What this article covers
Discover financial advisors trusted by Providence residents 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 Providence, Rhode Island
📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in Providence
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 Providence.
📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.
📍 Additional Advisors Who Serve Clients in Providence
In addition to the advisors featured above, these advisors can also meet with you in person in Providence.
Key Takeaways
You can compare Providence financial advisors by credentials, specialty and verified client reviews before you contact anyone.
The map shows advisors whose primary office is in Providence, and the section below it lists advisors who also serve Providence clients in person or virtually. Profiles include Certified Advisor Reviews™, designations such as the CFP® and the services each advisor offers.
Providence’s hospitals, universities and corporate headquarters shape the planning help many residents need.
Health system and university employees often juggle 403(b) and 457(b) choices, while staff at Rhode Island’s large banks, insurers and Fortune 500 companies may need help with stock compensation and concentration risk. Retirees and families with sizable estates should also plan around Rhode Island’s income-based retirement income exemptions and a state estate tax that starts well below the federal threshold.
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 Providence Residents
Every city has its own financial landscape. Here are a few local factors worth discussing with a Providence financial advisor.
Hospitals and universities anchor the job market
Health care and higher education are Rhode Island’s biggest employers, and many of them are based in Providence. Brown University Health (formerly Lifespan) employs about 17,700 people statewide, Care New England about 8,000 and Brown University about 5,500, according to Providence Business News’ 2025 Book of Lists. Hospital and university staff often have 403(b) plans, sometimes alongside 457(b) plans, plus questions about student loans and disability coverage that are worth reviewing together.
Corporate headquarters, banks and insurers
Five Rhode Island-based companies made the 2025 Fortune 500, including CVS Health, Textron, Citizens Financial Group and FM Global. The state’s largest private employers also include Citizens Bank, Amica Mutual Insurance and Fidelity Investments, each with 3,000 or more local workers. Corporate employees often receive RSUs, performance shares or an ESPP, which raises questions about when to sell, how vesting affects taxes and how much of your net worth depends on one employer.
Rhode Island taxes on retirement income and estates
Rhode Island taxes most income, but retirees who have reached full retirement age can subtract taxable Social Security and up to $50,000 of pension or annuity income per person for tax year 2025, if federal AGI is $107,000 or less (single) or $133,500 or less (joint). IRA withdrawals don’t qualify, and military pensions are fully exempt. Rhode Island also has its own estate tax: for deaths on or after January 1, 2026, it applies to estates above $1,838,056, far below the federal exemption.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in Providence
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 living in Providence, 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 Providence area?
Rhode Island’s largest private employers are concentrated in health care, higher education, financial services and defense manufacturing, and many are based in or near Providence. Counts are statewide.
- Brown University Health (formerly Lifespan) 17,723 employees
- Care New England 8,000 employees
- CVS Health 6,900 employees
- General Dynamics Electric Boat 6,300 employees
- Brown University 5,496 employees
- Citizens Bank 4,200 employees
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center 3,585 employees
- Amica Mutual Insurance 3,535 employees
- Fidelity Investments 3,200 employees
- University of Rhode Island 2,807 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: Narragansett Bay Commission, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report FY2025, Non-Governmental Principal Employers, citing Providence Business News, Book of Lists 2025. Counts are statewide Rhode Island employment and exclude government employers. Electric Boat, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center and the University of Rhode Island are based outside Providence (Quonset Point/North Kingstown, Newport and Kingston).
Do you work for one of the largest employers in Providence? 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 Providence 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 Providence Financial Advisors
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™ recognize financial advisors and firms that consistently earn exceptional client feedback. Below are Providence-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 Providence Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in Providence, 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 New York City residents 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 New York City, New York
📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in New York City
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 York City.
📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.
📍 Additional Advisors Who Serve Clients in New York City
In addition to the advisors featured above, these advisors can also meet with you in person in New York City.
Key Takeaways
You can compare New York City financial advisors by credentials, specialty and verified client reviews before you contact anyone.
The map shows advisors whose primary office is in New York City, and the section below it lists advisors who also serve New York City clients in person or virtually. Profiles include Certified Advisor Reviews™, designations such as the CFP® and the services each advisor offers.
New York City’s Wall Street pay, city income tax and coastal flood risk shape the planning help many residents need.
Finance and corporate employees often need help with large bonuses, deferred compensation and concentrated company stock, while city workers have pension and Deferred Compensation Plan decisions to make. Residents also pay a city income tax on top of state tax, and more than 400,000 New Yorkers live in the 1% annual chance floodplain, where flood insurance is bought separately.
