Media and Press

Forbes October 8, 2024

Forbes: America's Top RIA (Registered Investment Advisor) Firms 

 

Zhang Financial has been ranked #6 in the nation on Forbes' list of America's Top RIA (Registered Investment Advisor) Firms for 2024. Zhang Financial is also the highest-ranking firm on the list that is free from conflicts of interest that arise from selling proprietary products, engaging in principal trading, third party payments, revenue sharing, receiving commissions, kick-backs, or soft dollars.
 
 

Barron's September 13, 2024

Barron's 2024 Top 100 Independent Advisors List

 

Charles Zhang has been recognized by Barron's as the #1 Independent Advisor in the nation for 2024. This is the third year that Charles has been ranked #1; he previously received the distinction in 2023 and 2021. The annual ranking spotlights the top-performing independent advisors in the business and is a testament to Charles’ commitment to excellence in the financial services industry.
 

The ranking reflects the volume of assets overseen by the advisors and their teams, revenues generated for the firms, and the quality of the advisors' practices.

 

 

Yahoo! Finance June 21, 2024

EY Announces Charles Zhang and Lynn Chen-Zhang of Zhang Financial as an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2024 Michigan and Northwest Ohio Award Winner

 

Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced that Charles Zhang, Founder and President and Lynn Chen-Zhang, CEO of Zhang Financial, were named an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2024 Michigan and Northwest Ohio Award winner. Entrepreneur Of The Year is the preeminent competitive awards program for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies.

As stated by Charles and Lynn during their acceptance speech, "It is such an honor to be selected as an Entrepreneur Of The Year® award winner for the Michigan and Northwest Ohio region. We are very humbled to be standing here accepting this award. We would like to thank our clients who have entrusted us with their financial well-being, some of whom have been with us since we started in 1991. Our incredible team demonstrates, on a daily basis, their commitment to building strong client relationships. Finally, thank you to our community, that we love so much, and to which we will continue to give back."  

 

 

MLive June 15, 2024

No-Kill Amimal Shelter Plans New $2.1M Facility in Kalamazoo County

 

Zhang Financial is proud to partner with the Animal Rescue Project to fund their capital campaign for a new larger facility.

"Having outgrown its home on Peekstok Drive, Kalamazoo County’s Animal Rescue Project is preparing to open a new facility later this year. The 11,600-square-foot Charles and Lynn Zhang Animal Rescue Center, at 1616 Construction Drive off Sprinkle Road in Comstock Township, will nearly double the footprint of its existing facility."

 

News Channel, 3 June 13, 2024

Kalamazoo Animal Shelter Launches $740K Campaign to Expand, Improve Facility

 

Zhang Financial has partnered with the Animal Rescue Project through a donation to their capital campaign for a new larger facility. The Charles and Lynn Zhang Animal Rescue Center will help meet the ever-growing need for a safe and healthy environment for our furry friends and the community at large.
 

News Channel, 3 June 6, 2024

Zhang Financial Announces Yearly Donation of $30k to Bread of Life Food Bank

 

Zhang Financial has partnered with the Bread of Life Food Bank in an effort to assist those in need within our own community! As stated by Lynn Chen-Zhang, "Food is security and access to healthy food comes before anything else. For a community to be healthy and to be a great community, we need to solve this problem first."
 

Yahoo! Finance, May 1, 2024

EY Announces Charles Zhang and Lynn Chen-Zhang Of Zhang Financial as an Entrepreneur of the Year 2024® Michigan and Northwest Ohio Award Finalist

 

Charles Zhang and Lynn Chen-Zhang have been selected by Ernst and Young as a finalist for the Entrepreneur of the Year 2024® Michigan and Northwest Ohio Award. The candidates were evaluated based on their demonstration of building long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact, among other core contributions and attributes.
 
According to Charles and Lynn, “Being named a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year is a humbling and deeply gratifying experience, one that we could not have achieved without our incredible team and our valued clients. This nomination is truly a testament to the remarkable dedication of our employees and their commitment to building strong client relationships. This recognition belongs to you, our clients, who have entrusted us with your financial well-being. We will continue to live by our vision of providing comprehensive, fee-only solutions built upon an academic, evidence-based investment philosophy aimed at providing the highest probability of success. We look forward to continuing to innovate and deliver exceptional wealth management solutions.”
 

Forbes, April 3, 2024

Forbes Rankings - America's Top Wealth Advisors and Best-In-State Wealth Advisors Lists 

 

Charles Zhang has been ranked #4 on Forbes' list of America's Top Wealth Advisors for 2024 and he is the highest-ranking fee-only advisor on the list. And...for the 7th consecutive year (and since the inception of the list) Forbes has ranked Charles the #1 Advisor in Michigan on their 2024 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors List.
 

