The best financial advisors don’t earn commissions for promoting specific investments or other products, which can introduce a conflict of interest. They offer holistic, expert guidance to take the guesswork out of planning for your future goals. They also adjust their approach to meet your specific needs, and they offer a variety of ways to get in touch, including virtual meetings.
This page covers the best financial advisors as chosen by NerdWallet’s editorial team. NerdWallet’s editorial team rated firms on more than 20 data points and applied a lengthy methodology to find the best picks.
How we picked the best financial advisors
Priority 1: Duty to the client. All of the firms on our list are fiduciary financial advisors, which means they’re required to put your interests above their own.
Priority 2: Breadth. Some of the financial advisor firms on our list have in-house financial advisors. Others operate a network of advisors all over the country, and they refer you to the financial advisor who is the best fit for your needs. (Not included on this list is NerdWallet Advisory, a registered investment advisor operated by NerdWallet that offers advisor matches. We don’t review our own products to avoid conflicts of interest.)
Priority 3: Access. In many cases, working with an advisor through these firms is cheaper than finding a local financial advisor, but you’ll still have a 1-to-1 relationship with an advisor who knows your financial situation and understands your needs. However, we’ve also included a few financial advisor firms that offer access to a team of financial advisors on an as-needed basis. In most cases, you’ll talk to a different advisor each time, but you’ll generally pay an even lower fee if you opt for one of these services.
More about our methodology
NerdWallet’s comprehensive review process evaluates and ranks companies that provide financial planning services online or connect users to a financial advisor. Our aim is to provide an independent assessment of providers to help arm you with information to make sound, informed judgements on which ones will best meet your needs. We adhere to strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
We collect data directly from providers through detailed questionnaires, and conduct first-hand testing and observation through provider demonstrations. The questionnaire answers, combined with demonstrations, interviews of personnel at the providers and our specialists’ hands-on research, fuel our proprietary assessment process that scores each provider’s performance across more than 20 factors. The final output produces star ratings from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).
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Over 60 investment account providers reviewed and rated by our expert Nerds.
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More than 50 years of combined experience writing about finance and investing.
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Extensive review of the features that matter most to average investors.
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Dozens of objective ratings rubrics, and strict guidelines to maintain editorial integrity.
The best financial advisors of 2025
The best financial advisor for you depends on your financial planning needs. Some of these firms match you with a local advisor, while others operate online and meet with clients virtually or via phone.
Tap to compare management fees and minimums
Varies by advisor (free initial consultation)
Varies by Advisor (free initial consultation)
Vanguard Personal Advisor
Merrill Edge Guided Investing
Ellevest Wealth Management
Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium™
NerdWallet rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
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Period considered: Aug. – Oct. 2025
Fees: Varies by advisor (free initial consultation)
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Paid non-client promotion
Why we like Wealthramp: Wealthramp isn’t a financial advisory firm — the company connects clients to vetted financial advisors. The advisors in Wealthramp’s network typically charge fees that are on the higher end, as are the expense ratios of the investments used. But Wealthramp receives full marks for their financial planning and tax strategy. Because each advisor has their own fee, you may not know exactly what you’ll pay until you contact the advisors.
See the pros and cons of hiring this advisor
Pros
Advisors offer free initial consultations.
Access to a range of services, including investment management and financial, tax and estate planning.
No fee to use Wealthramp to find an advisor.
Cons
Difficult to know financial advisor fees upfront.
Some advisors require investment minimum of $100,000 or more.
NerdWallet rating: 4.9 out of 5.0 stars
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Period considered: Aug. – Oct. 2025
Fees: Varies by Advisor (free initial consultation)
Account minimum: $150,000
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on Zoe Financial’s website
Paid non-client promotion
Why we like Zoe: Zoe Financial matches individuals with vetted financial advisory firms for free. The advisors can help with a range of services, such as retirement planning and investing, tax strategy, buying a home and understanding stock options. Some of Zoe’s advisors even offer comprehensive tax planning, so you can get your whole financial life together in one place. We also like that Zoe supports all major custodians, and there’s no limit to the number of brokerage accounts clients can have.
See the pros and cons of hiring this advisor
Pros
Free initial consultations.
Offers investment management and financial, tax and estate planning.
No fee for using Zoe Financial to find an advisor.
Cons
Difficult to know financial advisor fees upfront.
$150,000 investment minimum.
NerdWallet rating: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
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Period considered: Aug. – Oct. 2025
Account minimum: $250,000
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on Harness Wealth’s website
Paid non-client promotion
Why we like Harness Wealth: Harness Wealth isn’t itself a financial advisory firm — the company serves to connect clients to carefully vetted firms. Advisors on the platform typically charge a 1% management fee, but flat-fee financial planning services and tax help are also available.
See the pros and cons of hiring this advisor
Pros
Advisors offer free initial consultations.
Access to a range of services, including investment management and financial, tax and estate planning.
