What this article covers
Discover financial advisors trusted by residents of Phoenix, Maryland in the only local directory featuring 5-Star Certified Advisor Review™ recipients and Wealthtender Voice of the Client Award™ winners, recognition earned for exceptional client feedback. Compare fiduciary, fee-only advisors, CFP® professionals, and specialists to find the right fit for your unique financial needs.
Financial Advisor Directory for Phoenix, Maryland
📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in Phoenix
Double-click (or pinch the map on mobile devices) to zoom in and expand the details for financial advisors whose primary office location is in Phoenix.
📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.
Explore nearby city guides
Keep exploring
Key Takeaways
You can compare Phoenix financial advisors by credentials, specialty and verified client reviews before you contact anyone.
The map shows advisors whose primary office is in Phoenix. Profiles include Certified Advisor Reviews™, designations such as the CFP® and the services each advisor offers.
Federal careers, corporate pay and Maryland’s layered taxes shape financial planning in Phoenix, Maryland.
Phoenix residents pay Maryland income tax plus Baltimore County’s 3.20% local rate for 2026, and Maryland also has an estate tax and an inheritance tax. Many households in the area also manage federal benefits tied to employers such as the Social Security Administration or Aberdeen Proving Ground, equity pay from corporate employers in Hunt Valley, or the costs of owning property in northern Baltimore County.
Interview more than one advisor and confirm how each one is paid.
Ask about services, fees and whether the advisor acts as a fiduciary, then check their background for free on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website before you hire.
Financial Planning Considerations for Phoenix Residents
Every city has its own financial landscape. Here are a few local factors worth discussing with a Phoenix financial advisor.
Maryland and Baltimore County income taxes, plus estate rules
Phoenix residents pay Maryland state income tax plus Baltimore County’s local income tax. For 2026, the Comptroller of Maryland lists Baltimore County’s local rate at 3.20%, on top of state rates from 2% up to 6.5% on income over $1 million for single filers ($1.2 million for joint filers). Maryland also has an estate tax with a $5 million exemption and a 10% inheritance tax on property left to heirs such as nieces, nephews and cousins. Spouses, children and siblings are exempt.
Federal careers in Woodlawn and Aberdeen
Baltimore County has a large federal workforce. The county lists the Social Security Administration with 11,879 employees and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with 3,123; the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is headquartered in Woodlawn. To the east, Aberdeen Proving Ground is the largest employer in neighboring Harford County. Federal workers often benefit from help with FERS pension choices, Thrift Savings Plan allocations, survivor benefits and the timing of retirement.
Corporate pay and equity in Hunt Valley
Phoenix sits close to Hunt Valley, and Towson and Baltimore are within commuting range. McCormick opened its global headquarters in Hunt Valley in 2018 and counts 2,451 employees in Baltimore County. Corporate roles at public companies can include restricted stock, employee stock purchase plans and deferred compensation, and large employers such as Amazon also grant stock to many workers. A planner can help you limit how much of your wealth rides on one company’s shares and time sales with taxes in mind.
Owning property in northern Baltimore County
Phoenix is an unincorporated community in northern Baltimore County, near the NCR Trail and Hunt Valley. Baltimore County’s real property tax rate for fiscal year 2026 is $1.10 per $100 of assessed value, according to Maryland’s Department of Legislative Services, so a home’s assessment directly shapes the annual bill. Owners of larger properties should budget for maintenance and insurance, review how the home is titled, and plan how land and a family home will pass to the next generation.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in Phoenix
Hiring a financial advisor can be a great move to help you build a long-term investing strategy. Advisors can help you build an investment portfolio to meet your financial goals and help you plan appropriately for retirement.
As a resident of Phoenix, hiring a financial advisor who lives nearby and understands the local economy, cost of living, and regional employers can be quite valuable, especially if your individual circumstances are deeply tied to such factors.
Who are the largest employers in the Baltimore County area?
Phoenix is in Baltimore County, so the figures below are Baltimore County employee counts reported by the county government, not counts for Phoenix itself. Public schools, government, higher education and health care lead the list. Highlighted companies link to Q&As with advice from financial advisors who work with their employees.
- Baltimore County Public Schools 17,767 employees
- Baltimore County Government 8,306 employees
- AmazonRead advisor Q&A →7,516 employees
- U.S. Social Security Administration 11,879 employees
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County 4,028 employees
- Greater Baltimore Medical Center 3,673 employees
- Towson University 3,624 employees
- WalmartRead advisor Q&A →3,314 employees
- Community College of Baltimore County 3,151 employees
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 3,123 employees
- MedStar Health 2,890 employees
- McCormick 2,451 employees
- Maryland State Police 2,334 employees
- Home Depot 2,220 employees
Work for one of these companies or another large employer? Explore our employer Q&As for advice on making the most of your benefits.
Source: Baltimore County Government, Industry Profiles and Statistics (September 2025). Listed in the county’s published rank order. The county ranks the Social Security Administration fourth even though its reported count (11,879) is higher than the entries ranked second and third.
Do you work for one of the largest employers in Phoenix? If so, there’s a good chance the local financial advisor you hire will also have other clients who work there. This knowledge could prove valuable if they are already familiar with your employee benefits, such as a 401(k) plan, Health Savings Accounts, and other components of your total compensation package.
When you reach out to financial advisors you’re considering hiring, let them know where you work and ask if they are familiar with your employer’s unique benefits and compensation structure.
Types of Financial Advisors You’ll Find on Wealthtender
Thousands of people visit Wealthtender each month to find and compare financial advisors based on their location, education, experience, areas of specialization and online reviews. Wealthtender’s Certified Advisor Reviews™ help consumers make informed hiring decisions with important details about the relationship between reviewers and advisors always displayed to ensure you gain the transparency you deserve when your life savings could be at stake.
On Wealthtender, you can explore a diverse range of financial advisors and wealth management firms that include:
- Fiduciary advisors committed to acting in clients’ best interests
- CFP® professionals with advanced financial planning credentials
- Fee-only advisors compensated solely by clients
- Advisors for growing families, people nearing retirement, and business owners
- Specialists across multiple categories (e.g., life stage, occupation, ethnicity, lifestyle, religion)
- Highly-rated advisors with positive client reviews
- Firms of varying sizes with advisors who can meet with you in person or online
- Fee-based advisors who offer access to insurance and alternative investments
How to use this directory: Compare financial advisors in the Phoenix area based on what matters most to you. Use the directory to:
- View advisor profiles to evaluate credentials, services, and areas of specialization
- Read Certified Advisor Reviews™ to learn what clients value most
- Identify advisors recognized with Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™
- Contact advisors and schedule free introductory video calls
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™: Top Rated Phoenix Financial Advisors
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™ recognize financial advisors and firms that consistently earn exceptional client feedback. Below are Phoenix-area advisors and firms that have met the criteria for Highly Rated recognition.
| Firm/Advisor | Firm | City | State | Voice of the Client Award | Website |
|---|
To qualify for a Highly Rated award, advisors and firms must achieve an average client review rating of 4.75 or higher (on a scale of 1 to 5) based on a minimum number of eligible client reviews published on Wealthtender within a defined timeframe for each particular award (Timeframe for 2025 Award: 1/1/24 – 12/31/25; Timeframe for Subsequent Year Awards: July 1 of the preceding year through December 31 of the Award Year (e.g., Timeframe for 2026 Award 7/1/25 – 12/31/26). Eligible reviews are limited to clients (as of the review submission date) that advisors/firms must self-attest have no material conflicts of interest and received no compensation in exchange for their reviews. ↗️ View full award methodology & FAQs
Although financial advisors and wealth management firms compensate Wealthtender for marketing services (including eligibility to be considered for awards), Wealthtender’s award criteria is objective and not influenced by compensation. Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards are not a guarantee of future performance or success and client reviews may not be representative of the experience of all past or future clients.
Quick Tips For Hiring a Phoenix Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in Phoenix, here are a few quick tips to help you find the best advisor for you.
Decide Which Services You Need
Before hiring an advisor, determine what services you need from them. Whether it’s full-service investment management or a plan focused on a specific area of your finances, put together a list of what you’d like help with before contacting an advisor.
Though most people use a financial planner simply to invest for retirement, this is only a small part of what many advisors offer. Here’s a quick rundown of potential services a financial advisor may offer you:
- Budgeting and money management
- Debt management
- Insurance planning
- Retirement planning
- Other investment planning
- Inheritance planning
- Estate planning
- Tax planning
As you can see, financial advisors can help you with your entire financial picture, not just investing. As you start to plan for life’s bigger milestones, you should consider finding a financial advisor who specializes in those areas.
Finding the right advisor can help you minimize risk, maximize gains and take advantage of tax breaks while investing for your future. They can also help you protect your assets with the right kinds of insurance and help you pass on your financial legacy with a proper estate plan.
Consider Your Budget and Payment Preferences
Once you have a list of services you would like, review the fee structures financial advisors offer. Finding a balance between the services you need and the cost of those services will help narrow down the field of advisors you may want to work with.
If you are looking for a full-service advisor to manage all of your investments, consider searching among fee-based financial advisors. If you want to manage your money yourself, consider the flat fee and monthly subscription advisors for ongoing support.
Interview Multiple Financial Advisors
Once you have chosen the services and fee structure you prefer, it’s time to contact a few advisors and interview them. Here are questions to ask financial advisors:
- What services do you provide?
- What are all the ways you get paid? (fee transparency)
- What is your investment strategy?
- How do you measure investment performance?
- How do we communicate about my plan?
Interview multiple advisors to get a feel for who you want to work with. A combination of fees, services, and customer service will help you determine the best fit for your financial advice.
Review Financial Advisor Credentials
Once you find an advisor (or two) you feel comfortable with, it’s always a good practice to check their credentials and the firm’s details. You can do this at the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website.
You can check both the individual and the firm to view their background and experience details, as well as any disciplinary action taken against them or their firm.
As licensed financial professionals, there is oversight into how financial advisors conduct business, so running a quick (free) check on them is recommended.
For additional information about advisor credentials, read our article to learn the most popular designations held by financial advisors, as well as specialized credentials which may be important to consider if you have unique financial planning needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Financial advisors and wealth management firms that consistently receive superior client reviews can also qualify for Wealthtender’s Voice of the Client Awards™ designed to recognize America’s most trusted advisors. Learn More About Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™
Clients and other individuals can submit reviews for financial advisors and wealth management firms that have turned on the reviews feature. Before each review is publicly displayed, financial advisors agree to disclose important information about their relationship with the reviewer to ensure consumers gain the transparency they deserve when their life savings could be at stake. These disclosures also help financial advisors satisfy compliance with industry regulations.
After financial advisors provide the required disclosures, Wealthtender publishes the review with the Certified Advisor Review™ mark. Learn More About Certified Advisor Reviews™
For example, financial advisors who have earned their Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation are fiduciaries. To hold themselves out as a CFP, these credential holders must acknowledge they will adhere to the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct and act as a fiduciary when providing financial advice to their clients. Learn More About Fiduciary Financial Advisors
When viewing financial advisor profiles on Wealthtender, look for the Compensation Methods section that shows ways each financial advisor can be paid for their services, including if they offer fee-only financial planning services. Learn More About Fee-Only Financial Advisors
Please note: Wealthtender may be compensated by financial advisors featured on our site and within this guide. Learn more about how we operate with integrity to earn your trust.
How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?
About the author
Founder & CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Wealthtender
Brian Thorp is the founder and CEO of Wealthtender and its Editor-in-Chief. With more than 25 years in the financial services industry, he is applying his experience and passion at Wealthtender to help more people enjoy life with less money stress.
Brian and his wife live in Austin, Texas.
What this article covers
Discover financial advisors trusted by residents of Oceanside, California in the only local directory featuring 5-Star Certified Advisor Review™ recipients and Wealthtender Voice of the Client Award™ winners, recognition earned for exceptional client feedback. Compare fiduciary, fee-only advisors, CFP® professionals, and specialists to find the right fit for your unique financial needs.
Financial Advisor Directory for Oceanside, California
📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in Oceanside
Double-click (or pinch the map on mobile devices) to zoom in and expand the details for financial advisors whose primary office location is in Oceanside.
📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.
Key Takeaways
You can compare Oceanside financial advisors by credentials, specialty and verified client reviews before you contact anyone.
The map shows advisors whose primary office is in Oceanside. Profiles include Certified Advisor Reviews™, designations such as the CFP® and the services each advisor offers.
