You know you can’t cross your fingers and hope for the best when it comes to your finances. A financial advisor can help you take action to secure your financial future. Take the first step with Benzinga’s guide to finding the best financial advisors in Charleston, SC.
Quick Look at the Best Financial Advisors in Charleston, SC:
- Best for Brokerage Services: AMB Wealth
- Best Robo-Advisor: M1 Finance
- Best for Fee-Only Financial Planning: Charleston Financial Advisors
- Best Mobile App: Betterment
- Best for Retirement Planning: Victoria Capital Management
- Best Portfolio Analysis: Personal Capital
- Best for Specialty Partners: Family Asset Management
- Best for Full-Service Planning: Capasso Planning Partners
- Do I Need a Financial Advisor?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- See All 2 Items
Best for Brokerage Services: AMB Wealth
In addition to its brokerage services, AMB Wealth is actively engaged in investment management, investment banking, corporate benefits and employee benefits. This firm is committed to putting people first, so your needs and concerns shape every aspect of your investment strategy.
The AMB Wealth team will analyze your wealth, including your assets, accounts, portfolios and any other holdings. This is just a part of its 5-step wealth management process. The following steps include a thorough analysis and custom-tailored strategies based on the current market and your risk tolerance. The team will execute your strategies, report back to you and monitor your account performance to ensure that you meet your long-term financial goals.
- A percentage of assets under your management
- Hourly charges
- Fixed fees (other than subscription fees)
Address
135 SOUTH MADISON STREET THOMASVILLE GA, 31792
Phone number
866-277-1500
- Customizable Auto Investing
Best Robo-Advisor: M1 Finance
M1 Finance offers an easy-to-use platform that gives you access to all sorts of financial services. It combines innovative technology with useful tools that allow you to manage your money the way that works best for you.
M1 offers different account levels to choose from. Its free Core account offers no trading commissions and no management fees. You can also use the Core account to open a free checking account and you’ll receive a 3.5% base rate for its portfolio line of credit.
If you choose the premium level Plus account, you’ll receive all of the features of the Core account plus access to a second daily trading window, a 2% base rate for its portfolio line of credit and more.
Best for Fee-Only Financial Planning: Charleston Financial Advisors
Charleston Financial Advisors is there to help you whether you’re just starting out or transitioning into retirement. It’s been a fee-only firm since 1983. Fee-only firms don’t draw commission from financial product sales, so you can trust the firm’s advice is in your best interest.
You can expect Charleston Financial Advisors to take a look at your entire financial picture. Charleston Financial Advisors provides recommendations based on how each aspect of your financial life can complement others to help you meet your goals. This is a great firm to work with if you want to build a long-lasting relationship with your financial planner. Charleston Financial Advisors can help you whether you want to develop a strategy to pay off student loans or build and enhance your wealth.
- A percentage of assets under your management
- Hourly charges
- Fixed fees (other than subscription fees)
- Financial planning services
- Pension consulting services
Address
4 NORTH ATLANTIC WHARF, SUITE 200 CHARLESTON SC, 29401-2168
Phone number
843-722-3331
Best for Retirement Planning: Victoria Capital Management
You need a plan to retire, and Victoria Capital Management will help you get on the right path. The firm will analyze your needs and build a 3-phase plan. The phases will be customized depending on your financial needs and goals and will be used to develop your portfolio.
Once your plan has been established, Victoria Capital Management will stand by to make adjustments depending on changing financial and economic circumstances. You’ll also receive duplicate accounting to ensure accuracy, low transaction costs and fees based on the assets Victoria Capital Management manages for you.
- High Net Worth Individuals
Best Portfolio Analysis: Personal Capital
Personal Capital offers access to award-winning financial tools and registered financial advisors at an affordable price. Its financial advisors can provide you with advice based on your entire financial picture.
Personal Capital also offers fully customizable portfolios and free 401(k) fund selection advice. Your portfolio strategy is personalized based on your financial goals. Personal Capital uses the expertise of its financial advisors and its robust technology to offer you enhanced diversification with the goal of providing a better financial outcome for you. Its advisors can also help you with other financial planning matters, including retirement, education, saving and more.
Best for Specialty Partners: Family Asset Management
Family Asset Management can offer you and your family custom and comprehensive wealth management strategies based on your financial goals. This includes financial planning, asset management, alternative investment strategies and cash management.
Beyond that, this independent firm is supported by specialty firms. This means that in addition to your wealth management plan, Family Asset Management can help you find solutions outside of its area of expertise. Family Asset Management works with an extensive network of independent services providers in accounting, law and insurance. All of its services are offered at a low cost. Family Asset Management is an independent firm, so you can trust that its advice is tailored to your needs and for your benefit.
- A percentage of assets under your management
- Fixed fees (other than subscription fees)
- Pension consulting services
- Selection of other advisers (including private fund managers)
Address
25 SOCIETY STREET CHARLESTON SC, 29401-2628
Phone number
843-723-2994
Best for Full-Service Planning: Capasso Planning Partners
Capasso Planning Partners offers a full suite of financial planning services. This firm is also fee-based and does not charge any commissions for its portfolio and investment management services.
Its retirement planning services include retirement projections and a Social Security analysis. You’ll also benefit from its asset protection services, which include inflation protection, fraud prevention and limiting creditor access to assets.
Capasso Planning Partner’s risk management services include an analysis of current insurance, longevity protection and insurance quotes that help you find policies that will only require you to pay for what you need. The firm also offers estate and tax planning services to round out your financial plan. Book a call through its website to discuss the comprehensive solutions the firm can offer you.
- A percentage of assets under your management
- Hourly charges
- Fixed fees (other than subscription fees)
- Other
- Financial planning services
- Selection of other advisers (including private fund managers)
Address
56 BROAD ST CHARLESTON SC, 29401
Phone number
843-598-1665
Do I Need a Financial Advisor?
Working with a financial advisor can be a major asset to your financial success. Before you choose your financial advisor, be sure to understand your financial needs and goals. Look for financial advisors in Charleston, SC that you feel has the experience to provide the guidance you can trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which certifications should my financial planner have?
Financial planners can come from all sorts of educational and professional backgrounds. Look for a financial planner that has a CFP® certification or someone who is a Chartered Financial Analyst. If your financial planner claims to have credentials, check FINRA’s BrokerCheck. The organization can also tell you whether the financial planner is in good standing with the organization.
What returns should I expect from a financial advisor?
Working with the expertise of a financial advisor on your side can help you earn better returns. You can probably expect different returns from a robo-advisor, bargain brokerage and independent financial planning firm, but consumers often judge the value of a financial advisor upon their returns. A 2018 Vanguard study reports clients who work with an expert financial advisor can expect at least a 3% increase in their portfolio each year.
Can I talk to a financial advisor for free?
Most financial advisors offer first-time free consultations. Be sure you understand that financial advisors may suggest or offer products they’re selling.
Methodology
To determine the top financial advisors in Charleston, South Carolina, we pored through all SEC-registered advisory firms who have an office in Charleston, South Carolina. We winnowed the list by only including advisors who are registered fiduciaries, have no past disclosures and have minimal personal conflicts of interest. To further break down the list to the true top advisors in the area, we gave weight to advisors that offer both investment management and planning,