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Mckinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc.

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Client assets under management

$2,192,049,947

Clients

1,231

54% high-net-worth

Advisors

24

of 32 employees

Firm type

Team

5-30 advisors or >$500M in AUM

Clients per advisor

51

Typical

Average account size

$1,780,707

About

McKinley Carter Wealth Services is an SEC-registered investment adviser that serves individuals and families as well as institutional and nonprofit clients, providing financial planning, discretionary and non-discretionary investment management, wealth management, retirement plan consulting, and philanthropic endowment services. The firm implements portfolios using mutual funds, ETFs, individual equity and debt securities, options, and, for eligible clients, privately placed securities and third‑party independent managers.

MCWS’s investment process combines fundamental and technical analysis within a long‑term strategic asset allocation framework, with shorter‑term tactical shifts tied to economic views, and portfolio construction that is tailored to client risk tolerance and account size. The firm conducts due diligence on independent managers using performance, risk statistics, manager tenure, and other quantitative and qualitative factors and monitors accounts at least quarterly.

The brochure discloses several features that are less common among multi‑team peers: a member of the firm maintains a limited, separate legal practice; MCWS explicitly offers retirement plan services and institutional investment supervisory services (including endowment and defined‑benefit plan work) in addition to individual wealth management; and the firm has formal arrangements with third‑party platforms and promoters (including an insurance platform relationship and a lending‑platform relationship) to support specialized services. These affiliations and referral arrangements, together with the firm’s active use of independent managers and private placements, inform how MCWS delivers services and manages potential conflicts.

Client services

Financial planning Portfolio management Selection of other advisers Investment consulting

Expertise

Private / alternative investments Options & derivatives strategies

Occupation focus

Founder/Business Owner Executive

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Fee options

Fixed

Fixed fees generally ranging from $350 to $10,000 for financial planning and consulting services; fixed fees generally ranging from $500 to $100,000 for retirement plan consulting services; philanthropic service fees from $2,500 to $10,000 per service

Percentage

$0 - $500,000: 1.25% $500,001 - $2,000,000: 1.00% $2,000,001 - $5,000,000: 0.75% $5,000,001 - $10,000,000: 0.50% $10,000,001 - $25,000,000: 0.40% Above $25,000,000+: Negotiable

Project-based

$50 to $500 per hour for financial planning and consulting services

Other

Account minimum: $7,500 minimum annual fee for institutional investment management services (may be waived) Minimum fee: Minimum annual fee of $9,750 for wealth management services; $7,500 minimum annual fee for institutional investment management services (may be waived) Fee-only: Fees based on assets under management, fixed fees, and hourly fees

Main office location

Mckinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc.

2100 Market Street

Wheeling WV 26003, United States

Number of offices

5

Most active in

Alabama · Arizona · California · Colorado · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Illinois · Indiana · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Missouri · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New York · North Carolina · Ohio · Pennsylvania · South Carolina · Tennessee · Texas · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia

Disclosures

Exclamation point means they have disclosures of this type. Check mark means no disclosures of this type were found.

Business activities & affiliations

Advisors at this firm

user avatar

James O

Series 65

Wheeling, WV

Mckinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc.

James O'Brien is a financial advisor at McKinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc. in Wheeling, WV, holding a Series 65 designation with four years of industry experience. Prior to joining McKinley Carter Wealth Services in 2021, he worked at Ogden Newspapers Inc, Wheeling Jesuit University, and Barnes & Noble College at West Virginia Northern Community College. McKinley Carter Wealth Services provides investment management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting to individuals, families, institutions, and non-profits. The firm employs a combination of fundamental and technical analysis within a long-term strategic asset allocation framework, tailoring portfolios to client risk tolerance and time horizon, and offers ongoing portfolio monitoring and philanthropic services.

Private / alternative investments Options & derivatives strategies Founder/Business Owner Executive
user avatar

Nicole G

CFP®, Series 65

Wexford, PA

Mckinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc.

Nicole Gabriel is a CFP® with 10 years of experience in financial advising. She has been with McKinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc. since 2015. McKinley Carter Wealth Services provides investment management, wealth management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting to individuals, families, pension/retirement plans, trusts, non-profit organizations, and institutional clients. The firm combines fundamental and technical analysis with a long-term strategic asset allocation framework and tailors portfolios to client risk tolerance and time horizon.