Camp Pendleton, coastal housing costs and California insurance rules shape financial planning in Oceanside.
Military families often need help with the TSP and the Blended Retirement System, and for tax years 2025 through 2029, qualifying military retirees can exclude up to $20,000 of retirement pay from California income tax. Homeowners should understand how Prop 13 limits assessment increases and plan to buy earthquake or flood coverage separately when needed.
Interview more than one advisor and confirm how each one is paid.
Ask about services, fees and whether the advisor acts as a fiduciary, then check their background for free on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website before you hire.
Financial Planning Considerations for Oceanside Residents
Every city has its own financial landscape. Here are a few local factors worth discussing with an Oceanside financial advisor.
Military pay, the TSP and the Blended Retirement System
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton borders Oceanside and has been the largest employer in North San Diego County for more than 60 years, so many local households run on military pay. Under the Blended Retirement System, the Department of Defense adds an automatic 1% of basic pay to a service member’s Thrift Savings Plan and matches up to another 4%. Contributing at least 5% captures the full match, and an advisor can help weigh continuation pay, TSP fund choices and the smaller BRS pension.
California’s military retirement pay exclusion
California generally taxes military retirement pay for residents, but for tax years 2025 through 2029 the Franchise Tax Board allows qualifying retirees to exclude up to $20,000 of uniformed services retirement pay, and separately up to $20,000 of Survivor Benefit Plan annuity payments. The exclusion applies only if federal AGI is $125,000 or less, or $250,000 or less for joint filers and surviving spouses. Service members stationed here on PCS orders keep their home-state residency, and their military pay is not California-source income.
Coastal home prices and Prop 13 property taxes
Oceanside’s coastal location makes housing a major part of most budgets, and California’s Proposition 13 shapes what owners pay over time. The general property tax rate is limited to 1% of assessed value plus voter-approved bonds, and assessed value generally rises no more than 2% a year until the home changes ownership or new construction is completed. Owner-occupants can claim a $7,000 homeowners’ exemption, and homeowners over 55 may be able to carry their base-year value to a replacement home under Proposition 19.
Insurance gaps: wildfire, flood and earthquake
Standard homeowners policies in California do not cover earthquake or flood damage, so coverage for those risks must be bought separately. Insurers must offer earthquake coverage in writing every other year, and most National Flood Insurance Program policies take effect 30 days after purchase. Where wildfire risk has made coverage harder to find, some owners rely on the California FAIR Plan, the state’s insurer of last resort. Reviewing limits, deductibles and emergency savings with an advisor can help Oceanside households avoid costly surprises.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in Oceanside
Hiring a financial advisor can be a great move to help you build a long-term investing strategy. Advisors can help you build an investment portfolio to meet your financial goals and help you plan appropriately for retirement.
As a resident of Oceanside, hiring a financial advisor who lives nearby and understands the local economy, cost of living, and regional employers can be quite valuable, especially if your individual circumstances are deeply tied to such factors.
Who are the largest employers in the Oceanside area?
Oceanside’s economy is closely tied to the military, health care and education across San Diego County. The City of Oceanside does not publish a principal employers list, so these are the largest employers in San Diego County by local headcount.
- U.S. Navy 91,317 employees
- U.S. Marine Corps 42,687 employees
- University of California, San Diego 41,698 employees
- County of San Diego 20,471 employees
- Sharp HealthCare 20,432 employees
- Scripps Health 17,760 employees
- Kaiser Permanente 12,859 employees
- UC San Diego Health 12,675 employees
- Merchants Building Maintenance 6,000 employees
- Cubic Corporation 6,000 employees
Work for one of these companies or another large employer? Explore our employer Q&As for advice on making the most of your benefits.
Source: County of San Diego, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report FY2025, Principal Employers (June 2025). Counts are countywide, not Oceanside only. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, which borders Oceanside, describes itself as the largest employer in North San Diego County, with a daytime population of about 70,000 military and civilian personnel.
Do you work for one of the largest employers in Oceanside? If so, there’s a good chance the local financial advisor you hire will also have other clients who work there. This knowledge could prove valuable if they are already familiar with your employee benefits, such as a 401(k) plan, Health Savings Accounts, and other components of your total compensation package.
When you reach out to financial advisors you’re considering hiring, let them know where you work and ask if they are familiar with your employer’s unique benefits and compensation structure.
Types of Financial Advisors You’ll Find on Wealthtender
Thousands of people visit Wealthtender each month to find and compare financial advisors based on their location, education, experience, areas of specialization and online reviews. Wealthtender’s Certified Advisor Reviews™ help consumers make informed hiring decisions with important details about the relationship between reviewers and advisors always displayed to ensure you gain the transparency you deserve when your life savings could be at stake.
On Wealthtender, you can explore a diverse range of financial advisors and wealth management firms that include:
- Fiduciary advisors committed to acting in clients’ best interests
- CFP® professionals with advanced financial planning credentials
- Fee-only advisors compensated solely by clients
- Advisors for growing families, people nearing retirement, and business owners
- Specialists across multiple categories (e.g., life stage, occupation, ethnicity, lifestyle, religion)
- Highly-rated advisors with positive client reviews
- Firms of varying sizes with advisors who can meet with you in person or online
- Fee-based advisors who offer access to insurance and alternative investments
How to use this directory: Compare financial advisors in the Oceanside area based on what matters most to you. Use the directory to:
- View advisor profiles to evaluate credentials, services, and areas of specialization
- Read Certified Advisor Reviews™ to learn what clients value most
- Identify advisors recognized with Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™
- Contact advisors and schedule free introductory video calls
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™: Top Rated Oceanside Financial Advisors
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™ recognize financial advisors and firms that consistently earn exceptional client feedback. Below are Oceanside-area advisors and firms that have met the criteria for Highly Rated recognition.
| Firm/Advisor | Firm | City | State | Voice of the Client Award | Website |
|---|
To qualify for a Highly Rated award, advisors and firms must achieve an average client review rating of 4.75 or higher (on a scale of 1 to 5) based on a minimum number of eligible client reviews published on Wealthtender within a defined timeframe for each particular award (Timeframe for 2025 Award: 1/1/24 – 12/31/25; Timeframe for Subsequent Year Awards: July 1 of the preceding year through December 31 of the Award Year (e.g., Timeframe for 2026 Award 7/1/25 – 12/31/26). Eligible reviews are limited to clients (as of the review submission date) that advisors/firms must self-attest have no material conflicts of interest and received no compensation in exchange for their reviews. ↗️ View full award methodology & FAQs
Although financial advisors and wealth management firms compensate Wealthtender for marketing services (including eligibility to be considered for awards), Wealthtender’s award criteria is objective and not influenced by compensation. Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards are not a guarantee of future performance or success and client reviews may not be representative of the experience of all past or future clients.
Quick Tips For Hiring an Oceanside Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in Oceanside, here are a few quick tips to help you find the best advisor for you.
Decide Which Services You Need
Before hiring an advisor, determine what services you need from them. Whether it’s full-service investment management or a plan focused on a specific area of your finances, put together a list of what you’d like help with before contacting an advisor.
Though most people use a financial planner simply to invest for retirement, this is only a small part of what many advisors offer. Here’s a quick rundown of potential services a financial advisor may offer you:
- Budgeting and money management
- Debt management
- Insurance planning
- Retirement planning
- Other investment planning
- Inheritance planning
- Estate planning
- Tax planning
As you can see, financial advisors can help you with your entire financial picture, not just investing. As you start to plan for life’s bigger milestones, you should consider finding a financial advisor who specializes in those areas.
Finding the right advisor can help you minimize risk, maximize gains and take advantage of tax breaks while investing for your future. They can also help you protect your assets with the right kinds of insurance and help you pass on your financial legacy with a proper estate plan.
Consider Your Budget and Payment Preferences
Once you have a list of services you would like, review the fee structures financial advisors offer. Finding a balance between the services you need and the cost of those services will help narrow down the field of advisors you may want to work with.
If you are looking for a full-service advisor to manage all of your investments, consider searching among fee-based financial advisors. If you want to manage your money yourself, consider the flat fee and monthly subscription advisors for ongoing support.
Interview Multiple Financial Advisors
Once you have chosen the services and fee structure you prefer, it’s time to contact a few advisors and interview them. Here are questions to ask financial advisors:
- What services do you provide?
- What are all the ways you get paid? (fee transparency)
- What is your investment strategy?
- How do you measure investment performance?
- How do we communicate about my plan?
Interview multiple advisors to get a feel for who you want to work with. A combination of fees, services, and customer service will help you determine the best fit for your financial advice.
Review Financial Advisor Credentials
Once you find an advisor (or two) you feel comfortable with, it’s always a good practice to check their credentials and the firm’s details. You can do this at the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website.
You can check both the individual and the firm to view their background and experience details, as well as any disciplinary action taken against them or their firm.
As licensed financial professionals, there is oversight into how financial advisors conduct business, so running a quick (free) check on them is recommended.
For additional information about advisor credentials, read our article to learn the most popular designations held by financial advisors, as well as specialized credentials which may be important to consider if you have unique financial planning needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Financial advisors and wealth management firms that consistently receive superior client reviews can also qualify for Wealthtender’s Voice of the Client Awards™ designed to recognize America’s most trusted advisors. Learn More About Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™
Clients and other individuals can submit reviews for financial advisors and wealth management firms that have turned on the reviews feature. Before each review is publicly displayed, financial advisors agree to disclose important information about their relationship with the reviewer to ensure consumers gain the transparency they deserve when their life savings could be at stake. These disclosures also help financial advisors satisfy compliance with industry regulations.
After financial advisors provide the required disclosures, Wealthtender publishes the review with the Certified Advisor Review™ mark. Learn More About Certified Advisor Reviews™
For example, financial advisors who have earned their Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation are fiduciaries. To hold themselves out as a CFP, these credential holders must acknowledge they will adhere to the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct and act as a fiduciary when providing financial advice to their clients. Learn More About Fiduciary Financial Advisors
When viewing financial advisor profiles on Wealthtender, look for the Compensation Methods section that shows ways each financial advisor can be paid for their services, including if they offer fee-only financial planning services. Learn More About Fee-Only Financial Advisors
Please note: Wealthtender may be compensated by financial advisors featured on our site and within this guide. Learn more about how we operate with integrity to earn your trust.
How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?
About the author
Founder & CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Wealthtender
Brian Thorp is the founder and CEO of Wealthtender and its Editor-in-Chief. With more than 25 years in the financial services industry, he is applying his experience and passion at Wealthtender to help more people enjoy life with less money stress.
Brian and his wife live in Austin, Texas.
What this article covers
Discover financial advisors trusted by residents of Northbrook, Illinois in the only local directory featuring 5-Star Certified Advisor Review™ recipients and Wealthtender Voice of the Client Award™ winners, recognition earned for exceptional client feedback. Compare fiduciary, fee-only advisors, CFP® professionals, and specialists to find the right fit for your unique financial needs.
Financial Advisor Directory for Northbrook, Illinois
📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in Northbrook
Double-click (or pinch the map on mobile devices) to zoom in and expand the details for financial advisors whose primary office location is in Northbrook.
📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.
Explore nearby city guides
Keep exploring
Key Takeaways
You can compare Northbrook financial advisors by credentials, specialty and verified client reviews before you contact anyone.
The map shows advisors whose primary office is in Northbrook. Profiles include Certified Advisor Reviews™, designations such as the CFP® and the services each advisor offers.
Northbrook’s corporate headquarters, Cook County property taxes and Illinois tax rules shape the planning help many residents need.
Many Northbrook households earn pay from large headquarters employers that can include company stock and deferred compensation. Property taxes tied to Cook County’s three-year reassessment cycle and Illinois’s flat income tax, which lets retirees subtract qualifying retirement income, also affect budgets, home decisions and retirement timing.
Interview more than one advisor and confirm how each one is paid.
Ask about services, fees and whether the advisor acts as a fiduciary, then check their background for free on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website before you hire.
Financial Planning Considerations for Northbrook Residents
Every city has its own financial landscape. Here are a few local factors worth discussing with a Northbrook financial advisor.
Equity and deferred pay from headquarters employers
Northbrook is home to the headquarters of UL Solutions, which trades on the New York Stock Exchange, as well as the U.S. headquarters of Astellas Pharma, CF Industries and Crate & Barrel. Employees at companies like these may receive restricted stock, performance shares or deferred compensation on top of salary. A financial advisor can help you decide when to sell vested shares, avoid holding too much of one company’s stock and coordinate equity income with taxes and long-term goals.
