Best Online Financial Advisors of May 2026

The post Best Online Financial Advisors of May 2026 by Rebekah Brately appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

Ready to take control of your finances? Compare top financial advisors with SmartAsset and Money Pickle to find the right fit for your needs!

Financial advisors play a vital role in navigating the complexities of personal finance by providing tailored advice on critical areas such as retirement planning, education savings and investment strategies. Choosing the right financial advisor is essential for effectively managing and enhancing your finances, and online financial advisors offer a distinct advantage by broadening your selection beyond local professionals. With the ability to access a diverse array of talented advisors from anywhere in the country, you can find one who aligns with your specific financial needs and goals, ensuring a customized approach to your financial planning. This added flexibility not only connects you with experienced experts but also streamlines the advisory process, saving time that would typically be spent on in-person meetings. The convenience of remote consultations removes travel-related stress and delays, allowing you to focus your energy on strategically building your financial future and pursuing your aspirations.

Benzinga has compiled a list of the top financial advisors for this month to help you find your ideal advisor and build wealth.

Quick Look at the Best Financial Advisors:

• Best for Comparing Advisors: SmartAsset
• Best for Virtual Financial Planning: Money Pickle
• Best for Retirement Advice: Datalign
• Best for Self-Directed/Automated Advice: Empower
• Best for Low-Cost Financial Advice: Facet Wealth
• Best for Financial Planning: Domain Money
• Best for Customer Care: Charles Schwab
• Best for ESG Robo-Investing: Wealthsimple
• Best for New Women Investors: Ellevest

Best Financial Advisors

Look at this month’s top financial advisor firms who can help you manage your money wisely.

1. Best for Comparing Advisors: SmartAsset

Best For

Comparing Advisors

Overall Rating

Read Review

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Best For

Comparing Advisors

N/A

1 Minute Review

SmartAsset’s SmartAdvisor Match tool is an online resource for consumers looking for a financial adviser. All you have to do is complete a survey regarding your age, income, investments and future goals. Once completed, you’ll be matched with up to 3 financial advisors based on geography, investable assets, and willingness to work with a remote advisor. In addition, SmartAsset reaches approximately 75 million people each month (as of September 2021) through its editorial content paired with its interactive calculator tools to help people navigate life’s big personal finance decisions. 

Best For

• Consumers seeking actionable advice from a financial advisor
• Working adults ages 45 and older with household income more than $100,000
• Curious, savvy consumers looking for higher financial literacy
• People who want to feel more confident about their financial future

Pros

• The ability for an individual investor to be paired with a financial advisor based onbased on geography, investable assets, and willingness to work with a remote advisor
• A quick 10-minute questionnaire lets you be paired with up to 3 financial advisors

Cons

• No mobile app
• Little to no information on cryptocurrency, alternative investments or decentralized finance (DeFi)

SmartAsset makes it easy to compare the best financial planners. Provide some basic information about how much you have to invest, what your goals are and how you want to communicate with your advisor to find ideal pairings. You’ll then see a list of financial advisors that match your criteria to interview and meet with to ensure your finances are off to a great start.

• Fees: Varies based on the advisor you select
• Account Minimum: Varies based on the advisor you select
• Investment Approach: Varies based on the advisor you select

Why We Picked It: By using SmartAsset, you can easily find, compare and select the right advisor to help you reach your financial goals. Take the stress out of managing your finances and let SmartAsset guide you to the perfect financial advisor for you.

2. Best for Virtual Financial Planning: Money Pickle

Best For

Virtual Financial Planning

Overall Rating

Read Review

Get Matched securely through Money Pickle’s website

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Best For

Virtual Financial Planning

N/A

1 Minute Review

Money Pickle was founded in 2021 by three Michigan State graduates who wanted to make financial education more accessible and convenient for everyone. The company is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as an investment adviser, and its CEO is Brenton Thurman. The only advice Money Pickle directly provides is guidance on selecting an investment adviser. 

