5 Ways to Find a Financial Advisor Near You or Online
Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
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.
If you search “financial advisor near me,” you’ll probably end up with a long list of professionals or firms in your area. But to find an experienced, trustworthy financial advisor, you need to look beyond those initial Google results. After all, you may entrust a financial advisor with sensitive information.
At the very least, pick several financial advisors to call and vet. Here are five ways to find those advisors.
» Just starting your search? Your first step is to know what you’re looking for in a financial advisor. Learn how to choose the right advisor for you.
How to find a financial advisor near you
1. Consider whether you need a local or virtual advisor
Many financial advisors operate virtually, meeting clients through video calls. That means you don't necessarily need an advisor who is physically nearby.
It can be more convenient to schedule meetings if you don't need to travel across town. And virtual financial advisors often offer the same services as in-person financial advisors. That typically includes comprehensive retirement planning and investment management. You may also get help with college planning, home buying and estate planning. Some financial advisors offer tax help and preparation services.
» Ready to get started? See our picks for the year's best financial advisors
2. Use a financial advisor matching service
If you don’t want to jump through those hoops on your own, you can work with a matching firm. These services match you with a financial advisor — in your area or online — for free. Typically, the advisors pay to be part of the service's network, and the service vets the advisors for you. When you sign up, most services prompt you to take a quiz that determines which advisors fit your service needs and budget.
Here are three of the best financial advisor matching services according to our most recent reviews. Each service has a wide network of financial advisors, planners, CFPs and other financial pros across the United States. (NerdWallet also operates NerdWallet Advisory, a registered investment advisor offering advisor matches.)
Provider | Cost | What to Know | |
Network advisors typically charge an annual fee from 0.75% to 1.25% of assets under management. Free initial consultation. | Zoe matches clients with vetted advisors who hold certified financial planner, certified public accountant and/or chartered financial analyst designations. Some of Zoe’s advisors can even help you with tax preparation. | ||
Network advisors typically charge around 1% of assets under management. Flat fee structures also available for some services, such as financial plans and tax preparation and filing. | All of the financial advisory firms on the Harness Wealth platform are fiduciaries, which means they legally must work in the best interest of their clients. Network advisors include CFPs, CFAs, CPAs and tax attorneys. | ||
Varies. | Wealthramp offers a network of advisors that are vetted fiduciaries. Potential clients fill out an online survey and are matched with up to three advisors — they can then review the advisors' profiles and opt to schedule free initial consultations over phone, Zoom, chat or in person. Wealthramp takes care to match clients based on specific criteria — a local area or other preferences. For example, if you’d prefer to work with an advisor who identifies as a woman, you can filter for that. | ||
3. Ask for a recommendation
Ask your local network for recommendations. Often, people have long-term relationships with their financial advisors. Check with family, friends or colleagues to see who they work with. If your friend has worked with an advisor for 10 years and loves them, it's probably a good sign.
Also, leverage your existing financial services connections. For example, your tax preparer may work with financial advisors and could point you in the right direction.
4. Check with professional financial advisor organizations
National and local financial planner associations can help you find the right financial planner. Here are just a few.
The CFP Board sets the standards and requirements for becoming a certified financial planner (CFP). CFPs must prove their competency by passing a rigorous exam that covers a wide range of financial planning topics. They must also fulfill a professional experience requirement. You can search using several criteria.
The Financial Planning Association is a professional organization for financial planners. It also offers access to pro bono services and helps consumers find a financial planner. The site offers a location-based search
Financial Planning Association. Find a Financial Planner. Accessed Oct 9, 2025..The Association of African American Financial Advisors, or Quad-A, is a nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to help Black investors grow generational wealth through expert guidance. The organization can help you find a Black advisor who can assist you with all your financial needs. The site has a financial advisor directory
Association of African American Financial Advisors. Find a Financial Advisor. Accessed Oct 9, 2025..The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors was founded in 1983 and supports over 4,600 financial planners and advisors across the country. NAPFA members are fee-only advisors and follow a strict code of ethics guided by their fiduciary duty, which means they must look out for your best interests when providing financial planning services
NAPFA. Find an Advisor. Accessed Oct 9, 2025..
5. Tap into a financial planning network
Financial networks are groups of independent financial pros who may be able to help with both holistic planning and specialized concerns.
Garrett Planning Network member advisors must be fee-only, offer financial planning services on an hourly or as-needed basis, be financially accessible, hold or be working toward a CFP, CPA or Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation, and adhere to a fiduciary oath
Garrett Planning Network. Search Member Profiles. Accessed Oct 9, 2025..XY Planning Network advisors offer virtual services. Advisors are CFPs and work on a commission-free basis
XY Planning. Find a Financial Advisor. Accessed Oct 9, 2025..CHIP matches clients with Black, Hispanic and Latinx financial advisors and professionals. The advisors can assist with estate planning, tax strategy and financial planning
CHIP. Search For a Pro. Accessed Oct 9, 2025..