Illinois flat income tax and retirement income
Illinois taxes individual income at a flat 4.95%, according to the Illinois Department of Revenue. Federally taxed Social Security benefits and income from qualified retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans, IRAs and government pensions, can generally be subtracted on Form IL-1040. That makes Illinois relatively friendly to retirees, while wages, bonuses and gains from selling company stock are still taxed at the flat rate, so the timing of withdrawals and stock sales matters.
Cook County reassessments and property taxes
Northbrook sits mostly in Northfield Township, which the Cook County Assessor reassessed in 2025 as part of its three-year cycle for the north suburbs. Property taxes are a major ongoing cost for local homeowners, and the 2024 median sale price for single-family homes in the township was about $779,000. When reviewing a budget or retirement plan, it helps to check each assessment notice, confirm the exemptions you qualify for and know the appeal window.
Commuting and dual-market careers
Many residents work in Northbrook’s office parks, while others commute into Chicago on the Metra Milwaukee District North Line from the downtown Northbrook station on Shermer Road or the nearby Lake Cook Road station. Interstate 294 and the Edens Spur also connect the village to the wider region. For households with two careers in different parts of the metro area, planning can cover commuting costs, employer benefit choices across two plans and how a job change affects savings goals.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in Northbrook
Hiring a financial advisor can be a great move to help you build a long-term investing strategy. Advisors can help you build an investment portfolio to meet your financial goals and help you plan appropriately for retirement.
As a resident of Northbrook, hiring a financial advisor who lives nearby and understands the local economy, cost of living, and regional employers can be quite valuable, especially if your individual circumstances are deeply tied to such factors.
Who are the largest employers in the Northbrook area?
Northbrook’s largest employers include corporate headquarters in testing and safety science, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, retail and food production. The list below reflects employers located in the village and immediate area as reported by the Village of Northbrook.
- UL Solutions (Underwriters Laboratories) 1,500 employees
- Astellas Pharma US 1,150 employees
- Highland Baking Company 615 employees
- Crate & Barrel (Euromarket Designs) 500 employees
- CF Industries 400 employees
- Hilco Merchant Resources 400 employees
- Bell Flavors & Fragrances 300 employees
- M. Holland Company 288 employees
- Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates 254 employees
Work for one of these companies or another large employer? Explore our employer Q&As for advice on making the most of your benefits.
Source: Village of Northbrook, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Principal Employers (fiscal year ended April 2025). Allstate, long Northbrook’s largest employer, announced the sale of its Northbrook property in 2021 and no longer appears on the village’s 2025 list.
Do you work for one of the largest employers in Northbrook? If so, there’s a good chance the local financial advisor you hire will also have other clients who work there. This knowledge could prove valuable if they are already familiar with your employee benefits, such as a 401(k) plan, Health Savings Accounts, and other components of your total compensation package.
When you reach out to financial advisors you’re considering hiring, let them know where you work and ask if they are familiar with your employer’s unique benefits and compensation structure.
Types of Financial Advisors You’ll Find on Wealthtender
Thousands of people visit Wealthtender each month to find and compare financial advisors based on their location, education, experience, areas of specialization and online reviews. Wealthtender’s Certified Advisor Reviews™ help consumers make informed hiring decisions with important details about the relationship between reviewers and advisors always displayed to ensure you gain the transparency you deserve when your life savings could be at stake.
On Wealthtender, you can explore a diverse range of financial advisors and wealth management firms that include:
- Fiduciary advisors committed to acting in clients’ best interests
- CFP® professionals with advanced financial planning credentials
- Fee-only advisors compensated solely by clients
- Advisors for growing families, people nearing retirement, and business owners
- Specialists across multiple categories (e.g., life stage, occupation, ethnicity, lifestyle, religion)
- Highly-rated advisors with positive client reviews
- Firms of varying sizes with advisors who can meet with you in person or online
- Fee-based advisors who offer access to insurance and alternative investments
How to use this directory: Compare financial advisors in the Northbrook area based on what matters most to you. Use the directory to:
- View advisor profiles to evaluate credentials, services, and areas of specialization
- Read Certified Advisor Reviews™ to learn what clients value most
- Identify advisors recognized with Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™
- Contact advisors and schedule free introductory video calls
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™: Top Rated Northbrook Financial Advisors
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™ recognize financial advisors and firms that consistently earn exceptional client feedback. Below are Northbrook-area advisors and firms that have met the criteria for Highly Rated recognition.
| Firm/Advisor | Firm | City | State | Voice of the Client Award | Website |
|---|
To qualify for a Highly Rated award, advisors and firms must achieve an average client review rating of 4.75 or higher (on a scale of 1 to 5) based on a minimum number of eligible client reviews published on Wealthtender within a defined timeframe for each particular award (Timeframe for 2025 Award: 1/1/24 – 12/31/25; Timeframe for Subsequent Year Awards: July 1 of the preceding year through December 31 of the Award Year (e.g., Timeframe for 2026 Award 7/1/25 – 12/31/26). Eligible reviews are limited to clients (as of the review submission date) that advisors/firms must self-attest have no material conflicts of interest and received no compensation in exchange for their reviews. ↗️ View full award methodology & FAQs
Although financial advisors and wealth management firms compensate Wealthtender for marketing services (including eligibility to be considered for awards), Wealthtender’s award criteria is objective and not influenced by compensation. Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards are not a guarantee of future performance or success and client reviews may not be representative of the experience of all past or future clients.
Quick Tips For Hiring a Northbrook Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in Northbrook, here are a few quick tips to help you find the best advisor for you.
Decide Which Services You Need
Before hiring an advisor, determine what services you need from them. Whether it’s full-service investment management or a plan focused on a specific area of your finances, put together a list of what you’d like help with before contacting an advisor.
Though most people use a financial planner simply to invest for retirement, this is only a small part of what many advisors offer. Here’s a quick rundown of potential services a financial advisor may offer you:
- Budgeting and money management
- Debt management
- Insurance planning
- Retirement planning
- Other investment planning
- Inheritance planning
- Estate planning
- Tax planning
As you can see, financial advisors can help you with your entire financial picture, not just investing. As you start to plan for life’s bigger milestones, you should consider finding a financial advisor who specializes in those areas.
Finding the right advisor can help you minimize risk, maximize gains and take advantage of tax breaks while investing for your future. They can also help you protect your assets with the right kinds of insurance and help you pass on your financial legacy with a proper estate plan.
Consider Your Budget and Payment Preferences
Once you have a list of services you would like, review the fee structures financial advisors offer. Finding a balance between the services you need and the cost of those services will help narrow down the field of advisors you may want to work with.
If you are looking for a full-service advisor to manage all of your investments, consider searching among fee-based financial advisors. If you want to manage your money yourself, consider the flat fee and monthly subscription advisors for ongoing support.
Interview Multiple Financial Advisors
Once you have chosen the services and fee structure you prefer, it’s time to contact a few advisors and interview them. Here are questions to ask financial advisors:
- What services do you provide?
- What are all the ways you get paid? (fee transparency)
- What is your investment strategy?
- How do you measure investment performance?
- How do we communicate about my plan?
Interview multiple advisors to get a feel for who you want to work with. A combination of fees, services, and customer service will help you determine the best fit for your financial advice.
Review Financial Advisor Credentials
Once you find an advisor (or two) you feel comfortable with, it’s always a good practice to check their credentials and the firm’s details. You can do this at the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website.
You can check both the individual and the firm to view their background and experience details, as well as any disciplinary action taken against them or their firm.
As licensed financial professionals, there is oversight into how financial advisors conduct business, so running a quick (free) check on them is recommended.
For additional information about advisor credentials, read our article to learn the most popular designations held by financial advisors, as well as specialized credentials which may be important to consider if you have unique financial planning needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Financial advisors and wealth management firms that consistently receive superior client reviews can also qualify for Wealthtender’s Voice of the Client Awards™ designed to recognize America’s most trusted advisors. Learn More About Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™
Clients and other individuals can submit reviews for financial advisors and wealth management firms that have turned on the reviews feature. Before each review is publicly displayed, financial advisors agree to disclose important information about their relationship with the reviewer to ensure consumers gain the transparency they deserve when their life savings could be at stake. These disclosures also help financial advisors satisfy compliance with industry regulations.
After financial advisors provide the required disclosures, Wealthtender publishes the review with the Certified Advisor Review™ mark. Learn More About Certified Advisor Reviews™
For example, financial advisors who have earned their Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation are fiduciaries. To hold themselves out as a CFP, these credential holders must acknowledge they will adhere to the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct and act as a fiduciary when providing financial advice to their clients. Learn More About Fiduciary Financial Advisors
When viewing financial advisor profiles on Wealthtender, look for the Compensation Methods section that shows ways each financial advisor can be paid for their services, including if they offer fee-only financial planning services. Learn More About Fee-Only Financial Advisors
Please note: Wealthtender may be compensated by financial advisors featured on our site and within this guide. Learn more about how we operate with integrity to earn your trust.
How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?
About the author
Founder & CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Wealthtender
Brian Thorp is the founder and CEO of Wealthtender and its Editor-in-Chief. With more than 25 years in the financial services industry, he is applying his experience and passion at Wealthtender to help more people enjoy life with less money stress.
Brian and his wife live in Austin, Texas.
What this article covers
Discover financial advisors trusted by residents of Lexington, Massachusetts in the only local directory featuring 5-Star Certified Advisor Review™ recipients and Wealthtender Voice of the Client Award™ winners, recognition earned for exceptional client feedback. Compare fiduciary, fee-only advisors, CFP® professionals, and specialists to find the right fit for your unique financial needs.
Financial Advisor Directory for Lexington, Massachusetts
📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in Lexington
Double-click (or pinch the map on mobile devices) to zoom in and expand the details for financial advisors whose primary office location is in Lexington.
📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.
Key Takeaways
You can compare Lexington financial advisors by credentials, specialty and verified client reviews before you contact anyone.
The map shows advisors whose primary office is in Lexington. Profiles include Certified Advisor Reviews™, designations such as the CFP® and the services each advisor offers.
Lexington’s defense research, biotech jobs and seven-figure home values shape the planning help many residents need.
Many Lexington households earn their income at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, nearby Hanscom Air Force Base or the town’s life sciences companies, which brings pensions, federal benefits and equity compensation into the picture. Single-family homes now sell for well over $1 million, so the family home is often the largest asset. A large stock sale, home sale or estate can also run into the Massachusetts 4% surtax and the state estate tax.
Interview more than one advisor and confirm how each one is paid.
Ask about services, fees and whether the advisor acts as a fiduciary, then check their background for free on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website before you hire.
Financial Planning Considerations for Lexington Residents
Every city has its own financial landscape. Here are a few local factors worth discussing with a Lexington financial advisor.
Defense research and federal benefits
MIT Lincoln Laboratory, a federally funded research center headquartered in Lexington, employed about 4,500 MIT staff in fiscal 2025, and Hanscom Air Force Base is nearby. Engineers, scientists, service members and federal civilians here often juggle different retirement systems: an employer pension and 403(b), or FERS and the Thrift Savings Plan. Coordinating survivor benefits, pension elections and the timing of a move to the private sector is where a planner who understands these plans can add real value.
Biotech equity and concentrated stock
Lexington is home to a cluster of life sciences employers, with Takeda among the largest private employers in town. Pay packages at drug developers and tech firms often include RSUs, stock options and an employee stock purchase plan, and early-stage companies can be acquired or lose value quickly. A good advisor helps you decide when to sell vested shares, how to handle the tax on exercises and how much of your net worth should ride on one company’s pipeline.
Seven-figure homes and housing wealth
The median sale price of a single-family home in Lexington was $1,880,000 in 2025, up 10.6% from 2024, according to the Massachusetts Association of Realtors. For many longtime owners, the house is now the biggest asset on the balance sheet. When you sell a primary residence, federal law excludes up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for most married couples filing jointly) if you meet the two-year ownership and use tests, so gains above that can create a sizable tax bill worth planning for before you downsize.
