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 are traditional financial advisory firms; a couple operate only virtually. Others maintain a network of partner advisors all over the country and 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. The traditional advisors on our list give you unlimited access — if you need them, they will be there. 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 those cases, typically you’ll talk to a different advisor each time, but you’ll generally pay less.
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).
Our deep, independent analysis sorts through key details to find and evaluate the information investors want when choosing a financial advisor. To see our full methodology and learn more about our process, read our criteria for evaluating financial advisors.
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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
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Edelman Financial Engines |
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$250,000 but may be waived or negotiated at the firm’s discretion. |
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Ellevest Wealth Management |
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Vanguard Personal Advisor |
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NerdWallet rating: 4.9 out of 5.0 stars
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Period considered: Oct. – Dec. 2025
Why we like Mariner Wealth Advisors: Like many other financial advisors, Mariner’s fees are tiered based on assets under management. But the firm’s highest AUM fee is 1.25% on the first $1 million in assets, which is among the lowest for wealth advisors reviewed by NerdWallet. Investors with balances below $600,000 should take note of the quarterly minimum.
See the pros and cons of hiring this advisor
Comprehensive wealth management services.
Allows unlimited access to an advisory team with complementary expertise.
Allows clients to hold assets at a range of third-party custodians, including Fidelity, Schwab and Pershing.
Builds customized investment portfolios.
Has offices in 42 states.
Minimum quarterly fee of $1,875.
Edelman Financial Engines
NerdWallet rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
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Period considered: Oct. – Dec. 2025
Account minimum: Declined to disclose, but minimums may be set, increased, decreased or waived at the firm’s discretion.
Why we like Edelman: Edelman Financial Engines can manage assets across taxable and non-taxable accounts, including those within most 401(k) plans or other workplace retirement plans. The firm’s highest annual fee is 1.75% of the first $400,000 in assets under management, which is among the highest for wealth advisors reviewed by NerdWallet.
See the pros and cons of hiring this advisor
Unlimited access to a dedicated advisor.
Option to work with advanced planning teams on complex planning topics.
Highly tailored portfolio management.
May be able to manage employer-sponsored accounts like a 401(k).
Allows clients to hold assets at a range of third-party custodians, including Fidelity, Schwab and Axos.
140+ office locations nationwide.
Tiered management fee is high for investors with investable assets below $1 million.
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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Why we like Facet: Facet’s financial planning services are flat-fee only, so you always know what you’re going to pay. Facet offers 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
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.
Advisor access is capped in the first year.
Wide fee range makes it difficult for potential customers to estimate costs.
NerdWallet rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
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Period considered: Oct. – Dec. 2025
Account minimum: $250,000 but may be waived or negotiated at the firm’s discretion.
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Why we like Modern Wealth Management: Modern Wealth Management may be right for you if you’ve already accumulated significant wealth that you want someone to manage, you’re prepared to take full advantage of the planning specialists available and you value the option to meet in-person and you’re located near one of the firm’s offices. Because it uses a tiered fee structure — which is common in the wealth management industry — clients who have the smallest balance pay the highest rates.
See the pros and cons of hiring this advisor
Unlimited access to a dedicated advisor who coordinates with specialists
Offers pre-built portfolio options or customized investments to meet financial goals.
May be able to manage employer-sponsored accounts like a 401(k).
Expense ratios on investments used in portfolios can be high.
Fewer brokerage options compared to other wealth management firms reviewed by NerdWallet.
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
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. Ellevest advisors primarily meet with clients virtually, but may be available in person in select markets.
See the pros and cons of hiring this advisor
Comprehensive financial planning.
Most advisors are certified financial planners or chartered financial analysts.
Manages alternative assets.
$500,000 investment minimum.
Relatively high management fee at lower balances.
Vanguard Personal Advisor
NerdWallet rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 stars
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Period considered: Aug. – Oct. 2025
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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
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.
$50,000 investment minimum.
Portfolios use only Vanguard funds.
Best financial advisor matching services
NerdWallet rating: 5 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
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
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.
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: 4.9 out of 5.0 stars
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Period considered: Aug. – Oct. 2025
Fees: Varies by advisor (free initial consultation)
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
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.
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: Varies by Advisor, starting at $150,000
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on Zoe Financial’s website
Why we like Zoe: Zoe Financial isn’t actually a financial advisory firm — the company connects clients to financial advisors. Zoe’s account minimum is fairly high at $150,000, but the advisor access is excellent, and advisors hold at least a CFP or CFA designation. The typical fee ranges from 0.75% – 1.25%, but 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
Free initial consultations.
Offers investment management and financial, tax and estate planning.
No fee for using Zoe Financial to find an advisor.
Difficult to know financial advisor fees upfront.
$150,000 investment minimum.
Get matched with a financial advisor in minutes through NerdWallet Advisors Match
on NerdWallet Advisors Match
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.
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Assets under management (AUM) |
0.25% to 0.50% annually for a robo-advisor; about 1% for a financial advisor. |
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Flat annual fee (retainer) |
Typically $2,500 to $9,200. |
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Typically $3,000, but the cost will vary by service. |
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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.
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