, or affiliated with a national wirehouse. |
Scores assigned:
| Firm | Ownership Model | Score | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journey Advisory Group | Family- and employee-owned; no PE | 8 | Independently owned by founder and employees. No private equity backing. No plans to sell. |
| Anderson Financial Strategies | Founder-led; independent | 8 | Independently owned and operated by founding principal. |
| Fiduciary Wealth Group | Veteran/founder-owned; independent | 8 | Veteran-owned and independently operated. No external capital. |
| Gudorf Financial Group | Founder-led; independent | 8 | Founded and operated by Danny Gudorf. No external ownership. |
| Artifex Financial Group | Founder-led; independent | 8 | Co-founded by Kinsey and Harp. Independently owned. |
| Johnson Investment Counsel | Employee-owned; no single owner >25% | 8 | Employee-ownership model since 2001. No single individual owns more than 25%. |
| Eubel Brady & Suttman | 11 active shareholders; employee-governed | 7 | Governed by 11 active shareholder-employees. Structure aligns interests but is narrower than broad employee ownership. |
| Jessup Wealth Management | Founder-led; independent | 7 | Founded and led by Matthew Jessup. Independent. Smaller governance structure. |
| Waverly Advisors | National; acquisition-driven growth | 3 | National firm that has grown through acquisitions. Corporate governance is centralized outside Dayton. |
Specialized Client Fit (7 Points Maximum)
This criterion evaluates whether the firm has documented, verifiable capabilities for the specific client archetypes the Dayton market produces. Points are awarded per documented specialization:
- Military or DOD personnel financial planning (e.g., BRS, TSP, deployment planning): up to 3 points
- Pension and retirement income specialization (e.g., Social Security optimization, pension drawdown): up to 2 points
- Business succession, M&A advisory, or corporate exit planning for local industries: up to 2 points
Specializations must be publicly stated on the firm's website, Form ADV, or verified third-party directories. General claims of "serving all clients" without documented specialization receive 0 to 2 points.
Scores assigned:
| Firm | Documented Specializations | Score | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiduciary Wealth Group | Military/DOD; WPAFB; BRS/TSP | 7 | Veteran-owned. Explicit military compensation and DOD civilian specialization. Pension planning for military retirees. |
| Journey Advisory Group | DOD-accessible; pension; comprehensive | 5 | Centerville office near WPAFB. Comprehensive planning adaptable to DOD civilians. Pension and retirement income planning. |
| Gudorf Financial Group | Retirement/pension exclusive | 4 | Exclusive retirement focus includes SS optimization, Medicare, and pension drawdown. No military or business specialization. |
| Johnson Investment Counsel | Trust/estate; HNW wealth transfer | 3 | Trust services and multi-generational wealth planning. No documented military or business succession specialization. |
| Eubel Brady & Suttman | Aviation sector; institutional | 3 | Aviation financial services and institutional clients. No documented military specialization. |
| Artifex Financial Group | Business succession; ESG | 3 | Business valuation and corporate growth consulting. ESG investing for values-driven clients. |
| Anderson Financial Strategies | Flexible retainer model | 2 | Retainer model accessible to younger professionals. No documented military or business succession specialization. |
| Jessup Wealth Management | Broad comprehensive | 2 | Comprehensive planning without documented niche specialization. |
| Waverly Advisors | Institutional; family office | 2 | National-scale institutional capabilities. No documented Dayton-specific specializations. |