Advisors self-report their specializations in SEC filings. Some focus on retirement planning, others on business owners or divorce. Knowing what these specializations mean helps you find someone who's actually dealt with your situation before.

Investment & wealth

  • Investment Management: Portfolio construction, asset allocation, ongoing oversight—the most common specialty
  • High Net Worth ($1M+): Complex taxes, estate planning, concentrated stock, multi-generational wealth
  • Alternative Investments: Private equity, hedge funds, real estate syndications beyond stocks and bonds

Life stage planning

  • Retirement Planning: Saving strategies, Social Security optimization, retirement income—relevant at any age
  • Education Planning: 529 plans and college funding strategies
  • Estate Planning: Wealth transfer, trusts, legacy planning (coordinates with attorneys)

Tax & insurance

  • Tax Planning: Tax-efficient investing, Roth conversions, income timing—goes beyond basic tax prep
  • Insurance Planning: Life, disability, long-term care analysis—fee-only advisors recommend without earning commissions

Specific situations

  • Divorce: Asset division, tax implications, post-divorce financial planning
  • Business Owners: Succession planning, exit strategies, managing irregular income
  • Corporate Executives: Stock options, RSUs, deferred compensation, concentrated employer equity
  • Medical Professionals: High debt + high income, practice transitions, disability coverage
  • Federal Employees: FERS, TSP optimization, navigating complex federal benefits

Values & demographics

  • ESG/Socially Responsible: Portfolios aligned with environmental, social, and governance values
  • Charitable Giving: Donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, philanthropic tax strategies
  • Women: Longer lifespans, career gaps, pay gap considerations
  • LGBTQ+: Legal considerations, family planning, specific estate needs

Don't over-filter

An advisor who specializes in “Retirement” and “Tax Planning” may be perfect even if they don't list your exact situation. Focus on your main concern first. Life-situation specialties (divorce, business ownership) matter most when they apply to you.

Data source: Areas of practice are self-reported by firms in their Form ADV Part 2 brochure—part of their official SEC filing.

Find advisors by specialty