Read our financial advisor reviews to compare 10 top US financial advisor firms and find the right support for your financial goals.
Unbiased evaluated financial advisory firms based on various factors, including:
Assets under management (AUM): A higher AUM often suggests that a company has established relationships with a larger number of clients.
Fees: While fees will differ from advisor to advisor, companies with lower overall fees were given a higher ranking.
Fee structure: As fee-only advisors earn no additional compensation beyond the client fees compared to fee-based advisors, companies that were fee-only were given a higher ranking.
Services: Firms that provide a wider range of services were awarded a high ranking.
Investment minimum: Firms with a lower investment minimum, thereby reducing the barrier to entry for financial advice, were given a higher ranking.
The financial advisory firms listed below were also selected due to their nationwide offering, work with individuals looking for personal financial advice, and their overall reputation.
The list aims to provide a broad range of financial advisory firms and highlight the different levels of financial advice services available throughout the US.
Unbiased has produced the advisor details above from publicly available data. We aim to provide an independent overview of financial advisory firms to provide you with the information you need to make confident financial decisions.
When choosing a financial advisor, you should consider your unique needs and goals to find the firm best suited to you.
1. Fidelity financial advisor
Fidelityis a financial advisory firm renowned for its comprehensive range of specialized services, making it an ideal choice for clients seeking support with diverse financial goals and challenges.
What you need to know about Fidelity:
Services include ETF trading, wealth management, retirement and long-term care planning, and investing.
There are multiple options for all types of investors, including those seeking digital advice and those looking for a dedicated financial advisor.
The firm is recognized for its strong customer service, offering accessible in-person and phone support.
Fidelity financial advisor
Top choice for clients who need help navigating different financial circumstances, goals, and challenges.
Assets under management:
$14.1 trillion
Fee structure:
Fee-only & fee-based
Fee:
0.2%-1.5%
Minimum account sizes:
$50,000
Retirement planning
Brokerage
Wealth management
Investment strategy
Financial planning
Online trading
Long-term care planning
Building savings
Charitable giving
Fidelity Advisory Services gives you access to a team of advisors, available by phone or video, who will partner with you to help keep your investment strategy aligned with your goals through portfolio management, annual reviews, and tax-smart investing techniques. This requires a minimum investment of $50,000.
Fidelity also offers lower- and higher-cost options, providing a range of options for planning and investment advice, tailored to your asset level.
Fisher provides personalized financial planning by listening to your needs, assessing your situation and working with you to develop an investment strategy that helps achieve your goals.
Your advisor will ask questions about your goals and needs, expenses, health, family commitments, and other relevant factors to understand what you want your money to accomplish and tailor your portfolio accordingly.
An Investment Policy Committee with over 150 combined years of industry experience
Not sure if Fisher Investments suits your needs? Let Unbiased find a financial advisor that does.
3. Facet Wealth
Facet Wealthis a technology-driven financial planning firm that offers personalized, affordable advice for major financial decisions.
What you need to know about Facet:
Provides comprehensive financial services, including financial planning, family and estate planning, equity compensation, and financial wellness.
Founded in 2016, it connects members with a dedicated CFP® professional supported by a team of experts.
Charges a flat annual fee ranging from $2,600 to $8,700, based on your chosen membership.
There is no minimum balance requirement; managed portfolios require a minimum deposit of $500.
Facet Wealth
Tech-driven financial planning firm offering personalized, affordable advice for major financial decisions.
Assets under management:
$4.7 billion
Fee:
$2,600-$8,700
Fee structure:
Fee-only
Minimum account sizes:
No minimum
Estate planning
Holistic financial planning
Investment management
Insurance planning
Tax planning
Tax filing
Savings and debt management
Retirement planning
Education planning
Facet Wealth offers three distinct membership options – Core, Plus, and Complete – each providing varying levels of advice and guidance.