Massachusetts taxes on big incomes and estates
Massachusetts taxes most income at a flat 5.00%, but for tax year 2026 an additional 4% surtax applies to income above $1,107,750. A big RSU vest, option exercise or home sale can push a household over that line in a single year. The state also has its own estate tax: a return is required when the gross estate exceeds $2 million, with a $99,600 credit for deaths on or after January 1, 2023. A paid-off Lexington home plus savings can easily reach that level. See the Mass.gov tax rates page for details.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in Lexington
Hiring a financial advisor can be a great move to help you build a long-term investing strategy. Advisors can help you build an investment portfolio to meet your financial goals and help you plan appropriately for retirement.
As a resident of Lexington, hiring a financial advisor who lives nearby and understands the local economy, cost of living, and regional employers can be quite valuable, especially if your individual circumstances are deeply tied to such factors.
When you reach out to financial advisors you’re considering hiring, let them know where you work and ask if they are familiar with your employer’s unique benefits and compensation structure.
Types of Financial Advisors You’ll Find on Wealthtender
Thousands of people visit Wealthtender each month to find and compare financial advisors based on their location, education, experience, areas of specialization and online reviews. Wealthtender’s Certified Advisor Reviews™ help consumers make informed hiring decisions with important details about the relationship between reviewers and advisors always displayed to ensure you gain the transparency you deserve when your life savings could be at stake.
On Wealthtender, you can explore a diverse range of financial advisors and wealth management firms that include:
- Fiduciary advisors committed to acting in clients’ best interests
- CFP® professionals with advanced financial planning credentials
- Fee-only advisors compensated solely by clients
- Advisors for growing families, people nearing retirement, and business owners
- Specialists across multiple categories (e.g., life stage, occupation, ethnicity, lifestyle, religion)
- Highly-rated advisors with positive client reviews
- Firms of varying sizes with advisors who can meet with you in person or online
- Fee-based advisors who offer access to insurance and alternative investments
How to use this directory: Compare financial advisors in the Lexington area based on what matters most to you. Use the directory to:
- View advisor profiles to evaluate credentials, services, and areas of specialization
- Read Certified Advisor Reviews™ to learn what clients value most
- Identify advisors recognized with Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™
- Contact advisors and schedule free introductory video calls
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™: Top Rated Lexington Financial Advisors
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™ recognize financial advisors and firms that consistently earn exceptional client feedback. Below are Lexington-area advisors and firms that have met the criteria for Highly Rated recognition.
| Firm/Advisor | Firm | City | State | Voice of the Client Award | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Ouellette, AIF, CFS, LUTCF, CRPC | Ouellette Wealth Management Group | Lexington | Massachusetts | 2025 Highly Rated Advisor | Website |
To qualify for a Highly Rated award, advisors and firms must achieve an average client review rating of 4.75 or higher (on a scale of 1 to 5) based on a minimum number of eligible client reviews published on Wealthtender within a defined timeframe for each particular award (Timeframe for 2025 Award: 1/1/24 – 12/31/25; Timeframe for Subsequent Year Awards: July 1 of the preceding year through December 31 of the Award Year (e.g., Timeframe for 2026 Award 7/1/25 – 12/31/26). Eligible reviews are limited to clients (as of the review submission date) that advisors/firms must self-attest have no material conflicts of interest and received no compensation in exchange for their reviews. ↗️ View full award methodology & FAQs
Although financial advisors and wealth management firms compensate Wealthtender for marketing services (including eligibility to be considered for awards), Wealthtender’s award criteria is objective and not influenced by compensation. Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards are not a guarantee of future performance or success and client reviews may not be representative of the experience of all past or future clients.
Quick Tips For Hiring a Lexington Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in Lexington, here are a few quick tips to help you find the best advisor for you.
Decide Which Services You Need
Before hiring an advisor, determine what services you need from them. Whether it’s full-service investment management or a plan focused on a specific area of your finances, put together a list of what you’d like help with before contacting an advisor.
Though most people use a financial planner simply to invest for retirement, this is only a small part of what many advisors offer. Here’s a quick rundown of potential services a financial advisor may offer you:
- Budgeting and money management
- Debt management
- Insurance planning
- Retirement planning
- Other investment planning
- Inheritance planning
- Estate planning
- Tax planning
As you can see, financial advisors can help you with your entire financial picture, not just investing. As you start to plan for life’s bigger milestones, you should consider finding a financial advisor who specializes in those areas.
Finding the right advisor can help you minimize risk, maximize gains and take advantage of tax breaks while investing for your future. They can also help you protect your assets with the right kinds of insurance and help you pass on your financial legacy with a proper estate plan.
Consider Your Budget and Payment Preferences
Once you have a list of services you would like, review the fee structures financial advisors offer. Finding a balance between the services you need and the cost of those services will help narrow down the field of advisors you may want to work with.
If you are looking for a full-service advisor to manage all of your investments, consider searching among fee-based financial advisors. If you want to manage your money yourself, consider the flat fee and monthly subscription advisors for ongoing support.
Interview Multiple Financial Advisors
Once you have chosen the services and fee structure you prefer, it’s time to contact a few advisors and interview them. Here are questions to ask financial advisors:
- What services do you provide?
- What are all the ways you get paid? (fee transparency)
- What is your investment strategy?
- How do you measure investment performance?
- How do we communicate about my plan?
Interview multiple advisors to get a feel for who you want to work with. A combination of fees, services, and customer service will help you determine the best fit for your financial advice.
Review Financial Advisor Credentials
Once you find an advisor (or two) you feel comfortable with, it’s always a good practice to check their credentials and the firm’s details. You can do this at the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website.
You can check both the individual and the firm to view their background and experience details, as well as any disciplinary action taken against them or their firm.
As licensed financial professionals, there is oversight into how financial advisors conduct business, so running a quick (free) check on them is recommended.
For additional information about advisor credentials, read our article to learn the most popular designations held by financial advisors, as well as specialized credentials which may be important to consider if you have unique financial planning needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Financial advisors and wealth management firms that consistently receive superior client reviews can also qualify for Wealthtender’s Voice of the Client Awards™ designed to recognize America’s most trusted advisors. Learn More About Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™
Clients and other individuals can submit reviews for financial advisors and wealth management firms that have turned on the reviews feature. Before each review is publicly displayed, financial advisors agree to disclose important information about their relationship with the reviewer to ensure consumers gain the transparency they deserve when their life savings could be at stake. These disclosures also help financial advisors satisfy compliance with industry regulations.
After financial advisors provide the required disclosures, Wealthtender publishes the review with the Certified Advisor Review™ mark. Learn More About Certified Advisor Reviews™
For example, financial advisors who have earned their Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation are fiduciaries. To hold themselves out as a CFP, these credential holders must acknowledge they will adhere to the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct and act as a fiduciary when providing financial advice to their clients. Learn More About Fiduciary Financial Advisors
When viewing financial advisor profiles on Wealthtender, look for the Compensation Methods section that shows ways each financial advisor can be paid for their services, including if they offer fee-only financial planning services. Learn More About Fee-Only Financial Advisors
Please note: Wealthtender may be compensated by financial advisors featured on our site and within this guide. Learn more about how we operate with integrity to earn your trust.
How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?
About the author
Founder & CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Wealthtender
Brian Thorp is the founder and CEO of Wealthtender and its Editor-in-Chief. With more than 25 years in the financial services industry, he is applying his experience and passion at Wealthtender to help more people enjoy life with less money stress.
Brian and his wife live in Austin, Texas.
What this article covers
Discover financial advisors trusted by residents of Carlisle, Pennsylvania in the only local directory featuring 5-Star Certified Advisor Review™ recipients and Wealthtender Voice of the Client Award™ winners, recognition earned for exceptional client feedback. Compare fiduciary, fee-only advisors, CFP® professionals, and specialists to find the right fit for your unique financial needs.
Financial Advisor Directory for Carlisle, Pennsylvania
📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in Carlisle
Double-click (or pinch the map on mobile devices) to zoom in and expand the details for financial advisors whose primary office location is in Carlisle.
📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.
Key Takeaways
You can compare Carlisle financial advisors by credentials, specialty and verified client reviews before you contact anyone.
The map shows advisors whose primary office is in Carlisle. Profiles include Certified Advisor Reviews™, designations such as the CFP® and the services each advisor offers.
Carlisle’s mix of Army, logistics and college employers shapes the planning help many residents need.
The federal government is Cumberland County’s largest employer, led locally by Carlisle Barracks and the U.S. Army War College, while Amazon and other distribution employers anchor the I-81 corridor. Dickinson College and regional hospitals add 403(b)-style plans, and Pennsylvania’s flat income tax, its exemption for most retirement income and local earned income taxes all affect how households save and draw down.
Interview more than one advisor and confirm how each one is paid.
Ask about services, fees and whether the advisor acts as a fiduciary, then check their background for free on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website before you hire.
Financial Planning Considerations for Carlisle Residents
Every city has its own financial landscape. Here are a few local factors worth discussing with a Carlisle financial advisor.
Military and federal pay at Carlisle Barracks
Carlisle Barracks is home to the U.S. Army War College, and the federal government ranks as Cumberland County’s largest employer. Service members under the Blended Retirement System get an automatic 1% TSP contribution plus matching on their own contributions, a pension of 2% times years served times the high-36 average, and possible Continuation Pay at 12 years. Pennsylvania does not tax retired pay from the uniformed services, which matters for officers who retire here after a War College assignment.
Warehouse and logistics jobs along I-81
Interstate 81, I-76 and I-83 meet in the Cumberland Valley, and transportation and warehousing accounts for about 9% of county employment, according to the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation. Amazon, Exel and Walmart all rank among the county’s largest employers. Shift workers and managers in these jobs often juggle overtime-driven income, 401(k) matches and, for some salaried roles, company stock. See our Amazon employee Q&A for questions advisors hear most.
Dickinson College and hospital retirement plans
Dickinson College, one of the county’s top employers, contributes 8% of base salary to its defined contribution plan after a year of full-time service, plus a modest match when employees contribute, and offers a separate 403(b) tax-deferred annuity through TIAA or Fidelity. Hospital staff at Holy Spirit Hospital and UPMC Pinnacle face similar choices. Coordinating these accounts, choosing pre-tax or Roth contributions and planning for job changes is where a local advisor can help.
Pennsylvania and local taxes in Cumberland County
Pennsylvania taxes earned income at a flat 3.07% but does not tax Social Security or distributions from eligible retirement plans after retirement age. Locally, Cumberland County residents pay a 0.5% municipal earned income tax plus a school district rate between 0.9% and 1.5%. County property is still assessed at 100% of its 2010 value. Pennsylvania also levies an inheritance tax of 4.5% on transfers to children and other direct descendants, which shapes estate planning.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in Carlisle
Hiring a financial advisor can be a great move to help you build a long-term investing strategy. Advisors can help you build an investment portfolio to meet your financial goals and help you plan appropriately for retirement.
As a resident of Carlisle, hiring a financial advisor who lives nearby and understands the local economy, cost of living, and regional employers can be quite valuable, especially if your individual circumstances are deeply tied to such factors.
Who are the largest employers in the Carlisle area?
These are the largest employers in Cumberland County, which includes Carlisle, ranked by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. Highlighted companies link to Q&As with advice from financial advisors who work with their employees.
- Federal Government (including Carlisle Barracks)
- AmazonRead advisor Q&A →
- Giant Food Stores
- State Government
- Select Employment Services
- Exel
- WalmartRead advisor Q&A →
- Holy Spirit Hospital
- UPMC Pinnacle Hospitals
- Carlisle Construction Materials
- Cumberland County
- United Cerebral Palsy of Central PA
- Dickinson College
- Cumberland Valley School District
Work for one of these companies or another large employer? Explore our employer Q&As for advice on making the most of your benefits.
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, Center for Workforce Information & Analysis, Cumberland County Top 50 Employers, 2nd Quarter 2024 (November 2024). County-level ranking; the source lists rank only, without employee counts. Rank 14 (Pinnacle Health Medical Services, a UPMC affiliate) omitted as a duplicate of UPMC.
Do you work for one of the largest employers in Carlisle? If so, there’s a good chance the local financial advisor you hire will also have other clients who work there. This knowledge could prove valuable if they are already familiar with your employee benefits, such as a 401(k) plan, Health Savings Accounts, and other components of your total compensation package.
When you reach out to financial advisors you’re considering hiring, let them know where you work and ask if they are familiar with your employer’s unique benefits and compensation structure.
