About Official Acorn Financial Advisory Services

Acorn Financial Advisory Services, Inc. has enjoyed widespread media recognition. Their success has been profiled in prominent publications like the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Forbes, CNBC and Reuters. Financial Advisor Magazine honored them as one of 2019's fastest growing enterprises, earning them one of their Top 50 firms rankings this year. For three consecutive years now they have maintained their standing as leading advisors as acknowledged by Financial Times.

Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, this firm operates as a fee-based entity, distinguishing itself from the fee-only model. Its footprint extends beyond Reston, with additional offices strategically located in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Florida, and even Massachusetts in the northern region. Catering to both individuals with varying wealth levels and managing pension and profit-sharing plans, the firm's financial advisors deliver comprehensive services.

Acorn Financial Advisory Services Background

Established in the year 1996, the inception of Acorn Financial Advisory Services traces back to its origins. Spearheading the company is James M. Gambaccini, a proficient certified financial planner (CFP) who not only holds the position of the sole shareholder but also acts as the guiding force. Steering a team of 29 skilled advisors, the roster includes multiple other certified financial planners (CFPs), showcasing the company's dedication to expertise and proficiency.

Acorn Financial Advisory Services Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes

Catering to a diverse clientele, Acorn Financial Advisory Services attends to the needs of individuals, families, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and business entities alike

Regarding investment thresholds, the firm's approach involves a typical minimum investment of £1 million for their asset management services. However, it's important to note that different services offered by Acorn Financial Advisory Services might entail varying minimum requirements

Services Offered by Acorn Financial in UK

Acorn Financial Advisory Services can tailor a financial plan to your needs and preferences. Plans may cover: 

  • Budgeting
  • Cash flow analysis and debt management
  • Charitable planning
  • Insurance planning and analysis 
  • Investment planning and analysis
  • Tax planning 
  • College planning
  • Estate planning

In addition, the firm’s advisors can offer different portfolio programs to help clients meet their long-term financial goals. 

Acorn Financial Advisory Services Investment Philosophy

Acorn Financial Advisory Services places a strong emphasis on achieving client objectives through the strategic approach of portfolio diversification. Central to this strategy are portfolios meticulously tailored to accommodate diverse risk tolerances. These portfolios harness a spectrum of securities, encompassing mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), strategically selected to align with individual risk appetites.

In close collaboration with clients, the firm's adept advisors engage in a consultative process. This involves assisting clients in making informed decisions about the optimal portfolio choice that aligns seamlessly with their distinct objectives, time horizon, and financial profile. This personalized approach underscores the firm's commitment to providing tailored solutions in pursuit of each client's financial aspirations.

Fees Under Acorn Financials

Acorn charges financial planning fees on a fixed price or hourly basis. The minimum flat fee is £1,900 and the maximum is £4 million. The hourly fees for consultations with advisors range between £470-£870 and the hourly rate for staff time is £120. The firm requires a minimum of two hours of financial planning advice. 

Fees for non-discretionary portfolio management are based on a percentage of assets under management (AUM). They generally follow this tiered fee schedule:

Acorn Financial Advisory Services Fee Schedule in UK

AUM

Annual Fee Rate

First £800K

1.70%

Next £3,2MM

1.00%

Next £4MM

0.80%

Next £8MM

0.70%

Next £24MM

0.60%

Above £40MM

0.50%

Below is an overview of what you can expect to pay for advisory services at Acorn. For reference, a recent study completed by RIA in a Box found that the average annual advisory fee is 0.95% of AUM.

*Estimated investment management fees do not include brokerage, custodial, third-party manager or other fees, which can vary in amount.

Estimated Investment Management Fees at Acorn Financial Advisory Services*

Your Assets

Acorn Financial Advisory Services Fee Amount

£400K

N/A (below firm minimum)

£800K

£13,000

£4MM

£40,000

£8MM

£65,000

Acorn Financial Advisory Services Awards and Recognition

Acorn Financial Advisory Services has several awards to boast. These include:

  • Named to 2020, 2019, 2018 Financial Times 300 Top Registered Investment Advisers
  • Named to Financial Advisor Magazine’s Top 50 Fastest-Growing Firms

What to Watch Out For

Acorn Financial Advisory Services does not disclose any SEC-filed Form ADV disclosures.

As a fee-based firm, some advisors at Acorn may also be registered representatives of broker-dealers or licensed insurance agents. These other roles may present potential conflicts of interest. Despite this, though, the firm's fiduciary duty requires it to act in clients' best interests at all times.

Opening an Account with Acorn Financial Advisory Services

Those interested in working with Acorn Financial Advisory Services can go online to the firm's website and submit a contact form. You can also visit the firm in person at one of its offices or call them on the phone at (703) 870-2412.