Included in every membership is virtual access to a CFP® professional, who will work with you to create a personalised financial roadmap to help you achieve your goals. You also receive step-by-step guidance to keep you on track, along with regular check-ins.
Not sure if Facet Wealth suits your needs? Let Unbiased find a financial advisor that does.
4. Vanguard Personal Advisor
Vanguard Personal Advisor Services is a hybrid model that combines automated portfolio management with guidance from real financial advisors.
What you need to know about Vanguard:
Provides automated investing personalized to your goals and access to an advisor for the times when you need clarity and direction.
Vanguard Personal Advisor commits to taking a holistic approach to building a healthy financial future.
It offers a 90-day trial period, where you can try the service with no advisory fees.
Vanguard Personal Advisor
Automated investment management with the support of an advisor when required.
Assets under management:
$7.2 trillion
Fee:
0.35%-0.40%
Fee structure:
Fee-based and fee-only
Minimum account sizes:
$50,000 (for a personal advisor)
Financial planning
Wealth management
Retirement planning
Investment services
Inheritance planning
Saving for college
Vanguard Personal Advisor used a mix of automated investing and access to an advisor to help you reach your financial goals.
Personal Advisor's advanced technology breaks down your investing goals and maps your progress for you. Access to an advisor provides you with the guidance you need to prioritize funding your goals.
The platform is built on Vanguard’s wealth of experience and expert insights
Not sure if Vanguard Personal Advisor suits your needs? Let Unbiased find a financial advisor that does.
5. Mercer Advisors
Mercer Advisors is a top private wealth management firm recognized for its thorough and professional personal financial advice.
What you need to know about Mercer:
Fee-only advisor with over 400 financial advisors across the US, managing tens of billions in client AUM.
Services include financial planning, portfolio management, retirement planning, and tax preparation.
Fees are determined by individual client circumstances, with investment management charges based on strategies and total AUM.
Mercer Advisors
Top private wealth management firm known for its thorough and professional financial advice.
Assets under management:
$83 billion
Fee:
0.50%-1.10%
Fee structure:
Fee-only
Minimum account sizes:
$800-$150,000
Financial planning
Investment management
Retirement planning
Estate planning
Tax planning
Insurance solutions
Trustee services
Mercer Advisors streamlines all elements of your financial planning, including tax, investments, insurance, and more, all managed by a single team.
A hand-picked financial advisor works with you to create an institutional-grade portfolio personalized to you and your goals. This is managed by a team of over 100 professionals, giving you access to a vast array of expert insights.
Not sure if Mercer Advisors suits your needs? Let Unbiased find a financial advisor that does.
6. Edward Jones financial advisor
Edward Jones is a well-established financial services firm in the US, known for its independent investment advice and strong client relationships.
What you need to know about Edward Jones:
Nearly 20,000 financial advisors serving over 9 million clients in the US and Canada, managing $2.2 trillion in client assets.
Fees are based on individual client circumstances, with rates decreasing as account values grow.
Prioritizes forming strong, personalized client relationships with skilled professionals, ensuring client focus and care.
Edward Jones financial advisor
Longstanding US financial firm, known for its reliable history and independent investment advice.
Assets under management:
$2.2 trillion
Fee:
0.05%-1.35%
Fee structure:
Fee-based
Minimum account sizes:
$0-$25,000
Financial planning
Retirement planning
Investing
Tax planning
Charitable giving
Edward Jones financial advisors develop personalized strategies that guide you toward your short- and long-term financial goals.
The team uses a 5-step process to make a tailored plan for your future, ensuring they maintain a long-term perspective, focus on quality, and manage risk through diversification.
Operates over 400 branches across 45 states, with more than 1,200 financial consultants available to assist clients.
It is focused on helping individuals achieve their financial goals with integrity and dedication.
Schwab Wealth Advisory
One of the largest companies for financial advisors in the US.