Types of Financial Advisors You’ll Find on Wealthtender
Thousands of people visit Wealthtender each month to find and compare financial advisors based on their location, education, experience, areas of specialization and online reviews. Wealthtender’s Certified Advisor Reviews™ help consumers make informed hiring decisions with important details about the relationship between reviewers and advisors always displayed to ensure you gain the transparency you deserve when your life savings could be at stake.
On Wealthtender, you can explore a diverse range of financial advisors and wealth management firms that include:
- Fiduciary advisors committed to acting in clients’ best interests
- CFP® professionals with advanced financial planning credentials
- Fee-only advisors compensated solely by clients
- Advisors for growing families, people nearing retirement, and business owners
- Specialists across multiple categories (e.g., life stage, occupation, ethnicity, lifestyle, religion)
- Highly-rated advisors with positive client reviews
- Firms of varying sizes with advisors who can meet with you in person or online
- Fee-based advisors who offer access to insurance and alternative investments
How to use this directory: Compare financial advisors in the Carlisle area based on what matters most to you. Use the directory to:
- View advisor profiles to evaluate credentials, services, and areas of specialization
- Read Certified Advisor Reviews™ to learn what clients value most
- Identify advisors recognized with Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™
- Contact advisors and schedule free introductory video calls
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™: Top Rated Carlisle Financial Advisors
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™ recognize financial advisors and firms that consistently earn exceptional client feedback. Below are Carlisle-area advisors and firms that have met the criteria for Highly Rated recognition.
| Firm/Advisor | Firm | City | State | Voice of the Client Award | Website |
|---|
To qualify for a Highly Rated award, advisors and firms must achieve an average client review rating of 4.75 or higher (on a scale of 1 to 5) based on a minimum number of eligible client reviews published on Wealthtender within a defined timeframe for each particular award (Timeframe for 2025 Award: 1/1/24 – 12/31/25; Timeframe for Subsequent Year Awards: July 1 of the preceding year through December 31 of the Award Year (e.g., Timeframe for 2026 Award 7/1/25 – 12/31/26). Eligible reviews are limited to clients (as of the review submission date) that advisors/firms must self-attest have no material conflicts of interest and received no compensation in exchange for their reviews. ↗️ View full award methodology & FAQs
Although financial advisors and wealth management firms compensate Wealthtender for marketing services (including eligibility to be considered for awards), Wealthtender’s award criteria is objective and not influenced by compensation. Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards are not a guarantee of future performance or success and client reviews may not be representative of the experience of all past or future clients.
Quick Tips For Hiring a Carlisle Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in Carlisle, here are a few quick tips to help you find the best advisor for you.
Decide Which Services You Need
Before hiring an advisor, determine what services you need from them. Whether it’s full-service investment management or a plan focused on a specific area of your finances, put together a list of what you’d like help with before contacting an advisor.
Though most people use a financial planner simply to invest for retirement, this is only a small part of what many advisors offer. Here’s a quick rundown of potential services a financial advisor may offer you:
- Budgeting and money management
- Debt management
- Insurance planning
- Retirement planning
- Other investment planning
- Inheritance planning
- Estate planning
- Tax planning
As you can see, financial advisors can help you with your entire financial picture, not just investing. As you start to plan for life’s bigger milestones, you should consider finding a financial advisor who specializes in those areas.
Finding the right advisor can help you minimize risk, maximize gains and take advantage of tax breaks while investing for your future. They can also help you protect your assets with the right kinds of insurance and help you pass on your financial legacy with a proper estate plan.
Consider Your Budget and Payment Preferences
Once you have a list of services you would like, review the fee structures financial advisors offer. Finding a balance between the services you need and the cost of those services will help narrow down the field of advisors you may want to work with.
If you are looking for a full-service advisor to manage all of your investments, consider searching among fee-based financial advisors. If you want to manage your money yourself, consider the flat fee and monthly subscription advisors for ongoing support.
Interview Multiple Financial Advisors
Once you have chosen the services and fee structure you prefer, it’s time to contact a few advisors and interview them. Here are questions to ask financial advisors:
- What services do you provide?
- What are all the ways you get paid? (fee transparency)
- What is your investment strategy?
- How do you measure investment performance?
- How do we communicate about my plan?
Interview multiple advisors to get a feel for who you want to work with. A combination of fees, services, and customer service will help you determine the best fit for your financial advice.
Review Financial Advisor Credentials
Once you find an advisor (or two) you feel comfortable with, it’s always a good practice to check their credentials and the firm’s details. You can do this at the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website.
You can check both the individual and the firm to view their background and experience details, as well as any disciplinary action taken against them or their firm.
As licensed financial professionals, there is oversight into how financial advisors conduct business, so running a quick (free) check on them is recommended.
For additional information about advisor credentials, read our article to learn the most popular designations held by financial advisors, as well as specialized credentials which may be important to consider if you have unique financial planning needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Financial advisors and wealth management firms that consistently receive superior client reviews can also qualify for Wealthtender’s Voice of the Client Awards™ designed to recognize America’s most trusted advisors. Learn More About Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™
Clients and other individuals can submit reviews for financial advisors and wealth management firms that have turned on the reviews feature. Before each review is publicly displayed, financial advisors agree to disclose important information about their relationship with the reviewer to ensure consumers gain the transparency they deserve when their life savings could be at stake. These disclosures also help financial advisors satisfy compliance with industry regulations.
After financial advisors provide the required disclosures, Wealthtender publishes the review with the Certified Advisor Review™ mark. Learn More About Certified Advisor Reviews™
For example, financial advisors who have earned their Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation are fiduciaries. To hold themselves out as a CFP, these credential holders must acknowledge they will adhere to the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct and act as a fiduciary when providing financial advice to their clients. Learn More About Fiduciary Financial Advisors
When viewing financial advisor profiles on Wealthtender, look for the Compensation Methods section that shows ways each financial advisor can be paid for their services, including if they offer fee-only financial planning services. Learn More About Fee-Only Financial Advisors
Please note: Wealthtender may be compensated by financial advisors featured on our site and within this guide. Learn more about how we operate with integrity to earn your trust.
How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?
About the author
Founder & CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Wealthtender
Brian Thorp is the founder and CEO of Wealthtender and its Editor-in-Chief. With more than 25 years in the financial services industry, he is applying his experience and passion at Wealthtender to help more people enjoy life with less money stress.
Brian and his wife live in Austin, Texas.
What this article covers
Discover financial advisors trusted by residents of Norfolk, Virginia in the only local directory featuring 5-Star Certified Advisor Review™ recipients and Wealthtender Voice of the Client Award™ winners, recognition earned for exceptional client feedback. Compare fiduciary, fee-only advisors, CFP® professionals, and specialists to find the right fit for your unique financial needs.
Financial Advisor Directory for Norfolk, Virginia
📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in Norfolk
Double-click (or pinch the map on mobile devices) to zoom in and expand the details for financial advisors whose primary office location is in Norfolk.
📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.
Key Takeaways
You can compare Norfolk financial advisors by credentials, specialty and verified client reviews before you contact anyone.
The map shows advisors whose primary office is in Norfolk. Profiles include Certified Advisor Reviews™, designations such as the CFP® and the services each advisor offers.
Norfolk’s Navy, health care and port economy shape the financial planning many residents need.
Norfolk is home to the Navy’s largest concentration of naval forces, so military pay, the Thrift Savings Plan and federal pensions sit at the center of many household plans, and Virginia lets eligible retirees subtract up to $40,000 of military retirement income starting with 2025 returns. Sentara, the city’s universities and the port add their own benefit packages, and because standard homeowners policies don’t cover flooding, flood insurance belongs in most Norfolk plans.
Interview more than one advisor and confirm how each one is paid.
Ask about services, fees and whether the advisor acts as a fiduciary, then check their background for free on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website before you hire.
Financial Planning Considerations for Norfolk Residents
Every city has its own financial landscape. Here are a few local factors worth discussing with a Norfolk financial advisor.
Navy and DoD civilian pay and benefits
Naval Station Norfolk is home to the Navy’s largest concentration of naval forces, and the U.S. Department of Defense is the city’s largest employer. Service members under the Blended Retirement System receive an automatic 1% Thrift Savings Plan contribution plus matching on up to 5% of pay they contribute, while DoD civilians earn a FERS pension, Social Security credit and the same TSP match. Planning around PCS moves, a second career after service and coordinating a military pension with civilian benefits are common needs here.
Virginia’s $40,000 military retirement subtraction
Virginia lets eligible taxpayers subtract up to $40,000 of military retirement income on 2025 and later state returns, up from $20,000 for 2023 and $30,000 for 2024. Survivor Benefit Plan payments to a veteran’s surviving spouse also qualify, and each spouse on a joint return can claim up to the cap on his or her own benefits. TSP withdrawals and FERS or CSRS annuities do not qualify even when military years were bought back into a civilian pension. Details are on Virginia Tax’s Military Benefits Subtraction FAQ.
Health care, universities and the port
Beyond the Navy, many Norfolk paychecks come from Sentara Health, a not-for-profit system with more than 34,700 colleagues and 12 hospitals, and from Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University. In July 2024 Eastern Virginia Medical School joined ODU to form Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. Port employers such as Virginia International Terminals round out the list. Workers moving between these employers often need help comparing retirement plans and consolidating old accounts.
Tidal flooding and flood insurance
Norfolk sits low along the Elizabeth River and Chesapeake Bay, and the City of Norfolk reminds residents that homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, so a separate policy, often through the National Flood Insurance Program, is usually needed. Under FEMA’s rules, a new NFIP policy generally takes effect 30 days after purchase, so it has to be in place well before a storm. The city’s Norfolk Air tool shows whether an address is in a flood zone, which also matters when weighing a home purchase.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in Norfolk
Hiring a financial advisor can be a great move to help you build a long-term investing strategy. Advisors can help you build an investment portfolio to meet your financial goals and help you plan appropriately for retirement.
As a resident of Norfolk, hiring a financial advisor who lives nearby and understands the local economy, cost of living, and regional employers can be quite valuable, especially if your individual circumstances are deeply tied to such factors.
Who are the largest employers in the Norfolk area?
Norfolk’s largest employers are led by the Department of Defense, followed by health systems, public schools, local government and the city’s universities. The list below reflects employers ranked by Virginia Works for the City of Norfolk. Highlighted companies link to Q&As with advice from financial advisors who work with their employees.
- U.S. Department of Defense
- Sentara Health
- Norfolk Public Schools
- City of Norfolk
- Old Dominion University
- Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters
- Norfolk State University
- ADP
- Hampton Roads Connector Partners
- Security Forces, Inc.
- WalmartRead advisor Q&A →
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Virginia International Terminals
Work for one of these companies or another large employer? Explore our employer Q&As for advice on making the most of your benefits.
Source: Virginia Works, Community Profile: Norfolk city, 50 Largest Employers (3rd quarter 2025 data, updated April 2026). Virginia Works ranks employers by Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages data and does not publish headcounts. Rankings cover employers located in the City of Norfolk only.
Do you work for one of the largest employers in Norfolk? If so, there’s a good chance the local financial advisor you hire will also have other clients who work there. This knowledge could prove valuable if they are already familiar with your employee benefits, such as a 401(k) plan, Health Savings Accounts, and other components of your total compensation package.
When you reach out to financial advisors you’re considering hiring, let them know where you work and ask if they are familiar with your employer’s unique benefits and compensation structure.
Types of Financial Advisors You’ll Find on Wealthtender
Thousands of people visit Wealthtender each month to find and compare financial advisors based on their location, education, experience, areas of specialization and online reviews. Wealthtender’s Certified Advisor Reviews™ help consumers make informed hiring decisions with important details about the relationship between reviewers and advisors always displayed to ensure you gain the transparency you deserve when your life savings could be at stake.
