Choosing a wealth planning firm is among the most consequential financial decisions an individual or family can make, and the differences between providers are far more significant than most comparison sites acknowledge. The gap between a firm that calls itself a fiduciary and one that operates as one in practice, the difference between a team that handles tax in-house and one that refers it out, the distance between a named advisor with a deliberately managed client load and a scaled national platform, all of these differences compound at the level of actual outcomes over time. This report makes them visible so that professionals, pre-retirees, and high-net-worth families can start with the right conversation.
We analyzed eight leading wealth planning providers available to Greater Cincinnati area investors, from independent fiduciary Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) to national platforms and digital services. Each firm is assessed on its fiduciary standard, comprehensive planning breadth, client-to-advisor ratio, advisory team credentials, integrated tax planning, in-house investment management, and macroeconomic and market strategy capability, using publicly available information from SEC Form ADV filings, firm websites, and verified third-party directories.17 No investment performance data was used. This article reflects the opinions of the research team, based generally on market reputation and analysis of publicly available information.
| Firm | Good Fit For |
|---|---|
| Journey Advisory Group | Comprehensive fiduciary wealth planning with investment, tax, estate, and insurance coordinated by one local team |
| Cerity Partners | National-scale comprehensive wealth management for complex, multi-state, and high-net-worth situations |
| Foster & Motley | Fee-only fiduciary planning with deep Cincinnati roots |
| Mercer Advisors | Integrated planning with in-house tax preparation at national scale |
| Schwab Wealth Advisory | Credentialed dedicated advisor access within a major custodian platform |
| Edelman Financial Engines | Accessible fiduciary financial planning at national scale |
| Vanguard Personal Advisor Select | Low-cost, remote-only fiduciary planning for passive-investment-oriented clients |
| Betterment Premium | Technology-driven automated investing with access to CFP® guidance |
Data sourced from SEC Form ADV filings, firm websites, and verified third-party directories as of May 2026. This comparison reflects planning structure and client fit, not investment performance. Consult a financial professional before making financial decisions.
Wealth Planning Services: Descriptions & Reviews
Journey Advisory Group
Journey Advisory Group is an independent, fiduciary RIA founded in 2013 and headquartered in Covington, Kentucky, managing approximately $1.65 billion in assets across more than 2,000 client relationships from offices serving Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Dayton.2 The firm is family- and employee-owned with no private equity backing, earns no commissions on the investment products it recommends, and holds credentials across every core wealth planning discipline: CFA, CFP®, CTFA, CPA, CMT®, CAP®, and CWS®.1
What distinguishes Journey structurally is the combination it holds simultaneously: investment management, retirement planning, tax planning through an in-house CPA, estate planning, and insurance review handled as an integrated whole, with deliberately low client loads supported by a primary advisor, secondary advisor, and dedicated support staff. The firm’s Global Macro strategy is managed by named Chief Investment Officer Eric Pettway, CFA, whom clients can speak with directly.1 For Greater Cincinnati area professionals, executives, business owners, and pre-retirees who want their full financial picture managed by one team that knows them, Journey is the most fully realized option on this list.
Fiduciary standard: Independent fiduciary RIA at all times; no commissions on investment products; fee-based structure.
Comprehensive planning breadth: Investment management, retirement, tax, estate, and insurance reviewed under one roof.
Client-to-advisor ratio: Primary and secondary advisor plus dedicated support staff; intentionally low client loads.
Advisory team credentials: CFA, CFP®, CTFA, CPA, CMT®, CAP®, and CWS® across the team.
Integrated tax planning: In-house CPA; tax integrated into planning from the start, not referred out.
In-house investment management: Proprietary strategies including Global Macro; independent trading; named CIO accessible to clients.
Macro & market strategy: CMT® on the team; named CIO with 25+ years of experience; client access to macro research.
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 planning, investment, and estate planning under one roof. Clients who have transitioned from larger national firms consistently note the difference in proactive communication, citing advisors who reach out before an issue arises rather than after. A smaller number of reviews note that the firm’s growth trajectory is something they watch to ensure service quality holds at scale.
Cerity Partners
Cerity Partners is a large, nationally recognized fiduciary RIA with two Cincinnati-area offices and firm-wide assets under management exceeding $100 billion.6 It offers one of the broadest service menus in the market, spanning investment management, tax preparation, estate and trust services, retirement plan advisory, business owner advisory, and cross-border planning, all fee-based with no commissions on investment products.5 Where Cerity differs from the boutiques on this list is personalization: as a private equity-backed national firm, its client-to-advisor ratios are not publicly disclosed, and the investment model relies on an institutional platform and outsourced CIO capabilities rather than a named portfolio manager. For clients whose primary needs are planning breadth and national resource depth, Cerity is a strong choice in the Cincinnati market.
