Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Financial Advisors in Charleston

Our Recommended Top 16

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Charleston Financial Advisors on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

41

Reviewed

31

Curated

16

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider
SmartAdvisor by SmartAsset logo
FEATUREDExpertise.com

SmartAdvisor by SmartAsset

Charleston, SC
  • Estate Planning
  • Investment Management
  • Retirement Planning
  • Financial Planning

Why choose this provider?

SmartAsset's free, five-minute tool makes it easy to find qualified financial advisors in your area. The exclusive tool uses a quick survey to help SmartAsset's exclusive algorithm match you with up to three advisors based on your specific financial needs. Each advisor is a fiduciary, legally bound to work in your best interest, and rigorously vetted by SmartAsset. You can speak with each for free, sometimes within a matter of minutes, and choose whom you want to work with. Hundreds of thousands of smart investors and retirees have already used SmartAsset's simple, no-cost service to find the right financial advisors for them.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Price: Free Consultation

Charleston, SC

Why choose this provider?

Need help contacting a Financial Advisor in Charleston? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Price: Free booking service | Call 848.Book.Pro!

Website
761 Coleman Blvd., Suite E, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
  • Tax Planning
  • Retirement Planning
  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Why choose this provider?

Runey & Associates is a fiduciary financial planning company that focuses on serving those 50 years and older in Charleston and neighboring areas. While it mainly assists in retirement planning, the firm's financial advisors also handle investment management, tax planning, social security timing, and insurance optimization matters. Founder James Runey III, a native of Charleston, holds a Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Before opening the firm, he worked as an investment banker and ran a private equity firm abroad.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (31)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2 Gillon St Ste 100, Charleston, SC 29401
  • Tax Preparation
  • Finance Planning

Why choose this provider?

Clem Collaborative is a company that caters to individuals and corporations in Charleston and the surrounding areas. It helps clients secure their future and achieve their financial goals by providing them with a wide range of services, including tax planning, tax preparation, money coaching, bookkeeping, and financial planning. Steven E. Clem, the founder of Clem Collaborative, earned the EA designation in 2004. He also serves as the president of the South Carolina Chapter of the National Association of Tax Professionals.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (21)
Google
4.9 / 5 (8)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
222 W. Coleman Blvd. Ste. 104, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Since 2005, Oak Street Advisors has been serving current retirees, business owners, and individuals in the Charleston metro. The firm offers various services, such as tax planning, investment advisory, and financial planning. Its team of fiduciary financial advisors implements Roth IRA conversion strategies to improve the clients' financial outcomes. Before opening Oak Street Advisors, president and founder Joe Taylor used to work with two Wall Street firms, where he learned the basics of financial planning and portfolio management for 16 years.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.7 / 5 (15)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
656 Ellis Oak Ave, Suite 114, Charleston, SC 29412
  • Financial Planning

Why choose this provider?

Elwood & Goetz is a wealth management firm that offers services to individuals and businesses in Charleston. Its team works with clients to build an investment portfolio, manage taxes, protect cash flow and net worth, and prepare for retirement and estate decisions. Business owners offer advice regarding business strategies, succession planning, and 401(k)/retirement matters. The firm was established in 2006 to help clients navigate their financial future. Its Certified Financial Planners also serve clients in Atlanta and Athens.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
887 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Suite 213, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
  • Retirement Planning
  • Financial Planning

Why choose this provider?

Moneycoach is financial planning firm that helps improve the finances of individuals and families based in Charleston and nearby areas. It comprises a team of financial planners who utilize a technique called the MoneyCoach Game plan. The team's financial planning technique is divided into four distinct phases, keeping clients on the right track in achieving life goals. Some of the services available are investment management, tax planning, estate preservation, business consulting, retirement planning, and life risk management.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
3464 Maybank Highway, Unit E, Johns Island, SC 29455
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Coastal Wealth Advisors serves clients in Charleston and the surrounding areas. It helps clients achieve their financial objectives through financial planning, investment management, and retirement planning. Founder Justin Follmer has been serving high-net-worth individuals and families, entrepreneurs, charitable organizations, and small businesses for more than 10 years. He is a Marine Corps veteran who integrates the core values of honor, courage, and commitment into how he deals with clients and business processes.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
8550 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29420
  • Retirement Planning
  • Investment Management

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 2007, Cornerstone Wealth Advisory Group provides a full range of insurance and retirement planning services for clients in Charleston and neighboring areas. Through its partnership with over 150 insurance and investment companies, the firm can provide a wide range of products and services. It specializes in helping sports professionals and entertainers in wealth management and preservation matters, including personalized investment portfolios. Cornerstone Wealth Advisory Group has been featured in Forbes Magazine and named South Carolina Financial Leaders.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Facebook
4.9 / 5 (119)
Google
5.0 / 5 (43)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
210 Wingo Way Suite 300, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
  • Retirement Planning

Why choose this provider?

Legacy Wealth Management is a fiduciary firm that provides financial guidance to help clients in Charleston achieve their goals. It offers assistance in financial planning, investment management, and tax strategies. Its advisors guide clients in planning their retirement by reviewing their wealth and identifying potential income sources to optimize their retirement lifestyle. President R. Bennett Firestone Jr., who has been in the industry for 19 years, is also a managing partner at Financial Advocacy Network, LLC.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Google
4.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
225 Seven Farms Dr, Suite 106, Charleston, SC 29492
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Commonwealth Financial Group serves residents of Charleston who are in a variety of economic situations. It helps families and individuals create comprehensive plans for growing their money, preserving wealth, planning for retirement, or setting up a will. Its agents advise business owners on business succession, executive compensation, and tax planning. They also accommodate the needs of medical professionals in practice management, asset protection, and retirement planning. Amanda Campbell is the director of financial planning. She is a CFP with Finra registration of 6, 7, 63, and 65.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.3 / 5 (11)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
235 Magrath Darby Boulevard Suite 140, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
  • Estate Planning
  • Retirement Planning
  • Financial Planning

Why choose this provider?

