Disclosures
Third-party rankings and recognitions are not indicative of any client’s future experience or investment success, are not a guarantee of future performance, and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Award-specific methodology and compliance information appears below.
5-Star Financial Planner — InvestmentNews 2026
Compliance Note – Rule 206(4)-1(c): Award Methodology. InvestmentNews (“IN”) conducted a nationwide survey between November 3 and November 28, 2025, to recognize outstanding financial planners in the United States through its Best Financial Planners in the U.S. | 5-Star Financial Planners 2026 award program. The survey sought nominations for financial professionals who exemplify excellence, integrity, and dedication in helping clients achieve their financial goals. Nominations were accepted from peers, colleagues, clients, and self-nominated individuals. Participants were asked to provide detailed information on nominees, including (1) professional credentials, (2) areas of expertise, and (3) significant achievements during 2025. Nominations required confirmation from the nominee's compliance team to ensure authenticity and adherence to ethical standards. The InvestmentNews team conducted an objective evaluation of each nomination, assessing the detailed information provided and benchmarking nominees against other submissions to determine the award recipients. Pension & Wealth Management Advisors did not pay for participation in this award. The award was announced in April 2026 based on the above criteria. After being notified of the award, Pension & Wealth Management Advisors secured the right to use the award medallion and did not pay to use the digital award medallion for promotional purposes. Pension & Wealth Management Advisors has no other business affiliation, ownership interest, business relationship, or conflicts of interest with InvestmentNews or Key Media. This award is not indicative of future investment performance and may not be representative of any one client's experience.
Best-in-State Wealth Advisors — Forbes / SHOOK Research 2026
Compliance Note – Rule 206(4)-1(c): Forbes and SHOOK Research have recognized the “America’s Top Wealth Advisors 2026,” based on a comprehensive evaluation of wealth advisors across the United States. Advisors were evaluated using both qualitative and quantitative criteria, including interviews (telephone, virtual, and in-person) with advisors, review of compliance records, firm structures, team credentials, client service models, community involvement, revenue, revenue trends, and assets under management (AUM). Portfolio performance was not considered due to variations in client objectives and the lack of audited data. Eligibility requirements included a minimum of seven years of experience as an advisor, at least one year at their current firm, a clean compliance record, completion of the nomination and survey process, and a significant portion of revenue derived from individual clients. The methodology relied on self-reported and verified data, along with independent research by SHOOK Research. No compensation was provided in exchange for inclusion. This recognition is based on historical data and qualitative assessment and should not be considered a guarantee of future results. For full methodology, visit https://www.forbes.com/sites/rjshook/2026/04/07/methodology-forbes-americas-top-wealth-advisors-2026/
Best Financial Advisory Firms — USA Today / Statista 2026
Compliance Note – Rule 206(4)-1(c): Award Methodology. USA TODAY and Statista have recognized the “Best Financial Advisory Firms 2026,” based on a comprehensive evaluation of registered investment advisory firms (RIA Firms) across the United States. The ranking is determined using two primary factors: peer and client recommendations, and growth in Assets under Management (AUM). The evaluation included an independent survey of more than 30,000 clients, industry experts, and financial advisors. Recommendations—excluding self-nominations—accounted for 20% of the overall score, while AUM growth, based on data from the SEC IAPD database through January 2026, accounted for the remaining 80%. AUM growth was assessed over both short-term (2025–2026) and long-term (2021–2026) periods. The top 1,000 firms were selected based on their overall scores. To be eligible, firms were required to be registered as RIAs, maintain a U.S. office, have a clean disciplinary record, provide financial planning or portfolio management services, and manage at least $500,000 in AUM. No compensation was provided in exchange for inclusion. This recognition is based on historical data and should not be considered a guarantee of future performance.
