Finding the right financial planner or financial advisor can make a significant difference in how you manage investments, retirement savings, taxes, estate planning, and long-term wealth. But with thousands of advisory firms operating across the United States, choosing the right one can be difficult.
For 2026, several U.S. registered investment advisory (RIA) firms stand out based on independent industry rankings, client and peer recommendations, assets under management growth, breadth of services and their approach to financial planning.
The 2026 USA TODAY Best Financial Advisory Firms ranking, developed with Statista, evaluated registered investment advisory firms using recommendations from clients, financial advisors and industry professionals, together with assets-under-management growth. The ranking was published in April 2026 and covered 1,000 firms.
Based on the 2026 ranking and additional firm-level research, here are five financial planning and advisory firms worth considering in the USA.
Editorial note: The first four firms below correspond to the top four positions in the 2026 USA TODAY ranking. The fifth is an editorial selection based on its 2026 national recognition and wealth-management capabilities, rather than a claim that it ranked fifth overall.
1. Arax Advisory Partners
2026 USA TODAY ranking: No. 1
Arax Advisory Partners leads the 2026 USA TODAY Best Financial Advisory Firms ranking. Arax says it was selected as the No. 1 advisory firm in the United States from more than 17,000 firms evaluated nationally.
The firm focuses on sophisticated wealth planning for high-net-worth families, individuals, businesses and institutions. Its services include comprehensive wealth planning, investment management, estate and legacy planning, tax and risk awareness, philanthropy and family-office services.
Arax has also continued expanding during 2026. In May, it added The Oak Group, a Hudson Valley wealth-management practice with close to $1.5 billion in client assets. Earlier in the year, Arax added Omni Financial Advisory Group, another practice focused on personalized investment management and financial planning.
Why consider Arax: Its combination of comprehensive wealth planning, investment management and specialized services makes it particularly relevant for affluent families and business owners seeking a broad financial strategy.
2. Waverly Advisors
2026 USA TODAY ranking: No. 2
Waverly Advisors was ranked No. 2 nationwide in the 2026 USA TODAY Best Financial Advisory Firms list.
The firm offers a broad range of wealth-management services, including investment management, financial planning, tax strategy, estate planning, trust services and family-office solutions. Waverly describes its approach as a coordinated model in which specialists work together around a client’s broader financial objectives.
Its scale has also grown substantially. Waverly reported $36.5 billion in assets under management as of September 25, 2026, with more than 500 team members and more than 50 locations across 20 states.
The firm also provides access to alternative investments, including private equity, private credit and real assets, alongside traditional public-market investments.
Why consider Waverly: Investors and families looking for integrated investment, tax, estate and retirement planning may find Waverly’s full-service model particularly attractive.
3. Focus Partners Wealth
2026 USA TODAY ranking: No. 3
Focus Partners Wealth ranked No. 3 on USA TODAY’s 2026 Best Financial Advisory Firms list. The ranking evaluates 1,000 U.S. RIAs using AUM and recommendations from clients and industry peers.
Focus Partners provides investment planning and wealth management built around individual financial goals. Its approach combines advisor-led guidance with institutional research and technology, with an emphasis on tax-efficient investing and long-term portfolio management.
As of January 1, 2026, Focus Partners reported more than $181 billion in client assets, more than 600 advisors and 100 offices nationwide.
The firm also emphasizes a fiduciary investment philosophy, stating that acting in clients’ best interests is central to its approach.
Why consider Focus Partners: Its combination of national scale, personalized planning, investment research and fiduciary-oriented wealth management makes it a strong option for investors seeking comprehensive advice.
4. Apollon Wealth Management
2026 USA TODAY ranking: No. 4
Apollon Wealth Management ranked No. 4 overall among the 1,000 firms included in the 2026 USA TODAY Best Financial Advisory Firms ranking. It also ranked No. 4 among firms with more than $5 billion in assets under management.
