InvestmentNews Honors Top Financial Planners in Class of 2025

In a landscape increasingly characterized by a growing demand for comprehensive financial advice and an impending shortage of advisors, a group of outstanding financial planners is rising to the occasion. InvestmentNews has unveiled its 2025 Five-Star Financial Planners Special Report, recognizing ten exemplary financial planners from across the United States. This year’s honorees are highlighted for their dedication to integrity, client service, and a nuanced understanding of complex financial landscapes.

Rising Challenges in Wealth Management

The financial planning industry is at a significant crossroads. A recent report from McKinsey & Company predicts that there could be a shortage of 100,000 financial advisors by 2034 if trends in productivity do not change. This potential gap comes at a time when affluent households—defined as those with $500,000 or more in investable assets—are expected to grow by 4 to 5 percent annually, presenting an urgent need for skilled advisors to meet the evolving expectations of clients.

The planners featured in the InvestmentNews report exemplify a commitment to addressing these challenges. Scott Van Den Berg, of Century Management in Texas, emphasized the importance of providing clients with tailored financial plans that extend beyond mere number-crunching. "We don’t just create a one-time plan – we stress-test it against multiple what-if scenarios," he said. Van Den Berg’s firm caters to a wide array of clients, from retirees to small business owners, showcasing a commitment to personalized financial planning.

A New Era of Financial Planning

The increasing complexity of clients’ financial situations necessitates a new generation of advisors who can navigate intricate trusts and estate matters. Robert Westley of Northern Trust noted that some family financial situations are "more complex than some multinational corporations," underscoring the unique challenges affluent families face.

The rising demand for holistic financial advice is evidenced by a substantial increase in client interest. McKinsey’s data reveals that a staggering 52 percent of investors sought holistic financial guidance in 2023, a dramatic rise from only 29 percent in 2018. This shift indicates a growing recognition of the importance of values-based financial advice, driven by clients’ desire for peace of mind in their financial journeys.

In response to this increasing demand, the number of Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professionals in the U.S. has also seen growth. According to the CFP Board, the total number of certified professionals surpassed 103,000 in 2024, an increase of 6,500 from the previous year. This uptick in qualified planners aims to fill the anticipated advisor gap while meeting the evolving needs of a diverse client base.

Diverse Paths to Planning Excellence

This year’s Five-Star Financial Planners come from various professional backgrounds, underscoring the different paths that can lead to success in the financial planning field. For instance, Eileen Allgrove of Fiducient Advisors transitioned from a legal career focused on estate and trust planning. Her unique background, she believes, enables her to better connect with clients navigating the complexities of wealth transition.

Allgrove emphasized the importance of fostering communication and understanding among families for successful wealth transitions. "By fostering communication, education, and understanding with the entire family, it is more likely that there will be a successful transition of wealth," she stated, highlighting the human element that is often critical in effective financial planning.

Celebrating the Honorees

The 2025 Five-Star Financial Planners report celebrates ten exceptional candidates for their outstanding contributions to the industry. The honorees are as follows:

• Robert Westley, Northern Trust
• Timothy B. O’Neill, Berthold Capital
• Assunta “Susie” McLane, CFP, Summit Place Financial Advisors
• Danica Goshert, Integrated Equity Management
• Eileen Allgrove, Fiducient Advisors
• John R. Calvert, III, Socium Advisors | Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company
• Nicholas Breit, Fiducient Advisors
• Nichole Raftopoulos, Nvest Financial
• Scott Van Den Berg, Century Management Financial Advisors

These planners were chosen based on a nationwide survey conducted between November 18 and December 13, designed to spotlight individuals who exemplify excellence in financial planning.

Conclusion

As the financial advisory landscape continues to evolve, the dedication and talent exemplified by this year’s honorees serve as a beacon for the industry. Their commitment to providing comprehensive, values-driven financial advice is not only vital for their clients but also crucial in addressing the challenges precipitated by the looming advisor shortage. Congratulations to the 2025 Five-Star Financial Planners for their noteworthy achievements and contributions to the world of finance.

To learn more about these top financial planners from across the United States, readers are encouraged to explore the complete report.

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