New Channel 3, March 28, 2024

Tackling Hunger: Local wealth management firm helps fight food insecurity

 

Lynn and Charles Zhang of Zhang Financial are excited to partner with News Channel 3 on their Tackling Hunger campaign - helping to serve those struggling with food insecurity.

Barron's, March 11, 2024

Barron's 2024 Top 1200 U.S. Financial Advisors Ranked by State

 

Charles Zhang has been ranked by Barron's as the #1 Financial Advisor in the state of Michigan for 2024. This marks the 12th consecutive year that Charles has been ranked #1 in Michigan!

InvestmentNews, January 29, 2024

InvestmentNews - Top Advisors 2024 

 

InvestmentNews has ranked Charles Zhang, one of the Top Financial Advisors in the USA! According to InvestmentNews, "The winning cohort set themselves apart through their commitment to transparency, communication, education, and personalization."  When asked to describe one of his strongest qualities, Charles explained “I am passionate about my clients and making sure their futures are secure. I am passionate about my business and making sure we are providing the highest level of quality and service. I am passionate about giving back to the communities I serve.” 

InvestmentNews, December 4, 2023

InvestmentNews - Hot List 2023

 

Lynn Chen-Zhang, CEO, has been named to the 2023 InvestmentNews Hot List! The inaugural list "presents 100 all-star wealth professionals redefining sucess in our industry."  Other notable names on the list include Gary Gensler, Chairman of the SEC; Dan Arnold, CEO and President of LPL Financial; James Gorman, Chairman and CEO of Morgan Stanley; and Tim Buckley, Chairman and CEO of Vanguard along with many others.
 

InvestmentNews, November 6, 2023

Investment News - We Decided Not to be Each Other's Bosses

 

Lynn and Charles were featured in Investment New's November 6th issue under the Your Practice section.  The article discusses how Lynn and Charles have worked together to build a very successful business as a husband and wife team, despite the old cliche that warns "Dont Mix Business with Pleasure".
 

Forbes, October 10, 2023

Forbes: America's Top RIA (Registered Investment Advisor) Firms 

 

Zhang Financial has been ranked #6 in the nation on Forbes' list of America's Top RIA (Registered Investment Advisor) Firms. There are over 15,000 RIAs in the nation. We are excited to be in the #6 position. Zhang Financial is also the highest-ranking firm on the list that is free from conflicts of interest that arise from selling proprietary products, engaging in principal trading, third party payments, revenue sharing, receiving commissions, kick-backs, or soft dollars.
 

eMoney, September 27, 2023

6 Pieces of Advisor Career Advice from 3 Decades in the Industry

 

Charles was featured in the latest eMoney blog in which he shares his thoughts and insights on how to achieve success in the financial services industry.
 

Barron's, September 15, 2023

Barron's 2023 Top 100 Independent Advisors 

 

Barron's has just announced the TOP 100 Independent Advisors for 2023 and Charles has been ranked #1!  This is the ninth year in a row that Charles has been ranked in the top 10. Charles is the highest-ranking Fee-only NAPFA-registered financial advisor on the list.
 

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, August 29, 2023

Michigan Lawers Weekly - Reader Rankings for 2023

 

Michigan Lawyers Weekly Magazine has ranked Zhang Financial the #1 Wealth Management Provider in the state of Michigan for the 7th consecutive year!
 

Financial Advisor Magazine, July 24, 2023

Financial Advisor Magazine - America's Top RIAs for 2023 

 

Financial Advisor Magazine has, once again, ranked Zhang Financial one of the America's Top RIAs for 2023.  Of the firms on the list, Zhang Financial is the highest-ranking Fee-Only RIA in the state of Michigan. This will mark Zhang Financial’s fifth time being ranked on FA Magazine's Top RIA list. The RIA ranking is based on AUM as of year end 2022.
 

Investopedia, July 11, 2023

Investopedia 100 Top Financial Advisors of 2023

 

Lynn Chen-Zhang has been named to Investopedia's list of the TOP 100 Most Influential Financial Advisors of 2023. The Investopedia 100 celebrates independent financial advisors who are making significant contributions to critical conversations about financial literacy, investing strategies, life-stage planning and wealth management. With more than 100,000 independent financial advisors in the U.S., the Investopedia 100 spotlights the country’s most engaged, influential, and educational advisors.
 

Forbes, April 4, 2023

America's Top Wealth Advisor 

 

Charles Zhang has been ranked #4 in the nation on Forbes' list of America's Top Wealth Advisors for 2023 based on data provided by SHOOK Research.  Charles is the highest-ranking Fee-Only Advisor on the list and is the only Independent advisor in the Top 5.
 

Forbes, April 4, 2023

Best-In-State Wealth Advisors

 

Charles Zhang has been ranked #1 in the nation on Forbes' list of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors for 2023 based on data provided by SHOOK Research. Charles has held the #1 spot in the state of Michigan since the inception of the list.
 

