Choosing the right financial advisor is crucial for growing your wealth, preparing for retirement or navigating complex financial topics like tax and estate planning. The quality of advice and strategies can significantly impact your financial outcomes.
We evaluate more than 10 popular online financial advisors to help those seeking professional financial guidance find the best option for their needs. These needs include planning for retirement, managing investments, handling debt or navigating major life events. We examine costs, account minimums, advisor credentials, services offered and more, focusing only on services that provide human financial advice.
Discover which financial advisors are best suited to your financial needs.
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We're big on editorial independence. That means our content, reviews and ratings are fair, accurate and trustworthy. We don't let advertisers or partners sway our opinions. Our financial experts put in the hard work, spending hours researching and analyzing hundreds of products based on data-driven methodologies to find the best accounts and providers for you. Explore our editorial guidelines to see how we work.
Facet Financial Planning
Why it's the best overall: For its competitively priced flat-fee membership, which includes comprehensive financial planning and investment management from a dedicated certified financial planner (CFP).
Facet's flat-fee model ranges from $2,000 to $6,000 per year, with its highest plan offering a dedicated CFP, eight virtual sessions over two years and unlimited messaging access. Its personalized planning covers all financial topics, including cash flow, debt management, retirement planning, company stock plan guidance and more. Investment management is included at no extra cost, featuring tax-loss harvesting, low-cost exchange-traded fund (ETF) portfolio management and guidance on external accounts. Facet's competitively priced, comprehensive services make it our top choice for the best flat fee and best overall fiduciary financial advisor.
| Minimum assets | $0 |
|---|---|
| Flat fee | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Advisory fee | 0% |
| Free consultation | Yes |
Zoe Financial
Why it's the best financial advisor marketplace: For seamlessly connecting individuals to vetted financial advisors.
Zoe Financial streamlines access to top-tier, personalized financial advice by matching clients with pre-screened, fee-only fiduciary advisors. All advisors are accredited, holding certifications such as CFP, certified financial analyst (CFA) or certified public accountant (CPA), and have no broker-dealer affiliations, ensuring they earn no commissions on recommended products. Zoe Financial also charges no fees to individuals using its platform to connect with advisors. Many advisors offer comprehensive services, from financial planning to investment management, often with no minimum investment requirements.
| Minimum assets | $0 |
|---|---|
| Flat fee | $100–$5,000 |
| Advisory fee | Up to 1.5% |
| Free consultation | Yes |
Domain Money
Why it's the best flat-fee financial advisor: For its transparent, flat-fee pricing and comprehensive financial planning services.
While Facet is our top choice for best overall and best flat-fee financial advisor, Domain Money is an excellent alternative, offering comprehensive financial planning services with transparent, predictable pricing. Its three plans, ranging from $2,500 to $7,500, cater to various needs: a one-page plan to organize your current finances, a strategic plan to address up to three focus areas or a comprehensive plan with a six-month engagement covering all financial aspects. Each plan includes unlimited email access with a dedicated CFP advisor.
| Minimum assets | $0 |
|---|---|
| Flat fee | Strategic Plan: $4,500 flat fee |
| Advisory fee | N/A |
| Free consultation | Yes |
Ellevest
Finder score
Why it's the best for high-net-worth women and families: For its tailored, women-first financial planning and advice.
Ellevest stands as a pioneer in women-first investing and financial planning. Its Private Wealth Management service is finely tuned to address the distinct financial challenges and aspirations of women, offering tailor-made investment strategies and financial planning aligned with these needs. Ellevest's suite of services encompasses impact investing, emphasizing companies that champion women's advancement, alongside comprehensive wealth management spanning retirement planning to estate management. With a team of seasoned advisors dedicated to empowering women financially, Ellevest is our top choice for high-net-worth women and families seeking personalized financial guidance and support.
| Minimum assets | $1,000,000 |
|---|---|
| Flat fee | N/A |
| Advisory fee | 1% |
| Free consultation | Yes |
Harness Wealth
Why it's the best for in-person financial advice: For its marketplace that includes financial advisors with face-to-face meeting options.
While Harness Wealth is our runner-up in the best financial advisor marketplace category, it's the sole online platform we evaluated offering in-person meetings. Its network comprises pre-vetted independent, fee-only advisors, and it's free to use. Harness Wealth provides tailored advisory services, encompassing comprehensive financial planning, tax preparation, estate planning and holistic wealth management, often with no minimum investment requirements. This unique blend of accessibility, personalized service and a diverse network of experts positions Harness Wealth as an attractive option for individuals seeking comprehensive financial guidance.
| Minimum assets | $0 |
|---|---|
| Flat fee | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Advisory fee | Up to 1.5% |
| Free consultation | Yes |
Betterment Premium
Why it's the best financial advisor for crypto investing advice: For its tailored strategies and expert guidance on crypto, general investing, tax strategies, retirement savings and more.
Betterment Premium offers a range of financial services backed by unlimited, on-demand support from experienced CFP professionals. Its advice service includes personalized investment management and holistic financial planning covering areas such as debt management, savings strategies, retirement planning and guidance on emerging sectors like crypto investments. Clients also receive assistance in creating a consolidated financial plan encompassing assets beyond Betterment, as well as support in managing both crypto and traditional investments.
| Minimum assets | $100,000 |
|---|---|
| Flat fee | N/A |
| Advisory fee | 0.65%–1.40% |
| Free consultation | No |
Vanguard Personal Advisor Select
Why it's the best financial advisor for low fees: For its competitive 0.3% annual advisory fee and low-cost investment options.
Vanguard provides personalized financial advice at a fraction of the cost typically associated with traditional advisors. Among the advisors we analyzed, Vanguard offers the lowest annual advisory fee at just 0.3% of assets under management (AUM). Additionally, their low-cost ETFs and mutual funds further reduce investment expenses. Clients benefit from ongoing advice from a dedicated advisor, automated tax-loss harvesting and a cost-effective approach to managing and growing their investments.
| Minimum assets | $50,000 |
|---|---|
| Flat fee | N/A |
| Advisory fee | 0.30% |
| Free consultation | No |
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Finder is not an advisor or brokerage service. Information on this page is for educational purposes only and not a recommendation to invest with any one company, trade specific stocks or fund specific investments. All editorial opinions are our own.
Finder’s investments experts review more than 10 online financial advisors available on the market to narrow down the best for people looking for advice, investment management and comprehensive financial planning.
We analyze each platform based on 41 key metrics we collect directly from brokers and assess each provider’s performance based on six different categories, weighing each metric based on the expertise and insights of Finder’s investment experts. We then score and rank each provider depending on its performance in each category.
How we weigh the overall rating
| Category | Weighting |
|---|---|
| Advisor access and credentials | 20% |
| Services offered | 20% |
| Investment strategies | 15% |
| Costs and fees | 20% |
| Account minimum | 20% |
| Customer support | 5% |
We update our best picks as products change, disappear or emerge in the market. We also regularly review and revise our selections to ensure our best provider lists reflect the most competitive available.
Finder’s picks for the best financial advisors are meant to provide a starting point for finding the right option for your financial needs and goals. That said, it’s important to consider your personal preferences too.
When choosing the best financial advisor, consider the following factors:
Yes, paying for a financial advisor is worth it if you need personalized financial planning, investment management and expert advice to achieve your financial goals.
A fiduciary financial advisor with CFP designation is best, ensuring personalized, ethical and comprehensive financial planning tailored to your specific needs.
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