How to find a financial advisor near you

A certified financial planner is a type of financial advisor who undergoes rigorous training and education in virtually all aspects of financial planning, including investments, taxes and insurance. The CFP Board certifies these professionals.

The CFP Board’s Let’s Make a Plan website offers a search tool to help you find CFPs in your area. You can filter results by distance as well as a CFP’s area of expertise, such as investment planning or estate planning.

You’ll then get a narrowed list of CFPs, along with their contact information, website and other details. You can also contact a professional directly by filling out a form on the website.

The XY Planning Network focuses on advisors who cater to Gen-X and Gen-Y clients. The XY Planning search tool can help you connect with a CFP and filter results by niche, specialty or keyword. You can search only for CFPs in your local area or open it up to members who offer remote services.

Enter your zip code, and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors’s search tool will give you details about fee-only advisors near you. From there, you can learn more about the financial firm and contact them directly through a form on the NAPFA’s website.

Asking for recommendations from friends and family who’ve had positive experiences with financial advisors can be a great starting point. They can provide insights into the advisor’s communication style and personality — details you probably won’t find on an advisor’s website.

You might even receive a discount if a friend or family member refers you to the advisor.

If you’re looking for someone to invest your money and build your portfolio — especially if you’re just starting out — a robo-advisor might be a great option.

A robo-advisor is an online platform that invests your money for you. You can get started in minutes by answering a few questions about your goals and risk tolerance. Plus, robo-advisors charge a more affordable fee than human investment advisors.

While these companies have gained popularity with hands-off investors, many robo-advisors also offer insight from a human financial advisor.

Betterment, for example, gives you access to a la carte advice packages for a 45-minute 1-on-1 meeting with a financial advisor, or you can sign up for Betterment’s premium plan and have unlimited access to CFPs. Meanwhile, SoFi Automated Investing gives clients one complimentary 30-minute session with a financial planner, and SoFi Plus members get access to unlimited sessions.

Meeting face-to-face with a financial advisor has its perks, but if you live in a small community, finding a local advisor who meets your needs can be challenging.

Many financial advisors now offer virtual services via Zoom, email or over the phone. Even if it’s not advertised, an advisor might be willing to work with you online if you contact them and ask.

If you’re indifferent to the physical location of your financial advisor, companies such as Facet Wealth charge an annual flat fee and exclusively offer online advisory services. And you can turn to the best national financial advisors, too.

You’ve narrowed your search to a few solid candidates, but the work isn’t over yet.

Most financial advisors will offer a free consultation that might be as short as 15 minutes or as long as an hour. Get the most out of this time by learning about the advisor’s background and investment philosophy, and asking questions about their fee structure.

“Interviewing multiple advisors will help you get a feel for the different approaches and styles they have,” says Cody Lachner, a certified financial planner and founder of Next Adventure Financial. “Advisors do have specializations, so it’s important to choose one that’s truly aligned with what you need.”

You should also check a financial advisor’s credentials. After all, there are many different types of financial advisors out there. Be wary of advisors that a financial company provides you for free. These individuals are more salespeople than advisors and are usually riddled with conflicts of interest. You should instead look for an advisor who works as a fiduciary — they’re required to act only in your best interests.

Advisors may also appear on the following sites, allowing you to research information such as their employment history, years of experience and disciplinary record:

Here are other tips to help you choose the right financial advisor.

You likely already know your financial priorities. Maybe it’s saving up for your first home while paying off your student loan debt. Or perhaps it’s guidance on managing your investments when you’re less than 10 years out from retirement.

Make a short list of your financial goals and have it ready when you meet with advisors.

It’s also important to understand the services a financial advisor offers, such as estate planning, investment management or retirement planning. If their area of expertise doesn’t overlap with your financial priorities, you might want to continue your search elsewhere.

Another benefit of working with a local financial advisor is their ability to connect you with other financial professionals in your area, such as mortgage brokers and estate planners. Tapping into a network of professionals familiar with local laws, regional housing trends and real estate taxes can be especially beneficial when you’re buying or selling a home.

How much a financial advisor charges you and how often is a crucial part of the vetting process. Some financial advisors charge a percentage of your assets under management, typically between 0.5 and 1.5 percent.

“If you’re comfortable managing your own investments, you don’t need to pay a percentage of your assets,” says Lachner. “There are advisors who can offer advice for a flat fee.”

Be wary of meeting with an advisor who is unwilling to clearly explain their compensation structure.

When you first interact with a financial advisor, think of the meeting as a job interview, and pay close attention to the answers an advisor gives. Coming prepared with a few key questions can save you time and money.

Here are some questions to ask a financial advisor:

• How long have you been working as a financial advisor?

• What is your area of expertise? Do you specialize in a specific area of finance, such as investments or tax planning?

• Are you fee-only, fee-based or commission-based?

• How much do you charge for your services?

• What is your investment philosophy?

• How do you handle conflicts of interest?

• How often do you communicate with clients?

• How do you track and measure progress toward financial goals?

You can also learn a lot by having a casual conversation with your advisor prospects.

“Working with a financial advisor involves a lot of trust, so be sure you’re choosing the best one for you and your family,” says Lachner.

• What is the average cost of using a financial advisor?

  The average cost of a financial advisor depends on the type of advisor and their fee structure. Traditional financial advisors typically charge around 1 percent of assets under management (AUM) annually, while robo-advisors charge about 0.25 percent of AUM. Some advisors offer hourly rates (which can range from $200 to $400 per hour) or a flat fee, which can range from $1,000 to over $5,000.

• Can I talk to a financial advisor for free?

  Yes, some financial advisors offer a free initial consultation, during which you can discuss your financial goals and see if the relationship is a good fit. However, ongoing advice and services usually come with a fee. Robo-advisors and some online platforms may provide free basic guidance but charge for personalized financial planning.

• What are the top three things to look for in a financial advisor?

  First, check and make sure the financial advisor is a fiduciary, meaning they’re legally required to act in your best interest rather than prioritizing commissions or sales. Next, check their credentials and experience — designations like certified financial planner (CFP) or chartered financial analyst (CFA) indicate a strong background in financial planning and investment management. Finally, make sure they have a transparent fee structure, so you understand how they charge (whether it’s a percentage of assets, hourly rate or flat fee).

   

Finding a good financial advisor near you isn’t as simple as picking the first name that pops up on Google. You’ll need to research and vet candidates, or opt for a trustworthy matching service that does the legwork for you.

During your search, look for advisors and financial planners who act as fiduciaries and work in your best interest — not the interest of an insurance company or bank. That vetting process can take time, but you’re more likely to find someone who can provide unbiased advice that meets your needs.

Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. In addition, investors are advised that past investment product performance is no guarantee of future price appreciation.