Apollon puts financial planning at the center of its advisory process. The firm says it begins client relationships by understanding goals, risk tolerance, financial circumstances and time horizons before developing a customized wealth-management plan.
Its services include comprehensive financial planning, investment advisory, risk management and business services. Apollon also describes itself as a fee-based advisory firm that follows a fiduciary standard.
Why consider Apollon: Its planning-first approach may appeal to investors who want financial planning, investment management and risk considerations integrated into one overall strategy.
5. Cerity Partners
2026 USA TODAY recognition: No. 13 overall; No. 8 among firms with more than $5 billion in AUM
Cerity Partners is included here as an editorial fifth selection, rather than being presented as the fifth-ranked firm nationally.
USA TODAY recognized Cerity Partners in its 2026 Best Financial Advisory Firms list. Cerity ranked No. 13 overall and No. 8 among firms with more than $5 billion in assets under management.
Cerity Partners provides wealth management and financial planning for individuals, families, corporations and institutions. Its services include investment management, estate and gift planning, financial planning, insurance and risk management, tax planning and trust services.
The firm has a particular focus on complex financial situations, including high-net-worth families, business owners and institutional clients.
Why consider Cerity Partners: Its wide range of planning, investment, tax, estate and risk-management services makes it a notable option for clients with more complicated financial needs.
What Does a Financial Planner Do?
A financial planner helps clients organize their finances around specific short- and long-term goals. Depending on the advisor and the client’s needs, that can include retirement planning, investment management, tax planning, insurance, estate planning and cash-flow management.
A good financial planner does more than select investments. The planning process can involve understanding a client’s income, spending, debt, risk tolerance, family circumstances, retirement objectives and legacy goals.
This is particularly important for investors with multiple financial priorities. A coordinated plan can help connect investment decisions with retirement income, taxes, insurance and estate considerations.
Financial Planner vs. Financial Advisor: What’s the Difference?
The terms financial planner and financial advisor are often used interchangeably, but they can describe somewhat different services.
A financial planner generally focuses on the broader financial picture and may help with:
- Retirement planning
- Budgeting and cash flow
- Investment planning
- Tax strategies
- Insurance
- Estate planning
- Education funding
A financial advisor may provide these services as well, but the title can also refer more specifically to professionals who manage investments or portfolios.
The most important question is therefore not simply what title an advisor uses. Investors should understand what services the professional provides, how the advisor is compensated and what legal standard applies to the relationship.
What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor?
A fiduciary financial advisor is required to act in the client’s best interest within the scope of the fiduciary relationship.
Fiduciary status can be an important consideration when comparing financial advisors because not every financial professional operates under the same legal standard.
Before hiring an advisor, ask:
- Will you act as a fiduciary?
- When does the fiduciary obligation apply?
- How are you compensated?
- Do you receive commissions?
- Are you affiliated with a broker-dealer?
- What services are included in your fee?
Understanding these issues can help investors identify potential conflicts of interest before establishing an advisory relationship.
How to Choose the Best Financial Advisor in the USA
The right financial advisor depends on your circumstances rather than simply the firm’s ranking.
1. Check credentials
Look for relevant professional qualifications such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or CPA credentials when they are appropriate for your needs.
A credential alone does not guarantee good advice, but it can provide useful information about a professional’s education, examination requirements and professional standards.
2. Understand the fee structure
Financial advisors can use different compensation models, including:
- Assets-under-management fees
- Hourly fees
- Flat financial-planning fees
- Monthly retainers
- Commissions
- Combination or fee-based arrangements
Ask for a clear explanation of every fee you could pay.
3. Review regulatory information
Investors can research financial professionals through regulatory databases and review disclosures, disciplinary information and other available records before making a decision.
4. Match the advisor to your financial goals
Someone primarily saving for retirement may need a different type of financial planner than a business owner dealing with succession planning, a high-net-worth family managing an estate or an investor considering private credit and other alternative investments.
