Grand Rapids, MI · Serving West Michigan and Nationwide
A Financial Advisor in Grand Rapids Who Actually Works for You
Fee-only, fiduciary financial planning for Grand Rapids young professionals. No asset minimums. No commissions. A real plan built around your actual life.
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You're Making Good Money in West Michigan. But Are You Actually Getting Ahead?
Grand Rapids has real earning potential. But earning well and building wealth are different things. Your 20s and 30s are when the big decisions happen: which accounts to prioritize, what to do with a bonus, whether buying a home in West Michigan actually makes sense right now. These aren't small calls. They compound for decades.
As income grows and life gets more complex (job changes, marriage, kids, a home), small mistakes are easy to make and the longer they go unaddressed, the more expensive they become to fix.
We pull it all together: investments, tax strategy, debt, and long-term goals in one coordinated plan. Not just to grow a number, but so you can stop guessing.
Built for West Michigan Professionals
We work best with people who have a lot going on financially and want someone in their corner to get everything working together. Clients come from Corewell Health, Steelcase, MillerKnoll, Gordon Food Service, and local startups across the region.
Early-Career Professionals
Making good money in West Michigan but not sure if you're doing the right things with it. Right accounts, right order, investing correctly. We make sure you're not guessing.
Mid-Career & Growing Families
Multiple accounts, a home, a growing family, maybe a business. Things have gotten complex and you want someone making sure nothing's slipping in taxes or investments.
Business Owners
Running a West Michigan business makes your financial life complicated. Between paying yourself, planning for retirement, and managing taxes, we help you get clarity.
What clients say about working with Chris
"I couldn't be more grateful for Villaire Financial and the support I feel with Chris as my advisor. I feel far more confident about my finances than I did on my own. Chris takes the time to understand you and your situation, then helps you build out a system to ensure you're on track to meet your financial goals."
"Thankful for Chris and his financial literacy and help, but most importantly thankful for his heart to get to know his clients on a personal level outside of financial help as well. He really knows what he is doing and has a passion to help you meet your goals!"
"Chris has been such a huge help to my husband and I. Since getting married two years ago, he has helped us create clear financial plans, stay on top of our money, and set up funds that actually make us feel confident about our future. He is incredibly knowledgeable and organized, but what we appreciate most is how genuine, honest, and trustworthy he is. We truly couldn't recommend him more!"
Testimonials from current clients of Villaire Financial, LLC. No compensation was provided for these reviews. Individual experiences and results will vary. These testimonials may not be representative of the experience of other clients.
A Grand Rapids financial advisor who makes sure you're actually building the life you want.
Chris is based in Grand Rapids and built Villaire Financial because people in their 20s and 30s have been largely overlooked by the financial services industry. Most firms want clients who already have significant assets. He built this one for people who are still building toward that.
Meet ChrisOne Plan. Every Area of Your Financial Life.
This isn't just investment management. It's a plan that covers everything.
Investment Management
Portfolios built around your actual goals and risk tolerance, explained clearly so you always know what's happening with your money.
Explore Investment ManagementTax Planning
Year-round strategies to ensure you're not overpaying in taxes. Workplace benefits, Roth conversions, tax-loss harvesting, HSA optimization. Not just an April conversation.
Explore Tax PlanningBudget and Cash Flow
A budget that fits your actual life. Spend intentionally, pay down debt strategically, and have clarity knowing where your dollars are going.
Explore Budget & Cash FlowRetirement Planning
401(k) optimization, IRA strategies, and a clear projection of when you can retire and what it takes to get there. Built from day one, not after you're 50.
Explore Retirement PlanningLife Event Planning
Getting married, buying a home, changing jobs, starting a family? Each of these has major financial implications. We help you handle them right.
Explore Life Event PlanningFinancial Education
We make sure you understand your financial plan, not just follow it. Every recommendation gets explained clearly, and no question is off-limits.
Explore Financial EducationHow It Works
Week 1
Book a Free 30-Minute Intro Call
Schedule a 30-minute call directly on our calendar. We'll hear about your situation, answer your questions, and tell you honestly if we think working together makes sense.
Week 2
Deep-Dive Discovery Session
Once we've decided to move forward, we schedule a deeper meeting covering income, expenses, investments, debts, insurance, taxes, and what you're actually trying to accomplish.
Weeks 3-4
Your Financial Plan
We build your plan across every area of your finances, then meet to present it and walk through it together so you understand the reasoning behind every decision. From there, we handle all the execution: account setup, money movement, and your personalized client portal.
Onward
Ongoing Reviews and Support
We meet at least twice a year to review progress and adjust as life changes. Between meetings, you can reach out whenever something comes up.
What you walk away with
- ✓A personalized financial plan covering every area of your financial life
- ✓A clear picture of where you stand and what to do next
- ✓A secure client portal with all your accounts and goals in one place
- ✓Ongoing investment management, handled for you
- ✓Twice-yearly reviews and an advisor you can reach between meetings
Common Questions About Financial Planning in Grand Rapids
Does Villaire Financial work with clients in Grand Rapids in person?
Yes. Villaire Financial is based in Grand Rapids and works with local clients. Most meetings happen via video call, but Chris is available for in-person meetings for Grand Rapids-area clients.
What makes Villaire Financial different from other Grand Rapids financial advisors?
Villaire Financial is fee-only and fiduciary, with no commissions and no conflicts of interest. Most financial advisors in Grand Rapids work for banks or broker-dealers and earn commissions on products they sell. Villaire Financial charges a flat fee and is legally required to act in your best interest.
Is there a minimum amount needed to work with a financial advisor in Grand Rapids?
Most traditional advisors require $250,000 or more in assets. Villaire Financial has no asset minimum and works with young professionals who are earlier in their wealth-building journey.
Can I work with Villaire Financial if I live outside Grand Rapids?
Yes. While Villaire Financial is based in Grand Rapids, most clients are served remotely via video call. Clients are located across Michigan and throughout the United States.
How much does a financial advisor cost in Grand Rapids?
Villaire Financial charges a one-time $250 onboarding fee that covers your financial plan and full setup. After that, ongoing planning starts at $75 per month. Investment management is 1.00 to 1.50% annually based on assets managed. The monthly fee is waived once you reach $100,000 in managed assets. No commissions and no hidden fees.
What is the difference between a fee-only and fee-based financial advisor?
A fee-only advisor is paid entirely by you and earns no commissions on products sold. A fee-based advisor can charge fees and earn commissions, which creates potential conflicts of interest. Villaire Financial is fee-only: the only source of compensation is client fees.
Is Villaire Financial a registered investment advisor in Michigan?
Yes. Villaire Financial, LLC is a registered investment advisor (RIA) in Michigan. Chris Villaire holds the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation and operates as a fiduciary, legally required to act in each client's best interest.
We're Based in Downtown Grand Rapids
Most client meetings happen via video call, but our office is in the heart of downtown if you prefer to meet in person.
Villaire Financial
2 Fulton St W, Suite 122
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Book a Free Intro Call with a Grand Rapids CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
Book a free 30-minute intro call with Chris. No sales pitch, no obligation. Just an honest conversation about your situation and where you want to go.
Money Insights
Practical financial advice for busy professionals, with clear next steps you can actually use.
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