Barron's March, 11, 2023

Barron's 2023 Top Advisor Rankings by State 

 

Charles Zhang has been ranked the #1 Financial Advisor in the state of Michigan by Barron's for 2023.  This is Charles' 11th consecutive year to be recognized as the #1 Financial Advisor in the state of Michigan! This recogniton is a true testament to Charles and Zhang Financial's commitment to excellence in the financial services industry and in serving our clients.
 

The Do Diligence Podcast January 25, 2023

Family Business Growth with Lynn Chen-Zhang

 

Lynn Chen-Zhang, CEO of Zhang Financial has been featured in an episode of Sleeping Giant Capital's "Do Diligence" podcast.
 
As posted by Sleeping Giant Capital, "In this podcast, we explore creating and growing a family-owned business. We learn about Zhang’s tips for success within a family-owned business, why having clients’ best interests first matters, and advice to women on becoming C-suite executives."
 
Episodes can be found on Spotify and YouTube using the links below.
 

Wall Street Journal November 28, 2022

A Librarian Just Bought Her First Home. Now She Needs to Start Saving More.

 

Lynn Chen-Zhang was recently featured in the Wall Street Journal for her expert opinion on a real life case study regarding retirement and savings.
 
Advice from a pro:
 
Lynn Chen-Zhang, certified financial planner and CEO of Zhang Financial in Portage, Mich., says Ms. Howison should consider building an emergency fund first to cover some of the things that could go wrong with a home built in 1875. Her budget is lacking in liquidity, but if she can put $500 a month into a savings account she’ll have three months’ worth of expenses saved in about 15 months.
 
Then Ms. Howison should begin saving more for retirement. Ms. Chen-Zhang suggests opening up a Roth individual retirement account and making monthly automated deposits.
Refinancing at some point should cut Ms. Howison’s housing costs considerably. “The savings earned here should accelerate retirement savings and could also be contributed to her Roth IRA,” Ms. Chen-Zhang says.
 
She says a “side hustle” like renting out a room, using her research skills as a freelance editor or writer, or even delivering restaurant meals could help boost Ms. Howison’s savings.
 
If Ms. Howison obtains a credit card for recurring monthly expenses, that will begin building her credit score with banks and lenders for any future endeavors, while avoiding credit-card debt.
 
“Saving is just like exercise,” Ms. Chen-Zhang says. “Don’t give yourself an excuse to stop. If you stop it’s very hard to pick back up. And you don’t see results overnight.”
 

BBB Torch Award for Ethics November 14, 2022

2022 BBB Torch Award for Ethics 

 

Zhang Financial has been named the winner of the 2022 Better Business Bureau's Torch Award for Ethics. The Torch Award for Ethics is the most prestigious honor the BBB can present to exceptional organizations for their dedication to integrity and ethical practices.

 
Video: Award Announcement Reaction
Video: Acceptance Speech by Lynn Chen-Zhang

Barron's Advisor November 13, 2022

How to Use This Year's Market Tumble to Reduce Your Tax Bill

 

Charles Zhang was quoted in the Barron's Advisor article about how to reduce your 2022 tax bill: "Investors who properly harness losses could enjoy benefits not just on their 2022 tax returns, but also on future returns, says Charles Zhang, a financial advisor in Portage, Mich."

 

Grand Rapids Business Journal October 14, 2022

Grand Rapids Business Journal - Grand Rapids 200

 

Both Charles Zhang and Lynn Chen-Zhang were selected and featured in the Grand Rapids 200 published by the Grand Rapids Business Journal.  The Grand Rapids 200 is a comprehensive list of the most powerful executives in more than 20 industries in Grand Rapids. The 200 people profiled on the list are leaders in West Michigan. They make decisions on nearly a daily basis that have an impact on the community as a whole. 

 

MLive October 5, 2022

Guests can fly over Michigan zoo on new $2M zip line and ropes course

 

BATTLE CREEK, MI -- Three stories overhead, taller than the giraffes, a new attraction aims to draw more young people into Binder Park Zoo and help it be a place for all ages to enjoy.  The Charles and Lynn Zhang Skylark Ridge recently opened at the Battle Creek zoo. Charles and Lynn Zhang, who donated $1 million toward the $2 million project, celebrated its opening while touring and trying the new feature.  Zhang Financial is the couple’s company, based in Portage, and it has had an office in Battle Creek for several decades, Lynn Chen-Zhang told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette. 

 

“My heart was beating so fast,” Chen-Zhang told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette about her first experience at the new zip line.  “It’s so fun,” Chen-Zhang said.

 

Read Full Article>

Battle Creek Enquirer, September 25, 2022

Binder Park Zoo opens $2 million Skylark Ridge zip line attraction

 

BATTLE CREEK — Local politicians, business owners, community leaders and their families recently took to the sky at Binder Park Zoo. The zoo, 7400 Division Drive, hosted a private ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, which also gave attendees an opportunity to be the first to ride the new SkyLark Ridge high ropes course and zip line aerial attraction.