5. Interview more than one advisor
Do not feel obligated to hire the first advisor you speak with. Comparing several professionals can help you evaluate investment philosophy, communication style, services and costs.
Financial Advisors Near Me: Should You Choose a Local Advisor?
Searching for financial advisors near me can be a useful starting point, particularly if you prefer face-to-face meetings.
However, location should not be the only factor. Many established advisory firms now provide virtual meetings and serve clients across multiple states.
When comparing local and national advisors, consider:
- Fiduciary status
- Services offered
- Investment minimums
- Fees
- Credentials
- Regulatory history
- Communication style
- Experience with clients like you
The best advisor is usually the one whose services and expertise fit your financial situation—not necessarily the one with the closest office.
How Much Does a Financial Planner Cost?
Financial-planning costs vary considerably depending on the advisor, complexity of the client’s situation and compensation model.
Some advisors charge an hourly or flat fee for planning. Others charge an ongoing percentage of assets under management. Some may receive commissions for particular financial products.
Before signing an agreement, ask the advisor to explain the total expected cost, including investment-management fees, planning fees, account expenses and any commissions or other charges.
CFP vs. CFA: Which Credential Matters More?
A CFP and CFA represent different areas of financial expertise.
A Certified Financial Planner is generally associated with comprehensive personal financial planning, including retirement, tax, insurance, estate and investment considerations.
A Chartered Financial Analyst is strongly associated with investment analysis, portfolio management and financial markets.
Neither designation automatically makes someone the right financial advisor for every investor. The more important question is whether the professional’s expertise matches your needs.
Red Flags to Watch for When Choosing a Financial Advisor
Be cautious if an advisor:
- Is unwilling to clearly explain fees
- Cannot explain whether they act as a fiduciary
- Pushes investments before understanding your goals
- Avoids questions about conflicts of interest
- Has unexplained regulatory disclosures
- Makes promises of guaranteed investment returns
- Cannot clearly describe their investment philosophy
A reputable financial advisor should be willing to explain how the relationship works before asking you to commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a financial planner?
A financial planner helps individuals or families develop strategies for managing money and reaching financial goals. Services can include retirement, investments, taxes, insurance, estate planning and cash-flow management.
What is a fiduciary financial advisor?
A fiduciary financial advisor has a legal obligation to act in the client’s best interest when providing advice within the fiduciary relationship.
How do I find financial advisors near me?
You can search professional directories, compare registered advisory firms and interview several candidates. Look beyond location and evaluate credentials, fiduciary obligations, fees, services and regulatory history.
How much does a financial advisor cost?
Costs vary. Advisors may charge hourly fees, flat planning fees, retainers, AUM-based fees, commissions or a combination of these structures.
Is a CFP better than a CFA?
Neither credential is universally better. CFP professionals generally focus on comprehensive personal financial planning, while CFA professionals specialize more heavily in investment analysis and portfolio management.
Are financial advisors worth the cost?
For some investors, professional advice can be valuable when financial decisions become complex. The value depends on the advisor’s services, expertise, fees and how well the advice fits the client’s financial objectives.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 financial advisory landscape offers investors more choices than ever, from large national RIAs to specialized wealth-management practices.
Arax Advisory Partners, Waverly Advisors, Focus Partners Wealth and Apollon Wealth Management stand out in the 2026 USA TODAY ranking, while Cerity Partners is another notable nationally recognized firm with broad wealth-management capabilities.
Still, a ranking should be treated as a starting point rather than a guarantee of investment performance or a substitute for personal due diligence.
Before choosing a financial planner or financial advisor, compare fiduciary status, credentials, fees, investment philosophy, services and regulatory records. The best financial advisor for you is ultimately the one whose expertise, approach and cost structure align with your own financial goals.
Important: Rankings and awards are historical assessments and do not guarantee future investment results. Readers should conduct their own due diligence and consider their individual financial circumstances before engaging an advisor.
