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What to Look for in a Brentwood, TN Financial Advisor: Key Factors to Consider

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When it comes to managing your wealth and securing your financial future, working with a skilled financial advisor can make all the difference. Brentwood, Tennessee, residents are fortunate to have access to a wide range of financial advisory services. Still, with so many options available, it can be challenging to know what to look for in a financial advisor.

In the sections to follow, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when selecting a financial advisor in Brentwood, TN, to ensure you find the right partner to help you achieve your financial goals. 

An Overview of Financial Advisors

A financial advisor is a professional who provides guidance and assistance in managing your financial affairs. They offer a wide range of services designed to help you achieve your financial goals:

  • Creating a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your needs and objectives
  • Providing professional investment advice and asset allocation strategies to grow your wealth
  • Offering guidance on tax optimization to help minimize your tax liability
  • Assisting with retirement planning to build a strong financial foundation for your future
  • Helping with estate planning to help protect your assets and legacy

Working with a skilled financial advisor is more important than ever. They can help you navigate challenges, provide expertise, and offer the support you need to make informed decisions and achieve long-term financial success.

Are you wondering if working with a financial advisor is the right choice for you? Learn How to Know If You’re a Good Candidate for a Financial Advisor.

The Financial Outlook of Brentwood, TN

Brentwood, TN, is a thriving community with a strong economy and a bright financial future. Like many affluent areas, Brentwood residents may encounter distinct financial challenges specific to their location and circumstances.

These may include:

  • Managing high-net-worth portfolios
  • Navigating complex tax issues
  • Planning for retirement in a high-cost-of-living area

Given the unique financial challenges and opportunities in Brentwood, working with a skilled financial advisor who can provide personalized investment advice is essential. SageSpring’s team of experienced advisors understands the local financial landscape and is well-equipped to help Brentwood residents navigate these challenges while maximizing their financial potential. We can provide the expertise and guidance you need to make informed decisions about your money and achieve your long-term financial goals.

How to Choose the Right Financial Advisor

When selecting from the top financial advisors in Brentwood, consider the following key factors:

Define Your Financial Goals And Expectations Clearly

  • Identify your current financial situation and future objectives
  • Determine your risk tolerance and investment preferences
  • Communicate your goals and expectations to potential advisors

Look For Advisors With The Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) Certification

  • CFP® professionals have met rigorous education, experience, and ethics requirements
  • They demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality financial advice
  • Verify the advisor’s CFP® status through the CFP® Board’s website

Understand The Differences Between Fee-Only And Commission-Based Advisors

  • Fee-only advisors charge a transparent, flat fee for their services and do not receive commissions from product sales.
  • Commission-based advisors receive commissions from the financial products they sell, which can create potential conflicts of interest.
  • Consider the advantages of working with a fee-only advisor for more objective guidance.

Research The Advisor’s Professional Ratings, Client Reviews, And References

  • Look for advisors with a strong track record of success and positive feedback from clients.
  • Check the advisor’s ratings on reputable websites such as the Better Business Bureau and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

Assess The Advisor’s Communication Style And Overall Compatibility With Your Needs

  • Consider how the advisor communicates and whether their style resonates with you.
  • Evaluate the advisor’s responsiveness and availability for meetings and questions.
  • Ensure that the advisor understands and respects your financial situation and goals.

SageSpring’s team of advisors exceeds these criteria, offering a client-focused approach, transparent fee structure, and a deep understanding of Brentwood’s financial landscape to help you make informed decisions about your financial future.

Are you considering hiring a financial advisor but unsure where to start? Learn the 5 Crucial Questions to Ask Before Hiring A Financial Advisor to help you find the right professional to guide your financial decisions.

Key Services Provided by Brentwood Financial Advisors

Brentwood financial advisors offer a comprehensive suite of wealth management services:

  • Financial planning tailored to your unique needs
  • Retirement income and savings strategies
  • Tax-efficient investing and portfolio management
  • Estate and risk management solutions

Top financial advisors will develop a personalized plan that aligns your investment strategy with your goals and risk tolerance. They’ll provide expert guidance on asset allocation, diversification, and tax optimization to help grow and protect your wealth.

With their retirement planning expertise, advisors can help you maximize your savings, create a sustainable withdrawal approach, and secure your financial future. They’ll also assist with estate planning and insurance strategies to safeguard your legacy.

When to Seek the Help of a Financial Advisor

While some individuals may feel confident managing their finances independently, there are several situations in which seeking the expertise of a financial advisor can be incredibly valuable.

Consider working with a financial advisor if:

  • You have a high net worth or complex financial situation
  • You are approaching retirement and need help with planning
  • You have recently experienced a major life event, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, or loss of a loved one
  • You feel overwhelmed or uncertain about managing your finances
  • You want to save time and focus on other priorities

Ultimately, the decision to work with a financial advisor depends on your circumstances and goals. If you feel that you could benefit from expert guidance and support in managing your wealth, it may be worth exploring your options and finding an advisor who aligns with your needs and values.