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 York City Residents
Every city has its own financial landscape. Here are a few local factors worth discussing with a New York City financial advisor.
Wall Street bonuses and corporate equity pay
The securities industry employed about 198,200 people in New York City in 2025, and the State Comptroller estimates the average Wall Street bonus reached a record $246,900 that year. Big bonus years raise questions about tax withholding, deferred compensation elections and how much wealth is tied to one employer’s stock. Many large companies are headquartered here too. See our Q&As for BlackRock employees, Pfizer employees and Google employees.
City income tax on top of state tax
City residents pay New York City personal income tax in addition to state income tax, at rates from 3.078% to 3.876% under the 2025 rate schedule, with the top rate starting at $60,000 of taxable income for single filers. Nonresidents who commute in aren’t liable for NYC income tax. For retirees, New York doesn’t tax Social Security or New York public and federal pensions, and residents 59½ or older can exclude up to $20,000 of other qualifying pension and annuity income.
City jobs, utility careers and pensions
Many New Yorkers work for the city itself. Employees in a City pension plan can add savings through the NYC Deferred Compensation Plan, which offers a 457 plan and a 401(k) plan, each with pre-tax and Roth options. For certain employees who aren’t in a pension plan, the DCP serves in place of Social Security, which makes contribution choices especially important. Con Edison, which serves about 10 million people in New York City and Westchester, is another large source of long careers; see our Con Edison Q&A.
Coastal flood risk in the five boroughs
According to NYC City Planning, more than 400,000 New Yorkers live in the 1% annual chance floodplain. Flood damage isn’t covered by homeowners or renters insurance, and owners in a flood zone with a federally backed mortgage may be required to carry flood coverage. FEMA notes most new flood policies have a 30-day waiting period. The city’s FloodHelpNY.org site can help homeowners check their risk and compare options.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in New York City
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 living in New York City, 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 New York City 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 York City Financial Advisors
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™ recognize financial advisors and firms that consistently earn exceptional client feedback. Below are New York City-area advisors and firms that have met the criteria for Highly Rated recognition.
| Firm/Advisor | Firm | City | State | Voice of the Client Award | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seasons of Advice Wealth Management | Seasons of Advice Wealth Management | New York | New York | 2025 Highly Rated Firm | Website |
| Joseph D. Stabile, CFP®, CEPA | Coast Financial | Jersey City | New Jersey | 2026 Highly Rated Advisor | Website |
| David B. Rosenstrock, CFP®, MBA | Wharton Wealth Planning | New York | New York | 2025 Highly Rated Advisor | Website |
| Brian Kelley | Oath Planning | New York | New York | 2026 Highly Rated Advisor | Website |
| Charles Hamowy, CFP®, CPA/PFS | Seasons of Advice Wealth Management | New York | New York | 2025 Highly Rated Advisor | Website |
| Mark Dorfman MBA, CRPC® | Seasons of Advice Wealth Management | New York | New York | 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 New York City Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in New York City, 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 Charlotte residents 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 Charlotte, North Carolina
📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in Charlotte
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 Charlotte.
📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.
📍 Additional Advisors Who Serve Clients in Charlotte
In addition to the advisors featured above, these advisors can also meet with you in person in Charlotte.
Key Takeaways
You can compare Charlotte financial advisors by credentials, specialty and verified client reviews before you contact anyone.
The map shows advisors whose primary office is in Charlotte, and the section below it lists advisors who also serve Charlotte clients in person or virtually. Profiles include Certified Advisor Reviews™, designations such as the CFP® and the services each advisor offers.
Charlotte’s banking, health care and corporate employers shape the planning help many residents need.
Bank and corporate employees often need help with stock awards, deferred pay and concentration risk, while workers at Atrium Health and Novant Health weigh workplace retirement plans and insurance choices. North Carolina’s flat income tax is 3.99% for 2026 and is scheduled to keep falling, which can shape the timing of income and deductions.
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 Charlotte Residents
Every city has its own financial landscape. Here are a few local factors worth discussing with a Charlotte financial advisor.
Banking careers and equity compensation
Banking is a defining part of Charlotte’s economy. Bank of America and Truist are headquartered here, and the City of Charlotte’s 2025 financial report counts about 30,300 Wells Fargo employees and 19,600 Bank of America employees locally. Bank professionals, especially in senior roles, often receive restricted stock, deferred incentive pay or nonqualified deferred compensation. That raises questions about vesting, taxes and how much of your net worth rides on the same company that writes your paycheck.