 

The $2 million project was made possible by lead donors Charles and Lynn Zhang, who launched the fundraising campaign with an historic $1-million gift and naming rights for the 36-foot high structure, along with the smaller Consumers Energy Foundation "Little Larks" structure for guests under 48 inches tall.

 

Read Full Article>

Barron's, September 16, 2022

Barron's Top Independent Advisors for 2022 

 

Charles Zhang has been ranked #2 on Barron's list of the Top Independent Advisors for 2022.  This is the 8th year in a row that Charles has been ranked in the top 10. Charles is the highest-ranking Fee-only NAPFA-registered financial advisor on the list.

Read Full Article>

List of the Top Independent Advisors for 2022>

MLive, August 23, 2022

Tour around the newest Kalamazoo Humane Society facility

 

The new Charles and Lynn Zhang Animal Care & Resource Center, located at 2272 River Street in Kalamazoo, held its official ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022.  The below article from MLive provides a tour of of the Center and all the many resources the facility has to offer.

 

Read Full Article>

Forbes, August 24, 2022

America's Top Wealth Advisors for 2022 

 

Forbes has published it's list of America's Top Wealth Advisors for 2022 and Charles Zhang has been ranked #6 in the nation! Just as noteworthy, Charles is the highest-ranking fee-only advisor on the list. An incredible achievement as most of the advisors who were recognized have more than 20 years of experience and have had success navigating all types of financial markets.

Read Full Article>

Financial Advisor July/August 2022

FInancial Advisor Magazines Top RIAs for 2022 

 

Financial Advisor Magazine has ranked Zhang Financial one of the nation’s Top RIAs for 2022. Additionally, Zhang Financial is listed as the highest-ranking fee-only RIA in the state of Michigan. This will mark Zhang Financial’s fourth time being ranked on FA Magazine's Top RIA list. The RIA ranking is based on AUM as of 12/31/2021.

MLive June 6, 2022

Take a look inside the new Portage Senior Center

 

Portage’s new community center for seniors is set to provide area residents with more amenities. The new facility at a different location is more than three times the size of the previous center, providing 32,000 square feet of space for a range of activities. MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette got an up-close look at the newly constructed Charles & Lynn Zhang Portage Community Senior Center last month.

 

Watch the video to see an inside tour of the new facility.

MLive, May 20, 2022

Gov. Whitmer attends ribbon-cutting ceremony for new Portage community center
The Charles & Lynn Zhang Portage Community Senior Center.

 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined hundreds of community members Friday, May 20th, for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Charles & Lynn Zhang Portage Community Senior Center.  "This new senior community center is a testament to what happens when businesses and government work together and put the needs of Michiganders first,” Whitmer said... Some of the senior centers new amenities include a fitness center, commercial kitchen, performance platform, cafe and two indoor pickleball courts. The facility is open to those age 50 and older and you do not have to be a city resident.

 

Fox 17, May 20, 2022

City of Portage hosts ribbon cutting for new 32,000 square foot senior center
The Charles & Lynn Zhang Portage Community Senior Center.

 

The city hosted a ribbon cutting to commemorate its new senior center.  The 32,000 square foot facility is five times larger than the previous senior center, and those involved said it was much needed due to the elderly population outgrowing their old space... Lynn Chen-Zhang was one of the speakers at the event.  She said "We hope this place is going to be for you to enjoy your freedom, and you are going to come here to catch up with your old friends and make some new friends, and you’re going to come to share your life stories and create some new chapters of freedom with splendid adjectives." 

 

Forbes April 7, 2022

Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors List

 
Forbes recently released their 2022 Best-In-State Wealth Advisor list, and Charles Zhang has once again been ranked the #1 advisor in the state of Michigan. Charles has come out on the top of the list every year since the ranking's inception. Read the full list below:
 

Barron's March, 12, 2022

Barron's 2022 Top Advisor Rankings by State

 

Ten years in a row! Charles Zhang has been ranked the #1 Financial Advisor in the state of Michigan by Barron's for 10 consecutive years - a decade of excellence within the financial services industry.
 

NAPFA Advisor Magazine

NAPFA Advisor Magazine

Charles Zhang was featured in the latest edition of the NAPFA Advisor magazine. NAPFA is the leading association of Fee-Only financial advisors in the nation. In the article Charles states:

"I always wanted to be a NAPFA advisor. I look at different associations, and NAPFA has the highest standards," says Zhang, who today is the top-ranked independent financial planner in the country based on both the Forbes and Barron’s rankings.
 
