2026 Forbes Best-In-State Next-Gen Wealth Advisor
Westminster, MD — August, 2026 – Sturgill Financial Partners, an independent firm aligned with LPL Financial in Westminster, MD, has been recognized by Forbes on the 2026 Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State ranking for their track record of success in the financial services industry. Sturgill Financial Partners was recognized as the No. 35 firm in MD.
The annual list, which spotlights the best up-and-coming advisors under the age of 40, is compiled by Forbes with insights from SHOOK Research. Firms are selected based on quantitative and qualitative data, and are assessed on a variety of criteria, including interviews, years of experience, compliance records and assets under management*.
“We’re proud to congratulate Sturgill Financial Partners on this well-earned recognition from Forbes and SHOOK Research,” said Peter Vincent, LPL’s head of advisor client success and field management. “This distinction reflects their dedication to helping clients pursue financial success and build meaningful legacies. At LPL, we’re committed to empowering firms like Sturgill Financial Partners with advanced technology, sophisticated solutions and strategic support to elevate the client experience.”
Sturgill Financial Partners has over 10 years of experience providing services including investment management, retirement income planning, IRA rollover services, employer equity guidance, and life transition planning.
About Jacob Sturgill
Jacob L. “Jake” Sturgill, CFP®, is the founder of Sturgill Financial Partners, where he serves as a financial advisor to individuals and families seeking clarity around the financial decisions that matter most to them. He works primarily with retirees and those preparing for retirement who want a thoughtful partner to help them make informed decisions as life evolves.
Jake provides comprehensive financial and retirement planning, investment management, and ongoing guidance designed to adapt as clients’ goals, priorities, and circumstances change. His work often centers on retirement income planning, tax-aware strategies, and risk-aligned portfolio management, while coordinating closely with clients’ CPAs, estate planning attorneys, and other trusted professionals to support coordination across every area of their financial lives. He is known for breaking down complex topics into clear, straightforward conversations so clients can feel organized, confident, and well-prepared for what lies ahead.
Jake’s approach to financial planning is shaped by a lifetime spent around service-minded professionals. Growing up, he watched his grandfather and father serve the local community as CPAs, where the focus was never just on numbers, but on helping people make decisions they could feel good about. A simple conversation with his father about saving through a 401(k) left a lasting impression and reinforced the value of small, consistent decisions over time. That perspective continues to guide his work today, especially when clients are navigating transitions and want clear, steady guidance.
Jake began his professional career at T. Rowe Price, where his early experience shaped a strong appreciation for clear communication and provided insight into how people make financial decisions. In 2015, he joined Puckett & Sturgill Financial Group, where he later became President of the firm and spent more than a decade advising clients. He founded Sturgill Financial Partners to deliver planning-first advice rooted in independence and thoughtful, client-focused guidance.
Jake earned his Bachelor of Science degree from James Madison University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. The CFP® designation reflects a commitment to thoughtful, well-rounded planning and advice that puts clients’ interests first. In 2025, he was recognized as a Forbes Best-in-State Next-Gen Wealth Advisor.
A lifelong resident of Westminster and the greater Carroll County area, Jake remains actively involved in the community. He and his wife, Hannah, are raising their two sons, Colton and Ben. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active, spending time with family, and continuing to study markets and planning strategies that support his clients’ long-term goals.
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About LPL Financial
LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports more than 32,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,100 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $2.6 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 8 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC.
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The Forbes | SHOOK® Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors and Forbes | SHOOK Best-in-State Next-Gen Wealth Advisors rankings are the product of SHOOK Research, LLC's independent research and due diligence and its proprietary ranking methodology. The rankings are published and distributed by Forbes. Data as of March 31, 2026. Published by Forbes (August 2026).
SHOOK Research's proprietary methodology and ranking algorithm incorporates in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor across criteria such as client impact, industry experience, client retention, review of best practices, credentials, compliance records, and firm nominations, as well as quantitative factors including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. SHOOK considered advisors born from 1987 to present with a minimum of four years of experience as an advisor.
Investment performance is not a criterion, as client objectives and risk tolerances vary and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK Research's rankings are intended to help investors identify and evaluate financial advisors and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client's experience. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The rankings are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation or endorsement to hire any specific investment advisor. SHOOK Research does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the rankings.
Neither SHOOK Research nor Forbes receives compensation in exchange for placement on the rankings, but awardees have the option to purchase rights to use the award logo or additional marketing packages. For a full description of SHOOK Research's methodology, please visit www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK® is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
Out of 53,000 nominations, 2,171 U.S. advisors received this recognition.