Two large health systems
Atrium Health is Charlotte’s largest employer, with about 39,000 local employees, and Novant Health counts about 14,800, according to the city’s 2025 financial report. Nurses, physicians and hospital staff often juggle 403(b) and sometimes 457(b) plans, student loan repayment and the need for strong disability insurance coverage. Our Atrium Health Q&A covers benefit questions advisors hear from that workforce.
An airline hub and Lowe’s next door
American Airlines employs about 14,900 people in Charlotte, and Lowe’s, headquartered just north in Mooresville, counts about 11,000 in the area, per the city’s 2025 financial report. Airline employees often navigate union-negotiated pay, retirement contributions and travel benefits, while corporate retail employees may receive stock awards on top of a 401(k). See our Q&As for American Airlines employees and Lowe’s employees.
North Carolina’s flat income tax keeps falling
North Carolina taxes income at a flat 3.99% for tax years after 2025, down from 4.25% in 2025. Rate changes can affect when to realize bonuses or gains. Many Charlotte-area households also cross the South Carolina line for work or home, which can mean filing in both states.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in Charlotte
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 living in Charlotte, 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 Charlotte area?
Charlotte’s biggest employers span health care, banking, public schools, aviation and retail, based on headcounts reported in the City of Charlotte’s annual financial report. Highlighted companies link to advisor Q&As about their employees.
- Atrium HealthRead advisor Q&A →39,000 employees
- Wells Fargo 30,291 employees
- Bank of America 19,590 employees
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 18,495 employees
- American AirlinesRead advisor Q&A →14,923 employees
- Novant Health 14,762 employees
- Lowe’sRead advisor Q&A →11,000 employees
- City of Charlotte 8,956 employees
- Harris Teeter 8,239 employees
- Duke Energy 7,900 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 Charlotte, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Principal Employers (fiscal year ended June 30, 2025). Employee counts were provided to the city by the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and may include employees across the Charlotte area. Lowe’s is headquartered in nearby Mooresville.
Do you work for one of the largest employers in Charlotte? 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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte Financial Advisors
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™ recognize financial advisors and firms that consistently earn exceptional client feedback. Below are Charlotte-area advisors and firms that have met the criteria for Highly Rated recognition.
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 Charlotte Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in Charlotte, 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 Philadelphia residents 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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in Philadelphia
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 Philadelphia.
📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.
📍 Additional Advisors Who Serve Clients in Philadelphia
In addition to the advisors featured above, these advisors can also meet with you in person in Philadelphia.
Key Takeaways
You can compare Philadelphia financial advisors by credentials, specialty and verified client reviews before you contact anyone.
The map shows advisors whose primary office is in Philadelphia, and the section below it lists advisors who also serve Philadelphia clients in person or virtually. Profiles include Certified Advisor Reviews™, designations such as the CFP® and the services each advisor offers.
Philadelphia’s universities, health systems and city wage tax shape the planning help many residents need.
Many Philadelphians work for Penn, the city’s hospitals and universities, or corporate employers such as Comcast and American Airlines, each with its own retirement and equity pay decisions. The city’s Wage Tax sits on top of Pennsylvania’s flat 3.07% income tax, and homeowners can lower real estate tax bills through the Homestead Exemption and other relief programs.
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 Philadelphia Residents
Every city has its own financial landscape. Here are a few local factors worth discussing with a Philadelphia financial advisor.
Universities and health systems
The University of Pennsylvania is Philadelphia County’s largest employer, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Jefferson, Temple and Drexel are all in the state’s top 15. Faculty, clinicians and staff at these institutions often save through 403(b) plans, and some also have access to 457(b) plans, which follow different withdrawal rules. Physicians and nurses frequently weigh student loan repayment, disability insurance and how to coordinate benefits when both spouses work in health care.
Comcast, American Airlines and corporate pay
Comcast is headquartered in Philadelphia, and American Airlines, which runs a hub at Philadelphia International Airport, ranks among the county’s ten largest employers. Corporate employees may receive restricted stock, stock purchase plans or deferred compensation, which can build a concentrated position over time, while airline employees often have flight benefits and union-negotiated plans to factor in. See Wealthtender’s Q&As for Comcast employees and American Airlines employees.
The city Wage Tax on top of Pennsylvania’s 3.07%
Pennsylvania taxes income at a flat 3.07%, and Philadelphia adds its own Wage Tax: 3.735% for residents and 3.425% for nonresidents who work in the city, as of July 1, 2026. Pennsylvania generally does not tax Social Security or distributions from eligible retirement plans after retirement age, which can make staying in the area after work more affordable than the paycheck tax suggests. Suburban and New Jersey commuters should still plan for the Wage Tax on city wages.