"I believe in giving people more and taking less," he explains. "I want to make sure my advice and products are competitive, and being fee-only is very competitive."
To read more:
 

Barron's October 22, 2021

Barron's - The Big Q 

 

Charles and Lynn were interviewed for a Barron's article written by Lawrence Carrel entitled "Is that too personal? When Advisors' Guidance Goes Beyond the Financial".
 
The piece can be found in this week's edition of The Big Q in which advisors are asked to weigh in on important questions. Charles and Lynn were asked to respond to this week's question: Do you offer personal advice, and, if so, what are the appropriate boundaries?
 

Barron's September 17, 2021

Barron's 2021 Top 100 Independent Advisors

 

Charles Zhang has been ranked the #1 Financial Advisor in the nation on Barron's list of the Top 100 Independent Advisors for 2021.  

 

First & 42 September 15, 2021

Ascension Borgess Cancer Center Set to Open at WMU BTR Park 2 

 

Kicking off the celebratory presentations by local community leaders was Lynn Chen-Zhang, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of Zhang Financial who also serves as chair of the WMU Board of Trustees and president of the WMU Foundation. “A ceremony like today, reminds us of why we choose Kalamazoo to be our home. It takes committed organizations and individuals working together to ensure the continuing success of the community. The expansion of the BTR Park as well as the establishment of this beautiful facility is essential to ensure the health and well-being of the residents of the community,” said Chen-Zhang.

 

Barron's September 4, 2021

Barron's, The Big Q - Covid-19 Is Still Raging. How Advisors Are Keeping Their Workplaces Safe.

 

Charles Zhang was interviewed for an article written by Steve Garmhausen for Barron's weekly feature, the Big Q, in which wealth management professionals are asked for their best answers to challenging questions. This week's discussion was on the topic of how advisors are keeping their workplaces safe.

 

In response, Charles stated, "We do require vaccination, but we haven’t put out a policy; we’ve talked with staff individually. So we’re all vaxxed. Employees wear masks in the common areas. If you have any flu-like or cold-like symptoms, one, you stay at home, and two, you get a Covid test before you can come back. " To read more, click the link below:

 

Forbes August 24, 2021

Forbes' List of America's Top Wealth Advisors for 2021 

 

Charles Zhang has been ranked #6 in the nation on Forbes' list of American's Top Wealth Advisors for 2021!  Charles has been ranked in the top 10 for the past 5 years and is the highest-ranking fee-only advisor on the list!
 

Second Wave August 10, 2021

Women leaders of Asian background connect others with their heritage in Kalamazoo

 

Lynn Chen-Zhang was featured in an article written by Caroline Bissonnette for Second Wave Southwest Michigan. Here is an excerpt from the article:

 

"Lynn Chen-Zhang is smart, quick, and responds promptly to questions with a businesslike efficiency. She doesn’t have a lot of time to spare in her busy schedule as the COO of Portage’s successful Zhang Financial, but it is clear from speaking with her that when it comes to giving back to her alma mater, Western Michigan University, and the Kalamazoo community in general, she can always find the time. Along with her CEO husband Charles Zhang, the couple prioritize giving back to WMU through both extensive volunteer work and financial contribution. “I always just view myself as any other member of the community,” says Chen-Zhang, and it’s “my firm belief that no matter where you are, you have to be a contributing member of the community,” she says."

News Channel 3 July 13, 2021

Child tax credit eligibility: Who gets IRS payments this week?

 

Starting July 15, 2021, $3,000 to $3,600 per child will be available to eligible families under the #AmericanRescuePlan, which President Biden signed in March. Lynn Chen-Zhang shares her insight on the child tax credit in this video from News Channel 3: 

FOX17 June 8, 2021

Western Michigan University lands largest private donation to a public university ever

 

As President of the WMU Foundation Board of Directors and the Chair of Western Michigan University's Board of Trustees, Lynn spoke during a press conference held to announce that WMU had received the largest private donation to a public university ever.
 
Lynn said, "It is my great honor to accept this incredibly generous gift empowering futures....The empowering futures gift will make the university more affordable to students from underrepresented groups....Because of this extraordinary philanthropy, we will have so many fellow, countless fellow Broncos who will go on to their journey to fulfill their career aspirations,” she said.

MLive June 3, 2021

$12.5M community senior center takes shape in Portage

 

Lynn was quoted in an article posted on MLive regarding the Charles and Lynn Zhang Portage Community Senior Center's Toping off Ceremony:
 
“Its a very emotional day for me,” said Lynn Zhang during the ceremony Thursday, June 3, overlooking the construction site at 203 E. Centre Ave. in Portage. She said we sometimes take for granted simple things like hugging each other. But now, since living through a pandemic, we see it is a privilege....“We are stronger when we are connected,...We are healthier when we are connected. Our lives are better when we’re connected.”
 
"The center will feature a multipurpose room with capacity to seat 330 people, a courtyard with an outdoor fireplace, an outdoor terrace for warm-weather activities, recreational space for activities such as pickleball and basketball, fitness space, a center promenade for walking, a commercial kitchen, a coffee shop, dedicated space for games and reading and a health clinic."
 