Private / alternative investments Options & derivatives strategies Founder/Business Owner Executive
user avatar

David W

Series 63, Series 65

Wheeling, WV

Mckinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc.

David Wilcox is a financial advisor with McKinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc. in Wheeling, WV, holding Series 63 and Series 65 licenses and bringing 11 years of industry experience. His prior work includes roles at Wells Fargo Clearing Services and Northwestern Mutual. McKinley Carter Wealth Services provides investment management, financial planning, and retirement consulting to a diverse client base including individuals, families, pension plans, trusts, non-profits, and institutional clients. The firm uses a combination of fundamental and technical analysis within a long-term strategic asset allocation framework, tailoring portfolios to client risk tolerance and time horizon.

Private / alternative investments Options & derivatives strategies Founder/Business Owner Executive
user avatar

Joshua J

CFP®, Series 63, Series 65

Miamisburg, OH

Mckinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc.

Joshua Johnson is a CFP® professional with 19 years of experience in the financial services industry. He has been with McKinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc. since 2020 and previously worked at Lifeplan Financial Group, Inc. from 2008 to 2020. Outside of finance, he is a partner in a gospel entertainment business that provides DJ services for events such as wedding receptions and skate parties. McKinley Carter Wealth Services offers investment management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting to a diverse client base including individuals, families, institutions, and non-profits. The firm employs a combination of fundamental and technical analysis within a long-term strategic asset allocation framework, tailoring portfolios to client risk tolerance and time horizon while providing ongoing portfolio monitoring and philanthropic services.

Private / alternative investments Options & derivatives strategies Founder/Business Owner Executive
user avatar

Steven T

ChFC®, Series 63, Series 65

Charleston, WV

Mckinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc.

Steven Tardy is a financial advisor at McKinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc. in Charleston, WV, holding the ChFC® designation along with Series 63 and Series 65 licenses. He has nine years of industry experience, including two years at Teays Valley Insurance, LLC prior to joining McKinley Carter in 2017. McKinley Carter Wealth Services provides investment management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting to a diverse client base that includes individuals, families, institutions, and non-profits. The firm employs a combination of fundamental and technical analysis within a long-term strategic asset allocation framework, tailoring portfolios to client risk tolerance and time horizon while offering ongoing portfolio monitoring and philanthropic services.

Private / alternative investments Options & derivatives strategies Founder/Business Owner Executive
user avatar

Chelsea C

CFP®, Series 65

Wheeling, WV

Mckinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc.

Chelsea Clegg is a CFP® with nine years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at McKinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc. She has worked at McKinley Carter since 2014 and is also associated with Plexus Worldwide. McKinley Carter Wealth Services provides investment management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting to a diverse client base, using a combination of fundamental and technical analysis within a long-term strategic asset allocation framework tailored to client risk tolerance and time horizon.

Private / alternative investments Options & derivatives strategies Founder/Business Owner Executive
user avatar

Christopher B

CFP®, Series 63

Miamisburg, OH

Mckinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc.

Christopher Buck is a CFP® with 19 years of experience in the financial services industry. He has been with McKinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc. since 2020 and previously worked for Life Plan Financial Group Inc for 26 years. McKinley Carter Wealth Services provides investment management, wealth management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting to individuals, families, pension and retirement plans, trusts, non-profits, and institutional clients. The firm uses a combination of fundamental and technical analysis within a long-term strategic asset allocation framework, tailoring portfolios to client risk tolerance and time horizon.

Private / alternative investments Options & derivatives strategies Founder/Business Owner Executive
user avatar

Sandra S

Series 65

Wexford, PA

Mckinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc.

Sandra Steedle is a financial advisor at McKinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc. She holds a Series 65 credential and has 29 years of industry experience, including 28 years at Allegiance Financial Advisors and four years with her current firm. Outside of finance, she is involved in retail customer service at Kohl's. McKinley Carter Wealth Services provides investment management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting to individuals, families, institutional clients, and non-profits. The firm employs a combination of fundamental and technical analysis within a long-term strategic framework, tailoring portfolios to client risk tolerance and offering ongoing portfolio monitoring and account reviews.

Private / alternative investments Options & derivatives strategies Founder/Business Owner Executive
user avatar

John W

CFP®, Series 65

Wheeling, WV

Mckinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc.