Property tax relief for homeowners
Philadelphia’s Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable assessed value of an owner-occupied home by $100,000, and the city says most homeowners save $1,399 a year. New assessments for Tax Year 2027 take effect January 1, 2027. Older or lower-income owners may also qualify for the Senior Citizen and Low Income Real Estate Tax Freeze or the Longtime Owner Occupants Program (LOOP), which caps sharp assessment increases. Income limits apply, so check eligibility before the deadlines.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in Philadelphia
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 living in Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia area?
These are the largest employers in Philadelphia County, which shares its borders with the city, ranked by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. Highlighted companies link to Q&As with advice from financial advisors who work with their employees.
- University of Pennsylvania
- City of Philadelphia
- Federal government
- School District of Philadelphia
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
- Temple University
- Temple University Hospital
- American AirlinesRead advisor Q&A →
- SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority)
- Thomas Jefferson University
- ComcastRead advisor Q&A →
- Albert Einstein Medical Center
- Drexel University
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, Philadelphia_County Top 50 Employers (1st quarter 2026 data, published August 2026). The state ranks employers by headcount but does not publish counts. Rankings are by legal employer entity, so large systems such as hospital networks can appear more than once.
Do you work for one of the largest employers in Philadelphia? 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Financial Advisors
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™ recognize financial advisors and firms that consistently earn exceptional client feedback. Below are Philadelphia-area advisors and firms that have met the criteria for Highly Rated recognition.
| Firm/Advisor | Firm | City | State | Voice of the Client Award | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camille Bouvet, CFP® | Oath Planning | Berwyn | Pennsylvania | 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 Philadelphia Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in Philadelphia, 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 Nashville residents 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 Nashville, Tennessee
📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in Nashville
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 Nashville.
📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.
📍 Additional Advisors Who Serve Clients in Nashville
In addition to the advisors featured above, these advisors can also meet with you in person in Nashville.
Key Takeaways
You can compare Nashville financial advisors by credentials, specialty and verified client reviews before you contact anyone.
The map shows advisors whose primary office is in Nashville, and the section below it lists advisors who also serve Nashville clients in person or virtually. Profiles include Certified Advisor Reviews™, designations such as the CFP® and the services each advisor offers.
Nashville’s health care giants, growing corporate base and music economy shape the planning help many residents need.
Employees of Vanderbilt, HCA Healthcare, Nissan and Amazon often need help with retirement plan choices and company stock, while musicians and other self-employed creatives have to build their own benefits around uneven income. Tennessee doesn’t tax wages, but a 7% state sales tax plus local add-ons affects budgets and big purchases.
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 Nashville Residents
Every city has its own financial landscape. Here are a few local factors worth discussing with a Nashville financial advisor.
Health care and corporate employers
Nashville is a health care capital. Vanderbilt University reports 39,171 employees in the Nashville metro and HCA Healthcare 27,694, followed by Ascension Saint Thomas at 9,104, according to Metro Nashville’s 2024 financial report. Nissan North America (11,000) and Amazon (8,400) add large corporate payrolls. Hospital and university staff often juggle 403(b) and 457(b) options, while corporate employees may hold RSUs or an ESPP that concentrate wealth in one stock. Our Amazon Q&A covers those questions.
Music, creative work and self-employment
Music City runs on freelancers: session players, songwriters, touring crews, producers and the many small businesses around them. Without an employer plan, self-employed residents have to create their own safety net, often with a Solo 401(k) or SEP IRA, quarterly estimated tax payments and a cash reserve for slow months between tours or royalty checks. Royalty income, side gigs and LLC structures can also complicate taxes, so it helps to work with an advisor who understands irregular income.
No tax on wages, but a high sales tax
Tennessee has no tax on wages, and the Hall income tax on interest and dividends was fully repealed beginning January 1, 2021. Local governments lean on sales tax instead. The state rate is 7% on most goods and services (4% on food), and local governments can add up to 2.75%. That makes big purchases and everyday spending more expensive, so budgets and retirement income plans should account for it. Our Tennessee guide covers statewide considerations.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in Nashville
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 living in Nashville, 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 Nashville area?
Health care, government and large corporate operations dominate employment in the Nashville metropolitan area. Highlighted companies link to Q&As with advice from financial advisors who work with their employees.