On Wealthtender, you can explore a diverse range of financial advisors and wealth management firms that include:
- Fiduciary advisors committed to acting in clients’ best interests
- CFP® professionals with advanced financial planning credentials
- Fee-only advisors compensated solely by clients
- Advisors for growing families, people nearing retirement, and business owners
- Specialists across multiple categories (e.g., life stage, occupation, ethnicity, lifestyle, religion)
- Highly-rated advisors with positive client reviews
- Firms of varying sizes with advisors who can meet with you in person or online
- Fee-based advisors who offer access to insurance and alternative investments
How to use this directory: Compare financial advisors in the Norfolk area based on what matters most to you. Use the directory to:
- View advisor profiles to evaluate credentials, services, and areas of specialization
- Read Certified Advisor Reviews™ to learn what clients value most
- Identify advisors recognized with Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™
- Contact advisors and schedule free introductory video calls
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™: Top Rated Norfolk Financial Advisors
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™ recognize financial advisors and firms that consistently earn exceptional client feedback. Below are Norfolk-area advisors and firms that have met the criteria for Highly Rated recognition.
| Firm/Advisor | Firm | City | State | Voice of the Client Award | Website |
|---|
To qualify for a Highly Rated award, advisors and firms must achieve an average client review rating of 4.75 or higher (on a scale of 1 to 5) based on a minimum number of eligible client reviews published on Wealthtender within a defined timeframe for each particular award (Timeframe for 2025 Award: 1/1/24 – 12/31/25; Timeframe for Subsequent Year Awards: July 1 of the preceding year through December 31 of the Award Year (e.g., Timeframe for 2026 Award 7/1/25 – 12/31/26). Eligible reviews are limited to clients (as of the review submission date) that advisors/firms must self-attest have no material conflicts of interest and received no compensation in exchange for their reviews. ↗️ View full award methodology & FAQs
Although financial advisors and wealth management firms compensate Wealthtender for marketing services (including eligibility to be considered for awards), Wealthtender’s award criteria is objective and not influenced by compensation. Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards are not a guarantee of future performance or success and client reviews may not be representative of the experience of all past or future clients.
Quick Tips For Hiring a Norfolk Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in Norfolk, here are a few quick tips to help you find the best advisor for you.
Decide Which Services You Need
Before hiring an advisor, determine what services you need from them. Whether it’s full-service investment management or a plan focused on a specific area of your finances, put together a list of what you’d like help with before contacting an advisor.
Though most people use a financial planner simply to invest for retirement, this is only a small part of what many advisors offer. Here’s a quick rundown of potential services a financial advisor may offer you:
- Budgeting and money management
- Debt management
- Insurance planning
- Retirement planning
- Other investment planning
- Inheritance planning
- Estate planning
- Tax planning
As you can see, financial advisors can help you with your entire financial picture, not just investing. As you start to plan for life’s bigger milestones, you should consider finding a financial advisor who specializes in those areas.
Finding the right advisor can help you minimize risk, maximize gains and take advantage of tax breaks while investing for your future. They can also help you protect your assets with the right kinds of insurance and help you pass on your financial legacy with a proper estate plan.
Consider Your Budget and Payment Preferences
Once you have a list of services you would like, review the fee structures financial advisors offer. Finding a balance between the services you need and the cost of those services will help narrow down the field of advisors you may want to work with.
If you are looking for a full-service advisor to manage all of your investments, consider searching among fee-based financial advisors. If you want to manage your money yourself, consider the flat fee and monthly subscription advisors for ongoing support.
Interview Multiple Financial Advisors
Once you have chosen the services and fee structure you prefer, it’s time to contact a few advisors and interview them. Here are questions to ask financial advisors:
- What services do you provide?
- What are all the ways you get paid? (fee transparency)
- What is your investment strategy?
- How do you measure investment performance?
- How do we communicate about my plan?
Interview multiple advisors to get a feel for who you want to work with. A combination of fees, services, and customer service will help you determine the best fit for your financial advice.
Review Financial Advisor Credentials
Once you find an advisor (or two) you feel comfortable with, it’s always a good practice to check their credentials and the firm’s details. You can do this at the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website.
You can check both the individual and the firm to view their background and experience details, as well as any disciplinary action taken against them or their firm.
As licensed financial professionals, there is oversight into how financial advisors conduct business, so running a quick (free) check on them is recommended.
For additional information about advisor credentials, read our article to learn the most popular designations held by financial advisors, as well as specialized credentials which may be important to consider if you have unique financial planning needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Financial advisors and wealth management firms that consistently receive superior client reviews can also qualify for Wealthtender’s Voice of the Client Awards™ designed to recognize America’s most trusted advisors. Learn More About Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™
Clients and other individuals can submit reviews for financial advisors and wealth management firms that have turned on the reviews feature. Before each review is publicly displayed, financial advisors agree to disclose important information about their relationship with the reviewer to ensure consumers gain the transparency they deserve when their life savings could be at stake. These disclosures also help financial advisors satisfy compliance with industry regulations.
After financial advisors provide the required disclosures, Wealthtender publishes the review with the Certified Advisor Review™ mark. Learn More About Certified Advisor Reviews™
For example, financial advisors who have earned their Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation are fiduciaries. To hold themselves out as a CFP, these credential holders must acknowledge they will adhere to the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct and act as a fiduciary when providing financial advice to their clients. Learn More About Fiduciary Financial Advisors
When viewing financial advisor profiles on Wealthtender, look for the Compensation Methods section that shows ways each financial advisor can be paid for their services, including if they offer fee-only financial planning services. Learn More About Fee-Only Financial Advisors
Please note: Wealthtender may be compensated by financial advisors featured on our site and within this guide. Learn more about how we operate with integrity to earn your trust.
How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?
About the author
Founder & CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Wealthtender
Brian Thorp is the founder and CEO of Wealthtender and its Editor-in-Chief. With more than 25 years in the financial services industry, he is applying his experience and passion at Wealthtender to help more people enjoy life with less money stress.
Brian and his wife live in Austin, Texas.
What this article covers
Find financial advisors across New London County, from New London and Groton to Mystic and Norwich. This guide also covers local planning factors such as Electric Boat and Navy pay, Pfizer stock and coastal storm coverage, the area’s largest employers, top-rated advisors, and tips for hiring the right advisor for your needs.
Financial Advisor Directory for New London County, Connecticut
📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in New London County
Double-click (or pinch the map on mobile devices) to zoom in and expand the details for financial advisors whose primary office location is in New London County.
📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.
Key Takeaways
You can compare New London County financial advisors by credentials, specialty and verified client reviews before you contact anyone.
The map shows advisors whose primary office is in New London County. Profiles include Certified Advisor Reviews™, designations such as the CFP® and the services each advisor offers.
New London County’s submarine, Navy and pharmaceutical jobs shape the planning help many residents need.
Electric Boat and the Navy submarine base each count more than 11,000 workers in Groton, and Pfizer adds more than 4,000, raising questions about overtime, military benefits and company stock. Casino and power plant jobs round out the economy, and coastal homeowners should know how their hurricane deductible works.
Interview more than one advisor and confirm how each one is paid.
Ask about services, fees and whether the advisor acts as a fiduciary, then check their background for free on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website before you hire.
Financial Planning Considerations for New London County Residents
Every city has its own financial landscape. Here are a few local factors worth discussing with a New London County financial advisor.
Submarines and the Navy in Groton
Electric Boat had 11,309 employees in Groton in 2024 and the Navy submarine base had 11,088, according to the Town of Groton’s fiscal 2024 financial report. Electric Boat planned to hire about 8,000 more people across its Connecticut and Rhode Island shipyards in 2026, per The Day. Shipyard pay can swing with overtime, while service members weigh the Thrift Savings Plan and frequent moves. Connecticut fully subtracts military retirement pay from taxable income, per the 2025 CT-1040 instructions.
Pfizer’s Groton workforce
Pfizer employed 4,162 people in Groton in 2024, down from 6,500 in 2015, according to the town’s financial report. Pharmaceutical employees often receive stock awards alongside a 401(k), so a sizable share of their wealth can ride on one company. That shrinking headcount is also a reminder that restructurings can bring deadlines for severance decisions, stock awards and 401(k) rollovers, and an emergency fund buys time to make them well. See our Pfizer Q&A.
Casinos and a nuclear plant
The region is home to two tribal casino resorts, Foxwoods in Mashantucket and Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, per Hartford Business Journal. Casino work often includes tips and shift-based pay that vary month to month, which makes a larger cash cushion and careful tax withholding worthwhile. In Waterford, Dominion Energy’s Millstone Power Station, which marked 50 years in 2025, produces nearly half of the electricity generated in Connecticut, per WFSB.
Hurricane deductibles on the coast
Homes in New London, Groton, Mystic and Waterford sit along the coast, and the Connecticut Insurance Department notes that some homeowners policies carry a separate hurricane or wind deductible, often a percentage of the home’s insured value. A 2% deductible on a home insured for $600,000, for example, means the first $12,000 of storm damage is the owner’s to pay. Flood damage requires a separate policy, and a new NFIP policy typically takes 30 days to take effect.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in New London County
Hiring a financial advisor can be a great move to help you build a long-term investing strategy. Advisors can help you build an investment portfolio to meet your financial goals and help you plan appropriately for retirement.
As a resident of New London County, hiring a financial advisor who lives nearby and understands the local economy, cost of living, and regional employers can be quite valuable, especially if your individual circumstances are deeply tied to such factors.
Who are some of the largest employers in New London County?
These are the largest employers in the Town of Groton, home to Electric Boat, the Navy submarine base and Pfizer, as reported in the town’s annual financial report for fiscal 2024. Highlighted employers link to advisor Q&As about their employees.
- Electric Boat 11,309 employees
- U.S. Navy Submarine Base 11,088 employees
- PfizerRead advisor Q&A →4,162 employees
- Town of Groton 914 employees
- Maintenance Group (helicopter repair) 458 employees
- City of Groton 223 employees
- Doncasters Precision Castings 209 employees
- PCC Structurals 204 employees
- Fairview Retirement Community 184 employees
- ThayerMahan 145 employees
Work for one of these companies or another large employer? Explore our employer Q&As for advice on making the most of your benefits.
Source: Town of Groton, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Fiscal Year 2024, Principal Employers (2024 data, town telephone survey). Counts are Groton employees only, not countywide. Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun and Millstone are outside Groton and not on this list.
Do you work for one of the largest employers in New London County? If so, there’s a good chance the local financial advisor you hire will also have other clients who work there. This knowledge could prove valuable if they are already familiar with your employee benefits, such as a 401(k) plan, Health Savings Accounts, and other components of your total compensation package.
When you reach out to financial advisors you’re considering hiring, let them know where you work and ask if they are familiar with your employer’s unique benefits and compensation structure.
Types of Financial Advisors You’ll Find on Wealthtender
Thousands of people visit Wealthtender each month to find and compare financial advisors based on their location, education, experience, areas of specialization and online reviews. Wealthtender’s Certified Advisor Reviews™ help consumers make informed hiring decisions with important details about the relationship between reviewers and advisors always displayed to ensure you gain the transparency you deserve when your life savings could be at stake.
On Wealthtender, you can explore a diverse range of financial advisors and wealth management firms that include:
- Fiduciary advisors committed to acting in clients’ best interests
- CFP® professionals with advanced financial planning credentials
- Fee-only advisors compensated solely by clients
- Advisors for growing families, people nearing retirement, and business owners
- Specialists across multiple categories (e.g., life stage, occupation, ethnicity, lifestyle, religion)
- Highly-rated advisors with positive client reviews
- Firms of varying sizes with advisors who can meet with you in person or online
- Fee-based advisors who offer access to insurance and alternative investments
How to use this directory: Compare financial advisors in the New London County area based on what matters most to you. Use the directory to:
- View advisor profiles to evaluate credentials, services, and areas of specialization
- Read Certified Advisor Reviews™ to learn what clients value most
- Identify advisors recognized with Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™
- Contact advisors and schedule free introductory video calls
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™: Top Rated New London County Financial Advisors
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™ recognize financial advisors and firms that consistently earn exceptional client feedback. Below are New London County-area advisors and firms that have met the criteria for Highly Rated recognition.
| Firm/Advisor | Firm | City | State | Voice of the Client Award | Website |
|---|
To qualify for a Highly Rated award, advisors and firms must achieve an average client review rating of 4.75 or higher (on a scale of 1 to 5) based on a minimum number of eligible client reviews published on Wealthtender within a defined timeframe for each particular award (Timeframe for 2025 Award: 1/1/24 – 12/31/25; Timeframe for Subsequent Year Awards: July 1 of the preceding year through December 31 of the Award Year (e.g., Timeframe for 2026 Award 7/1/25 – 12/31/26). Eligible reviews are limited to clients (as of the review submission date) that advisors/firms must self-attest have no material conflicts of interest and received no compensation in exchange for their reviews. ↗️ View full award methodology & FAQs
Although financial advisors and wealth management firms compensate Wealthtender for marketing services (including eligibility to be considered for awards), Wealthtender’s award criteria is objective and not influenced by compensation. Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards are not a guarantee of future performance or success and client reviews may not be representative of the experience of all past or future clients.