Essentially, Money Pickle is a referral service for its network of 3rd-party financial advisors. Each advisor are pre-screened to align with specific qualifications. Advisors are expected to follow a code of conduct that emphasizes high ethical standards. Money Pickle-referred professionals are matched to you based on your unique situation, to help you navigate your most pressing financial needs, including retirement planning, investment strategies, estate planning, tax planning, debt management, insurance, wealth preservation and risk management.

The platform matches users with financial advisors most suitable for their needs and goals utilizing a matchmaking algorithm. Users can conveniently choose the meeting time and receive a video chat link  for their scheduled appointment. During the appointment, users are encouraged to ask questions or express concerns, receiving personalized professional guidance regarding their unique financial situation without pressure or obligation to purchase products or services.

Best For

• People seeking a convenient way to meet with a financial advisor
• People who want unbiased and ethical advice from a fiduciary
• People trying financial advisors for the first time without paying hefty fees

Pros

• Easy to use and access from any device
• No subscription or membership fees required
• No minimum account balance or income level needed
• Wide range of topics covered, from investing to retirement planning
• Financial advisors who meet strict criteria and standards

Cons

• Lack of visibility into the cost of ongoing financial advisor services
• Financial advisor pool may be limited

Find a financial advisor who can help you get on the right path toward retirement, investing, handling life events and more. Money Pickle lets you input important details about your finances or questions and get paired with a financial advisor. The initial video call is free because the advisor covers the expense. Then you can decide whether to keep working with the advisor after that.

All advisors on the platform must be in good standing and have five years of experience. Money Pickle screens each advisor to ensure they are a good fit for its clients.

• Fees: Free for initial consultation
• Account Minimum: None
• Investment Approach: Varies

Why We Picked It: Money Pickle offers a user-friendly platform that makes financial planning more convenient and accessible. With free video consultations, no pressure to commit, and convenient call scheduling, you can take the first step towards securing your financial future with confidence.

3. Best for Retirement Advice: Datalign

Best For

Retirement Advice

Overall Rating

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Best For

Retirement Advice

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1 Minute Review

Datalign Advisory is an online platform that matches people with financial advisers in a way that meets their individual needs. Too many people look online for financial advisers and spend time speaking with advisers who don’t match their needs. 

For instance, someone who has a small amount of money to invest may not work well with an adviser who primarily advises high-net worth clients. Likewise, someone who needs advice on retirement goals will not see much value in a financial adviser who specializes in high-risk investments. 

Datalign Advisory solves this issue by thoroughly vetting both the advisers and clients looking for financial advisers, then matching them based on detailed information.

If you’re looking for a financial adviser, it only makes sense to use a platform like Datalign Advisory to find them. The no cost platform will match you with an adviser who can successfully address your needs. But with every platform, there are pros and cons to using it. Here are the pros and cons of the Datalign Advisory platform.

Best For

• People who need investment advice or need help with investments
• People who need advice about retirement
• People who need help arranging their finances
• People who want to work with a financial adviser

Pros

• Saves time and money by matching you with a suitable financial adviser
• Preserves your privacy

Cons

• The questions the platform asks don’t allow you to go into detail or skip the question if it doesn’t apply to you.

Enjoy a personalized approach to retirement planning. Get paired with prescreened licensed financial advisors in the United States. Instead of focusing only on your portfolio size and location, Datalign uses various factors to help you find the financial advisor that will best meet your needs.

Instead of creating a list, Datalign provides the top financial advisor based on your unique financial factors to reduce the burden of making your selection. Once you have been paired with a financial advisor, you will start with a free consultation to discuss your financial situation and goals. This initial consultation is a great opportunity to get to know your advisor, ask any questions you may have, and ensure that they are the right fit for you.

• Fees: Free initial consultation; then variable based on the advisor’s fee schedule
• Account Minimum: None
• Investment Approach: Variable based on the ideal advisor for you

Why We Picked It: With Datalign, you can rest assured that you will be connected with a financial advisor who has the expertise and experience to help you achieve your financial goals.

