How to Choose the Best Financial Advisor for Your Needs in Dallas

Do you operate as a fiduciary at all times?

I’m a fiduciary, and that matters. It means I’m required to act in your best interest at all times, in every conversation, no matter what we’re discussing. I don’t sell products or work on commission, so my advice isn’t influenced by outside incentives. It’s based on what fits your situation.

If you’re talking with someone about your financial future, ask if they’re always a fiduciary, then ask them to put that in writing. I’m happy to.

What types of clients do you specialize in working with?

If you’re interviewing a financial advisor, ask who they work with most often. Advisors tend to build their expertise around the people they serve regularly.

In my case, I focus on working with people in Dallas who are getting ready to retire or are already there. Many of my clients are navigating decisions around taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and income planning. My expertise lies in supporting people during pivotal life transitions like divorce or retirement, when making smart financial choices matters most. That focus shapes how I plan, what strategies I recommend, and how I stay current with evolving tax laws and retirement planning strategies.

What makes you different from other advisors in Dallas?

There are a lot of financial advisors in Dallas. Credentials and investment strategies can start to sound the same, so it makes sense to ask what really sets someone apart. It’s important to find someone who’s a good fit for your needs. Whether you’re comparing firms or simply exploring your options, this guide can help you navigate your search for the best financial advisor Dallas residents trust.

Before I became a financial planner, I was a school teacher. That background still shapes how I work. I take time to explain things clearly and avoid the jargon that keeps people from feeling confident in their own plan. I also keep my practice intentionally small, so I can build strong, long-term relationships with the people I work with. If we’re working together, it’s because I’ve taken the time to understand what matters to you, and that relationship is built on trust, not transactions.

What are your credentials, and how do they relate to the services you offer?

Ask any advisor you’re considering what credentials they hold and what those actually mean for the work they do. Titles can sound impressive, but the training and standards behind them vary widely. Some designations require rigorous coursework and ongoing education; others can be earned with a short online quiz.

I hold several credentials that directly support the kind of planning I do every day with clients here in Dallas. I’m a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, which means I’ve completed extensive training in areas like tax planning, retirement income strategies, estate planning, and ethics. This certification also means I’m held to the fiduciary standard, which guides how I serve clients.

In addition to the CFP® certification, I also hold the Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ (CRPC®) designations—both focused specifically on helping people navigate the complexities of retirement. I’ve also earned the Certified College Financial Consultant (CCFC) credential, which helps families make smarter choices around education funding. These credentials represent the focus of my work and the people I serve: individuals and families in Dallas preparing for or living in retirement.

How do you personalize your advice?

If you’re talking with a financial advisor, ask how they get to know you before offering advice. It’s easy to hand someone a generic plan, but that doesn’t reflect real life. Your decisions should be based on your specific goals, your family dynamics, your health, and what matters to you day to day.

When I meet with a new client, we start by talking through all of that. I want to understand what’s working, what’s unclear, and what needs attention. Then I build an initial plan so we can look at the big picture together. From there, we keep refining things over time as your life evolves. Planning isn’t something we do once and forget; it’s something we keep working on together.

How do you coordinate your planning with tax, estate, and insurance strategies?

When you’re planning for retirement, it’s not enough to just talk about investments. Taxes, estate documents, insurance, and healthcare decisions all affect the outcome. That’s why it’s important to work with someone who takes a holistic approach and can help you think through how everything fits together.

In my practice here in Dallas, I build long-term plans that include Social Security timing, Medicare surcharges, Roth conversions, and long-term care needs. I also collaborate with estate attorneys, CPAs, and insurance professionals when needed. My job is to help you see the full picture and stay organized, so your financial life works as one cohesive system.

What is your investment philosophy?

I believe investing should be evidence-based and grounded in long-term planning. That means using research, not opinions, to build portfolios designed to match your goals and your tolerance for risk. I’m not in the business of trying to predict short-term market moves or chase trends.
At Worth Asset Management, we focus on broad diversification, low-cost investments, and disciplined rebalancing. I use your financial plan as the foundation for every investment decision we make together. The goal is to build a portfolio that supports your retirement income, tax strategy, and lifestyle.

How are you compensated?

I’m a fee-only financial advisor, which means I’m only compensated by the clients I work with—no commissions, no product sales, and no third-party incentives. I provide one service: comprehensive financial planning. That includes investment management and long-term financial planning with a focus on retirement and taxes.

Some advisors earn commissions when they recommend certain products. Others combine fees with product-based compensation. I’ve chosen the fee-only model because it removes a lot of the common sales pressure that can come with those other structures. It allows me to keep the focus where it belongs: on your goals and your financial plan.

What does the client relationship look like over time?

When you’re choosing a financial advisor, it’s important to ask what ongoing support looks like. Some advisors meet once a year, others hand you off after the first plan. You should know how often you’ll hear from them, how they respond when life changes, and what kind of access you’ll have along the way.

Before I became a financial advisor, I was a teacher. That background still shows up in how I work with clients. I take the time to explain things clearly, and I want you to feel confident making decisions, not just following recommendations. I don’t use an 800 number or a call center. When you have a question, you get me. I don’t wait for a quarterly review to check in; if something changes or something’s unclear, we talk. That’s how I work with clients, and it’s how I’ve always approached this job.