Quick Tips For Hiring a New London County Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in New London County, here are a few quick tips to help you find the best advisor for you.
Decide Which Services You Need
Before hiring an advisor, determine what services you need from them. Whether it’s full-service investment management or a plan focused on a specific area of your finances, put together a list of what you’d like help with before contacting an advisor.
Though most people use a financial planner simply to invest for retirement, this is only a small part of what many advisors offer. Here’s a quick rundown of potential services a financial advisor may offer you:
- Budgeting and money management
- Debt management
- Insurance planning
- Retirement planning
- Other investment planning
- Inheritance planning
- Estate planning
- Tax planning
As you can see, financial advisors can help you with your entire financial picture, not just investing. As you start to plan for life’s bigger milestones, you should consider finding a financial advisor who specializes in those areas.
Finding the right advisor can help you minimize risk, maximize gains and take advantage of tax breaks while investing for your future. They can also help you protect your assets with the right kinds of insurance and help you pass on your financial legacy with a proper estate plan.
Consider Your Budget and Payment Preferences
Once you have a list of services you would like, review the fee structures financial advisors offer. Finding a balance between the services you need and the cost of those services will help narrow down the field of advisors you may want to work with.
If you are looking for a full-service advisor to manage all of your investments, consider searching among fee-based financial advisors. If you want to manage your money yourself, consider the flat fee and monthly subscription advisors for ongoing support.
Interview Multiple Financial Advisors
Once you have chosen the services and fee structure you prefer, it’s time to contact a few advisors and interview them. Here are questions to ask financial advisors:
- What services do you provide?
- What are all the ways you get paid? (fee transparency)
- What is your investment strategy?
- How do you measure investment performance?
- How do we communicate about my plan?
Interview multiple advisors to get a feel for who you want to work with. A combination of fees, services, and customer service will help you determine the best fit for your financial advice.
Review Financial Advisor Credentials
Once you find an advisor (or two) you feel comfortable with, it’s always a good practice to check their credentials and the firm’s details. You can do this at the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website.
You can check both the individual and the firm to view their background and experience details, as well as any disciplinary action taken against them or their firm.
As licensed financial professionals, there is oversight into how financial advisors conduct business, so running a quick (free) check on them is recommended.
For additional information about advisor credentials, read our article to learn the most popular designations held by financial advisors, as well as specialized credentials which may be important to consider if you have unique financial planning needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Financial advisors and wealth management firms that consistently receive superior client reviews can also qualify for Wealthtender’s Voice of the Client Awards™ designed to recognize America’s most trusted advisors. Learn More About Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™
Clients and other individuals can submit reviews for financial advisors and wealth management firms that have turned on the reviews feature. Before each review is publicly displayed, financial advisors agree to disclose important information about their relationship with the reviewer to ensure consumers gain the transparency they deserve when their life savings could be at stake. These disclosures also help financial advisors satisfy compliance with industry regulations.
After financial advisors provide the required disclosures, Wealthtender publishes the review with the Certified Advisor Review™ mark. Learn More About Certified Advisor Reviews™
For example, financial advisors who have earned their Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation are fiduciaries. To hold themselves out as a CFP, these credential holders must acknowledge they will adhere to the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct and act as a fiduciary when providing financial advice to their clients. Learn More About Fiduciary Financial Advisors
When viewing financial advisor profiles on Wealthtender, look for the Compensation Methods section that shows ways each financial advisor can be paid for their services, including if they offer fee-only financial planning services. Learn More About Fee-Only Financial Advisors
Please note: Wealthtender may be compensated by financial advisors featured on our site and within this guide. Learn more about how we operate with integrity to earn your trust.
How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?
About the author
Founder & CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Wealthtender
Brian Thorp is the founder and CEO of Wealthtender and its Editor-in-Chief. With more than 25 years in the financial services industry, he is applying his experience and passion at Wealthtender to help more people enjoy life with less money stress.
Brian and his wife live in Austin, Texas.
What this article covers
Find financial advisors across Hartford County, from Hartford and West Hartford to Farmington and Glastonbury. This guide also covers local planning factors such as insurance and aerospace pay packages and Connecticut’s retirement income deductions, top-rated advisors, and tips for hiring the right advisor for your needs.
Financial Advisor Directory for Hartford County, Connecticut
📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in Hartford County
Double-click (or pinch the map on mobile devices) to zoom in and expand the details for financial advisors whose primary office location is in Hartford County.
📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.
Key Takeaways
You can compare Hartford County financial advisors by credentials, specialty and verified client reviews before you contact anyone.
The map shows advisors whose primary office is in Hartford County. Profiles include Certified Advisor Reviews™, designations such as the CFP® and the services each advisor offers.
Hartford County’s insurance, aerospace and state government jobs shape the planning help many residents need.
Insurers such as Travelers, The Hartford, Cigna and Aetna often pay partly in bonuses and stock, as does RTX at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford. State employees navigate SERS rules, and for 2026 retirees under Connecticut’s income limits can fully deduct Social Security, pension and IRA income.
Interview more than one advisor and confirm how each one is paid.
Ask about services, fees and whether the advisor acts as a fiduciary, then check their background for free on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website before you hire.
Financial Planning Considerations for Hartford County Residents
Every city has its own financial landscape. Here are a few local factors worth discussing with a Hartford County financial advisor.
Insurance capital pay and benefits
Hartford remains an insurance center. The Greater Hartford Transit District’s fiscal 2025 annual report lists CVS Health (Aetna), Travelers and The Hartford among its principal employers, and MetroHartford Alliance names Cigna and The Hartford among the region’s Fortune 500 companies. Insurance pay often mixes salary with annual bonuses, restricted stock, stock purchase plans and 401(k) matches, and senior staff may face yearly deferred compensation elections. See our Cigna Q&A.
Jet engines in East Hartford
Pratt & Whitney, part of RTX, is by far East Hartford’s largest employer, according to the town’s 2023 annual financial report. Engineers and manufacturing staff may build up RTX shares through savings plans or long-term incentive awards. Holding a large share of savings in the same company that provides your paycheck doubles the risk if that business struggles, so diversification and the tax cost of selling shares deserve a plan. See our RTX Q&A.
State employees in the capital
The State of Connecticut tops the Greater Hartford Transit District’s principal employers list. State employees hired on or after July 31, 2017 in Tier IV of the State Employees Retirement System contribute 1% of pay to a defined contribution account, and the state adds 1%, vested after three years, per the Office of the State Comptroller. UConn Health in Farmington also offers 403(b) and 457 supplemental savings plans, which can be used together to save more before retirement.
Connecticut’s retirement income breaks
Connecticut fully exempts Social Security for filers with income under $75,000 (single) or $100,000 (joint), according to the Department of Revenue Services. Pension and annuity income gets the same full deduction under those limits, and IRA distributions reach a 100% deduction for 2026. The breaks phase out up to $100,000 single and $150,000 joint. Military retirement pay is fully subtracted, per the 2025 CT-1040 instructions.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in Hartford County
Hiring a financial advisor can be a great move to help you build a long-term investing strategy. Advisors can help you build an investment portfolio to meet your financial goals and help you plan appropriately for retirement.
As a resident of Hartford County, hiring a financial advisor who lives nearby and understands the local economy, cost of living, and regional employers can be quite valuable, especially if your individual circumstances are deeply tied to such factors.
When you reach out to financial advisors you’re considering hiring, let them know where you work and ask if they are familiar with your employer’s unique benefits and compensation structure.
Types of Financial Advisors You’ll Find on Wealthtender
Thousands of people visit Wealthtender each month to find and compare financial advisors based on their location, education, experience, areas of specialization and online reviews. Wealthtender’s Certified Advisor Reviews™ help consumers make informed hiring decisions with important details about the relationship between reviewers and advisors always displayed to ensure you gain the transparency you deserve when your life savings could be at stake.
On Wealthtender, you can explore a diverse range of financial advisors and wealth management firms that include:
- Fiduciary advisors committed to acting in clients’ best interests
- CFP® professionals with advanced financial planning credentials
- Fee-only advisors compensated solely by clients
- Advisors for growing families, people nearing retirement, and business owners
- Specialists across multiple categories (e.g., life stage, occupation, ethnicity, lifestyle, religion)
- Highly-rated advisors with positive client reviews
- Firms of varying sizes with advisors who can meet with you in person or online
- Fee-based advisors who offer access to insurance and alternative investments
How to use this directory: Compare financial advisors in the Hartford County area based on what matters most to you. Use the directory to:
- View advisor profiles to evaluate credentials, services, and areas of specialization
- Read Certified Advisor Reviews™ to learn what clients value most
- Identify advisors recognized with Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™
- Contact advisors and schedule free introductory video calls
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™: Top Rated Hartford County Financial Advisors
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™ recognize financial advisors and firms that consistently earn exceptional client feedback. Below are Hartford County-area advisors and firms that have met the criteria for Highly Rated recognition.
| Firm/Advisor | Firm | City | State | Voice of the Client Award | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Beyer, AIF®, CLTC® | Integrity Wealth | Glastonbury | Connecticut | 2026 Highly Rated Advisor | Website |
To qualify for a Highly Rated award, advisors and firms must achieve an average client review rating of 4.75 or higher (on a scale of 1 to 5) based on a minimum number of eligible client reviews published on Wealthtender within a defined timeframe for each particular award (Timeframe for 2025 Award: 1/1/24 – 12/31/25; Timeframe for Subsequent Year Awards: July 1 of the preceding year through December 31 of the Award Year (e.g., Timeframe for 2026 Award 7/1/25 – 12/31/26). Eligible reviews are limited to clients (as of the review submission date) that advisors/firms must self-attest have no material conflicts of interest and received no compensation in exchange for their reviews. ↗️ View full award methodology & FAQs
Although financial advisors and wealth management firms compensate Wealthtender for marketing services (including eligibility to be considered for awards), Wealthtender’s award criteria is objective and not influenced by compensation. Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards are not a guarantee of future performance or success and client reviews may not be representative of the experience of all past or future clients.
Quick Tips For Hiring a Hartford County Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in Hartford County, here are a few quick tips to help you find the best advisor for you.
Decide Which Services You Need
Before hiring an advisor, determine what services you need from them. Whether it’s full-service investment management or a plan focused on a specific area of your finances, put together a list of what you’d like help with before contacting an advisor.
Though most people use a financial planner simply to invest for retirement, this is only a small part of what many advisors offer. Here’s a quick rundown of potential services a financial advisor may offer you:
- Budgeting and money management
- Debt management
- Insurance planning
- Retirement planning
- Other investment planning
- Inheritance planning
- Estate planning
- Tax planning
As you can see, financial advisors can help you with your entire financial picture, not just investing. As you start to plan for life’s bigger milestones, you should consider finding a financial advisor who specializes in those areas.
Finding the right advisor can help you minimize risk, maximize gains and take advantage of tax breaks while investing for your future. They can also help you protect your assets with the right kinds of insurance and help you pass on your financial legacy with a proper estate plan.
Consider Your Budget and Payment Preferences
Once you have a list of services you would like, review the fee structures financial advisors offer. Finding a balance between the services you need and the cost of those services will help narrow down the field of advisors you may want to work with.
If you are looking for a full-service advisor to manage all of your investments, consider searching among fee-based financial advisors. If you want to manage your money yourself, consider the flat fee and monthly subscription advisors for ongoing support.
Interview Multiple Financial Advisors
Once you have chosen the services and fee structure you prefer, it’s time to contact a few advisors and interview them. Here are questions to ask financial advisors:
- What services do you provide?
- What are all the ways you get paid? (fee transparency)
- What is your investment strategy?
- How do you measure investment performance?
- How do we communicate about my plan?
Interview multiple advisors to get a feel for who you want to work with. A combination of fees, services, and customer service will help you determine the best fit for your financial advice.
Review Financial Advisor Credentials
Once you find an advisor (or two) you feel comfortable with, it’s always a good practice to check their credentials and the firm’s details. You can do this at the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website.
You can check both the individual and the firm to view their background and experience details, as well as any disciplinary action taken against them or their firm.
As licensed financial professionals, there is oversight into how financial advisors conduct business, so running a quick (free) check on them is recommended.
