Financial Advisors in the USA to Watch For in 2025

United States Financial Planners to Know in 2025

Let’s be honest: the world of financial advising isn’t just about stocks, spreadsheets, and retirement calculators anymore. It’s about trust, transparency, and helping real people make smarter decisions in complex times. From Gen Z investors looking to build a future, to seasoned professionals planning an exit, today's financial advisors are wearing more hats than ever—and they're doing it with purpose.

At Digital Reference, we’re obsessed with how people power works across every industry. That includes the professionals helping Americans manage their wealth, plan for life’s transitions, and navigate evolving financial systems. So today, we’re proud to roll out our curated list of Financial Advisors in the USA to Watch For in 2025.

This list features independent advisors, firm-based planners, and certified professionals across specialties like divorce planning, exit strategy, and wealth transfer. Whether they’re at the height of their careers or emerging voices in the space, each one is making waves.

Our Methodology: How We Selected These Advisors

We believe in transparency, so here’s how we approached this:

• Location matters – All advisors are based in or operating primarily in the United States.
• Independent or client-forward – We selected professionals who work closely with clients, either solo or as part of boutique or client-centric firms.
• Credentials count – Most of the advisors featured hold certifications like CFP®, CHFC®, CDFA®, or RICP®, among others.
• Reputation and reach – We reviewed thought leadership, testimonials, and social visibility to understand how each advisor is impacting their clients—and their broader community.

These are the planners to watch if you’re building wealth, making a big life transition, or looking to partner with someone who gets the full picture.

The Financial Advisors to Know in 2025

Lazetta Rainey Braxton, CFP®

Lazetta is a powerhouse in wealth management. Through her firm, she empowers professionals and business owners to build sustainable, intergenerational wealth. She’s also a visible advocate for making financial planning more inclusive.

Harrison Kennard, CFP®

Harrison is part of Lakewood Wealth Management and works closely with families and business owners on holistic financial planning. He’s known for bringing both heart and rigor to his approach.

Matthew W. Brown

Founder of Insight Strategic Group, Matthew helps clients with comprehensive financial and insurance strategies. He’s a standout for his ability to break down complex decisions into practical next steps.

Alexis George, CFP®, CHFC®, CDFA®, CEPA®

Alexis brings a rare blend of specialties, including divorce financial planning and exit strategy for entrepreneurs. She’s a go-to for individuals navigating high-stakes transitions with confidence.

Syrinda Elizabeth Paige, CRPC®, CFP®, QPFC®

Syrinda is laser-focused on retirement and investment strategy. Her deep technical expertise and thoughtful approach make her a valuable partner for clients with long-term financial goals.

Nikki Macdonald, CFP®

Nikki helps professionals and families build financial security through planning that aligns with their values. She's especially passionate about financial literacy and client education.

Jillian Pain Walker, CFP®, CRPS®, QPFC®

Jillian’s experience spans retirement plans, employee benefits, and individual planning. She brings a grounded, client-first energy to everything she does.

Sharon Harshbarger Kucera, CFP®

Sharon helps clients balance financial complexity with clarity. Her work is especially relevant for those managing career transitions or life events.

Justin Morrow, CFP®, CRPC®

Justin’s planning style is all about building relationships and tailoring solutions. He’s known for making clients feel empowered—not overwhelmed—by their financial picture.

Lauren Chanley, CDFA®

Lauren focuses on divorce financial planning, helping clients through some of the most emotional and impactful financial decisions they’ll ever make. She’s a calming force with a sharp financial mind.

Jack Pierce, CFP®

Jack is a strong advocate for transparent, low-fee financial planning. He serves a diverse client base and brings clarity to budgeting, investing, and financial independence.

Sean Luttrell, CFP®

Sean works with emerging professionals and growing families. He’s a champion of values-based planning and helps clients map their goals through customized strategies.

Marie Meuschke, CRPC®

Marie focuses on retirement readiness and investment education. Her supportive, educational approach makes her a standout for clients new to planning.

Jake McNeil, RICP®, CEPA®

Jake advises business owners on succession planning, exit readiness, and retirement strategy. He’s a pragmatic voice in a space that often lacks actionable direction.

Carey J. Jackson, IV, CHFC®

Carey is deeply experienced in insurance and long-term financial planning. He combines technical acumen with a passion for helping families create legacy-focused strategies.

Brittany Nam, CFP®

Brittany brings a modern, accessible vibe to financial advising. She’s particularly attuned to younger professionals and first-generation wealth builders.

Melroy S. Atkins, CFP®

Melroy is a strategic planner who excels at cash flow management, retirement planning, and financial coaching. His practice emphasizes long-term confidence through planning.

Kara Marquez, CFP®

Kara’s work centers around personalized wealth strategies and investment planning. She’s a trusted advisor for clients looking to align life goals with financial outcomes.

Michael Gascon, CFP®

Michael helps clients understand their full financial picture. His planning process is collaborative, grounded, and refreshingly jargon-free.

Chris Maloney

Chris works at the crossroads of investment management and strategic financial planning. He’s a rising voice in the advisor space with an eye for holistic strategy.

Tristen Di Sibio, CRPC®

Tristen’s work focuses on retirement planning and financial wellness. He’s known for making complicated topics approachable—and even enjoyable—for clients.

Financial Planning in 2025: What to Expect

Advisors today aren’t just portfolio managers—they’re educators, therapists, and long-term thinking partners. Whether it’s helping clients leave a job, sell a business, or recover from loss, these professionals are stepping up.

What’s ahead?

• Generational wealth transfer will be a massive theme.
• Digital-first advising is here to stay—but human connection still leads.
• Specialized certifications like CDFA® and CEPA® are becoming more important for niche planning.

For anyone hiring a financial advisor in 2025, personalization and transparency are non-negotiables.

Curious how this trend mirrors what’s happening in other professional services? Check out our content on:

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📍 The Importance of Professional References
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A Final Word from Digital Reference

At Digital Reference, we do more than spotlight people—we connect the dots in the evolving world of work. This list is part of our ongoing commitment to help you navigate a growing ecosystem of independent professionals.

We’ll keep this guide updated, so bookmark it, share it, and let us know who else should be on our radar.

Whether you're a startup founder, a retiring entrepreneur, or someone just getting serious about money—these advisors are here to help.

The future of financial planning is personal, credentialed, and deeply human. Let’s build it better, together.

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