4. Best for Self-Directed/Automated Advice: Empower

Best For

High Net Worth Individuals

Account Minimum

$100,000

get started securely through Empower’s website

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Pricing

Fees range based on deposit amount and services used

Account Minimum

$100,000

1 Minute Review

Empower is a digital financial advisory service that offers tools and services beyond the norm. The crux of Empower’s power lies in the intersection of smart financial strategy and state-of-the-art financial technology. 

Its high-powered investment management technology makes it an ideal virtual financial advisor and portfolio manager for high-net-worth individuals. But its financial tools and services can benefit anyone. 

Best For

• High-net-worth individuals looking for a comprehensive digital financial manager
• Retirement planning
• Self-starters who can use the Personal Capital Financial Tools to track finances and set long-term financial goals

Pros

• Handle your portfolio, financial planning and spending accounts with cutting edge digital financial management technology
• Panoramic view of your finances on display 24/7 using precise analytics and a dashboard that displays all your accounts together
• Executive-level financial planning and investment management

Cons

• Relatively high minimum balance for investment management services
• Fully-comprehensive financial management, including a dedicated relationship with a financial planner
• Portfolio customization and estate, legacy and tax services only available at higher tiers that require $200,000 to $1 million minimum in investments

Empower is the strongest in two areas: hands-off investors and those looking for tax optimization. While the fees are somewhat high and will reduce the total ROI from your investments, the money is worth it if you have the assets to place under Empower’s watchful eye.

If your assets are $100,000-$250,000, you’ll have a team of financial advisors. Once your assets exceed $250,000, you’ll have dedicated personal financial advisors. Regardless, you can reach your advisors via phone during normal business hours or digitally through your dashboard.

• Fees: 0.89%
• Account Minimum: $100,000
• Investment Approach: Dynamic portfolio allocation

Why We Picked It: With a range of features, including tax optimization strategies, individual security selection and comprehensive portfolio management, Empower offers a comprehensive solution for managing your investments effectively.

5. Best for Low-Cost Financial Advice: Facet Wealth

Best For

Flat-rate, subscription-based fees

Overall Rating

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Using low-cost ETFs, Facet Wealth helps you grow your wealth through smart investments. While the flat-rate fee structure makes budgeting somewhat complex for investors, it also translates to a competitive 0.8% for those with $300,000 or more investments.

• Fees: Starts at $2,000 per year
• Account Minimum: $250
• Investment Approach: Diversified investments with smart risks

Why We Picked It: With their affordable pricing, access to certified financial planners and user-friendly platform, Facet Wealth is a great option for anyone looking to take control of their financial well-being without breaking the bank.

6. Best for Financial Planning: Domain Money

Best For

Financial Planning

Overall Rating

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Best For

Financial Planning

N/A

1 Minute Review

Domain Money is an all-in-one wealth management program that is notable for managing customers’ entire financial life with a dedicated CFP® professional. Unlike traditional advisors, Domain Money advisors provide members with a simple, judgment-free, financial plan covering investing, saving, tax strategy, insurance and more. They don’t require you to transfer your assets, they don’t get paid to sell you funds and they don’t charge hidden fees. Domain Money simply wants to provide great advice at a flat fee. 

Domain Money reviews your existing investments, no matter where you hold them. They put the pieces of your financial puzzle together and provide you with a clear, actionable plan to take the stress out of money. All while charging customers a one time fee of $3,900 which in comparison to the industry standard of charging a fee equal 1% of your assets per year is great value. 

The service is a bit like having your own personal CFO. Their human advisers take the time to get to know their clients and build financial plans around their goals. 

The offering is an affordable, tech forward and convenient way to get your financial life in order, all from the palm of your hand.  

At $3,900, Domain may not be the cheapest option when it comes to planning for your financial future. However, for those who are ready for a more hands-on approach than those offered by DIY tools or robos, customers will find that the cost of this five-star platform is far less expensive than traditional financial advisors.  