News Channel 3, May 5, 2021

Experts: It could take a decade before Kalamazoo catches up to affordable housing demand

 

Charles was quoted in an article written by Callie Rainey for WWMT New Channel 3 regarding affordable housing. Here is an excerpt:  "According to Charles Zhang of Zhang Financial, households should spend no more than 30% of gross monthly income on housing. A single person who is living at the federal poverty level in Michigan according to the ALICE data, made $12,490 per year, meaning they should spend $312 or less a month on housing. With that price point, according to Apartments.com, there were zero affordable apartment options that were available for rent. Federal poverty level for a household of four was $25,750, which left $639 a month for housing."

 

Barron's, March 12, 2021

Barron's Top 1200 by State

 

For the 9th year in a row, Charles Zhang has been ranked the #1 advisor in Michigan by Barron's!  As part of this year's rankings, Charles was also featured in an article entitled "How the Pandemic Increased Advisor Competition".
 
 

Grand Rapids Business Journal, March 4, 2021

Forbes Names Charles Zhang as Michigan’s Top Wealth Adviser

 

As reported by Rachel Watson with the GRBJ, a Portage-based financial planner ranks No. 1 on Forbes’ annual list of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors.

Forbes on Feb. 11 published its Best-In-State Wealth Advisor list for 2021 and named Charles Zhang, founder and CEO of Zhang Financial, Michigan’s No. 1 wealth adviser. Zhang has been Michigan’s top adviser on the list since its inception four years ago.

NerdWallet, February 26, 2021

Wealth Advisors:  Where the Affluent Go for Advice

 

Charles Zhang was quoted in an article written by Alana Benson for NerdWallet entitled "Wealth Advisors: Where the Affluent Go for Advice". Below is an excerpt from the article in which Charles responds to the question, what to look for when interviewing wealth advisors:

"If you have a hefty amount of money and you’d like to hire a wealth advisor, there are some important things to consider. Charles Zhang, a CFP and founder and CEO of Zhang Financial in Portage, Michigan, says that an advisor should have at least one of the four following designations: certified financial planner (CFP), chartered financial analyst (CFA), certified public accountant (CPA) or chartered financial consultant (ChFC).

Zhang also emphasizes the benefits of working with a group of advisors who each specialize in a particular area, such as having one member who works in estate planning and another in taxes.

“It’s important that the team has some different expertise,” Zhang says."

 

Yahoo Finance!, Associated Press, Morningstar, Cision, February 26, 2021

Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor Rankings

 

Forbes has ranked Charles Zhang #1 in Michigan on its Best-In-State Wealth Advisor list for 2021.  Charles has been the #1 Advisor on the list since its inception, four years ago.   Forbes had 32,725 nominations of which only 15,854 were invited to fill out the online survey. Each advisor, selected by SHOOK Research, was chosen based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative criteria, including: in-person interviews; industry experience; compliance records; revenue produced; and assets under management.

Forbes, February 11, 2021

Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor Rankings

 

Forbes has ranked Charles Zhang #1 in Michigan on its Best-In-State Wealth Advisor list for 2021.  Charles has been the #1 Advisor on the list since its inception, four years ago.   Forbes had 32,725 nominations of which only 15,854 were invited to fill out the online survey. Each advisor, selected by SHOOK Research, was chosen based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative criteria, including: in-person interviews; industry experience; compliance records; revenue produced; and assets under management.

GRBJ, Grand Rapids 200, October 2020

The Grand Rapids 200

 

Charles Zhang was chosen by the Grand Rapids Business Journal as one of the Grand Rapids 200.  As stated by Tim Gortsema, Editor, Grand Rapids Business Journal, in his Letter from the Editor entitled "Responsibility Weighs Heavily":

"Grand Rapids 200 represents the cream of the crop when it comes to leadership in West Michigan. These are the people making decisions every day that affect not only them and their business or organization, but the entire business community.  You have to earn your place in this publication. It’s not something we put to a vote of the people. These individuals are selected by the Editorial Department based on our news coverage, source networks and general knowledge of the inner workings of West Michigan.  These 200 leaders do not shirk responsibility; they welcome it."

Investment News, September 25, 2020

Adviser recognized for 25 years of dedicated support for students.
Invest in Others Charitable Foundation named Lynn Chen-Zhang of Zhang Financial its 2020 Lifetime Achievement award winner.

 

The winner of the Invest in Others 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award is Lynn Chen-Zhang, COO of Zhang Financial, for inspiring students and donating both her time and money to Western Michigan University Foundation for more than 25 years.

“Lynn Chen-Zhang’s dedication to Western Michigan University is unmatched. She has given back to her alma mater so many different ways, as a leader, fundraiser and on-campus volunteer, to ensure all students have the opportunity to reach their goals and future potential,. Lynn has truly made a lasting impact on this community.,” said Megan McAuley, executive director of the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation.

