How did The Washingtonian put together this list of the area’s top financial experts?

We first surveyed hundreds of area financial professionals, asking them: Whom would you trust with your own money? We also did our own research. The experts listed here received the most recommendations.

No list can be totally comprehensive, and omission from this list doesn’t mean an adviser isn’t good. Likewise, inclusion here doesn’t necessarily mean the person is right for your needs.

These experts advise on and sell insurance. Most are independent agents who don’t sell just one insurance brand.

Key Credentials:

CFA: chartered financial analyst
CFM: certified financial manager
CFP: certified financial planner
CFS: certified fund specialist
ChFC: chartered financial consultant
CIC: chartered investment counselor
CIMA: certified investment-management analyst
CLU: chartered life underwriter
CPA: certified public accountant
JD: juris doctor (attorney)
PFS: personal financial specialist

THE LIST:

Diane Beatty; Reston

Keith Eig, CLU; Bethesda

Kenneth Fahmy, CFP, CLU, ChFC; Falls Church

Mitchell S. Freedman; Reston

Lawrence M. Gordon, CLU, ChFC; Columbia

Scott Greenberg, CLU; Bethesda

Vernon W. Holleman III; Chevy Chase

Gordon Kimpel, CLU, ChFC; Vienna

Alan L. Meltzer; Bethesda

Michael P. Mullen, CLU; Great Falls

Kim Natovitz, CLU; Bethesda

Grant B. Ottenstein; Rockville

Rob Robertory, CFP, CFA; Fairfax

Robert G. Silverman; Rockville

Ian D. Sumner; Simpsonville, Md.

Stuart Tauber; Rockville

David A. Wexler, CLU, ChFC; Bethesda

Stuart Youngentob, CLU; Bethesda

This list first appeared in the November 2010 issue of The Washingtonian.

Contributing to this article were Marisa M. Kashino, Mary Clare Glover, Zac Farber, Anna Spiegel, Luke Mullins, Mollie Reilly, Elliot Kort, Caitlin Fairchild, Sherri Dalphonse, Emily Leaman, Katie Glueck, Jason Koebler, Cindy Rich, Kate Nerenberg, Denise Kersten Wills, Jack Limpert, Garrett M. Graff, and Ken DeCell.