Wondering how partnering with a financial team can help you achieve your wealth management goals more effectively? Discover How You Can Benefit from Working With a Financial Team.

What is a Fiduciary?

When selecting a financial advisor, it’s essential to understand the concept of fiduciary responsibility. A fiduciary is a professional who is legally and ethically bound to act in their client’s best interests.

The Importance of Working with a Fiduciary Financial Advisor

Choosing to work with a fiduciary financial advisor can provide peace of mind, knowing that your advisor is committed to putting your interests first. Fiduciary advisors are required to:

  • Provide unbiased, objective advice
  • Disclose any potential conflicts of interest
  • Act with transparency and honesty

How to Determine if a Financial Advisor is Acting as a Fiduciary

To determine if a financial advisor is acting as a fiduciary, you can:

  • Ask them directly if they are a fiduciary
  • Look for advisors with certifications requiring fiduciary responsibility, such as the CFP® designation.
  • Review their regulatory filings and disclosures.

Unlocking Your Financial Potential with SageSpring Wealth Partners 

At SageSpring Wealth Partners, we prioritize your well-being with tailored advice to achieve your financial goals. Our team of 47 credentialed professionals brings a wide array of knowledge to your financial journey, communicating with clarity and purpose to keep you informed and confident.

We offer comprehensive financial services, including retirement income planning, investment management, charitable giving, estate planning, tax-integrated planning, tax-efficient investing, insurance planning, and education planning. When you choose SageSpring for your financial services needs in Brentwood, TN, our experienced CFP® advisors craft personalized strategies to secure your present and future prosperity.

If you’re interested in learning more about how SageSpring can help you achieve your financial goals, contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our dedicated financial advisors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost To Work With A Financial Advisor In Brentwood, TN?

Costs vary based on the advisor’s fee structure and services. Fee-only advisors charge hourly rates, flat fees, or a percentage of assets managed, while commission-based advisors earn commissions from product sales.

Is A Fee-Only Financial Advisor Better Than A Commission-Based Advisor?

Fee-only advisors may provide more objective guidance as they don’t receive commissions from product sales. The best type depends on your needs and preferences.

How Can You Determine If A Financial Advisor Is Trustworthy And Effective?

Research qualifications, certifications, licenses, and regulatory history. Ask for references and evaluate communication style and compatibility.


In a fee-based account, clients pay a quarterly fee, based on the level of assets in the account, for the services of a financial advisor as part of an advisory relationship. In deciding to pay a fee rather than commissions, clients should understand that the fee may be higher than a commission alternative during periods of lower trading. Advisory fees are in addition to the internal expenses charged by mutual funds and other investment company securities. To the extent that clients intend to hold these securities, the internal expenses should be included when evaluating the costs of a fee-based account. Clients should periodically re-evaluate whether the use of an asset-based fee continues to be appropriate in servicing their needs. A list of additional considerations, as well as the fee schedule, is available in the firm’s Form ADV Part 2 as well as the client agreement. 

Any opinions are those of Sage Spring Wealth Partners and not necessarily those of Raymond James. The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. All opinions are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. 

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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Jeffrey T. Dobyns

CFP®, CLU, CHFC

President, SageSpring 

Jeffrey T. Dobyns

President, SageSpring 

Beyond crunching numbers and investment strategies, at SageSpring, we’re about building relationships. When you encounter Founder & President of SageSpring, Jeff Dobyns, it’s easy to understand why this is at the very heart of who we are as a firm. You won’t find stuffy formalities with Jeff; instead, you can expect to find him sharing a warm smile, communicating a compelling vision, or patiently untangling life’s complex challenges with clients. He believes in truly getting to know clients, understanding their aspirations and priorities, and navigating their financial plans with a tailored, comprehensive approach. Our team members have often been caught taking notes on Jeff’s effortless relationship skills from a distance, and we admire them for striving to learn from one of the best. 

Jeff’s financial expertise and wisdom are the perfect match to his innate people skills. Jeff holds the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification, Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChLU®) designations, and has held executive positions with financial planning firms for more than two decades. 

His dedication extends beyond the office to the boardroom and the local community, where Jeff is passionate about giving back. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Men of Valor, a prison ministry and mentoring program. Jeff also serves on the board of Send Musicians to Prison, which shares hope, healing and restoration with the imprisoned through musicians & artists. Jeff actively supports other initiatives in the community by sitting on the board of The Signatry of Middle Tennessee and the Halftime Institute of Nashville. 

Witnessing his four children, Gracyn, Hunter, Tanner, and Logan, excel on the field is almost just as rewarding, if not more, than celebrating the victories of seeing his clients overcome obstacles and build wealth. Spending weekends boating on the lake, hiking mountain trails, and fishing with his family are the moments Jeff cherishes most. It’s this grounded perspective that reveals the true meaning of wealth for Jeff: not just numbers on a page, but the freedom to create experiences that enrich your life and the lives of those you love. When you choose the Dobyns McMillin Wealth Team, you choose more than financial expertise. You choose a partner who champions your dreams, celebrates your victories, and walks besides you on the path to achieving your unique goals.

**Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.