Invest In Others, September 25, 2020

Invest In Others Lifetime Achievement Award

 

The Invest in Others Award program recognizes the charitable work of financial advisors in communities across the country.  We are beyond thrilled to announce that Lynn Chen-Zhang has been awarded the highest honor - the Invest In Others Lifetime Achievement Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to the individual who represents the best in the financial services industry and has devoted over 20 year of their life making a profound difference for the non-profit they support. Lynn has spent the last 20+ years giving back to her alma mater Western Michigan University through her service to the Western Michigan University Foundation. She has donated both time and talent to make sure that all students have the opportunity to reach their goals and future potential. Her presence on the campus is a constant source of inspiration for those she encounters and her generous financial support of both large and small initiatives inspires those around her to give as well.
 
Along with Lynn being recognized, the Western Michigan University Foundation will receive a total of $55,000 from Invest In Others in honor of Lynn! Please watch as Lynn is presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award!
 

The Wall Street Journal , September 17, 2020

The Wall Street Journal
Barron's 2020 List of Top Independent Advisors

 

On September 17th, 2020, The Wall Street Journal published a special section highlighting the Barron's Top 100 Independent Advisor list for 2020. Charles is ranked #2 in the nation!

Barron's , September 12, 2020

Barron's 2020 List of Top Independent Advisors 

 

For the sixth year in a row, Barron's has ranked Charles Zhang in the top 10 on their list of the Top Independent Financial Advisors.  2020 marks the second year in a row that Charles has been ranked #2 in the nation.  He is also the highest-ranking NAPFA-Registered fee-only advisor on the list.

Read Full Story>

Forbes , August 25, 2020

Forbes' List of America's Top Wealth Advisors for 2020 

 

Charles Zhang has once again been ranked in the Top 10 on Forbes' list of America's Top Wealth Advisors for 2020. Ranked #7 this year, Charles is the highest-ranking independent advisor on the list and the only independent advisor in the top 10.

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Financial Advisor Magazine , August 5, 2020

Financial Advisor Magazine's 2020 Annual RIA Rankings 

 

Zhang Financial has been ranked as one of the top 150 RIAs in the nation by Financial Advisor Magazine in their 2020 Annual RIA Rankings. Zhang Financial is the highest-ranking fee-only advisory firm in the state of Michigan on the list.

RIA Channel 2020 Top 100 Wealth Manager List , July 24, 2020

RIA Channel 2020 Top 100 Wealth Manager List 

 

Zhang Financial has been ranked on the 2020 RIA Channel Top 100 Wealth Managers Ranking. This year’s ranking showcases wealth management firms based on their total assets under management along with other quantitative and qualitative criteria. Zhang Financial was ranked #60. The RIA Channel recognize these firms as leaders in their field!

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Small Business Association of Michigan, June 18, 2020

SBAM Political Impact Award Recipient

 

On Thursday, June 18, 2020, during the Small Business Association of Michigan's (SBAM) Annual Meeting, Zhang Financial was recognized as being a Political Impact Award recipient. The SBAM Annual Meeting is a celebration of Michigan Small Business resiliency and entrepreneurship, featuring a presentation by US Treasury Secretary, Steven T. Mnuchin. 

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MLive, May 5, 2020

Feeding the Frontlines will bring Michigan's Best to over 2,000 health care workers.

 

On Wednesday May 6, in honor of National Nurses DayMLive is partnering with Michigan businesses from across the state to provide meals to over 2,000 health care workers who have been working the front lines during this difficult time.

”We at Zhang Financial are incredibly thankful for the work of nurses, doctors, and other health care workers during this difficult time," said Charles and Lynn Zhang, owners of Zhang Financial, one of the Frontline sponsors. “We are living through a historical moment filled with, among many other things, a pervasive sense of fear and uncertainty. It is important to support the individuals who are risking a great deal to save lives each and every day. The work of these heroes allows us to feel safe in our community.”

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Academically Talented Youth Program (ATYP), April 21, 2020

The Academically Talented Youth Program (ATYP) in Western Michigan University's Office of Pre-College Programming is pleased to announce the establishment of the Charles and Lynn Zhang Scholarship. This scholarship will be available to any ATYP student who qualifies for free or reduced lunch and will cover the cost of all registration fees, books, and calculators required for the program.
 
Funding for this scholarship is provided by Charles Zhang and Lynn Chen-Zhang. The Zhangs both earned graduate degrees from Western Michigan University and run a Michigan-based fee-only financial planning and investment firm, Zhang Financial. In addition, the Zhang's two sons, Mitchell and Alex, are ATYP alumni.

