Amidst the ever-evolving financial landscape, new strategies have gained traction, such as buffered ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds). Which offer another potential avenue for savvy investment explorers. To entrepreneurs, marketers, startup founders, students or anyone focused on optimizing financial strategies. Partnering with top financial advisors employing buffered ETF strategies can provide the edge if you are looking to preserve or grow your wealth. What differentiates these advisors and how do buffered ETFs work? So without wasting any time, Let’s Know about Best Financial Advisors That Use Buffered ETF Strategy in 2025 and jump to the topic.

What Are Buffered ETFs?
Buffered ETFs offer a combination of downside protection and upside participation. Unlike a regular ETF, that tracks an index or sector, buffered ETFs are structured with pre-determined “buffers” that provide protection against market losses up to a targeted percentage usually the loss on these ETFs is capped at anywhere from 5% to 30% depending on the ETF itself. The downside, however, is a ceiling on the upside potential.
This strategy is especially appealing to investors seeking to limit risk exposure while still being part of the market. Upswing an excellent antidote to those skittish about market fluctuations.
Strategic Considerations
Buffer ETF Characteristics:
- Typically offer 10-15% loss protection
- Limit upside potential in exchange for downside defense
- Particularly useful during market volatility
- Growing market with nearly 270 funds and $47 billion in assets5
Ideal for:
- Risk-averse investors
- Near-retirees
- Clients seeking controlled equity market exposure
- Investors wanting to mitigate potential losses
Buffered ETFs: The Pros and Cons for Entrepreneurs and Business Professionals
Or income streams that are wildly unpredictable for entrepreneurs, founders, executive consultants, etc. Buffered ETFs offer these groups an option to invest with more confidence, knowing that, to a degree, their portfolio is protected from market declines. The limited upside might not be appealing for aggressive investors, but it’s ideal for those who value stability over maximum returns.
As such, buffered ETFs can also serve as a strategic element of long-term financial planning particularly for individuals saving for major life goals or expanding their businesses. With lower downside risk, these funds may serve as a buffer in uncertain economic conditions.
Buffered ETFs: Benefits and Benefits of Financial Advisors
Because of the intricacy of buffered ETFs, it is imperative to partner with an experienced financial advisor. Here are ways that financial advisors can assist:
Customized Investment Strategies
Financial advisors will evaluate your risk tolerance, financial goals, and timing before recommending buffered ETFs that best fit your goals.
Navigating Complexities
The caps, buffers, and underlying assets of these ETFs can be confusing. This process is made easier by advisors who provide more granular details on how there individual funds work.
Portfolio Diversification
Advisors utilize buffered ETFs as part of an overall portfolio, allocating risk/reward across asset classes.
Tax Optimization
Buffered ETFs can be tax-advantaged. Advisors navigate these complexities to minimize tax liabilities.
With their level of expertise, a financial advisor can help make sure that you’re maximizing the potential benefits of buffered ETF strategies without falling into any potential traps.
Top Financial Advisors Use These Software Tools
In the current digital age, financial advisor software relies on technology-based tools to curate portfolios and craft customized investment plans. Here are a few common tools advisors use to analyze buffered ETF strategies:

Morningstar Direct
Morningstar Direct covers ETFs in depth, including performance statistics for buffered ETFs. Advisors utilize this tool to compare funds and make data-driven decisions.
Riskalyze
Riskalyze allows advisors to better understand clients’ risk tolerance and create portfolios that match their preferences. Such consideration is critical for using buffered ETFs in a risk-managed approach.
YCharts
With financial data visualization features, this tool enables advisors to monitor market trends and ETF performance with precision.
eMoney Advisor
eMoney Advisor is a total financial planning tool that helps advisors create holistic strategies through buffered ETFs and other investment vehicles.
Orion Advisor Tech
Orion’s suite of portfolio management software tools encompasses performance reporting and risk assessment to assist advisors in tracking buffered ETF strategies.
Best Financial Advisors That Use Buffered ETF Strategy in 2025
Finding the right advisor to quintessence the advantages buffered ETFs offer. Here’s a look at some of the best financial advisors in the United States that recommend using this strategy:
Creative Planning
Creative Planning is a national wealth management firm providing personalized investment solutions including buffered ETFs. And they specialize in helping entrepreneurs and professionals grow their businesses through risk-managed growth which is a key reason they are our preferred partner.
Fisher Investments
Fisher Investments is known for their client-centric model, incorporating strategies like buffered ETFs that can help clients reach their long-term financial goals.
Vanguard Personal Advisor Services
Vanguard’s advisors know their stuff when it comes to ETF strategies, buffered ETFs included. Their low-cost model resonates well with startups and students who are at the beginning of their investment journey.
Facet Wealth
Combining a human touch and innovative technology Facet Wealth delivers affordable, one-on-one financial advice tailored to your needs. They are well-versed in buffered ETFs and are strong competition.
Charles Schwab® Intelligent Portfolios
Schwab’s combination of robo-advisory and human advisor services include buffered ETFs in their diversified portfolios for risk-averse investors
Buffered ETF Strategies and Strategic Advisors
Strategic advisors in addition to financial advisors also help entrepreneurs and business owners understand how assembled ETF structures like buffered strategies fit into their overall financial strategies. These advisers tend to specialize in:
- Capital Allocation: Allocating some of your investments to buffered ETFs to safeguard yourself from upswings of the market.
- Risk Management: Quantifying the risk exposure of your business and personal finances to suggest buffered ETFs as a stabilizing force.
- Scenario Planning: Taking advantage of buffered ETFs in order to protect yourself against worst-case scenarios with a drawdown in the market while keeping in mind that your financial goals stay on point.
Examples of Buffered ETFs
Some of the most commonly recommended buffered ETFs by financial advisors are:
Innovator S&P 500 Buffer ETFs
Those ETFs are designed to track the S&P 500 but also to provide a buffer against losses of up to 15%, and to limit upside.
FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETFs
with its multiple buffer tiers enabled investors to access tailored levels of protection and upside.
First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV)
Though it is not technically a buffered ETF, HUSV has built-in strategies to downplay risk similar to buffered ETFs and therefore makes a great addition to any conservative portfolio.
AllianzIM Buffered Outcome Exchange Traded Funds
The AllianzIM ETFs have been well received by advisors due to their customizable buffer levels, allowing a more tailored approach to risk management.
Related: Your Complete Guide to Dropshipping Business Ideas That Will Make You Successful
Final Thoughts
The top financial advisors using buffered ETF strategy are those who combine knowledge with technology and deep knowledge of the client to create individualized financial plans. Buffered ETFs provide a special combination of risk reduction and growth potential, making them an appealing choice for entrepreneurs, marketers, startup founders, and students looking for stability.
Whether you’re a professional with decades of experience or only beginning to build your wealth, working with a talented advisor can help you better understand the nuances of buffered ETFs and more easily work toward your long-term financial goals. With the right tools, strategies and advisors, market uncertainty can be an opportunity for growth.