John Williams is a CFP® with 11 years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at McKinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc. since 2013. He holds a Series 65 license and is based in Wheeling, WV. McKinley Carter Wealth Services offers investment management, financial planning, and retirement consulting to a diverse client base including individuals, families, pension plans, trusts, non-profits, and institutional clients. The firm employs a combination of fundamental and technical analysis within a strategic asset allocation framework, tailoring portfolios to client risk tolerance and time horizon.

Private / alternative investments Options & derivatives strategies Founder/Business Owner Executive
user avatar

David M

CFP®, Series 63, Series 65

Wheeling, WV

Mckinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc.

David Mckinley is a CFP® professional with 23 years of industry experience, currently serving at Mckinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc. since 2008. He is also involved with the Mountaineer Freedom Alliance, focusing on public policy education and advocacy in West Virginia. Mckinley Carter Wealth Services provides investment management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting to individuals, families, institutions, and non-profits. The firm employs a combination of fundamental and technical analysis within a strategic asset allocation framework, tailoring portfolios to clients’ risk tolerance and time horizon.

Private / alternative investments Options & derivatives strategies Founder/Business Owner Executive
user avatar

John B

Series 65

Wexford, PA

Mckinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc.

John Binz is a financial advisor at McKinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc. with six years of industry experience. He holds a Series 65 designation and has worked at McKinley Carter since 2019, following roles at PNC Bank, EQT, and Master Mineral Holdings. McKinley Carter Wealth Services offers investment management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting to individuals, families, institutional clients, and non-profits. The firm employs a combination of fundamental and technical analysis within a long-term strategic asset allocation framework, tailoring portfolios to client risk tolerance and time horizon while providing ongoing portfolio monitoring and philanthropic services.

Private / alternative investments Options & derivatives strategies Founder/Business Owner Executive
user avatar

Julie B

CFP®, Series 63

Miamisburg, OH

Mckinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc.

Julie Brown is a CFP® professional with 10 years of industry experience, currently serving as a financial advisor at McKinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc. since 2020. Her prior experience includes roles at Lifeplan Financial Group, Inc., PNC Investments, LLC, PNC Bank, NA, and Lenox Wealth Management. McKinley Carter Wealth Services provides investment management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting to a diverse client base, including individuals, families, pension plans, trusts, non-profits, and institutional clients. The firm employs a combination of fundamental and technical analysis within a long-term strategic asset allocation framework, tailoring portfolios to client risk tolerance and time horizon.

Private / alternative investments Options & derivatives strategies Founder/Business Owner Executive
user avatar

Matthew E

Series 65

Wheeling, WV

Mckinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc.

Matthew Epling is a financial advisor with McKinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc. He holds a Series 65 designation and has two years of industry experience. Prior to joining McKinley Carter Wealth Services in 2023, he worked at HomeBase Inc and Moxxee Coffee. McKinley Carter Wealth Services offers investment management, wealth management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting to a range of clients including individuals, families, pension plans, trusts, non-profits, and institutional clients. The firm uses a combination of fundamental and technical analysis within a strategic asset allocation framework, tailoring portfolios to client risk tolerance and time horizon.

Private / alternative investments Options & derivatives strategies Founder/Business Owner Executive
user avatar

David N

Series 63

Wheeling, WV

Mckinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc.

David Nolan is a financial advisor at McKinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc. in Wheeling, WV, holding a Series 63 designation with 24 years of industry experience. He has been with McKinley Carter Wealth Services since 2010. McKinley Carter Wealth Services provides investment management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting to individuals, families, pension/retirement plans, trusts, non-profits, and institutional clients. The firm uses a combination of fundamental and technical analysis within a long-term strategic asset allocation framework, tailoring portfolios to client risk tolerance and time horizon while offering ongoing monitoring and quarterly reviews.

Private / alternative investments Options & derivatives strategies Founder/Business Owner Executive
user avatar

John S

Series 66

Wheeling, WV

Mckinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc.

John Slicer is a financial advisor with McKinley Carter Wealth Services, Inc., holding a Series 66 designation and 18 years of industry experience. He has been with McKinley Carter since 2008 and also operates a separate business as a sole proprietor providing magic entertainment. McKinley Carter Wealth Services offers investment management, financial planning, and retirement plan consulting to a diverse client base including individuals, families, pension plans, trusts, non-profits, and institutional clients. The firm combines fundamental and technical analysis with strategic asset allocation and tactical adjustments, tailoring portfolios to client risk tolerance and time horizon.

Private / alternative investments Options & derivatives strategies Founder/Business Owner Executive
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