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WMed Health, April 20, 2020

GENEROUS DONATION OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FROM CHARLES AND LYNN ZHANG KEEPS WMED HEALTH PROVIDERS SAFE WHILE SERVING THE COMMUNITY

 

A generous donation of about $150,000 worth of personal protective equipment from Charles and Lynn Zhang has allowed the medical school to keep its providers safe while they serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“All this started when this virus started hitting the community,” Lynn Zhang said. “We really wanted to do something to help. I read the stories about how our frontline doctors and nurses were fighting it and lack of equipment and that broke my heart because they are risking their lives and we don’t have enough protection to give them. I thought, how can we take care of the patients, of the community?”

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Bronson Health Foundation, April 10, 2020

The following post is from Bronson Health Foundation as a thank you to Lynn and Charles for their continued support of our community:
 
Join us in thanking the Zhang family for their generous gift of $100,000 to our Rapid Response Fund. Lynn and Charles made this gift to stand with Bronson during this time of need. Their support will provide additional ventilators as we prepare for an increase in patients during this pandemic. “We are so thankful to Bronson caregivers for taking care of our community. Making this gift is important to us so that we can help our local healthcare system when it needs us most.” Thank you Zhang family! #TogetherWeCare #BronsonProud

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Grand Rapids Business Journal, April 3, 2020

Charles was interviewed and quoted in an article written by Danielle Nelson of the Grand Rapids Business Journal entitled "Advisers say now might be the perfect time to rebalance portfolios". Here is an excerpt:

Despite the downturn and fluctuation, Charles Zhang, founder and CEO of Zhang Financial, said this is not the time to panic. 

“Please don’t focus on one month’s return or two months’ return,” he said. “People are always confused about this, saying ‘I lost 20% this month and if I continue to do that, in five months I will have nothing.’ That is not logical because, for the next five months, it will not be down every month 20%. We always tell clients, look at one-year returns, two-year returns, three-year returns, don’t look at a one-month return.”

A result from a study commissioned by Towneley Capital Management and conducted by professor H. Nejat Seyhun at the University of Michigan showed that 96% of market gains occurred in 0.9% of trading days from 1963 to 2004.

As a result, Zhang said investors must stay in the market because people will be missing that 0.9% of trading days and the resulting higher returns.

In addition to being aggressive in maintaining extreme patience during this volatile time, he said, investors always must be smart and assess the risk level in the amount they can afford to lose in the short-term.

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Barron's, March 13, 2020

Charles C. Zhang has been ranked the #1 Financial Advisor in the state of Michigan for the eighth year in a row.  The rankings are based on assets under management, revenue generated by advisors for their firms, and the quality of their practices, regulatory records, internal company documents, and 100-plus data points provided by the advisors themselves.

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Grand Rapids Business Journal, March 10, 2020

Rachel Watson of the Grand Rapids Business Journal published an article announcing the opening of Zhang Financial's new Ada, MI office.  The article entitled "Financial Firm opens office In Ada Village" can be found online at the below link.  Here is an excerpt from the article: "Zhang Financial said the new office will aid its team in meeting an increasing market demand for National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)-registered financial advisers in West Michigan.  We are so thankful for our clients who have supported us in developing this new office, said Charles Zhang, co-founder and CEO of Zhang Financial and asset manager for all of the firm’s clients."

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US News and World Report, March 9, 2020

Charles Zhang was recently quoted in an article by Emily Brandon of US News and World Report entitled "7 Tips to Live Well on Social Security Alone".  Here is an excerpt from the article:

"Moving to a lower-cost area of the country could help your existing Social Security check to pay more of your bills. If people live in a very expensive place when they retire, they can cash out their house and exchange to a below-national-average price house and have a very comfortable retirement, says Charles Zhang, a certified financial planner for Zhang Financial in Grand Rapids, Michigan."

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MLive, March 6, 2020

KVCC and Michigan Women Forward partnered to present messages of empowerment from two local women, Carolyn Williams and Lynn Chen-Zhang. Both presenters were honored as Women of Achievement and are Courage Award winners. The event will have lunch, the presentation and the panel discussion.

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Forbes, January 16, 2020

Forbes has ranked Charles the #1 Wealth Advisor in the state of Michigan! Charles has held the #1 position since the inception of the rankings.  According to Forbes, nearly 32,000 nominations were submitted.  All were judged on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative criteria, including: in-person interviews, industry experience, compliance records, revenue produced, and assets under management, and other factors.

Please see the link below for Forbes' list of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors:

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Grand Rapids Business Journal, January 8, 2020

Lynn Chen-Zhang was chosen as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan for 2020. Here is an excerpt from the story: 

"From a record 248 applicants, the Grand Rapids Business Journal selected the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan for 2020. The biennial event celebrates West Michigan women who are making a difference in the community in a variety of ways."

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Zhang Financial

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Email: clientservice@zhangfinancial.com | Toll-Free: 888-777-0126

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