Best For

• Millennials looking for holistic financial planning at an affordable price point
• Customers seeking a digitally native human financial advisor service
• Those looking for on-demand advice on a particular topic or a general financial tune-up

Pros

• Customers connect with a personal financial advisor to help with investments, tax strategy, cash flow, estate planning and more.
• Domain Money advisors are CFP certified professionals & experts in their field having worked at household names like Goldman Sachs & Morgan Stanley.
• Easy-to-use concise financial page plans make it easy to work towards multiple goals.
• No minimum investment amount is required.
• Moving assets to Domain Money is not required, but they offer 0% AUM investment management
• Bank-grade security & an excellent in-app experience

Cons

• $3,900 one-time fee can be uncomfortable for some users, but is still less than paying 1% over the lifetime of the portfolio

Domain Money is unique among the top financial advisor firms because they pair you with a Certified Financial Planner® professional based on your goals and then coach you through implementing it. Domain Money is also tech-first, meaning you can start the process at any time and from anywhere in the US. Plans are customized based on the information you give Domain Money about your finances and goals and can include tax filing, 0% AUM investment management, estate planning and much more.

• Fees: Starting at $3,900
• Account Minimum: None
• Investment Approach: Varies based on the information you provide

Why We Picked It: With Domain Money, you are in control of your wealth management with one straightforward membership fee. This means that you can access their platform and tools to track your financial progress, make adjustments to your plan and receive personalized recommendations without having to worry about additional costs.

Cons: $3,900 membership fee can be uncomfortable for some users, but is still less than paying 1% over the lifetime of the portfolio.

7. Best for Customer Care: Charles Schwab

Best For

Fund Investing

Overall Rating

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Best For

Fund Investing

N/A

1 Minute Review

Charles Schwab is a solid choice for traders of all skill levels. It offers full access to the U.S. equity and options markets as well as 30 international markets. Traders can create a diverse portfolio with $0 commissions and no account minimums. Schwab’s margin trading is expensive but Schwab makes up for it with affordable futures and options trades, along with a comprehensive mobile offering.

Best For

• 3 trading platforms perfectly in sync makes matching your platform to your skill level a snap
• Excellent futures trading education for new traders
• $0 account minimum means anyone can start trading

Pros

• Wide range of available assets to trade, including futures and 30 global markets
• SmartStreet Edge platform is powerful enough for advanced traders, yet easy enough for new traders to utilize
• Unique educational resources (like infographics and podcasts) make learning fun

Cons

• Margin rates are more expensive than competitors
• More limitations on available margin than competitors
• Expensive mutual funds

Charles Schwab frequently gets high ratings for customer care. And the best part is, you don’t have to pay for fees or services you don’t need. You’ll see a full breakdown of fees and commissions for working with a financial advisor based on the investment strategy that meets your goals. 

• Fees: Starts at 0.80%
• Account Minimum: $500,000
• Investment Approach: Varies based on your goals

Why We Picked It: With competitive management fees, customizable services and a strong focus on customer service, Charles Schwab sets the bar high for what a financial company should be. 

8. Best for ESG Robo-Investing: Wealthsimple

Best For

New Investors

Overall Rating

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Disclosure: Please visit https://www.wealthsimple.com/en-ca/legal/legal-disclaimers for product disclosures. For crypto disclosures, please visit: https://www.wealthsimple.com/en-ca/legal/fees/crypto?utm_source=&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=&utm_term=&utm_content=

Best For

New Investors

N/A

1 Minute Review

Wealthsimple is a hybrid robo-advisor with a set-it-and-forget-it approach to investing. Automate your investments and access socially responsible and halal investment portfolios are available as well if you prefer to invest a specific way.

Wealthsimple’s investing choices are limited and the platform is geared toward completely new investors who could be overwhelmed by too many technical options. Its education and customer service options need a bit of work, but we recommend Wealthsimple if you’re looking for a simple way to start investing from your desktop or mobile device.

Best For

• New investors
• Those concerned with the social implications of portfolio choices
• Anyone who wants to automate investing

Pros

• Simple questionnaire to find your perfect asset mix
• Socially responsible and halal portfolios
• Higher-level accounts come with perks like airport lounge access and human financial advisor reviews

Cons

• Lack of choice could frustrate more experienced investors
• Limited analysis tools and no charting functions available
• Human advising isn’t free with all account types

If you’re unsure where to start investing but want a simple platform that keeps you in control, Wealthsimple is a wise choice. This is one of the best financial advisor firms for robo-investing. That means you can set up your account, provide some basic information and allow the tool to make investment decisions based on that information.