Assets under management:
$10.1 trillion
Fee:
0.80% and decrease at higher asset levels
Fee structure:
Fee-based
Minimum account sizes:
$500,000
Financial planning
Investment planning
Retirement planning
Tax planning
Estate planning
Risk management
Banking
Education and family
Schwab Wealth Advisory takes a personalized approach to wealth management, starting with your goals and incorporating key aspects of your financial life.
You will work with a dedicated financial advisor who is supported by a team of experienced professionals. Together, they develop and aim to deliver a comprehensive wealth management strategy tailored specifically to you.
A dedicated team of professionals led by a dedicated wealth advisor
Not sure if Schwab Wealth Advisory suits your needs? Let Unbiased find a financial advisor that does.
9. Edelman Financial Engines
Edelman Financial Engines is a financial advisory firm focused on retirement planning and personalized wealth management. It combines professional financial advisors with technology-driven investment strategies.
What you need to know about Edelman Financial Engines:
Services include retirement planning, investment management, tax planning, and estate planning.
The firm blends digital tools with advisors to deliver personalized financial plans across different life stages.
Edelman Financial Engines is known for its strong focus on retirement income strategies and long-term financial planning.
Edelman Financial Engines
Works with clients seeking personalized retirement planning and advisor-led financial guidance.
Assets under management: $270 billion+
Fee structure: Fee-only
Fee: 0.50%–1.75%
Minimum account sizes: $5,000
Retirement planning
Investment management
Wealth management
Financial planning
Tax planning
Estate planning
Insurance guidance
Edelman Financial Engines provides access to a team of advisors who deliver personalized financial plans based on each client’s goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
The firm combines advice with technology to support portfolio management, retirement income planning, and tax-efficient investing.
Its approach is centered on long-term financial planning, with portfolios tailored to different life stages and supported by ongoing reviews and adjustments.
Not sure if Edelman Financial Engines suits your needs? Let Unbiased find a financial advisor that does.
10. Creative Planning
Creative Planning is a full-service wealth management firm offering comprehensive financial planning, investment management, and tax-focused strategies for high-net-worth individuals.
What you need to know about Creative Planning:
Services include wealth management, tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning.
The firm follows a team-based advisory approach, combining multiple specialists to support client financial goals.
Creative Planning is known for its customized investment strategies tailored to each client’s risk tolerance, time horizon, and objectives.
Creative Planning
Popular with high-net-worth clients seeking comprehensive, advisor-led wealth management.
Assets under management: $700 billion+
Fee structure: Fee-based
Fee: 0.25%–1.20%+
Minimum account sizes: $500,000
Wealth management
Financial planning
Investment management
Tax planning
Estate planning
Retirement planning
Insurance and risk management
Creative Planning builds customized portfolios based on each client’s financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
Advisors construct diversified portfolios using a mix of stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, and alternative investments.
The firm takes a holistic approach, factoring in tax considerations, legacy planning, and liquidity needs, with ongoing portfolio monitoring and adjustments over time.
Wide range of financial planning and wealth management services
Customized, goal-based investment strategies
Team-based advisory model
Fiduciary standard
High minimum investment requirement
Fees can be relatively high
Additional costs may apply, such as custodial, brokerage, or third-party manager fees
Not sure if Creative Planning suits your needs? Let Unbiased find a financial advisor that does.
Which is the best financial advisory firm for me?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer, because the right choice depends on your asset level and how hands-on you want the relationship to be.