- Vanderbilt University 39,171 employees
- HCA Healthcare 27,694 employees
- State of Tennessee 27,308 employees
- Metro Nashville-Davidson County Government and Public Schools 21,353 employees
- U.S. Government 14,141 employees
- Nissan North America 11,000 employees
- Ascension Saint Thomas 9,104 employees
- AmazonRead advisor Q&A →8,400 employees
- The Kroger Company 8,100 employees
- Western Express 4,521 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: Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report FY2024 (Principal Employers, citing the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Business Journal) (April 2025). Counts are for the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area as of June 30, 2024.
Do you work for one of the largest employers in Nashville? 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 Nashville 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 Nashville Financial Advisors
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™ recognize financial advisors and firms that consistently earn exceptional client feedback. Below are Nashville-area advisors and firms that have met the criteria for Highly Rated recognition.
| Firm/Advisor | Firm | City | State | Voice of the Client Award | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parker Molitor, CKA® | Molitor Wealth Management | Murfreesboro | Tennessee | 2026 Highly Rated Advisor | Website |
| Tim Cantrell, CFP® | Applied Capital | Nashville | Tennessee | 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 Nashville Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in Nashville, 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco, California
📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in San Francisco
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 San Francisco.
📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.
📍 Additional Advisors Who Serve Clients in San Francisco
In addition to the advisors featured above, these advisors can also meet with you in person in San Francisco.
Key Takeaways
You can compare San Francisco financial advisors by credentials, specialty and verified client reviews before you contact anyone.
The map shows advisors whose primary office is in San Francisco, and the section below it lists advisors who also serve San Francisco clients in person or virtually. Profiles include Certified Advisor Reviews™, designations such as the CFP® and the services each advisor offers.
San Francisco’s tech, AI and public-sector employers shape the kind of planning help many residents need.
Workers at Salesforce, Uber and AI companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic often hold equity whose gains California taxes as ordinary income. City employees and UCSF Health staff face different decisions about pensions and deferred compensation, and homeowners weigh Prop 13 assessments and separate earthquake 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 San Francisco Residents
Every city has its own financial landscape. Here are a few local factors worth discussing with a San Francisco financial advisor.
Tech and AI equity compensation
San Francisco is home to Salesforce and Uber, both among the city’s ten largest employers, and to AI companies including OpenAI and Anthropic. Pay often arrives as RSUs, stock options or private-company shares that may be hard to sell before an IPO or company-run tender offer. Incentive stock options can trigger the alternative minimum tax in the year they’re exercised, and California taxes all capital gains as ordinary income, so the timing of exercises and sales can make a large difference.
City workers and UCSF Health careers
The City and County of San Francisco is the largest employer, with 36,822 workers in the city’s latest count, followed by UCSF Health at 29,475. City employees earn a SFERS defined benefit pension and can add savings through the voluntary San Francisco Deferred Compensation Plan, a 457(b) plan with pre-tax and Roth options. Most UC employees hired on or after July 1, 2016 have 90 days to choose between Pension Choice and Savings Choice, and anyone who doesn’t choose is enrolled in Pension Choice, which can’t be revoked.
Prop 13 and earthquake coverage
Under Proposition 13, the base property tax rate is 1% plus voter-approved debt, and assessed values generally rise no more than 2% a year until a sale or new construction. That gap means a recent buyer can pay far more in property tax than a longtime neighbor in a similar home, which matters when weighing a move or an upgrade. Standard homeowners policies generally don’t cover earthquake damage, so earthquake coverage through the California Earthquake Authority or another insurer is a separate decision worth making on purpose.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in San Francisco
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 living in San Francisco, 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 San Francisco area?
The City and County of San Francisco’s latest annual financial report lists these as the ten largest employers in the city, led by city government and UCSF Health.
- City and County of San Francisco 36,822 employees
- UCSF Health 29,475 employees
- Salesforce 11,953 employees
- United Airlines 10,000 employees
- San Francisco Unified School District 9,047 employees
- Sutter Health 6,134 employees
- Wells Fargo & Co. 5,886 employees
- Kaiser Permanente 4,676 employees
- Allied Universal 3,827 employees
- Uber Technologies 3,413 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: San Francisco County Transportation Authority, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for fiscal year 2025, Principal Employers, citing the City and County of San Francisco’s fiscal 2025 ACFR (2023 data). Counts are the most recent available (2023). Private-employer counts in the City’s table come from the San Francisco Business Times Book of Lists, and United Airlines’ count reflects its San Francisco International Airport operations.