Fiduciary standard: Fiduciary RIA; fee-based; no commissions on investment products; national firm with private equity backing.
Comprehensive planning breadth: Investment, retirement, tax preparation, estate and trust, business advisory, and cross-border planning.
Client-to-advisor ratio: National firm scale; ratios not publicly disclosed; local teams in Cincinnati.
Advisory team credentials: CFP®, CPA, CFA, and JD across advisory teams.
Integrated tax planning: In-house tax preparation and planning, including detailed projections and trust returns.
In-house investment management: Institutional investment platform; outsourced CIO model; no single named CIO.
Macro & market strategy: Chief Market Strategist publishes regular macro commentary; team-based approach.
Summary of Online Reviews
Clients describe Cerity Partners as “a firm with the resources to handle anything” and consistently highlight the depth of in-house tax, trust, and estate capabilities as a primary differentiator from smaller boutique alternatives. The ability to have a CFP, CPA, and estate attorney coordinating within one firm is frequently cited as the defining value proposition. Some reviews note that the experience can vary meaningfully by office and individual advisor, and that the national firm structure means the quality of the local relationship matters more than at firms with standardized service models.
Foster & Motley
Foster & Motley is a Cincinnati-based fee-only fiduciary RIA established in 1997, owned entirely by its fourteen shareholder-advisors and managing over $2.4 billion in client assets.7,8 As a fee-only practice it accepts no commissions of any kind, the structurally cleanest incentive alignment in the industry, and covers investment management, retirement, tax analysis, estate, and cash flow planning with a CFP®, CFA, and CPA-credentialed team. The main tradeoffs: tax work is analytical rather than full CPA preparation, and there is no proprietary macro strategy or named CIO accessible to clients. For clients who prioritize the fee-only standard above all else and want deep local roots, Foster & Motley is the strongest alternative to Journey on this list.
Fiduciary standard: Fee-only fiduciary RIA; no commissions of any kind from any source.
Comprehensive planning breadth: Investment management, financial planning, retirement, tax analysis, and estate planning.
Client-to-advisor ratio: Locally owned by 14 shareholder-advisors; boutique client loads, not publicly disclosed.
Advisory team credentials: CFP®, CFA, and CPA across the team.
Integrated tax planning: Tax analysis within planning; not a full in-house tax preparation operation.
In-house investment management: Discretionary in-house management; no proprietary macro strategy or named CIO.
Macro & market strategy: Market views inform planning; no dedicated macro team or named CIO.
Summary of Online Reviews
Clients describe Foster & Motley as “one of Cincinnati’s most trusted independent advisors” and consistently highlight the fee-only structure as the primary reason they chose the firm. The long tenure of the advisor team and the firm’s local ownership are frequently cited as sources of confidence. Some clients note that the firm’s conservative approach to investment management reflects its planning-first orientation, and that those seeking more active or tactical investment strategies may want to evaluate alternatives.
Mercer Advisors
Mercer Advisors is a national fiduciary RIA managing over $60 billion, with a service model spanning investment management, financial planning, tax preparation, estate planning, and insurance, serving Greater Cincinnati clients through its regional advisory infrastructure.9 Its in-house CPAs prepare client tax returns and participate in the planning process, a genuine differentiator from Schwab, Vanguard, and the digital platforms on this list.10 The considerations are structural: the firm has grown primarily through acquisition, which can create variability across offices, and investment management relies on an outsourced CIO structure with no named CIO accessible to clients. For clients comfortable with a national model who want tax preparation included, Mercer is a credible option.
Fiduciary standard: Fiduciary RIA; fee-only on planning services; some insurance commissions possible through affiliated entities.
Comprehensive planning breadth: Investment, financial planning, tax preparation, estate, insurance, and business planning.
Client-to-advisor ratio: National firm; ratios vary by office; less consistency than boutique RIAs.
Advisory team credentials: CFP®, CPA, and JD across the national team.
Integrated tax planning: In-house CPAs prepare returns and participate in the planning process.
In-house investment management: Outsourced CIO model; ETF and fund-based portfolios; no proprietary strategies.
Macro & market strategy: Macro commentary published at the firm level; no named CIO or dedicated capability.
Summary of Online Reviews
Clients describe Mercer Advisors as “a firm that genuinely handles everything under one roof” and cite the combination of investment management, tax preparation, and estate planning as the core value proposition. The in-house CPA model is frequently highlighted as a meaningful differentiator from firms that refer tax work to outside providers. Some reviews note that the experience varies meaningfully by advisor and office, a characteristic common to firms that have grown through acquisition, and recommend due diligence on the specific advisor assigned before committing.
