Best Financial advisors in New York, NY (2026)

How we ranked: Our editorial team evaluated financial advisors in New York City using four weighted criteria. We assigned 35% weight to practice focus and client specialization, 30% to digital presence and online reputation signals, 20% to accessibility and fee structure transparency, and 15% to breadth of services offered. Firms were selected based on our independent assessment of publicly available information as of May 2026, with preference given to advisors demonstrating clear value propositions for specific client segments.

1. Francis Financial

Francis Financial earns our top editorial pick for its specialized focus on clients navigating major life transitions. The firm positions itself as a fee-only advisor with particular expertise in divorce and widowhood financial planning, areas that often require sensitive guidance and technical knowledge. This specialization stood out to us as a clear value proposition in a crowded New York market. The firm's fee-only structure aligns with transparency standards we value, and the specific focus on transitional life events suggests depth of experience in these complex scenarios. For clients facing divorce or loss, this targeted expertise appeared more relevant than generalist practices.

2. Ritholtz Wealth Management

Ritholtz Wealth Management secured our second position based on its strong digital presence and educational approach to wealth management. The firm presents itself as a trusted partner for financial planning and investment strategies, and our review of online reputation signals suggested a practice that emphasizes transparency and client education. We selected Ritholtz for its modern approach to financial advisory services, which appears well-suited to investors who value clarity and ongoing communication. The firm's visibility in financial media circles adds credibility, and the practice seems oriented toward clients who appreciate data-driven investment strategies alongside traditional planning.

3. Stash Wealth

Stash Wealth earned our third spot for its apparent focus on younger professionals and high-earning millennials and Gen Z clients. The firm's positioning in Yelp rankings suggests strong client satisfaction within its target demographic. We found this specialization noteworthy because many traditional advisory firms overlook younger accumulators who may not yet meet high asset minimums. Stash appears to have carved out a niche serving professionals in their peak earning years who need guidance on equity compensation, student debt strategy, and early wealth building. This targeted approach resonated with our methodology's emphasis on clear practice focus and client specialization.

4. Pope Wealth Planning

Pope Wealth Planning ranks fourth in our assessment, presenting as a New York City based practice with nationwide service capability. The advisor describes serving busy professionals, business owners, and individuals approaching retirement, indicating a broad but defined client focus. We appreciated the explicit mention of business owner expertise, as this suggests familiarity with equity events, succession planning, and the intersection of personal and business finances. The .nyc domain signals local commitment while the stated nationwide reach suggests remote service capabilities that extend beyond geographic boundaries. This combination of local presence and digital accessibility aligned with our ranking criteria.

5. Savant Wealth Management

Savant Wealth Management takes our fifth position with its Fifth Avenue office location and stated focus on individuals, families, and business owners. The firm describes offering customized planning and investment solutions, and the Manhattan address signals a practice positioned for affluent clientele. We selected Savant for the breadth of client types served and the institutional credibility suggested by its prominent location. The mention of customized solutions rather than packaged products aligned with our preference for advisors who adapt to client circumstances. While many firms claim customization, Savant's multi-location presence suggests the infrastructure to deliver on that promise.

6. Brooklyn Plans

Brooklyn Plans secured our sixth ranking based on strong local reputation signals and community presence. The firm's appearance in top Yelp results for financial advisors in New York suggests consistent positive client feedback and engagement. We valued this grassroots reputation as an indicator of service quality and accessibility. Brooklyn Plans appears to serve professionals in Brooklyn and surrounding areas, offering an alternative to Manhattan-centric practices. The local focus may appeal to clients who prefer advisors embedded in their communities. This neighborhood approach to financial planning stood out as we considered accessibility criteria in our ranking methodology.

7. Mariner Wealth Advisors

Mariner Wealth Advisors ranks seventh, distinguished by the multiple credentialed professionals listed at its New York location. The firm's roster includes advisors with CFA, CFP, CPA, and CLU designations, suggesting depth of technical expertise across investment management, financial planning, tax strategy, and insurance planning. We selected Mariner for this credential diversity, which indicates capability to address complex financial situations requiring multi-disciplinary knowledge. The combination of accounting and planning expertise particularly stood out, as tax-aware planning represents a significant value add for high-income New York clients facing city, state, and federal taxation.

