9 Best Financial Advisors of 2025
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The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments.
The best financial advisors don't earn commissions for promoting specific investments or other products, which can introduce a conflict of interest. They offer holistic, expert guidance to take the guesswork out of planning for your future goals. They also adjust their approach to meet your specific needs, and they offer a variety of ways to get in touch, including virtual meetings.
This page covers the best financial advisors as chosen by NerdWallet's editorial team. NerdWallet's editorial team rated firms on more than 20 data points and applied a lengthy methodology to find the best picks.
How we picked the best financial advisors
Priority 1: Duty to the client. All of the firms on our list are fiduciary financial advisors, which means they're required to put your interests above their own.
Priority 2: Breadth. Some of the financial advisor firms on our list are traditional financial advisory firms; a couple operate only virtually. Others maintain a network of partner advisors all over the country and refer you to the financial advisor who is the best fit for your needs. (Not included on this list is NerdWallet Advisory, a registered investment advisor operated by NerdWallet that offers advisor matches. We don't review our own products to avoid conflicts of interest.)
Priority 3: Access. The traditional advisors on our list give you unlimited access — if you need them, they will be there. However, we've also included a few financial advisor firms that offer access to a team of financial advisors on an as-needed basis. In those cases, typically you'll talk to a different advisor each time, but you'll generally pay less.
The best financial advisors of 2025
The best financial advisor for you depends on your financial planning needs. Some of these firms match you with a local advisor, while others operate online and meet with clients virtually or via phone.
Best financial advisors
Mariner Wealth Advisors
NerdWallet rating: 4.9 out of 5.0 stars
Reviewed in: Dec. 2025
Period considered: Oct. - Dec. 2025
Fees: 0.60% - 1.25%
Account minimum: $0
Why we like Mariner Wealth Advisors: Like many other financial advisors, Mariner's fees are tiered based on assets under management. But the firm's highest AUM fee is 1.25% on the first $1 million in assets, which is among the lowest for wealth advisors reviewed by NerdWallet. Investors with balances below $600,000 should take note of the quarterly minimum.
Edelman Financial Engines
NerdWallet rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
Reviewed in: Dec. 2025
Period considered: Oct. - Dec. 2025
Fees: 0.50% - 1.75%
Account minimum: Declined to disclose, but minimums may be set, increased, decreased or waived at the firm's discretion.
Why we like Edelman: Edelman Financial Engines can manage assets across taxable and non-taxable accounts, including those within most 401(k) plans or other workplace retirement plans. The firm’s highest annual fee is 1.75% of the first $400,000 in assets under management, which is among the highest for wealth advisors reviewed by NerdWallet.
Facet
NerdWallet rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
Reviewed in: Oct. 2025
Period considered: Aug. - Oct. 2025
Fees: $2,600 and up per year
Account minimum: $0

Why we like Facet: Facet's financial planning services are flat-fee only, so you always know what you're going to pay. Facet offers customized financial guidance and investment management from a dedicated CFP. Facet advisors can work with you on the majority of situations covered by full-service financial planning firms. *Facet Wealth, Inc. is an SEC registered investment adviser. This is not an offer to sell securities or the solicitation of an offer to purchase securities. Facet’s specific investment management services vary depending upon the chosen service level. This is not investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.
Modern Wealth Management
NerdWallet rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
Reviewed in: Dec. 2025
Period considered: Oct. - Dec. 2025
Fees: 0.55% - 1.5%
Account minimum: $250,000 but may be waived or negotiated at the firm's discretion.
Why we like Modern Wealth Management: Modern Wealth Management may be right for you if you’ve already accumulated significant wealth that you want someone to manage, you’re prepared to take full advantage of the planning specialists available and you value the option to meet in-person and you’re located near one of the firm’s offices. Because it uses a tiered fee structure — which is common in the wealth management industry — clients who have the smallest balance pay the highest rates.
Ellevest Wealth Management
NerdWallet rating: 4.1 out of 5.0 stars
Reviewed in: Oct. 2025
Period considered: Aug. - Oct. 2025
Fees: 0.25% - 1.25%
Account minimum: $500,000
Why we like Ellevest Wealth Management: Ellevest's Private Wealth Management option is for clients with over $500,000 in assets. This service offers personalized planning, impact investing and access to a dedicated team that will coordinate with accountants and estate attorneys. Ellevest Wealth Management also offers investment opportunities that help address gender inequality, racial injustice and climate change. Ellevest advisors primarily meet with clients virtually, but may be available in person in select markets.
Vanguard Personal Advisor
NerdWallet rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 stars
Reviewed in: Oct. 2025
Period considered: Aug. - Oct. 2025
Fees: 0.30%
Account minimum: $50,000