Do you work for one of the largest employers in San Francisco? 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco Financial Advisors
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™ recognize financial advisors and firms that consistently earn exceptional client feedback. Below are San Francisco-area advisors and firms that have met the criteria for Highly Rated recognition.
| Firm/Advisor | Firm | City | State | Voice of the Client Award | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vishal Kumar | Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors | San Francisco | California | 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 San Francisco Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in San Francisco, 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 San Diego residents 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 San Diego, California
📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in San Diego
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 San Diego.
📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.
📍 Additional Advisors Who Serve Clients in San Diego
In addition to the advisors featured above, these advisors can also meet with you in person in San Diego.
Key Takeaways
You can compare San Diego financial advisors by credentials, specialty and verified client reviews before you contact anyone.
The map shows advisors whose primary office is in San Diego, and the section below it lists advisors who also serve San Diego clients in person or virtually. Profiles include Certified Advisor Reviews™, designations such as the CFP® and the services each advisor offers.
San Diego’s military, tech and university economy shapes the planning help many residents need.
Navy and Marine Corps families can benefit from California’s partial exclusion for military retirement pay, while Qualcomm and Sempra employees often manage equity awards under California’s high income tax rates. UC San Diego staff face a one-time retirement plan choice, and expanded wildfire hazard maps make home insurance a bigger part of many households’ 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 San Diego Residents
Every city has its own financial landscape. Here are a few local factors worth discussing with a San Diego financial advisor.
Navy and Marine Corps households
Naval Base San Diego is the city’s largest employer, with 38,852 active duty Navy and Marine personnel and civil service employees in the City’s fiscal 2025 financial report. Service members whose legal domicile is in another state generally don’t owe California tax on their military pay. For tax years 2025 through 2029, California residents can also exclude up to $20,000 of military retirement pay if federal AGI is no more than $125,000 for single filers or $250,000 for joint filers, which can shape where and when to retire.
Qualcomm, Sempra and equity pay
Qualcomm employs 10,073 people in the city, and Sempra, the parent of San Diego Gas & Electric and SoCalGas, is headquartered in San Diego. Restricted stock units, stock purchase plans and performance shares can quietly build a concentrated position in a single company. Because California taxes income at rates up to 12.3%, plus an additional 1% on taxable income above $1 million, the timing of vesting, sales and charitable gifts matters. See Wealthtender’s Q&As for Qualcomm employees and SoCalGas and Sempra employees.
UC San Diego and the region’s health systems
UC San Diego is the city’s second-largest employer, with 32,465 academic, support and medical center staff, followed by Sharp HealthCare and Scripps Health. Most UC employees hired on or after July 1, 2016 have 90 days from eligibility to choose between Pension Choice, a UCRP defined benefit pension, and Savings Choice, a 401(k)-style account. Anyone who doesn’t choose is enrolled in Pension Choice. Clinicians and hospital staff often focus on workplace retirement plans, disability insurance and student loans.
Wildfire maps and home insurance
When the State Fire Marshal updated its Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps in March 2025, San Diego County’s very high hazard area grew 26%, to 871,212 acres. Homeowners who can’t find coverage in the regular market often turn to the California FAIR Plan, the state’s insurer of last resort, which provides basic fire coverage. Pairing it with a difference-in-conditions policy can bring protection closer to a standard homeowners policy. Earthquake damage is generally excluded from homeowners policies, so that coverage is a separate decision.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in San Diego
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 living in San Diego, 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 San Diego area?
The City of San Diego’s fiscal 2025 financial report lists these as the city’s ten largest employers, led by Naval Base San Diego and UC San Diego. Highlighted companies link to Q&As with advice from financial advisors who work with their employees.
- Naval Base San Diego 38,852 employees
- University of California, San Diego 32,465 employees
- Sharp HealthCare 21,105 employees
- County of San Diego 18,197 employees
- Scripps Health 13,572 employees
- City of San Diego 13,078 employees
- San Diego Unified School District 12,794 employees
- QualcommRead advisor Q&A →10,073 employees
- Kaiser Permanente 8,566 employees
- Rady Children’s Hospital 6,539 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 San Diego, Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Table 17: Principal Employers (fiscal year ended June 30, 2025). Naval Base San Diego includes active duty Navy and Marine personnel and civil service employees; Sharp’s count is countywide; UC San Diego includes UC San Diego Health and the School of Medicine.
