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Investment Advisors in Independence, MO: 2026 rankings

139 investment advisors ranked by RFA ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest RFA Score in Independence: Trading Academy - Kansas City, RFA Score 72/100; 4.8★ from 177 Google reviews.

  2. 12

    Most-reviewed: Creative Planning, 422 Google reviews at 4.8★, the most of 139 ranked; ranked #12.

Rankings can't be bought. Financial advisors can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

139 Independence investment advisors are ranked here by RFA Score, from eight published factors. 8 open Saturdays and 3 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 5.0★ across 139 rated firms.

Most of this list also appears on the Investment advisors in Kansas City ranking. See Investment advisors in Kansas City

Top 10 investment advisors in Independence at a glance

Ranked by RFA Score from public data such as Google reviews, not by investment performance; sponsored listings are paid, shown separately and never change rank.

Top 10 investment advisors in Independence at a glance
RankBusinessRFA ScoreGoogle ratingBased inNotable for
1Trading Academy - Kansas City724.8★ (177)Overland Park, 18 mi awayTop score
2Hill & Mitchell Group695.0★ (18)Liberty, 11 mi away—
3American Century Investments684.1★ (42)Kansas City, 10 mi away—
4Worcester Investments684.5★ (17)Kansas City, 9 mi away—
5Market Advisory Group Northland Kansas City664.8★ (16)Kansas City, 18 mi away—
6Alliance Financial & Income Tax664.9★ (326)Blue Springs, 9 mi away—
7World Class Unlimited, Inc665.0★ (11)Overland Park, 16 mi away—
8Wells Fargo Advisors653.7★ (10)Kansas City, 11 mi away—
9RJM & Company654.0★ (4)Kansas City, 9 mi away—
10Atwood & Palmer Inc644.3★ (3)Kansas City, 10 mi away—

All 139 investment advisors in Independence, in rank order

Ordered by RFA Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by RFA Score from public data such as Google reviews, not by investment performance; sponsored listings are paid, shown separately and never change rank.

Scores below: based on 6 of 8 factors; registration and recency not yet collected. Hatched segments mark factors we don't have yet.

  2. #2 Hill & Mitchell Group

    Based in Liberty, 11 mi away

    69/100RFA Score

    Ranked #2 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 18 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Investment service”.

    • 5.0★ from 18 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    Victory Building, 5 Victory Ln #203, Liberty, MO 64068
    View profile for Hill & Mitchell Group(816) 429-6061

  8. #8 Wells Fargo Advisors

    Based in Kansas City, 11 mi away

    65/100RFA Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.7★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Investment service”.

    • 3.7★ from 10 Google reviews
    Address
    1900 Shawnee Mission Pkwy Suite 110, Mission Woods, KS 66205
    View profile for Wells Fargo Advisors(913) 267-7200

  9. #9 RJM & Company

    Based in Kansas City, 9 mi away

    65/100RFA Score

    Ranked #9 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Investment service”.

    • 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2024 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108
    View profile for RJM & Company(816) 226-4000

  10. #10 Atwood & Palmer Inc

    Based in Kansas City, 10 mi away

    64/100RFA Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.3★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Investment company”.

    • 4.3★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    4520 Madison Ave Ste 200, Kansas City, MO 64111
    View profile for Atwood & Palmer Inc(816) 931-2266

  12. #12 Creative Planning

    Based in Overland Park, 17 mi away

    64/100RFA Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.8★ from 422 Google reviews, the most in Independence.

    • 4.8★ from 422 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5454 W 110th St, Overland Park, KS 66211
    View profile for Creative Planning(913) 338-2727

  13. #13 Buffalo Funds

    Based in Merriam, 14 mi away

    64/100RFA Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Investment service”.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5430 W 61st Pl, Mission, KS 66205
    View profile for Buffalo Funds

  20. #20 Aspen Funds

    Based in Overland Park, 17 mi away

    63/100RFA Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 153 Google reviews.

    • 5.0★ from 153 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5700 W 112th St Ste 110, Overland Park, KS 66211
    View profile for Aspen Funds(800) 940-1510

  22. #22 AMG

    Based in Overland Park, 14 mi away

    62/100RFA Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 2.7★ from 24 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Investment company”.

    • 2.7★ from 24 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    6320 Lamar Ave Ste 107, Overland Park, KS 66202
    View profile for AMG(816) 666-8662

  23. #23 Fidelity Investments

    Based in Overland Park, 17 mi away

    62/100RFA Score

    Ranked #23 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 2.9★ from 27 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Investment service”.

    • 2.9★ from 27 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    11200 Nall Ave, Overland Park, KS 66211
    View profile for Fidelity Investments(800) 633-8703

How we ranked Independence investment advisors

We scored 139 Independence investment advisors on eight factors, weighted as shown. A firm is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RFA Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Independence data
Reputation30%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it (client experience, not investment results)Measured
Registration20%Active SEC, state or Canadian securities registration matched in public records (not yet measured)Not yet collected
Review volume10%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the listMeasured
Recency5%Share of reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Specialty focus15%How clearly the firm offers this specialty (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity5%Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The firm has claimed its Ranked Financial Advisors profile (free or paid earn the same)Measured
Partnered5%The firm links to Ranked Financial Advisors from its own website with our badge, checked periodicallyMeasured

How to choose an investment advisor

  1. Confirm the investment advisor and the firm are registered: Investor.gov and FINRA BrokerCheck in the US, the CSA National Registration Search in Canada. Read any disclosure events.
  2. Ask whether they act as a fiduciary on your account at all times, and get the answer in writing.
  3. Ask how they are paid: a percentage of assets, flat or hourly fees, a retainer, commissions, or a mix. Each creates different conflicts of interest.
  4. Read the firm’s Form CRS and Form ADV Part 2A brochure (fees, services, conflicts, disciplinary history) before you sign.
  5. Check designations with the body that grants them, such as the CFP Board for CFP® professionals.
  6. Ask about account minimums and who holds your money: your assets should sit with an independent custodian in your name.
  7. Compare at least two or three firms, and be wary of anyone who promises returns or pushes you to decide quickly.