No fee for using Harness Wealth to find an advisor.
Cons
Difficult to know financial advisor fees upfront.
Firms require a $250,000 investment minimum for investment management. (No minimum for a one-time financial plan.)
NerdWallet rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
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Period considered: Aug. – Oct. 2025
Fees: $2,600 and up per year
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Paid non-client promotion
Why we like Facet: Facet’s financial planning services cost between $1,000 and $6,600 per year and include customized financial guidance and investment management from a dedicated CFP. Facet advisors can work with you on the majority of situations covered by full-service financial planning firms. *Facet Wealth, Inc. is an SEC registered investment adviser. This is not an offer to sell securities or the solicitation of an offer to purchase securities. Facet’s specific investment management services vary depending upon the chosen service level. This is not investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.
See the pros and cons of hiring this advisor
Pros
Comprehensive, full-service financial planning.
Meetings are held virtually, via phone or video call.
Access to a dedicated certified financial planner.
Flat membership fee means you pay only for what you need.
Online tax filing services available, depending on membership tier.
Cons
Advisor access is capped in the first year.
Wide fee range makes it difficult for potential customers to estimate costs.
Vanguard Personal Advisor
NerdWallet rating: 4.4 out of 5.0 stars
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Period considered: Aug. – Oct. 2025
Fees: 0.30% management fee
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Paid non-client promotion
Why we like Vanguard Personal Advisor: Vanguard Personal Advisor offers unlimited access to financial advisors for a fee not much higher than a simple robo-advisor. The $50,000 account minimum is high, but the low-cost tax strategy and financial planning may make it worthwhile if you’re planning on investing that much anyway.
See the pros and cons of hiring this advisor
Pros
Low portfolio management fee.
Comprehensive advice with goals-based financial planning tools.
Unlimited access to a team of financial advisors.
Solid investment selection with Vanguard’s suite of funds.
Cons
$50,000 investment minimum.
Portfolios use only Vanguard funds.
Merrill Edge Guided Investing
NerdWallet rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 stars
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Period considered: Aug. – Oct. 2025
Fees: 0.45% management fee
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Paid non-client promotion
Why we like Merrill Edge Guided Investing: Merrill Edge Guided Investing stands out for offering portfolios built and managed by humans, rather than computer algorithms. But the company’s high-end tier, which comes with access to a financial advisor and requires a $20,000 minimum account balance and a 0.85% management fee, is expensive compared to the competition.
See the pros and cons of hiring this advisor
Pros
Portfolios are managed by humans, not algorithms.
Socially responsible portfolio options.
Access to human advisors (for a higher fee).
Lower fees for Bank of America customers.
Cons
High portfolio management fee.
Ellevest Wealth Management
NerdWallet rating: 4.1 out of 5.0 stars
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Period considered: Aug. – Oct. 2025
Account minimum: $500,000
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Paid non-client promotion
Why we like Ellevest Wealth Management: Ellevest’s Private Wealth Management option is for clients with over $500,000 in assets. This service offers personalized planning, impact investing and access to a dedicated team that will coordinate with accountants and estate attorneys. Ellevest Wealth Management also offers investment opportunities that help address gender inequality, racial injustice and climate change.
See the pros and cons of hiring this advisor
Pros
Comprehensive financial planning.
Most advisors are certified financial planners or chartered financial analysts.
Manages alternative assets.
Cons
$500,000 investment minimum.
Relatively high management fee at lower balances.
Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium™
NerdWallet rating: 4.1 out of 5.0 stars
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Period considered: Aug. – Oct. 2025
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Paid non-client promotion
Why we like Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium™: Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium offers unlimited access to certified financial planners — highly qualified financial advisors — for a flat monthly fee of just $30 and a $25,000 account minimum. Each customer gets a custom financial plan, investment management and ongoing advice. The downside: The service’s $300 setup fee drives costs up in the first year.
See the pros and cons of hiring this advisor
Pros
Unlimited access to certified financial planners.
Provides a custom financial plan.
Cons
$300 one-time planning fee.
Portfolios hold a large cash allocation.
3 things to remember when hiring a financial advisor
As you review this list of financial advisors and compare options, keep three things in mind.
1. Your budget for advice
Simple, digital-only services will be less expensive; holistic financial planning will cost more. Know what you’re comfortable spending before you dive in.
Assets under management (AUM)
0.25% to 0.50% annually for a robo-advisor; about 1% for a financial advisor.
Flat annual fee (retainer)
Typically $2,500 to $9,200.
Typically $3,000, but the cost will vary by service.
3% to 6% of investment transaction amount.
2. What services you need
Maybe you just want help picking investments, or maybe you need advice on more advanced topics, like estate planning or insurance needs. These requirements will help you choose what type of financial advisor you need. A robo-advisor may be a good fit for picking investments, but you’ll need a financial advisor for advanced planning. (View our picks for the best robo-advisors.)