For additional information about advisor credentials, read our article to learn the most popular designations held by financial advisors, as well as specialized credentials which may be important to consider if you have unique financial planning needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Financial advisors and wealth management firms that consistently receive superior client reviews can also qualify for Wealthtender’s Voice of the Client Awards™ designed to recognize America’s most trusted advisors. Learn More About Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™
Clients and other individuals can submit reviews for financial advisors and wealth management firms that have turned on the reviews feature. Before each review is publicly displayed, financial advisors agree to disclose important information about their relationship with the reviewer to ensure consumers gain the transparency they deserve when their life savings could be at stake. These disclosures also help financial advisors satisfy compliance with industry regulations.
After financial advisors provide the required disclosures, Wealthtender publishes the review with the Certified Advisor Review™ mark. Learn More About Certified Advisor Reviews™
For example, financial advisors who have earned their Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation are fiduciaries. To hold themselves out as a CFP, these credential holders must acknowledge they will adhere to the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct and act as a fiduciary when providing financial advice to their clients. Learn More About Fiduciary Financial Advisors
When viewing financial advisor profiles on Wealthtender, look for the Compensation Methods section that shows ways each financial advisor can be paid for their services, including if they offer fee-only financial planning services. Learn More About Fee-Only Financial Advisors
Please note: Wealthtender may be compensated by financial advisors featured on our site and within this guide. Learn more about how we operate with integrity to earn your trust.
How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?
About the author
Founder & CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Wealthtender
Brian Thorp is the founder and CEO of Wealthtender and its Editor-in-Chief. With more than 25 years in the financial services industry, he is applying his experience and passion at Wealthtender to help more people enjoy life with less money stress.
Brian and his wife live in Austin, Texas.
What this article covers
Find financial advisors across New Haven County, from New Haven and Milford to Waterbury. This guide also covers local planning factors such as Yale retirement benefits and teacher pensions, the area’s largest employers, top-rated advisors, and tips for hiring the right advisor for your needs.
Financial Advisor Directory for New Haven County, Connecticut
📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in New Haven County
Double-click (or pinch the map on mobile devices) to zoom in and expand the details for financial advisors whose primary office location is in New Haven County.
📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.
Key Takeaways
You can compare New Haven County financial advisors by credentials, specialty and verified client reviews before you contact anyone.
The map shows advisors whose primary office is in New Haven County. Profiles include Certified Advisor Reviews™, designations such as the CFP® and the services each advisor offers.
New Haven County’s university, hospital and teaching jobs shape the planning help many residents need.
Yale and Yale New Haven Health each employ thousands in New Haven, and Yale’s pension, 403(b) and 457(b) options differ by job group. Teachers’ Retirement Board pensions no longer trigger Social Security reductions after the Social Security Fairness Act, and shoreline homeowners need separate flood coverage.
Interview more than one advisor and confirm how each one is paid.
Ask about services, fees and whether the advisor acts as a fiduciary, then check their background for free on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website before you hire.
Financial Planning Considerations for New Haven County Residents
Every city has its own financial landscape. Here are a few local factors worth discussing with a New Haven County financial advisor.
Yale and Yale New Haven Health benefits
Yale University and Yale New Haven Health System each employ 5,000 to 9,999 people in New Haven, according to state labor data in the city’s fiscal 2025 financial report. Yale’s retirement benefits vary by job group: many longtime staff earn a non-contributory pension, while faculty and newer managerial staff use a 403(b) account plan with automatic 5% enrollment, a core contribution and a match up to 5% of pay. Some faculty and higher earners can add a 457(b), which Yale suggests using after maxing out a 403(b).
Teacher pensions and Social Security
Public school teachers in towns such as New Haven, Hamden and Milford earn pensions through the Connecticut Teachers’ Retirement Board. Before January 5, 2025, Social Security’s Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset reduced many retired teachers’ Social Security benefits. The Social Security Fairness Act ended those reductions, per the Teachers’ Retirement Board, so teachers with Social Security credits from other jobs or a spouse’s record may want to revisit claiming plans. Connecticut also lets filers subtract 50% of teachers’ retirement income, per the 2025 CT-1040 instructions.
Shoreline flood coverage
Shoreline towns such as Milford, West Haven, Branford, Guilford and Madison sit on Long Island Sound. Flood damage isn’t covered under standard homeowners, renters or business policies and requires a separate policy, the Connecticut Insurance Department says. A new NFIP flood policy typically takes 30 days to take effect, so buying coverage once a storm is forecast is usually too late. Reviewing flood coverage when buying a shoreline home, and again at each renewal, avoids that gap.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in New Haven County
Hiring a financial advisor can be a great move to help you build a long-term investing strategy. Advisors can help you build an investment portfolio to meet your financial goals and help you plan appropriately for retirement.
As a resident of New Haven County, hiring a financial advisor who lives nearby and understands the local economy, cost of living, and regional employers can be quite valuable, especially if your individual circumstances are deeply tied to such factors.
Who are some of the largest employers in New Haven County?
These are among the largest employers in the City of New Haven, based on Connecticut Department of Labor size ranges published in the city’s fiscal 2025 financial report. Highlighted employers link to advisor Q&As about their employees.
- Yale New Haven Health System 5,000 to 9,999 employees
- Yale University 5,000 to 9,999 employees
- ASSA ABLOY 500 to 999 employees
- AT&TRead advisor Q&A →500 to 999 employees
- American Medical Response 500 to 999 employees
- Knights of Columbus 500 to 999 employees
- Southern Connecticut State University 500 to 999 employees
- United Illuminating 500 to 999 employees
- U.S. Postal Service 500 to 999 employees
- Cornell Scott-Hill Health Corp. 250 to 499 employees
- WalmartRead advisor Q&A →250 to 499 employees
Work for one of these companies or another large employer? Explore our employer Q&As for advice on making the most of your benefits.
Source: City of New Haven, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Fiscal Year 2025, Principal Employers (citing Connecticut Department of Labor, July 2025). Counts are size ranges for employers’ New Haven city locations, not countywide figures.
Do you work for one of the largest employers in New Haven County? If so, there’s a good chance the local financial advisor you hire will also have other clients who work there. This knowledge could prove valuable if they are already familiar with your employee benefits, such as a 401(k) plan, Health Savings Accounts, and other components of your total compensation package.
When you reach out to financial advisors you’re considering hiring, let them know where you work and ask if they are familiar with your employer’s unique benefits and compensation structure.
Types of Financial Advisors You’ll Find on Wealthtender
Thousands of people visit Wealthtender each month to find and compare financial advisors based on their location, education, experience, areas of specialization and online reviews. Wealthtender’s Certified Advisor Reviews™ help consumers make informed hiring decisions with important details about the relationship between reviewers and advisors always displayed to ensure you gain the transparency you deserve when your life savings could be at stake.
On Wealthtender, you can explore a diverse range of financial advisors and wealth management firms that include:
- Fiduciary advisors committed to acting in clients’ best interests
- CFP® professionals with advanced financial planning credentials
- Fee-only advisors compensated solely by clients
- Advisors for growing families, people nearing retirement, and business owners
- Specialists across multiple categories (e.g., life stage, occupation, ethnicity, lifestyle, religion)
- Highly-rated advisors with positive client reviews
- Firms of varying sizes with advisors who can meet with you in person or online
- Fee-based advisors who offer access to insurance and alternative investments
How to use this directory: Compare financial advisors in the New Haven County area based on what matters most to you. Use the directory to:
- View advisor profiles to evaluate credentials, services, and areas of specialization
- Read Certified Advisor Reviews™ to learn what clients value most
- Identify advisors recognized with Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™
- Contact advisors and schedule free introductory video calls
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™: Top Rated New Haven County Financial Advisors
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™ recognize financial advisors and firms that consistently earn exceptional client feedback. Below are New Haven County-area advisors and firms that have met the criteria for Highly Rated recognition.
| Firm/Advisor | Firm | City | State | Voice of the Client Award | Website |
|---|
To qualify for a Highly Rated award, advisors and firms must achieve an average client review rating of 4.75 or higher (on a scale of 1 to 5) based on a minimum number of eligible client reviews published on Wealthtender within a defined timeframe for each particular award (Timeframe for 2025 Award: 1/1/24 – 12/31/25; Timeframe for Subsequent Year Awards: July 1 of the preceding year through December 31 of the Award Year (e.g., Timeframe for 2026 Award 7/1/25 – 12/31/26). Eligible reviews are limited to clients (as of the review submission date) that advisors/firms must self-attest have no material conflicts of interest and received no compensation in exchange for their reviews. ↗️ View full award methodology & FAQs
Although financial advisors and wealth management firms compensate Wealthtender for marketing services (including eligibility to be considered for awards), Wealthtender’s award criteria is objective and not influenced by compensation. Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards are not a guarantee of future performance or success and client reviews may not be representative of the experience of all past or future clients.
Quick Tips For Hiring a New Haven County Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in New Haven County, here are a few quick tips to help you find the best advisor for you.
Decide Which Services You Need
Before hiring an advisor, determine what services you need from them. Whether it’s full-service investment management or a plan focused on a specific area of your finances, put together a list of what you’d like help with before contacting an advisor.
Though most people use a financial planner simply to invest for retirement, this is only a small part of what many advisors offer. Here’s a quick rundown of potential services a financial advisor may offer you:
- Budgeting and money management
- Debt management
- Insurance planning
- Retirement planning
- Other investment planning
- Inheritance planning
- Estate planning
- Tax planning
As you can see, financial advisors can help you with your entire financial picture, not just investing. As you start to plan for life’s bigger milestones, you should consider finding a financial advisor who specializes in those areas.
Finding the right advisor can help you minimize risk, maximize gains and take advantage of tax breaks while investing for your future. They can also help you protect your assets with the right kinds of insurance and help you pass on your financial legacy with a proper estate plan.
Consider Your Budget and Payment Preferences
Once you have a list of services you would like, review the fee structures financial advisors offer. Finding a balance between the services you need and the cost of those services will help narrow down the field of advisors you may want to work with.
If you are looking for a full-service advisor to manage all of your investments, consider searching among fee-based financial advisors. If you want to manage your money yourself, consider the flat fee and monthly subscription advisors for ongoing support.
Interview Multiple Financial Advisors
Once you have chosen the services and fee structure you prefer, it’s time to contact a few advisors and interview them. Here are questions to ask financial advisors:
- What services do you provide?
- What are all the ways you get paid? (fee transparency)
- What is your investment strategy?
- How do you measure investment performance?
- How do we communicate about my plan?
Interview multiple advisors to get a feel for who you want to work with. A combination of fees, services, and customer service will help you determine the best fit for your financial advice.
Review Financial Advisor Credentials
Once you find an advisor (or two) you feel comfortable with, it’s always a good practice to check their credentials and the firm’s details. You can do this at the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website.
You can check both the individual and the firm to view their background and experience details, as well as any disciplinary action taken against them or their firm.
As licensed financial professionals, there is oversight into how financial advisors conduct business, so running a quick (free) check on them is recommended.
For additional information about advisor credentials, read our article to learn the most popular designations held by financial advisors, as well as specialized credentials which may be important to consider if you have unique financial planning needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Financial advisors and wealth management firms that consistently receive superior client reviews can also qualify for Wealthtender’s Voice of the Client Awards™ designed to recognize America’s most trusted advisors. Learn More About Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™
Clients and other individuals can submit reviews for financial advisors and wealth management firms that have turned on the reviews feature. Before each review is publicly displayed, financial advisors agree to disclose important information about their relationship with the reviewer to ensure consumers gain the transparency they deserve when their life savings could be at stake. These disclosures also help financial advisors satisfy compliance with industry regulations.
After financial advisors provide the required disclosures, Wealthtender publishes the review with the Certified Advisor Review™ mark. Learn More About Certified Advisor Reviews™
For example, financial advisors who have earned their Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation are fiduciaries. To hold themselves out as a CFP, these credential holders must acknowledge they will adhere to the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct and act as a fiduciary when providing financial advice to their clients. Learn More About Fiduciary Financial Advisors
When viewing financial advisor profiles on Wealthtender, look for the Compensation Methods section that shows ways each financial advisor can be paid for their services, including if they offer fee-only financial planning services. Learn More About Fee-Only Financial Advisors
Please note: Wealthtender may be compensated by financial advisors featured on our site and within this guide. Learn more about how we operate with integrity to earn your trust.
How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?
About the author
Founder & CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Wealthtender
Brian Thorp is the founder and CEO of Wealthtender and its Editor-in-Chief. With more than 25 years in the financial services industry, he is applying his experience and passion at Wealthtender to help more people enjoy life with less money stress.
Brian and his wife live in Austin, Texas.