5-Star Wealth Management Team — InvestmentNews 2025
Compliance Note – Rule 206(4)-1(c): Award Methodology. InvestmentNews selected the 5-Star Wealth Management Teams based on data reported to the Securities Exchange Commission on form ADV. Advisory teams—defined as groups of four or more advisors—were invited to nominate their firms and showcase the standout qualities that set them apart. The evaluation focused on several key areas including (1) meaningful contributions to clients and the financial services industry, (2) a deep understanding of client needs, (3) notable achievements and impact over the past 12 months, and (4) performance metrics, including AUM and overall team results. The InvestmentNews editorial team conducted a thorough review of all submissions, assessing how each advisory team made a measurable difference for their clients and contributed to advancements in the broader industry. Pension & Wealth Management Advisors did not pay for participation in this award. The award was announced in May 2025 based on the above criteria. After being notified of the award, Pension & Wealth Management Advisors, secured the right to use the award medallion and wall plaque for promotional purposes and paid $1,990 to Key Media. Pension & Wealth Management Advisors has no other business affiliation, ownership, business interest or conflicts of interest with InvestmentNews or Key Media.
5-Star Financial Planner — InvestmentNews 2025
Compliance Note – Rule 206(4)-1(c): Award Methodology. InvestmentNews (“IN”) selected the 5-Star Financial Planners based on data reported to the Securities Exchange Commission on form ADV. InvestmentNews conducted a nationwide survey between November 18 and December 13, 2024 to recognize outstanding financial planners in America. The survey sought nominations for financial professionals who exemplify excellence, integrity, and dedication in helping clients achieve their financial goals. Participants were asked to provide detailed information on nominees, including (1) professional credentials, (2) areas of expertise, and (3) significant achievements. Nominations required confirmation from the nominee’s compliance team to ensure authenticity and adherence to ethical standards. The IN team conducted an objective evaluation of each entry, assessing the detailed information provided. This evaluation also involved benchmarking against other submissions to determine the winners. Pension & Wealth Management Advisors did not pay for participation in this award. The award was announced in April 2025 based on the above criteria. After being notified of the award, Pension & Wealth Management Advisors, secured the right to use the award medallion and did not pay to use the digital award medallion for promotional purposes. Pension & Wealth Management Advisors has no other business affiliation, ownership, business interest or conflicts of interest with InvestmentNews or Key Media.
Best Financial Advisory Firms — USA Today / Statista 2025
USA TODAY and Statista have collaborated to award the “Best Financial Advisory Firms” in the United States. This ranking focuses specifically on registered investment advisory firms (RIA Firms) and is evaluated across two key dimensions: recommendations from clients, industry experts, and financial advisors, as well as the firm’s development of Assets under Management (AUM). The research and evaluation process involved an independent survey of over 30,000 individuals, including clients, industry experts, and financial advisors working for RIA firms. These participants could recommend firms they deemed commendable; however, self-recommendations were not permitted and were excluded from the evaluation. Recommendations were collected through various channels and used to calculate a recommendation score, which accounted for 20% of the final score. The AUM development was assessed using publicly available data from the SEC IAPD regulatory database up to January 2025, with a focus on both short-term (January 2024 to January 2025) and long-term (2020 to 2025) growth. These two components of AUM development were weighted at 30% for short-term and 70% for long-term, making up the remaining 80% of the final score. The overall score for each firm was calculated as: 20% x recommendation score + 80% x AUM development score. Based on these results, the top 500 RIA firms with the best overall scores were recognized. To qualify for inclusion, a firm had to meet several criteria: it must be registered as an RIA with the SEC or at the state level for at least one year, have a principal office in the United States, maintain a clean disciplinary record, offer financial planning services or portfolio management for individuals and/or small businesses, and have an AUM exceeding $500,000. Firms did not pay a fee to be considered for or included in the ranking.
