Looking for a financial partner who truly gets your family's goals? These five firms blend tax expertise with wealth management to help you plan, save, and grow—no matter where you are in your journey.
The Evolving Landscape of Tax Planning and Wealth Management
Tax planning and wealth management have become inseparable. With ever-changing tax laws, complex investment vehicles, and the rise of holistic financial planning, families and business owners need more than a once-a-year preparer. They need a partner who understands their entire financial picture—from cash flow to estate goals. Today's top firms offer integrated services that combine tax strategy, investment management, and long-term planning. Whether you're a high-net-worth individual or a small business owner, the right advisor can make a significant difference in your financial outcomes. The firms below represent a cross-section of what's available, from boutique local practices to national powerhouses.
How We Evaluated These Firms
We looked at each firm's service scope, pricing clarity, and local fit. Service scope covers the range of tax and wealth management offerings, from basic preparation to complex estate planning. Pricing clarity refers to how transparent they are about fees and engagement models. Local fit considers how well they serve their community, whether through in-person presence or virtual accessibility. We also noted their specialization in areas like 1031 exchanges, stock options, or ultra-affluent planning. Each firm brings a unique strength to the table, and our evaluation highlights what stood out for each.
Here's a quick look at the five firms we're featuring, with their best use cases and what makes them stand out.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Mariner Wealth Advisors | High-net-worth individuals and families with complex financial needs |
| Graham Adams - Certified Public Accountants | St. Simons Island, GA | Families and small businesses seeking personalized, local tax and wealth guidance |
| Creative Planning | Ultra-affluent individuals and families seeking comprehensive, integrated planning |
| Drucker Wealth | Mid-career professionals, especially tech employees with stock options and RSUs |
| Citizens Private Wealth | Individuals and businesses seeking a bank-integrated wealth management experience |
The Firms at a Glance
#1 Mariner Wealth Advisors
A screenshot of the Mariner Wealth Advisors website.
Mariner Wealth Advisors is a national firm with a strong presence in New York, offering comprehensive wealth management services for individuals and families with complex finances. Their in-house team handles investment management, estate planning, trust services, and tax planning and preparation, making them a one-stop shop for high-net-worth clients. They also provide specialized services for businesses, including retirement planning and institutional cash management. With a team of credentialed advisors like CPAs and CFPs, they bring deep expertise to every engagement. If you're looking for a large firm with extensive resources and a broad service menu, Mariner is a solid choice. Their New York office is just one of many locations, so they can serve clients nationwide.
#2 Graham Adams - Certified Public Accountants | St. Simons Island, GA
A screenshot of the Graham Adams website.
Graham Adams is a family-oriented CPA firm based in St. Simons Island, GA, with over six decades of combined experience. They focus on tax planning, preparation, and wealth management for individuals and small businesses, with a special emphasis on personalized, client-focused guidance. Their services include tax planning, tax prep, small business accounting, QuickBooks support, and 1031 real estate exchange strategies. What sets them apart is their commitment to being part of your family's journey—they listen first, then plan. If you value a local, relationship-driven approach where you're more than just a number, this firm is a great fit. They also offer resources like calculators, secure send, and a blog to keep you informed year-round.
#3 Creative Planning
A screenshot of the Creative Planning website.
Creative Planning is a global wealth management firm that offers a wide range of services, including tax planning, estate planning, and investment management. They cater to high-net-worth and ultra-affluent clients, with a family office division for those needing comprehensive legacy and charitable planning. Their tax services are integrated with their wealth management approach, ensuring that your tax strategy aligns with your overall financial goals. They also provide business services like business tax, audit, and outsourced accounting, making them versatile for business owners. With a team led by well-known CEO Peter Mallouk, they have a strong reputation in the industry. If you're looking for a firm that can handle every aspect of your financial life under one roof, Creative Planning is worth considering.
#4 Drucker Wealth
A screenshot of the Drucker Wealth website.
Drucker Wealth is a third-generation financial advisory firm based in New York, with a virtual practice that serves clients nationwide. They focus on mid-career professionals, including employees at tech giants like Google and Amazon, offering financial planning, investment management, and tax planning and preparation. Their approach is built on brutal honesty and radical transparency, which resonates with clients who want straightforward advice. They also specialize in stock options and RSU planning, making them a great fit for tech employees. With a combination of technology and personal hand-holding, they aim to simplify your financial life. If you're a professional with complex equity compensation, Drucker Wealth could be your ideal partner.
#5 Citizens Private Wealth
Citizens Private Wealth is the wealth management arm of Citizens Bank, offering a range of services including tax planning, investment management, and estate planning. They serve individuals, families, and businesses, with a focus on integrating banking and wealth management for a holistic view of your finances. Their insights and resources help clients plan for major life events like college, home ownership, and retirement. They also provide business services such as cash management and payroll, making them a convenient choice for business owners who also bank with Citizens. If you prefer working with a large, established financial institution, Citizens Private Wealth offers stability and a broad suite of services. Their tax planning strategies are designed to help you minimize liabilities and maximize savings.
How to Choose the Right Firm for You
Start by assessing your own needs. Are you a high-net-worth individual with complex investments, or a small business owner looking for hands-on tax help? Consider the firm's size and culture—do you prefer a local, family-oriented practice or a national powerhouse? Look at their service scope: do they offer tax planning, investment management, and estate planning all in-house? Pricing is another factor; some firms charge a percentage of assets, while others use flat fees or hourly rates. Finally, think about the relationship—you want an advisor who listens and understands your goals, not just someone who processes forms. Take advantage of initial consultations to gauge fit.
Streamlining Your Financial Life with Automation
Many of these firms leverage technology to streamline your financial life. For example, Drucker Wealth uses a combination of technology and personal hand-holding to simplify processes. Graham Adams offers secure send and online client onboarding forms, making document sharing easy. Creative Planning provides financial calculators and online resources to help you plan. When you work with a firm that embraces automation, you can expect smoother communication, faster document processing, and more time to focus on your goals. Ask potential advisors how they use technology to enhance the client experience.
Your Financial Future Starts with the Right Partner
Choosing a tax planning and wealth management firm is a deeply personal decision. Whether you opt for the local charm of Graham Adams, the comprehensive services of Mariner or Creative Planning, the tech-savvy approach of Drucker Wealth, or the bank-integrated convenience of Citizens Private Wealth, the key is finding a partner who aligns with your values and goals. Take your time, ask questions, and trust your instincts. The right advisor will not only help you navigate taxes but also empower you to build and preserve wealth for generations to come.