8. Mercer Advisors

Mercer Advisors earned our eighth position with its Manhattan presence and explicit positioning for high-net-worth individuals and families. The firm describes offering tailored strategies, and the emphasis on high-net-worth clients suggests experience with complex wealth management scenarios including concentrated stock positions, multi-generational planning, and philanthropic strategies. We appreciated the clear articulation of target clientele, which helps prospective clients self-select appropriately. The Manhattan location and branding suggest a practice equipped to serve affluent New Yorkers with sophisticated planning needs. This specialization aligned with our methodology's emphasis on defined practice focus.

9. Creative Planning

Creative Planning takes our ninth spot based on award recognition and its stated commitment to serving diverse investor types. The firm describes providing award-winning wealth management and financial planning services, and appearances in national rankings suggest scale and established processes. We selected Creative Planning for its apparent ability to serve clients across wealth levels while maintaining service quality. The mention of meeting with advisors near clients suggests a distributed model that balances national resources with local presence. For clients seeking a larger firm with proven systems and multi-disciplinary capabilities, Creative Planning presented as a solid option.

10. Be Awesome Not Broke

Be Awesome Not Broke rounds out our top ten with its distinctive brand voice and strong Yelp presence. The firm's name alone signals an approachable, non-traditional perspective on financial planning that may resonate with clients intimidated by conventional wealth management. We included this practice because accessibility and client empowerment appeared central to its value proposition. The emphasis on financial education implicit in the branding suggests a practice focused on building client capability rather than creating dependency. For individuals seeking guidance without pretension, particularly those earlier in their wealth-building journey, this approach stood out as refreshingly different from traditional advisory firms.

FAQ

What should I look for in a New York financial advisor?

Consider whether the advisor holds relevant credentials like CFP or CFA designations, operates under a fiduciary standard, and charges transparent fees. Fee-only advisors typically avoid conflicts of interest associated with commission-based compensation. Also evaluate whether the firm's client focus matches your situation, whether you're navigating divorce, building wealth as a young professional, or managing business ownership complexity. Geographic presence matters less than it once did, but local advisors may better understand New York-specific tax considerations and cost-of-living realities.

How much do financial advisors in New York typically charge?

Fee structures vary widely across New York advisors. Many charge a percentage of assets under management, commonly ranging from 0.5% to 1.5% annually depending on portfolio size, with larger portfolios often receiving lower percentage rates. Some advisors charge flat annual retainer fees ranging from $3,000 to $15,000 or more, while others bill hourly at rates between $200 and $500. Fee-only advisors disclose all compensation clearly, while commission-based advisors earn money from product sales, which may create conflicts. Always ask for fee disclosure in writing before engaging an advisor.

Do I need a financial advisor if I'm just starting out in my career?

Early-career professionals can benefit from financial guidance even with limited assets, particularly when facing decisions about student loan repayment strategies, equity compensation, or retirement account optimization. Several New York advisors specialize in younger clients and offer services scaled to this life stage. If you're earning a solid income but unsure how to prioritize financial goals, a few planning sessions with a fee-only advisor charging hourly or project-based fees might provide valuable direction. Avoid advisors who push expensive insurance or investment products on young professionals with simple needs.

What's the difference between a financial advisor and a wealth manager?

The terms overlap significantly, but wealth management typically implies a broader scope of services including investment management, tax planning, estate planning, and sometimes concierge services for high-net-worth clients. Financial advisors may focus more narrowly on financial planning, retirement preparation, or investment advice. In practice, many firms use the terms interchangeably. What matters more than the title is understanding exactly what services a particular advisor or firm provides, what they charge, and whether their expertise matches your needs. Always ask specifically about the scope of services and any limitations during initial consultations.

Editorial opinion only. Rankings reflect our independent assessment based on the criteria above, drawn from publicly available information current as of 2026-05-14. No firm paid for placement or editorial review.