Questions to ask an investment advisor

  • Are you a fiduciary for all of the advice you give me, and will you put that in writing?
  • How are you paid, in total dollars per year for an account like mine? Do you earn commissions or other payments from product providers?
  • Which registrations and designations do you hold, and where can I verify them?
  • Who will hold my assets, and how will I see statements directly from that custodian?
  • What services are included in your fee, and what would cost extra with you as my investment advisor?
  • Do you have a minimum account size or minimum fee?
  • Have you or your firm had any complaints or disciplinary actions? Where would I see them?
  • How often will we meet, and who will I work with day to day?
  • What happens to my plan or accounts if you retire or leave the firm?

Terms explained

Fiduciary
Someone legally required to act in a client’s interest. In the US, registered investment advisers owe their clients a fiduciary duty of care and loyalty under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Registered investment adviser (RIA)
A firm registered with the SEC or a state securities regulator to give investment advice for pay. Most firms managing $100 million or more register with the SEC; smaller firms usually register with their state.
Investment adviser representative (IAR)
A person who gives advice on behalf of a registered investment adviser, usually registered with the states where they work.
Broker-dealer
A firm that buys and sells securities for customers. US broker-dealers are members of FINRA; their registered representatives typically earn commissions.
Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI)
The SEC rule, in force since June 30, 2020, requiring broker-dealers to act in a retail customer’s best interest when recommending a security or account type.
Form ADV
The registration form every investment adviser files. Part 1 holds facts about the firm; Part 2A, the brochure, describes services, fees, conflicts of interest and disciplinary history in plain English.
Form CRS
A short relationship summary that advisers and broker-dealers give retail investors, covering services, fees, conflicts, standard of conduct and disciplinary history.
CRD number
The Central Registration Depository number FINRA and the SEC assign to each firm and registered person; use it to look them up on Investor.gov or BrokerCheck.
Assets under management (AUM) fee
A yearly fee set as a percentage of the money an advisor manages for you. Advisor surveys have put the median around 1% on accounts up to $1 million, lower on larger accounts.
Fee-only
An advisor paid only by clients, with no commissions or other payments from product providers.
Fee-based
An advisor who charges client fees and may also earn commissions on some products. It is not the same as fee-only.
CFP® professional
A person certified by the CFP Board after meeting education, exam, experience and ethics requirements. The CFP Board requires them to act as a fiduciary when giving financial advice.

Investment advisors in Independence: frequently asked questions

Which investment advisor has the highest RFA Score in Independence?

By RFA Score, the highest-ranked investment advisor in Independence, MO is Trading Academy - Kansas City with an RFA Score of 72/100. It has 4.8★ from 177 Google reviews. Hill & Mitchell Group (#2) and American Century Investments (#3) follow. We ranked 139 investment advisors on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many investment advisors are there in Independence?

RankedFinancialAdvisors ranks 139 investment advisors serving Independence, MO. 2 of them are based in Independence; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Counts are as of November 2026.

Which investment advisors in Independence work on weekends?

8 of 139 ranked investment advisors post Saturday hours and 3 post Sunday hours. Many advisors meet by appointment, including evenings or by video, outside their posted office hours.

What Google rating do Independence investment advisors have?

The median Google rating among 139 rated investment advisors in Independence is 5.0★, with a median of 6 reviews. Creative Planning has the most, 422 reviews, and ranks #12. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedFinancialAdvisors rank investment advisors?

Each investment advisor gets a 0–100 RFA Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (30%), specialty focus (15%), review volume (10%) and claimed profile (10%). A firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only firms with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do investment advisors outside Independence count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the Independence city center, our service radius for investment advisors. Each listing shows where the firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the RFA Score, so a nearby firm gets a small edge.

Can investment advisors pay to rank higher on RankedFinancialAdvisors?

No. The RFA Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured firms may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.

What does an investment advisor do?

Investment advisors manage portfolios and give advice about securities for a fee. In the US, firms register with the SEC or a state securities regulator and file a Form ADV brochure; in Canada, portfolio managers and dealers register with the provincial securities regulator.

How are investment advisors in Independence ranked?

By RFA Score: public signals such as the Google rating and review count, how clearly the firm offers investment advice and how close it is. Paid placements never change the order, and the score does not measure investment performance.

How do I check an investment advisor’s registration and record?

Search the person and the firm on Investor.gov (the SEC’s adviser search) and on FINRA BrokerCheck. A firm’s Form ADV and any disciplinary history are public there.

Is every investment advisor in Independence a fiduciary?

Not necessarily. Investment adviser representatives owe a fiduciary duty on advisory accounts; broker-dealer representatives follow Regulation Best Interest when they recommend a security. Ask which applies to your account and read the firm’s Form CRS.

How much do investment advisors charge?

Fees depend on the firm and the service: a percentage of assets managed each year, a flat or hourly planning fee, a retainer, or commissions. Ask for the fee schedule in writing and read the firm’s Form ADV Part 2A brochure or, in Canada, its relationship disclosure.

Update log for Independence

  1. November 2026: RFA Scores recalculated for 139 investment advisors serving Independence.

More investment advisors and Independence pages