Why we like Vanguard Personal Advisor: Vanguard Personal Advisor offers unlimited access to financial advisors for a fee not much higher than a simple robo-advisor. The $50,000 account minimum is high, but the low-cost tax strategy and financial planning may make it worthwhile if you're planning on investing that much anyway.
Best financial advisor matching services
Harness Wealth
NerdWallet rating: 5 out of 5.0 stars
Reviewed in: Oct. 2025
Period considered: Aug. - Oct. 2025
Fees: Up to 1% per year
Account minimum: $250,000

Why we like Harness Wealth: Harness Wealth isn't itself a financial advisory firm — the company serves to connect clients to carefully vetted firms. Advisors on the platform typically charge a 1% management fee, but flat-fee financial planning services and tax help are also available.
Wealthramp
NerdWallet rating: 4.9 out of 5.0 stars
Reviewed in: Oct. 2025
Period considered: Aug. - Oct. 2025
Fees: Varies by advisor (free initial consultation)
Account minimum: $0
Why we like Wealthramp: Wealthramp isn't a financial advisory firm — the company connects clients to vetted financial advisors. The advisors in Wealthramp's network typically charge fees that are on the higher end, as are the expense ratios of the investments used. But Wealthramp receives full marks for their financial planning and tax strategy. Because each advisor has their own fee, you may not know exactly what you’ll pay until you contact the advisors.
Zoe Financial
NerdWallet rating: 4.9 out of 5.0 stars
Reviewed in: Oct. 2025
Period considered: Aug. - Oct. 2025
Fees: Varies by Advisor (free initial consultation)
Account minimum: Varies by Advisor, starting at $150,000

Why we like Zoe: Zoe Financial isn't actually a financial advisory firm — the company connects clients to financial advisors. Zoe's account minimum is fairly high at $150,000, but the advisor access is excellent, and advisors hold at least a CFP or CFA designation. The typical fee ranges from 0.75% - 1.25%, but because each advisor has their own fee, you may not know exactly what you’ll pay until you contact the advisors.
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3 things to remember when hiring a financial advisor
As you review this list of financial advisors and compare options, keep three things in mind.
1. Your budget for advice
Simple, digital-only services will be less expensive; holistic financial planning will cost more. Know what you're comfortable spending before you dive in.
Fee type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
Assets under management (AUM) | 0.25% to 0.50% annually for a robo-advisor; about 1% for a financial advisor. |
Flat annual fee (retainer) | Typically $2,500 to $9,200. |
Hourly fee | $200 to $400. |
Per-plan fee | Typically $3,000, but the cost will vary by service. |
Commission | 3% to 6% of investment transaction amount. |
2. What services you need
Maybe you just want help picking investments, or maybe you need advice on more advanced topics, like estate planning or insurance needs. These requirements will help you choose what type of financial advisor you need. A robo-advisor may be a good fit for picking investments, but you'll need a financial advisor for advanced planning. (View our picks for the best robo-advisors.)
3. Whether you want in-person advice
If you don’t mind meeting with your advisor virtually versus in an office, you might save money. No matter what option you choose, check the advisor's qualifications and make sure they are fiduciaries, which means they must act in your best interests.
» Need more information? Learn how to choose a financial advisor