Oceanside Advisors, LLC, provides fiduciary-based investing and financial planning services to clients in and around Charleston. The company's advisors help individuals and families who are dealing with complex financial decisions. They handle financial planning that covers net worth statement preparation, cash flow analysis, mortgage planning, and student loan planning. Johann Kroll, the firm's founder, has CFA and CFP designations. Kroll also holds a bachelor's degree in Finance and has over 12 years of personal investing experience.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
235 Magrath Darby Blvd. Suite 120, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Bera Wealth Advisors provides financial planning and wealth management services to clients in Charleston. Its financial advisors help clients create financial plans for investments, cash flow management, and risk management. In addition, the company assists individuals in planning for education, retirement, and legacy. The company's founding partner, Chrys Kanos, is a chartered life underwriter and chartered financial consultant with experience in personal financial planning, wealth management, estate planning, and risk management. He is also certified in long-term care.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (12)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
78 Ashley Point Drive, Ste 201, Charleston, SC 29407
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Coastal Financial Planning Group is an ISO-certified wealth management firm that serves individuals, families, and retirees in Charleston and surrounding communities, including Johns Island and Mount Pleasant. Since 2003, it has been providing various services, such as estate planning, retirement planning, tactical asset allocation, and advanced tax planning. Its team of financial advisors performs thorough income and existing investment analyses. Founder and chief investment advisor Rick Durkee also holds a life and disability insurance license and a Series 65 securities license.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)
Yelp
3.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1032 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Financial Planning

Why choose this provider?

Lighthouse Wealth Advisors of Charleston, LLC, offers individual financial planning services. It aids its clients in charting a course—which involves income and retirement planning, investment and portfolio management, and education funding—by creating a financial roadmap for their goals. It also offers wealth management solutions, creating a portfolio based on customers' risk tolerance and individual goals. It can include fee-based accounts, mutual and indexed funds, brokerage accounts, and variable and fixed annuities. The Charleston's office president, Wes McKenna, is a Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (3)

Website
1124 Park West Blvd. Suite 102, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Financial Planning

Why choose this provider?

Good Life Financial Advisors of Mt. Pleasant, SC, is an independent firm that caters to clients in the Charleston metro. It offers personalized wealth management, financial planning, estate planning, and life insurance review services. The company uses ROBO Investor as its financial tool and helps clients automate, curate, and manage their investment portfolios. Good Life Financial is an affiliate of LPL Financial. In addition, its senior investment executive, Fred Claghorn, is a Certified Financial Planner.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    There are many titles for financial professionals, so it's challenging to track what each one means. A financial advisor is probably the term you've heard most often. Financial advisor is a broad term for a professional who helps individuals or companies manage their finances, including investment choices. There are over 100 certifications that financial advisors can obtain.

    • Financial planners, wealth managers, and investment advisors are all financial advisors with different focus areas.
    • A financial planner helps an individual or a company make a plan to achieve long-term financial goals.
    • A wealth manager helps individuals maintain their wealth through various disciplines and services, such as taxes, estate planning, and investment advice.
    • An investment advisor offers investment advice and recommendations to individuals or organizations.
    There’s a misconception that you have to be extremely wealthy to use a financial advisor. In reality, they can be beneficial for people from any income level. Keep reading to find answers to the most commonly asked questions about financial advisors, so you know which type can fit your specific needs.

  • Will your Charleston financial advisor hold your funds directly?

    No, your financial advisor in Charleston won't deal directly with your money or securities of any kind. Instead, they will give you postage-paid envelopes so that you can transfer your money and/or securities to your custodian directly. Your advisor will also give you comprehensive information on the safest way to accomplish it.

  • What are the different types of financial planning solutions that you can expect from your advisors in Charleston?

    In Charleston, financial advisors provide a variety of services, including retirement planning, long-term care funding, Social Security timing, and pension analysis such as survivor options and lump sum. You can also hire an advisor if you are looking for solutions related to investment analysis and management, as well as insurance reviews and recommendations.

  • What does it mean for a financial planning firm to be fee-only, and are there such firms in Charleston?

    A fee-only financial planning firm means the firm does not receive kickbacks, commissions, or any other form of compensation from investment, insurance, and annuity companies. These businesses receive their sole and direct payment from their clients. Charleston and other South Carolina cities have several of these fee-only financial planning firms.

  • What criteria must individuals in Charleston fulfill to obtain a Certified Financial Planner designation?

    Individuals in Charleston, just like residents of other states and localities across the country, must adhere to certain criteria to become a CFP. A bachelor's degree, three years of client experience in financial planning, completion of a financial planning education program, and passing a seven-hour comprehensive exam with a historically high pass rate of 55–60% are all requirements. One must also affirm their commitment to upholding the moral and professional standards in the CFP Board's Standards of Professional Conduct.

  • How can Charleston financial advisors assist heirs?

    Charleston financial professionals offer advice to inheritors on how to manage what they have inherited. These advisors understand the emotional aspect and allow time for consideration. To make the best use of the inherited wealth, advisors collaborate with inheritors to develop a personalized strategy in line with both their own and their family's future objectives.

  • Are financial advisors worth it?

    Whether or not a financial advisor is worth it depends on your personal situation. If your finances are fairly straightforward, then you may be better off handling it on your own. But if you have substantial assets or a complex investment portfolio, then hiring someone to handle it for you can be well worth the cost.