1. Financial Planning Association – An Association of Certified Financial Planners
This search engine allows you to search a database of Certified Financial PlannersTM by their area of specialty, compensation method, and by any income or asset minimums they may have.
Pros: This is a fabulous way to make sure you are hiring a Certified Financial PlannerTM and then narrow your search to make sure you find a financial advisor that has the right area of expertise.
Cons: None
2. All Financial Advisors - A Directory Of Financial Professionals
All Financial Advisors provides a comprehensive listing of financial planning and investment management firms located in larger metropolitan areas. You will find both fee-only, and fee-based advisors in their directory.
Pros: You'll find a solid list of financial planning and investment management firms who are looking for new clients. You can browse many listings from this site and get a good overview of the types of firms available to hire.
Cons: You will need to search through the listings to find firms and financial advisors that offer the services and compensation structure that you prefer.
3. NAPFA – An Association of Fee-Only Financial Advisors
Put in your city and state to find a listing of fee-only financial advisors who practice near you. All members of NAPFA(National Association of Personal Financial Advisors) are fee-only.
Pros: Compared to the population of financial advisors as a whole, NAPFA members typically are more experienced, credentialed, and have well-established practices. They also must meet stringent continuing education requirements as NAPFA requires 60 hours of continuing education every two years to remain a member.
Cons: NAPFA members may have minimum fees, or minimum asset requirements; some will not work with clients who have a portfolio less than $500,000.
4. Garrett Planning Network – Financial Advisors Who Charge An Hourly Rate
Plug in your zip code to find a listing of financial advisors who provide hourly financial planning.
Pros: Hourly planning can be a great way to get an objective opinion about financial decisions. An hourly financial advisor can run a full blown financial plan, or help with smaller specific projects such as the allocation of a 401k plan.
Cons: If you are looking for an ongoing relationship with a financial advisor who knows your situation inside and out, then hourly planning is not the way to go.
5. Paladin Registry - A Matching Service To Help You Find The Right Advisor
Paladin Registry provides a tremendous amount of educational material which can help you find the right financial advisor for your needs. Once you fill in the basic information about your family, you are personally matched with a few select advisors that meet your requirements. Advisors may be fee-only or fee-based.
Pros: No need to search through multiple listings. Once you complete the online form and submit your request, your situation is personally matched to a few select advisors. Your contact information is sent to them and their firm information is sent to you.
Cons: If you are not comfortable providing basic net worth and asset information, then you will find it difficult to find the right advisor using this search engine.