Here's a breakdown based on your needs:
For beginners or smaller portfolios → Edward Jones or Edelman Financial Engines
For hybrid digital + human guidance at low cost → Vanguard Personal Advisor
For no minimum, flat-fee planning → Facet Wealth
For high-net-worth, established portfolios → Fisher Investments, Schwab Wealth Advisory, or Creative Planning
For coordinated investment, tax, and estate planning → Mariner Wealth Advisors or Mercer Advisors
Financial advisor comparison: Fees, minimums, and fee models
Firm
Advisory fee
Minimum
Fee model
Fidelity
0.20%–1.50%
$50,000
Fee-only and fee-based
Fisher Investments
1.00%–1.50%
$1,000,000
Fee-only
Facet
$2,600–$8,700/year
$0
Flat fee
Vanguard Personal Advisor
0.35%–0.40%
$50,000
Fee-only and fee-based
Mercer Advisors
0.50%–1.10%
$800–$150,000
Fee-only
Edward Jones
0.05%–1.35%
$0–$25,000
Fee-based
Mariner Wealth Advisors
0.60%–1.25%
$100,000
AUM-based
Schwab Wealth Advisory
0.80%
$500,000
Fee-based
Edelman Financial Engines
0.50%–1.75%
$5,000
Fee-only
Creative Planning
0.25%–1.20%
$500,000
Fee-based
What are the top 50 financial advisor firms?
The top financial advisor companies & firms manage large amounts of client assets and provide services such as investment advice and financial planning.
The table below lists 50 leading financial advisor firms, including their assets under management (AUM) and headquarters.
A fiduciary advisor is legally required to act in your best interest when giving financial advice. A non-fiduciary advisor may only need to recommend investments that are suitable for you, even if they are not the best option available.
There is no one-size-fits-all for financial advisor fees. Each financial advisor or advisory firm sets their own rates based on experience, resources, specialization, and skill level. The amount can also vary depending on if the advisor is independent or an employee of a financial advisory firm. The fee structure typically used includes hourly fees, commission, fixed fee, and percentage of assets.
When first speaking with your financial advisor, it’s crucial that you ask about their fee structure to ensure they’re the right fit for you.
The main difference between a financial advisor and a financial planner is that the former may offer financial guidance on investments and financial matters and help with big financial decisions such as saving for retirement or buying a home. In contrast, a financial planner focuses on creating personalized financial plans for their clients.
Whether or not you’d be better with a robo-advisor, online financial planning service, or an in-person financial advisor comes down to your own preferences and circumstances.
For instance, you could be better suited to a robo-advisor if you have limited investment experience and only require investment management or simply want to go down the low-cost route.
However, when it comes to complex investment decisions and financial planning, there’s a lot to be said for one-to-one human contact.
Face-to-face relationships, such as meeting with a financial advisor, build trust and understanding and can help advisors truly understand your needs. They take the time to understand your circumstances and work with you to create a plan to reach your financial goals.
For retirees, the focus is often on preserving wealth, generating income, and managing risk. Mercer, Edward Jones, and Charles Schwab stand out for retirees because they offer individualized retirement planning, estate planning, and tax-efficient strategies to ensure a secure financial future.
Financial planning is the process of creating a strategy to help you achieve your financial goals. It typically covers budgeting, investing, retirement planning, taxes, insurance, and estate planning, ensuring all parts of your finances work together.
Some of the top financial planning firms include:
Facet, which offers CFP-led financial planning through a flat annual membership.
Fidelity, Vanguard, and Schwab, which combine financial planning with investment management for a percentage-based fee.
Choosing a retirement planning advisor isn't the same as choosing an advisor to grow a portfolio, because the questions shift from accumulation to income, tax, and timing.
What to look for in a retirement planning advisor
- Income planning: How the firm builds a withdrawal strategy across taxable, tax-deferred, and Roth accounts.
- Social Security and pension timing: Whether claiming decisions are modeled as part of the plan.
- Required minimum distributions: Whether RMDs are tracked and coordinated with charitable giving or Roth conversions.
- Healthcare and long-term care: Whether Medicare choices and care costs are covered.
- Tax coordination: Whether tax preparation and planning sit in-house or with a third party.
The best retirement planners aren't the ones with the biggest asset base — they're the ones whose process fits your circumstances. Compare two or three, and take advice from a qualified financial advisor before making irreversible decisions such as a rollover or an annuity purchase.
Our team of writers, who have decades of experience writing about personal finance, including investing and retirement, are here to help you find out what you must know about life’s biggest financial decisions.