3. Whether you want in-person advice
If you don’t mind meeting with your advisor virtually versus in an office, you might save money. No matter what option you choose, check the advisor’s qualifications and make sure they are fiduciaries, which means they must act in your best interests.
Frequently asked questions
What is a financial advisor?
A financial advisor helps people manage their investments, plan for retirement and save money for their financial goals. Financial advisors also suggest strategies, investments or other assets that will help their clients’ money grow.
Financial advisors come in many varieties, from in-person advisors to online financial services and robo-advisors. They all serve the same purpose: to help you figure out what to do with your money.
What does a financial advisor do?
A financial advisor helps people manage their money and reach their financial goals. A financial advisor can help prioritize or set goals, manage the financial and emotional effects of life or market changes, review and rebalance investments, plan for retirement, manage tax consequences and provide other services.
The services vary based on the type of advisor, but typically a financial advisor will assess your financial situation (your assets, debts and expenses), identify areas for improvement and help you create a financial plan.
Are financial advisors worth it?
A financial advisor’s value depends on what they bring to your financial life. If you don’t have a lot of assets to manage, it might be better to try to manage them yourself or use a robo-advisor. As your assets grow and become more complicated — maybe you own a house, have an investment portfolio and are trying to pay off debt — it can be worthwhile to seek help from either a traditional or online advisor.
How do I know if I need a financial advisor?
If you find taking care of your finances and planning for the future to be overwhelming, a financial advisor can certainly help. If you feel confident investing your money, you may not need one.
While financial advisors aren’t for everyone, they can help you navigate the tricky and often confusing waters of how to organize your finances. If you recently had a big life change (you got married, had a child, lost a family member), it can be helpful to work with a financial advisor to help you understand your new financial landscape.
How much money do you need to have to hire a financial advisor?
This really depends on what you’re willing to spend, and what products you’re looking for. Financial advisors may offer several different cost-structures, including annual AUM fees, a flat annual or monthly fee, an hourly rate, a one-time financial plan fee, or, for some advisors, commissions.
What is the difference between a financial planner and a financial advisor?
The difference between a financial advisor and a financial planner is like the adage about squares and rectangles: A financial planner is an advisor, but an advisor isn’t necessarily a planner. Financial advisors are a larger category of individuals who help people manage their finances.
A certified financial planner has gone through extensive training, taken an exam and is legally obligated to act in their client’s best interest. It is important when you are looking for a financial advisor to thoroughly vet them, no matter what they call themselves.
What is a financial advisor?
A
financial advisor
helps people manage their investments, plan for retirement and save money for their financial goals. Financial advisors also suggest strategies, investments or other assets that will help their clients’ money grow.
Financial advisors come in many varieties, from in-person advisors to online financial services and robo-advisors. They all serve the same purpose: to help you figure out what to do with your money.
What does a financial advisor do?
A financial advisor helps people manage their money and reach their financial goals. A financial advisor can help prioritize or set goals, manage the financial and emotional effects of life or market changes, review and rebalance investments, plan for retirement, manage tax consequences and provide other services.
The services vary based on the type of advisor, but typically a financial advisor will assess your financial situation (your assets, debts and expenses), identify areas for improvement and help you create a financial plan.
Are financial advisors worth it?
A financial advisor’s value depends on what they bring to your financial life. If you don’t have a lot of assets to manage, it might be better to try to manage them yourself or use a robo-advisor. As your assets grow and become more complicated — maybe you own a house, have an investment portfolio and are trying to pay off debt — it can be worthwhile to seek help from either a traditional or online advisor.
How do I know if I need a financial advisor?
If you find taking care of your finances and planning for the future to be overwhelming, a financial advisor can certainly help. If you feel confident investing your money, you may not need one.
While financial advisors aren’t for everyone, they can help you navigate the tricky and often confusing waters of how to organize your finances. If you recently had a big life change (you got married, had a child, lost a family member), it can be helpful to work with a financial advisor to help you understand your new financial landscape.
» MORE:
Take our quiz to see if it’s time to hire a financial advisor
How much money do you need to have to hire a financial advisor?
This really depends on what you’re willing to spend, and what products you’re looking for. Financial advisors may offer several different cost-structures, including annual AUM fees, a flat annual or monthly fee, an hourly rate, a one-time financial plan fee, or, for some advisors, commissions.
We have a full overview of
financial advisor fees here
.
What is the difference between a financial planner and a financial advisor?
The difference between a financial advisor and a
financial planner
is like the adage about squares and rectangles: A financial planner is an advisor, but an advisor isn’t necessarily a planner. Financial advisors are a larger category of individuals who help people manage their finances.
A
certified financial planner
has gone through extensive training, taken an exam and is legally obligated to act in their client’s best interest. It is important when you are looking for a financial advisor to
thoroughly vet them
, no matter what they call themselves.
