The Class of 2025: InvestmentNews Honors Top Financial Planners Across the U.S.
April 14, 2025 — In response to a growing demand for holistic financial advice amid a looming advisor shortage, InvestmentNews proudly recognizes ten outstanding financial planners in its 2025 Five-Star Financial Planners Special Report. These professionals exemplify integrity, expertise, and client dedication, stepping up to meet the evolving challenges of today’s wealth management landscape.
Rising Demand Meets Advisor Shortage
Industry data highlights the urgency behind this recognition. McKinsey & Company projects a shortage of 100,000 financial advisors in the United States by 2034 if current productivity trends persist. Meanwhile, affluent households—those with $500,000 or more in investable assets—are expected to grow at 4 to 5 percent annually, outpacing the general population.
To serve this clientele with complex financial needs, including trusts, LLCs, and intergenerational wealth transitions, advisors require a blend of technical expertise and human-centric skills. According to Robert Westley of Northern Trust, one honoree in the report, “Their balance sheets are often more complex than some multinational corporations with layers of trust and LLCs and I find that fascinating. I really like the puzzle and complexity of it.”
Expanding the Scope of Financial Planning
The shift toward comprehensive, values-based financial guidance is evident. McKinsey found that 52 percent of investors sought holistic financial advice in 2023, a significant rise from 29 percent in 2018. Reflecting this trend, InvestmentNews’ featured planners focus on more than just numbers—they aim to empower clients with clarity and confidence.
Scott Van Den Berg of Century Management in Texas, another honoree, explains, “We don’t just create a one-time plan – we stress-test it against multiple what-if scenarios. We go beyond the numbers to help clients navigate life’s financial decisions with clarity and confidence.”
Paths to Expertise and Empathy
The honorees come from diverse professional backgrounds. For example, Eileen Allgrove of Fiducient Advisors began her career in law before specializing in estate and trust planning. She acknowledges how her initial lack of a finance background helped her empathize with clients intimidated by unfamiliar territory, which fueled her dedication to education and communication.
“By fostering communication, education and understanding with the entire family, it is more likely that there will be a successful transition of wealth,” said Allgrove, underscoring the soft skills essential to effective financial planning.
Celebrating the 2025 Five-Star Financial Planners
The 2025 report highlights the accomplishments of ten distinguished individuals who have gone beyond traditional planning to deliver meaningful, life-aligned financial outcomes:
- 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
Congratulations to these top financial planners for their commitment to excellence in 2025. Looking Ahead
As the financial advisory industry confronts demographic challenges and increasing client expectations, professionals like those honored by InvestmentNews are setting the standard for comprehensive and client-centered wealth management. Their work not only addresses complex financial issues but also enhances clients’ understanding and confidence, ensuring sustainable wealth transitions and lasting impact.
To learn more about the 2025 Five-Star Financial Planners and their achievements, visit InvestmentNews’s full special report.
Smart Money Mindset will continue to provide updates on financial planning trends, industry insights, and profiles of leading advisors shaping the future of wealth management.