Do you work for one of the largest employers in San Diego? 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 San Diego 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 San Diego Financial Advisors
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™ recognize financial advisors and firms that consistently earn exceptional client feedback. Below are San Diego-area advisors and firms that have met the criteria for Highly Rated recognition.
| Firm/Advisor | Firm | City | State | Voice of the Client Award | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeff Poole | Wealth Analytics | San Diego | California | 2026 Highly Rated Advisor | Website |
| Emilio Cabuto, CFP® | Verus Capital Partners, LLC | San Diego | California | 2025 Highly Rated Advisor | Website |
| Taylor Schulte, CFP® | Define Financial | San Diego | California | 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 San Diego Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in San Diego, 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 Los Angeles residents 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 Los Angeles, California
📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in Los Angeles
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 Los Angeles.
📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.
📍 Additional Advisors Who Serve Clients in Los Angeles
In addition to the advisors featured above, these advisors can also meet with you in person in Los Angeles.
Key Takeaways
You can compare Los Angeles financial advisors by credentials, specialty and verified client reviews before you contact anyone.
The map shows advisors whose primary office is in Los Angeles, and the section below it lists advisors who also serve Los Angeles clients in person or virtually. Profiles include Certified Advisor Reviews™, designations such as the CFP® and the services each advisor offers.
Los Angeles’s mix of public pensions, health care, entertainment and high-value housing shapes the planning help many residents need.
Police officers and firefighters face pension and DROP decisions that are hard to reverse, while health care and studio employees often juggle workplace plans and stock awards. Homeowners also need to plan around wildfire insurance limits after the 2025 Palisades Fire and the City’s Measure ULA transfer tax on high-value sales.
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 Los Angeles Residents
Every city has its own financial landscape. Here are a few local factors worth discussing with a Los Angeles financial advisor.
Police, fire and DROP decisions
Sworn LAPD and LAFD members are covered by the Los Angeles Fire and Police Pension system. Tier 3, 5 and 6 members with at least 25 years of service who are age 50 or older can enter the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP), where monthly pension payments go into an account that earns a guaranteed 5% a year for up to five years while service credit stops accruing. Timing DROP entry, lump-sum choices and survivor options deserves careful review. See our Q&A for LAPD and LAFD.
Health care, universities and studios
Los Angeles County’s largest private employers are led by Kaiser Permanente (47,897 local employees), USC (25,741) and Cedars-Sinai (18,087), with Walt Disney Co. and NBCUniversal each above 13,000. Hospital and university staff often weigh 403(b) and 457(b) plans and disability coverage, while studio employees may receive restricted stock or work project to project with uneven income. See our Q&A for Disney employees.
Wildfire insurance after the Palisades Fire
The January 2025 Palisades Fire burned 23,448 acres and destroyed 6,837 structures within the Los Angeles Fire Department’s jurisdiction. Hillside homeowners who can’t find private coverage can turn to the California FAIR Plan, a limited fire policy with residential limits up to $3 million per location. Coverage for water damage, liability, theft and living expenses typically requires a separate difference in conditions policy, so it pays to review replacement cost and gaps.
Measure ULA and Prop 13
The City of Los Angeles adds a Measure ULA tax when a property sells for more than a set threshold. For sales closing after June 30, 2026, the rate is 4% above $5.4 million and 5.5% at $10.9 million or more, on top of the base transfer tax, with thresholds adjusted each year for inflation. Under Proposition 13, the base property tax rate is 1% plus voter-approved debt, and assessed values generally rise no more than 2% a year until a sale.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in Los Angeles
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 living in Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles area?
The Port of Los Angeles’s latest annual financial report lists these as the largest private employers in Los Angeles County, led by Kaiser Permanente. Highlighted companies link to Q&As with advice from financial advisors who work with their employees.
- Kaiser Permanente 47,897 employees
- University of Southern California 25,741 employees
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center 18,087 employees
- Northrop Grumman Corp. 16,600 employees
- Walt Disney Co.Read advisor Q&A →13,400 employees
- NBCUniversal 13,000 employees
- UPS 12,000 employees
- Providence Health & Services Southern CaliforniaRead advisor Q&A →11,500 employees
- Home DepotRead advisor Q&A →11,000 employees
- Target Corp.Read advisor Q&A →11,000 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: Port of Los Angeles, Annual Financial Report FY 2024-2025, Principal Employers in the Los Angeles County (fiscal year 2025, data from the Los Angeles Business Journal). Counts are Los Angeles County employees of private (non-government) employers as reported to the Los Angeles Business Journal. Large public employers such as Los Angeles County, LAUSD, UCLA and the City of Los Angeles are not included.