Schwab Wealth Advisory
Schwab Wealth Advisory is Charles Schwab’s premium advisory service, pairing a dedicated CFP®-credentialed advisor with Schwab’s platform of over $9 trillion in firm-wide client assets, at an advisory fee of 0.80% on the first $1 million.11 Planning covers investment management, retirement, and estate guidance, with tax planning guidance but no in-house preparation. The limitations relative to independent RIAs like Journey are structural: Schwab earns meaningful revenue from affiliated products such as Schwab ETFs and money market funds, and portfolios are Schwab-managed models rather than independent strategies. For clients who want a credentialed dedicated advisor within a major custodian at a competitive fee, it is a reasonable option.
Fiduciary standard: Fiduciary when providing advice; Schwab earns revenue from affiliated products.
Comprehensive planning breadth: Investment, retirement, financial planning, and estate guidance; tax preparation referred out.
Client-to-advisor ratio: Dedicated advisor assigned; ratios not disclosed; national platform scale.
Advisory team credentials: CFP® required for all advisors.
Integrated tax planning: Tax planning guidance available; no in-house CPA or preparation.
In-house investment management: Schwab-managed model portfolios using proprietary ETFs; no independent management.
Macro & market strategy: Research published through the Schwab Center for Financial Research; no named CIO at the relationship level.
Summary of Online Reviews
Clients describe Schwab Wealth Advisory as “a significant step up from self-directed investing” and consistently cite the dedicated CFP® advisor and the integration with Schwab’s broader platform as the primary strengths. The ability to have a dedicated advisor who knows the full account picture is noted as a meaningful improvement over standard brokerage service. Some clients note that the “model portfolio approach feels less personalized than a true independent advisor” and that clients with complex tax or estate situations often find the advisory service insufficient as a standalone solution.
Edelman Financial Engines
Edelman Financial Engines is one of the largest independent RIAs in the United States, with approximately 1.3 million clients and over $300 billion under management as of mid-2025, served through a salaried, commission-free CFP® advisor model.13 Planning spans investment, retirement, estate, and insurance guidance, with no in-house tax preparation.14 The scaled model keeps costs accessible but produces client-to-advisor ratios far higher than boutique or mid-size RIAs by design. It is a credible entry point for clients who want the lowest-fee path to a credentialed fiduciary relationship; those needing deep tax integration or high-touch personalization will be better served by the options ranked above it.
Fiduciary standard: Fiduciary RIA; salaried, commission-free advisor model on a large national platform.
Comprehensive planning breadth: Investment, retirement, estate, and insurance guidance; tax planning without in-house preparation.
Client-to-advisor ratio: Approximately 1.3 million clients; high ratios by design of the scaled model.
Advisory team credentials: CFP® required for all planners.
Integrated tax planning: Tax planning guidance available; no in-house CPA or tax preparation.
In-house investment management: Proprietary ETF-based model portfolios; no named CIO or independent macro strategy.
Macro & market strategy: Market commentary published at the firm level; no dedicated macro research capability.
Summary of Online Reviews
Clients describe Edelman Financial Engines as “a trustworthy firm for straightforward retirement planning” and consistently praise the educational approach and the credibility of the CFP® advisor model. Many clients note that the firm was a strong starting point for those new to working with a dedicated financial planner. A recurring theme in critical reviews is the “impersonal feel” that comes with the firm’s scale, with some clients noting that advisor turnover and the difficulty of building a long-term relationship with a single planner are meaningful limitations for clients with complex and evolving financial situations.
Vanguard Personal Advisor Select
Vanguard Personal Advisor Select provides a dedicated CFP®-credentialed advisor for clients with $500,000 or more in invested assets, entirely by video and phone, at a 0.30% fee that is among the lowest of any human-advisor service; it manages approximately $107.7 billion in discretionary advisory assets.15 Portfolios are built exclusively from Vanguard funds, with no proprietary strategies, named CIO, or active tax planning beyond asset location. It is the most cost-efficient way on this list to access a dedicated fiduciary CFP® advisor; for clients with complex tax situations or a preference for in-person local relationships, its limitations become decision-relevant.
Fiduciary standard: Fiduciary when providing advice; portfolios built exclusively from Vanguard funds.
Comprehensive planning breadth: Investment management, retirement, and financial planning; limited estate guidance; no tax preparation.
Client-to-advisor ratio: Dedicated advisor assigned; remote-only relationship; ratios not disclosed.
Advisory team credentials: CFP® required for all advisors.
Integrated tax planning: Tax efficiency through asset location only; no in-house CPA.
In-house investment management: Vanguard fund-only portfolios; passive by design; no independent management.
Macro & market strategy: No macro strategy capability; passive investment philosophy by design.
Summary of Online Reviews
Clients describe Vanguard Personal Advisor Select as “exceptional value for a dedicated fiduciary relationship” and consistently highlight the fee advantage relative to traditional advisory firms as the defining reason for choosing the service. The CFP® credential requirement is noted as a meaningful quality baseline. Some clients express that the “all-Vanguard fund portfolio feels limiting” and that the remote-only service model is a meaningful drawback for those who want an in-person relationship with a local advisor who knows their full financial picture over time.
