Choosing a Financial Advisor: Why qualified guidance is the first step

Whether you’re just beginning your financial journey or preparing for retirement, one of the most important decisions you can make is choosing the right person to help guide you. And for many families across western Pennsylvania, that choice begins with one key quality: qualified guidance.

Adam Kearns, founder of AK Wealth Management, understands that confidence in an advisor isn’t built in a single meeting — it’s earned over time through conversations, shared values, and consistent, transparent communication.

“Our goal is to help clients feel confident in the decisions they make about their financial future, knowing they have a relationship grounded in honesty and care,” said Kearns, who has spent more than a decade helping individuals and families across the Pittsburgh area pursue their goals through thoughtful, values-based financial planning.

With markets in constant motion and financial priorities evolving with each life stage, it’s no surprise that more people are seeking professional guidance. But when it comes to choosing a financial advisor, it’s about more than experience or credentials — it’s about the connection.

One local couple shared that their relationship with Kearns began through their children’s activities.

“We first got to know Adam through our kids’ activities — soccer and dance,” said Matt and Renee Miller. “Over time, those casual interactions gave us a sense of who he is. So when we started thinking seriously about our financial future, it felt natural to turn to someone we already knew and respected.”

Kearns said those organic, real-life relationships often form the foundation of the most lasting client partnerships.

“Some of the best financial conversations I’ve had didn’t start in the office,” he said. “They started in the community — when someone felt comfortable enough to ask a question or share a concern. That comfort level matters.”

At AK Wealth Management, Kearns and his team focus on understanding the full scope of each client’s life — not just their finances. That means asking about values, goals, family dynamics, and future hopes — then using that understanding to guide conversations around planning, investing, and decision-making.

“We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all,” Kearns said. “Every person’s financial picture is different. We take the time to understand where they are today and what they want tomorrow to look like. Then we help them map out a plan to work toward that vision — always at their pace.”

It’s an approach grounded in patience, perspective, and a long-term mindset. Kearns is careful to avoid overpromising or speaking in absolutes, especially when it comes to markets or investment performance.

“We can’t predict the future, and we don’t try to,” he said. “But we can help clients prepare — and feel prepared — by making informed, thoughtful choices based on what matters most to them.”

This emphasis on client education and communication has helped Kearns earn the respect of many Pittsburgh-area families who are looking for clarity amid the noise. Whether planning for college, preparing for retirement, or managing a life transition, clients say the ability to speak openly and receive clear, honest feedback is what sets AK Wealth Management apart.

“Adam has never rushed us or made us feel like we had to have everything figured out,” the Millers said. “He’s helped us ask better questions and make decisions that align with our priorities.”

As more individuals and families across Western Pennsylvania seek out qualified guidance, Kearns remains committed to creating a space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported.

“At the end of the day, people want to know they’re not just another account,” he said. “They want to know someone sees the whole picture and is walking alongside them — not ahead of them or behind them, but right there with them. That’s where strong relationships form. And that’s where real planning begins.”

AK Wealth Management is based in the Pittsburgh area and serves clients across all life stages. Learn more at akwealth.com.

Disclosures: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation or offer of any financial product or service. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.

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