Hot List — InvestmentNews 2025
Compliance Note – Rule 206(4)-1(c): Award Methodology. InvestmentNews ("IN") invited wealth management professionals from across the United States to participate in its third annual Hot List award program in July 2025. The award recognizes influential professionals whose contributions have helped shape the wealth management industry over the preceding 12 months. Candidates were nominated by industry peers and professionals nationwide. Following receipt of hundreds of nominations, InvestmentNews conducted a review process and selected 100 individuals for inclusion on the 2025 Hot List. According to InvestmentNews, recipients were evaluated based on their leadership, innovation, industry impact, and contributions to advancing the wealth management profession. The final list included professionals identified as industry leaders, innovators, and change-makers who have demonstrated significant influence within the wealth management industry. Pension & Wealth Management Advisors did not pay a fee to be nominated for or considered for this award. The award was announced in 2025 based on the criteria described above. After being notified of the award, Pension & Wealth Management Advisors secured the right to use the award designation and related promotional materials. Pension & Wealth Management Advisors paid a fee to use the digital award medallion for promotional purposes only. Pension & Wealth Management Advisors has no ownership interest, business affiliation, or other material conflicts of interest with InvestmentNews, its parent company, or any affiliated entities related to the award selection process.
Fastest-Growing Fee-Only RIA — InvestmentNews 2024
Compliance Note – Rule 206(4)-1(c): Award Methodology. InvestmentNews selected the Fastest-Growing Fee-Only RIAs based on data reported to the Securities Exchange Commission on form ADV. To qualify, firms must have met the following criteria: (1) latest ADV filing date is either on or after July 1, 2023, (2) total AUM is at least $100M, (3) does not have employees who are registered representatives of a broker-dealer, (4) managed assets for individual clients during its most recently completed fiscal year, (5) no more than 50% of amount of regulatory assets under management is attributable to pooled investment vehicles (other than investment companies), (6) no more than 25% of amount of regulatory assets under management is attributable to pension and profit-sharing plans (but not the plan participants), (7) no more than 25% of amount of regulatory assets under management is attributable to corporations or other businesses, (8) does not receive commissions, (9) provides financial planning services, (10) is not actively engaged in business as a broker-dealer (registered or unregistered), (11) is not actively engaged in business as a registered representative of a broker-dealer, (12) has neither a related person who is a broker-dealer/municipal securities dealer/government securities broker or dealer (registered or unregistered) not one who is an insurance company or agency. To be considered for the list of fastest-growing AUM, firms must have met the criteria in each year (ending July) between 2021 and 2024. In cases where a firm filed more than one annual update to their ADV, the latest filing for the year was used. Investment News categorized three tiers of RIA’s: firms under $500 Million, $500–$999 Million, and $1Billion+, and selected the top 25 in each category, giving us a total of 75 winners nationwide. Pension & Wealth Management Advisors did not pay for participation in this award. The award was announced in January 2025 based on the above criteria. After being notified of the award, Pension & Wealth Management Advisors, secured the right to use the award medallion for promotional purposes and paid $1,695 to Key Media. Pension & Wealth Management Advisors has no other business affiliation, ownership, business interest or conflicts of interest with InvestmentNews or Key Media. Investment advisory services offered through Pension & Wealth Management Advisors, Inc. The firm is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Principal Office: 800 South Street, Suite 160, Waltham, MA 02453. E-mail: info@pensionwealth.com.
Please Note: Limitations. Neither rankings nor recognitions by unaffiliated rating services, publications, media, or other organizations, nor the achievement of any professional designation, certification, degree, or license, membership in any professional organization, or any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that the client will experience a certain level of results if the investment professional or the investment professional’s firm is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A fee was not paid by either the investment professional or the investment professional’s firm to receive the ranking. The ranking is based upon specific criteria and methodology (see ranking criteria/methodology). No ranking or recognition should be construed as an endorsement by any past or current client of the investment professional or the investment professional’s firm. ANY QUESTIONS: George P. Webb, Chief Compliance Officer, remains available to address any questions regarding rankings and/or recognitions, including the criteria used for any reflected ranking.
Please Also Note: Certain Awards/Rankings are of a prior date. During subsequent years, Pension & Wealth Management Advisors, Inc. (or the referenced professional) either didn’t apply or did apply but was not selected (see corresponding selection criteria/methodology).