Betterment Premium
Betterment is the largest independent robo-advisor in the United States, managing over $50 billion firm-wide; its Premium tier gives clients investing $100,000 or more unlimited access to CFP®-certified advisors for planning calls at a 0.40% annual fee, on top of an automated platform that handles portfolio construction, rebalancing, and tax-loss harvesting.16 There is no dedicated advisor, estate planning, or tax preparation. It is an excellent starting point for early-stage wealth accumulation, not a substitute for a comprehensive planning relationship; for clients with the asset levels and complexity that bring someone to the other firms on this list, the limitations are significant.
Fiduciary standard: Fiduciary when providing advice; revenue earned from Betterment cash and ETF products.
Comprehensive planning breadth: Automated investment management and retirement; no estate or tax services.
Client-to-advisor ratio: No dedicated advisor; CFP® advisors available for calls on rotation.
Advisory team credentials: CFP® advisors available for consultations.
Integrated tax planning: Automated tax-loss harvesting only; no tax planning or preparation.
In-house investment management: Algorithm-driven ETF portfolios; no proprietary strategies or named investment team.
Macro & market strategy: No macro research or market strategy capability.
Summary of Online Reviews
Clients describe Betterment as “the best automated investing platform available” and consistently praise the tax-loss harvesting, clean interface, and low fees. The Premium tier’s access to CFP® advisors is cited as a meaningful addition for clients who occasionally need guidance beyond the automated platform. Critical reviews consistently note that “Betterment is not a replacement for a real financial advisor” for clients with complex financial situations, and that the lack of a dedicated relationship manager, in-house tax services, and estate planning support become meaningful limitations as wealth and complexity grow.
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Disclosure
This material was prepared by First Page Sage for Journey Advisory Group. First Page Sage is a third-party consultant and was compensated by Journey Advisory Group for the preparation and distribution of this information. 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 and analysis were performed by the independent research team using publicly available information.
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.
All data is subject to change. This comparison reflects 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 investment manager.
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.
This material prepared by Journey Advisory Group, LLC is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for personalized investment advice or as a recommendation or solicitation of any particular security, strategy, or investment product. Economies and markets fluctuate. Actual economic or market events may turn out differently than anticipated. Facts presented have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Journey Advisory Group, however, cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information, and certain information may have been condensed or summarized from its original source. SEC Registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the SEC nor does it indicate that the advisor has attained a particular level of skill or ability. Securities investments contain risks including the possible loss of principal. Neither asset allocation nor active management guarantee a profit or protection from loss.
References
1. Journey Advisory Group. “Who We Are.” journeyadvisory.group/who-we-are. Accessed May 2026.
2. Journey Advisory Group. Form ADV Part 2A. SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure. adviserinfo.sec.gov. Accessed May 2026.
3. Newsweek. “America’s Top Financial Advisory Firms 2026.” rankings.newsweek.com. Published November 14, 2025.
4. USA Today and Statista. “Best Financial Advisory Firms 2025.” Published April 23, 2025.
5. Cerity Partners. “Cincinnati Wealth Management.” ceritypartners.com/locations/ohio. Accessed May 2026.
6. Cerity Partners. “Comprehensive Wealth Management Services.” ceritypartners.com. Accessed May 2026.
7. Foster & Motley, Inc. Form ADV Part 2A. SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure. adviserinfo.sec.gov. Accessed May 2026.
8. Foster & Motley, Inc. “About the Firm.” fosterandmotley.com. Accessed May 2026.
9. Mercer Advisors. “Comprehensive Financial Planning.” merceradvisors.com. Accessed May 2026.
10. Mercer Advisors. Form ADV Part 2A. SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure. adviserinfo.sec.gov. Accessed May 2026.
11. Charles Schwab. “Schwab Wealth Advisory.” schwab.com/wealth-advisory. Accessed May 2026.
12. Bankrate. “Best Financial Advisors 2026.” bankrate.com/investing/financial-advisors/best-financial-advisors. Accessed May 2026.
13. Edelman Financial Engines. “About Us.” edelmanfinancialengines.com/about. Accessed May 2026.
14. Edelman Financial Engines. Form ADV Part 2A. SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure. adviserinfo.sec.gov. Accessed May 2026.
15. Vanguard. “Personal Advisor Select.” investor.vanguard.com/advice/personal-financial-advisor. Accessed May 2026.
16. Betterment. “Betterment Premium.” betterment.com/premium. Accessed May 2026.
17. SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD). adviserinfo.sec.gov. Form ADV filings for all firms referenced in this report. Accessed May 2026.