• Fees: 0.2%-0.5% management fees for managed accounts, depending on the tier selected; 1.5% currency conversion; $10/month upgraded account; $45 broker-assisted trades
• Account Minimum: None
• Investment Approach: Robo-advisor

Any new Wealthsimple client who opens and funds their account with as little as $1 within 30 days will earn a $25 cash bonus.

Why We Picked It: Wealthsimple is a top choice for investors looking to incorporate ESG principles into their investment strategy. With its automated investing platform, access to fractional shares, user-friendly interface and no commissions on trades, Wealthsimple makes it easy for investors to build a sustainable and impactful investment portfolio.

9. Best for New Women Investors: Ellevest

Best For

Account Minimum

$0

Get started securely through Ellevest’s website

More Details

Disclosure: *Banking products and services are provided by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International. The Ellevest Spend and Save accounts are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor through Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC. **Domestic ATM transaction fees will be reimbursed if a payroll direct deposit has been received within the prior 30 days of the ATM transaction settlement. International ATM withdrawal fee of $5 will apply. ***If you opt in to the Roundup Program for debit card purchases, each settled (i.e. fully completed) purchase transaction made with your Ellevest Debit Card will be rounded up to the nearest whole U.S. dollar. The Roundup amount will be transferred from your Spend account to your Save account. Foreign purchases are rounded up to the nearest whole dollar after the purchase is converted to U.S. dollars. ATM withdrawals and transactions in whole US dollars, e.g. $20.00 are excluded from the Roundup program. If, at the time of settlement of a purchase, your Ellevest Spend Account has insufficient available funds to cover the full amount of the Roundup transfer, the Roundup Transfer will not be made. If a purchase is canceled or reversed for any reason (including disputes), the corresponding Roundup Transfer will not be reversed.  You can opt out of the Roundup Program at any time.  

Pricing

Starts at $1/mo

Account Minimum

$0

1 Minute Review

Billing itself as the 1st investing platform & money membership for women, by women, Ellevest takes a uniquely female approach to investing. The robo-advising platform takes into account wage gaps, saving discrepancies and women’s longer lifespans when calculating an ideal portfolio mix. After completing a quick questionnaire, Ellevest will create a portfolio ratio customized to your needs. The company’s primary investments are in low-cost stock and bond ETFs.

In addition to investing services, an Ellevest membership also offers comprehensive no-fee banking services*, discounted career and financial coaching, learning resources. and retirement planning services. Though some options, like retirement, are exclusive to higher-tier users, Ellevest’s 1-stop-shop for investing can be a welcome change of pace for new investors.  

Best For

• New women investors
• Investors looking for career planning and banking services
• Goal-based investing

Pros

• Unique investing methods aims to bridge gap between the sexes
• Easy-to-operate platform and mobile app
• Low-cost pricing

Cons

• Retirement and multi-goal investing only available at higher-priced tiers
• No app available for Android users

If you’re looking for the best investment advisors for women, Ellevest is a smart choice. The platform is designed to help women navigate the unique complexities they face when investing. Whether you’re headed toward retirement, navigating a career or needing advice about buying a second home, Ellevest’s advisors can guide you. The advisory team comprises female financial advisors who help bring clients perspective and a sense of ease.

• Fees: $12/month
• Account Minimum: None
• Investment Approach: Diversification is key, so much so that Ellevest does not allow you to invest in individual stocks but instead invests in various companies on your behalf.

Why We Picked It: With its user-friendly platform, no minimum investment requirement, access to financial planners and private wealth management services, Ellevest provides a comprehensive solution for women looking to grow their wealth and secure their financial future.

How to Determine What Financial Advisor is Best for You

1. Determine What Aspect of Your Financial Life You Need Help With

It’s important to consider your current financial situation and what aspects of your financial life you might need help with. Consider whether you need financial guidance to set up long-term systems or help to reach specific goals. 