Do you work for one of the largest employers in Los Angeles? 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Financial Advisors
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™ recognize financial advisors and firms that consistently earn exceptional client feedback. Below are Los Angeles-area advisors and firms that have met the criteria for Highly Rated recognition.
| Firm/Advisor | Firm | City | State | Voice of the Client Award | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Boyd, CFP® | MDRN Wealth | Los Angeles | California | 2025 Highly Rated Advisor 2026 Highly Rated Advisor | Website |
| Tushar Kumar | Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors | Manhattan Beach | California | 2025 Highly Rated Advisor | Website |
| Peter Garelick, CFP®, AIF® | Global Financial Advisory Services | Los Angeles | California | 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 Los Angeles Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in Los Angeles, 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 Denver residents 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 Denver, Colorado
📍 Map: Financial Advisors with their Primary Office Location in Denver
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 Denver.
📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.
📍 Additional Advisors Who Serve Clients in Denver
In addition to the advisors featured above, these advisors can also meet with you in person in Denver.
Explore nearby city guides
Keep exploring
Key Takeaways
You can compare Denver financial advisors by credentials, specialty and verified client reviews before you contact anyone.
The map shows advisors whose primary office is in Denver, and the section below it lists advisors who also serve Denver clients in person or virtually. Profiles include Certified Advisor Reviews™, designations such as the CFP® and the services each advisor offers.
Denver’s large public workforce, Colorado’s TABOR refunds and frequent hail shape the planning help many residents need.
Many Denver workers at the State of Colorado and Denver Public Schools earn a PERA pension instead of Social Security, which changes how retirement income and spousal benefits fit together. Households also benefit from treating TABOR refunds as an unpredictable bonus and from checking the wind and hail deductible on their homeowners policy before storm season.
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 Denver Residents
Every city has its own financial landscape. Here are a few local factors worth discussing with a Denver financial advisor.
Public employees and Colorado PERA
Government is one of Denver’s biggest employers: the State of Colorado (11,079 employees) and Denver Public Schools (13,251) are among the city’s three largest, according to Denver’s 2024 financial report. Both participate in Colorado PERA, which says that for most members it serves as a substitute for Social Security. The Social Security Fairness Act, signed in January 2025, repealed the WEP and GPO offsets that had reduced Social Security for many PERA retirees, so it is worth revisiting claiming and spousal benefit plans.
TABOR refunds are not a reliable paycheck
Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) requires the state to refund revenue above set limits, and the amount swings widely. For tax year 2023 the refund was a flat $800 per qualifying person; for tax year 2025, the Colorado Department of Revenue lists $19 for single filers with AGI of $52,000 or less ($38 for joint filers). Full-year residents 18 or older can qualify even without owing tax, by filing a DR 0104 or the DR 0104PTC by the October 15 extended deadline.
Hail and your homeowners deductible
Hailstorms regularly batter metro Denver, and the Colorado Division of Insurance notes that many homeowners policies carry a separate wind and hail deductible set as a percentage of the home’s coverage, such as 1%, 2% or 5%. On a home insured for $600,000, a 2% deductible means the first $12,000 of storm damage is yours. Knowing that number helps you size an emergency fund, and the Division suggests asking insurers about discounts for hail-resistant roofing.
The Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor in Denver
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 living in Denver, 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 Denver area?
Denver’s largest employers are anchored by local and state government, the airlines at Denver International Airport and health care, based on employment within the City and County of Denver.
- City and County of Denver 13,995 employees
- Denver Public Schools 13,251 employees
- State of Colorado 11,079 employees
- United Airlines 10,078 employees
- Denver Health & Hospital Authority 8,222 employees
- Southwest Airlines 4,621 employees
- HCA HealthONE 4,612 employees
- University of Denver 4,472 employees
- USDA National Finance Center 4,376 employees
- ADP TotalSource 2,484 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: Denver International Airport, FY2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (Principal Employers, citing the City and County of Denver 2024 ACFR) (June 2025). Counts are for the City and County of Denver only (2024), not the wider metro area. HCA HealthONE appears in the source as CHC Payroll Agent, Inc.
Do you work for one of the largest employers in Denver? 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 Denver 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 Denver Financial Advisors
Wealthtender Voice of the Client Awards™ recognize financial advisors and firms that consistently earn exceptional client feedback. Below are Denver-area advisors and firms that have met the criteria for Highly Rated recognition.
| Firm/Advisor | Firm | City | State | Voice of the Client Award | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Batiste | Crestmark Wealth Group | Englewood | Colorado | 2026 Highly Rated Advisor | Website |
| Nestor Vargas, CFP®, CEPA | AlignPoint Wealth | Lakewood | Colorado | 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 Denver Financial Advisor
Before hiring a financial advisor in Denver, 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.