Are you planning for retirement and wonder whether you’re saving enough? Are you dreaming of a second home and want to know if it’s possible with your current income? Do you need help with insurance policies or debt repayment? In these cases and others, fiduciary financial advisors can help you align your financial actions to specific goals.

2. Know the Different Types of Financial Advisors

Familiarize yourself with the various types of financial advisors. But before choosing to work with a professional, check your investment professional with the SEC to ensure they are in good standing.

• Investment advisors: Those who provide investment advice or manage client assets directly.
• Broker-dealers and brokers: Individuals or companies that buy and sell securities such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds on behalf of a client or themselves.
• Certified financial planner®: Certified professionals who meet the requirements of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards and have a fiduciary responsibility.
• Financial consultant: A general term; look for a chartered financial consultant or CHFC.
• Financial coach: This is not a regulated term. Financial coaches may focus on basic financial planning points, such as how to save money or reduce spending.
• Portfolio, investment and asset managers: These professionals manage clients’ assets or portfolios. 
• Wealth advisors: Work with wealthy clients to offer holistic financial planning and investment guidance.
• Robo-advisor: Inexpensive automated investment management services, usually available as a low-cost subscription or a small percentage of assets under management.

3. Choose What Type of Financial Service You Need

You can choose from various financial planning services, including investment advice, budgeting, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning and more. Financial advisors can offer diverse services to meet specific needs or holistic services.

4. Determine the Cost and Fees of Financial Advisors

The cost of hiring financial advisors can vary based on the fee structure. They may charge a flat monthly fee, a percentage of assets under management (AUM) or another fee structure.

5. Research and Compare Financial Advisors

Research and compare the credentials and qualifications of several financial advisors before hiring one. Look for a financial advisor with a fiduciary responsibility to ensure they have your best interests in mind. Read financial advisor ratings to learn from other customers’ experiences.

6. Important Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor

Be sure to speak with the financial advisor and take advantage of a free initial consultation to understand if the financial advisor is a good fit. When selecting a financial advisor, you will want to ask them about:

• Whether they are a fiduciary and have fiduciary responsibility?
• What is their fee structure?
• What are their average returns in the case of investment management?
• How do they get paid? 
• What are the all-in costs?
• What are their qualifications or certifications?
• How will the relationship work? 
• What is the financial advisor’s investment philosophy?
• What custodian do they use?
• What resources will you have?
• What asset allocation do they use?
• In the case of investments, what investment benchmarks are used?

Best Financial Advisors Alternatives

If you decide that working with a financial advisor is not right, consider one of these alternatives.

• Robo-advisors: When you open a robo-advisor account, you can access an algorithm that makes financial decisions without human intervention. The algorithm works on input information, such as goals and risk tolerance. While the fees on these accounts are minimal, they also don’t earn as high as human-led accounts in most cases. But if you’re cost-sensitive and don’t know how to select your investments, a robo-advisor might be right.
• DIY investing platforms: You don’t need a financial advisor to get started investing. You can choose your investments and be your portfolio manager. Individuals who know their way around investments should consider using a DIY program because you won’t have to give up any of your earnings to pay an advisor or a robo-advisor program. However, you do need to have the time to devote to managing your account.
• Fee-only financial planners: You don’t have to share your investment proceeds with a fee-only financial planner. Instead, you’ll pay a flat fee or a percentage of the assets under management to your fee-only financial planner. This can benefit individuals with a great deal of assets to invest, which could mean thousands of dollars in earnings each year.

Setting Up Your Financial Future

Financial advisors can offer valuable insight and strategies to optimize tax savings, set up long-term investment accounts and plan for short- and long-term goals. You can help protect your family’s future and retirement with the right advice. Review the top financial advisors by performance to find a good fit based on your needs. All the options above offer personalized solutions at various price points to take you from where you are to your next goals. Take the first step toward financial security and schedule a consultation with one of these trusted advisors today.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Best Online Financial Advisors of May 2026 by Rebekah Brately appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.